Research Assistant

Summary

This position supports the mission of VCU, the department of Psychology and the Center for the Study of Tobacco Products with research assistance that furthers the quest to become a leader among national research universities, attain distinction in human health research with inter and transdisciplinary collaboration and become a national model for community engagement, dissemination and translation of research.

Note: This position is restricted and the employee understands that the continuation of this position depends on the continuation of grant funding.

Primary Duties

The research assistant will have primary responsibility for the following:

1. Subject Recruitment :
•Screen potential participants
•Complete telephone screens, monitor on-line registry.
•Knowledge of inclusion/exclusion criteria for each protocol.
•Describe study to qualified applicants making sure subject is aware of time required to complete protocol sessions. Post IRB approved fliers for recruitment.

2. Obtain Informed Consent :
•Help qualified applicants through the informed consent process
•Determine subject is able to comprehend written language, provide consent.
•Answer subject questions as able or elicit Principal Investigator input.

3. Running Sessions :
•Collect data in multi-hour experimental sessions according to protocol.
•Connect subject to Criticare monitor and monitor vital signs, adhering to safety parameters established by medical monitor.
•Use equipment to measure participants’ puffing behavior.
•Notify appropriate personnel (research nurse/medical monitor) of change in subjects vitals.
•Administer subjective and cognitive tests during sessions.
•Trouble-shoot/solve problems as they arise in session.

4. Data Collection :
•Manage and prepare data for analysis.

5. Orientation of New Lab Personnel :
•Provide orientation to new research assistants and/or graduate students as needed.
•Instruct new staff on the proper techniques of performing research.

Job-Specific Education and Experience

Minimum hiring standards
•Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member of VCU.
•Excellent communication skills.
•Basic knowledge of protocols, screening process, inclusion/exclusion criteria, informed consent process, research tools and confidentiality.
•Ability to use required equipment or become qualified to use equipment.
•Working knowledge of computer programs and systems.
•Working knowledge of Excel and SPSS.

Preferred hiring standards
•BA or BS preferred or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
•Basic research knowledge.
•Psychology background

Job-Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Physical Demands & Activities
Light Lifting (<20 lbs.): Essential
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs.): Marginal
Standing: Essential
Sitting: Essential
Repetitive Motion: Essential
Walking: Essential
Reaching: Essential
Bending: Essential

Emotional Demands
Fast pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Essential
Frequent Change: Essential

Mental/Sensory Demands
Memory: essential
Reasoning: essential
Hearing: essential
Reading: essential
Analyzing: essential
Logic: essential
Verbal communication: essential
Written communication: essential

Salary Range: $30,000 to $40,000



Position Details:

Department: CSTP, Department of Psychology
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Eligible for Alternative Work Arrangement: No



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Nicoleta Gaitan

Contact Email: gaitann@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-827-3562