Stress and Anxiety Lab Assistant I - 135186

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

This project at the Neurocognition of Stress and Anxiety Research Laboratory and Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Center is investigating digital cognitive training paired with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in psychiatric populations, particularly mood and anxiety disorders and PTSD. The primary goal is to assess behavioral, cognitive and neural changes occurring with novel computerized training treatment. The project will help identify and characterize the specific cognitive, behavioral, and functional brain changes that affect mental health and can be optimized to enhance functional recovery.

Under close supervision, the lab assistant will assist in the routine tasks associated with data collection and maintenance associated with quality data acquisition in both lab and clinic settings. Primary data duties include assisting with organizing and maintaining test records for subjects including survey data, cognitive data and fMRI data and assisting in preprocessing data for scoring and statistical analyses. Primary study responsibilities include conducting survey based assessments, standardized interviews, fMRI set-up and recording. Other tasks include human subjects recruitment, enrollment and study participation. Duties also include assisting with recruiting through flyers; participant scheduling and progress check-ins, under PI supervision, and assist with study data organization and management. Assist with other tasks as needed.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in experimental, Biological Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Familiarity with behavioral paradigm techniques in a research setting.

• Excellent interpersonal skills needed in interactions with subjects, including appropriate interview techniques, diplomacy and confidentiality.

• Highly self-motivated and reliable, able to solve problems independently and with initiative.

• Organizational, scheduling, and record keeping skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Experience interacting effectively with co-workers.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Experience to assist in organizing and maintaining test records for subjects including survey data, cognitive data and fMRI data.

• Ability to assist in recruiting through flyers and enrolling subjects interested in lab's studies through partnering clinics and Research Match.

• Strong general computer skills, including familiarity with common programs, such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Specific experience in scientific presentations and manuscript writing.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be flexible and be willing to work overtime, weekends, and evenings as needed.