Research Specialist

Research Specialist Pittsburgh, PA Job Details Full-time $20.00 - $30.55 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Collaborate with healthcare professionals Computer operation Neuroscience Computer literacy Intake Scientific research Safety planning Bachelor's degree in psychology Bachelor's degree in sociology Mid-level Sociology Schedule management Bachelor's degree Data quality monitoring Psychology Organizational skills Working with individuals with mental health conditions Patient recruitment Data collection 1 year Healthcare data collection Clinical research documentation Interdisciplinary behavioral health coordination Bachelor's degree in neuroscience Time management Full Job Description The Smagula Research Group within the Department of Psychiatry is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to work on two NIMH-funded clinical trials: the Assessing Improvements in Mood and Sleep (AIMS) Trial and the Caregiver Stress and Sleep Study (CARES Study). This role is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong interest in clinical research focused on depression, suicidality, sleep, and aging. The AIMS Trial is a multi‑site randomized controlled trial testing an evidence‑based behavioral intervention versus an active control among older adults with sleep-wake rhythm disruption and recurrent depression or suicidal ideation. The CARES Study is a single‑site randomized controlled trial evaluating a morning activation program among non‑paid dementia caregivers experiencing stress and sleep disruption. Together, these studies aim to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of interventions designed to improve depression and mental health outcomes. The Research Specialist will serve as a recruiter and assessor across both studies, contributing to participant outreach, clinical assessments, and high‑quality data collection as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and data scientists. This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

Recruit, screen, and consent older adult participants, including individuals with depression and suicidal ideation. Conduct semi-structured clinical interviews, cognitive assessments, and follow-up suicide severity assessments. Implement and document suicide safety protocols, including safety planning, reporting, and follow-up. Maintain detailed and timely documentation mandatory for study records and team review Schedule participant visits, coordinate MRI sessions, and oversee actigraphy data collection, sleep diary completion, and overall data quality. Monitor data quality and protocol adherence across study activities. Present recruitment and study progress updates at weekly team meetings. Work independently and collaboratively across multiple projects while maintaining consistent communication with the study team. Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field. Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required. Familiarity with computers and common software packages required. Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred. Experience with participant recruitment, particularly from populations with mental health conditions and suicidality. Strong interest in working with individuals experiencing depression and suicidal ideation; prior experience is strongly preferred. Familiarity with clinical intake procedures and psychological assessments. Prefer prior experience or training in suicide safety screening and risk assessment. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and senior investigators. Willingness to assist with varied research tasks as needed.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Act 34 UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran