Research Associate I

General Notes

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I. This is a grant funded position with an end date of 8/31/2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals.

This position will provide research assistance/support for research projects in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Austin working as part of a team of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants.

Purpose

The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Senior Research Scientist and works closely with other research staff, including Research Technicians and Laboratory Assistants. The Research Associate I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols. 

Responsibilities

Participant Assessments

• Reviews medical records.

• Conducts screenings for study recruitment.

• Executes data collection procedure and assessment.

• Assists with subject recruitment.

Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.

• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.

• Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.

• Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.

Study Management

• Helps with subject management, including phone calls and general coordination to schedule patients for study visits and follow-ups, and reimbursement.

• Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), clinicians, and other research staff to facilitate study operations.

• Work both independently and as part of a team to achieve project goals. Perform administrative and coordinating tasks pertaining to study management.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.

• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.

• Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.

Protocol Development

• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.

• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.

• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Other Job Duties may apply as assigned

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.

• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.

Grant Writing Support

• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.

• Provide data and information to support grant submissions.

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.

• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.

• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members.

• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.

• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field. Basic engineering and/or scientific equipment ordinarily used in college laboratory work.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

According to Executive Order No. GA-48 of the State of Texas: for all positions that research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code, it is required that both candidates for employment and employees have the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with projects involving Human subject research.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Experience with REDCap.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• None.

Salary Range

$41,000 + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment

• Repetitive use of a keyboard

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.