Clinical Research Technician – Neurophysiology and Biomarkers of Suicidality (Research Professional 1)
The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry is seeking a clinical research technician to assist with physiology data collection in clinical research studies. The anticipated appointment is at the level of Research Professional 1, with higher grades possible for a candidate with exceptional experience.
The primary study funding this position involves recording of electroencephalography (EEG) data from human research participants, some of whom may have significant symptoms of mental illness. The goal of the work is to discover new biomarkers of suicidality and abnormal experiences that could become targets for precision treatment.
Job responsibilities will include:
ï‚· Collection and curation of human physiologic data, including electroencephalography (EEG), peripheral physiologic recordings, video and audio recordings, and other forms of digital data. The position will specifically require development of skills to accurately collect high-quality EEG data with only limited supervision. ï‚· Accurate maintenance of study records and laboratory notebooks, including records sufficient to trace data provenance and identify the causes of quality problems. ï‚· Maintain and troubleshoot study data collection equipment and associated computers. ï‚· Support clinical regulatory staff in preparation and maintenance of study and regulatory documentation. ï‚· Perform informed consent procedures with study participants and document adherence to study operating protocols, including with standardized report forms and instruments. ï‚· Interact professionally and conscientiously with human research participants, taking action to maintain participant safety and comfort where needed. ï‚· Assist more senior scientific personnel with preparation of study reports, including data curation, basic analysis (with supervision), and report formatting. ï‚· Serve as liaison to other UMN research teams and other study sites to maintain fidelity of research protocols and coordinate participant visits across sites.
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials
Required Qualifications: ï‚· Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a scientific field; or a combination of education and related experience to equal four (4) years ï‚· Strong attention to detail, conscientiousness, and organizational skills ï‚· Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, with colleagues from a variety of skills and backgrounds ï‚· Ability to maintain professional demeanor when working with research participants who may have significant emotional disturbances ï‚· Flexibility to conduct study procedures across a range of locations, including operating suites, inpatient care floors, clinics, and research laboratories ï‚· Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Preferred Qualifications: ï‚· Prior training or experience in EEG or other forms of neurophysiology ï‚· Documented ability in scientific/technical writing, e.g. past contributions to published research papers or other scholarly products ï‚· Training or experience in statistical analysis of scientific data and/or specific skills in Python or MATLAB programming. ï‚· Training or experience in functional neuroimaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging ï‚· Prior education or experience in neuroscience, clinical treatment of mental illness, and/or medical device research
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.