Research Associate - The Neurotherapeutics Lab

Research Associate - The Neurotherapeutics Lab

Job Summary

The Neurotherapeutics Lab in the Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Health System Innovation and Research at the University of Utah School of Medicine is accepting applications for a research associate to join our translational, collaborative and productive digital intervention development lab whose focus is in design, evaluation, optimization, and dissemination of digital medicine solutions for psychiatric and cognitive disorders (MDD, MCI, Chemo-brain, COVID brain-fog). This is a unique opportunity to join a lab and/or receive mentoring in topics ranging from neurobiology of aging and mental health, (including psychiatric and neuropsychological assessment, neurobiological bases of mood disorders, digital interventions for mood, and cognitive disorders, clinical trial administration etc.) and in serious game development, (including computer science, engineering, graphic design, participatory design, and human computer interaction). This position requires participation in and collaborative management of NIH, and NIMH-funded multi-site randomized controlled clinical trials of digital medicine, and in interaction with industry partners. Consistent with our grants' objectives, the primary responsibilities will include the diagnostic evaluation of participants, delivery of digital cognitive interventions, administration of neuropsychological and self-report measures at regular intervals throughout the clinical trial, participant recruitment, and supervision of research coordinators, and other junior staff. A secondary aim of this project is to study “usability” of the intervention and how implementation can influence efficacy. The Instructor/Assistant Professor will be expected to administer the intervention, and supervise research analysts in their assessment of participants. Additional responsibilities include collaboration with engineering colleagues, data- driven design optimization, leading participatory design, analysis of data, monitoring and preparing regulatory documents, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory bodies. Applicants will be given protected research time to pursue their own objectives based on career goals/experience. Clinical supervision, statistical support, mentoring in scientific writing and grant applications will be provided as needed. A UT Psychologist license is preferred but not required. 

This position is an opportunity to join a productive research group co-led by Dr. Sarah Shizuko Morimoto a licensed neuropsychologist and director of the Neurotherapeutics Lab, and Dr. Roger Altizer, Director of University of Utah Digital Health Initiative and founder of the Therapeutic Games and Apps Lab at the Center for Medical Innovation. 

About the Department
The Department of Population Health Sciences provides methodological expertise and infrastructure to advance capacity for impact-driven research and support clinical professionals in providing better patient and population-oriented care in an increasingly complex health care delivery system. Through our research, education, and community engagement activities, we promote patient-centered health care and the delivery of evidence-based health innovations that improve population health and reduce health disparities within our community. Through high impact research, we strive to contribute to a world where all individuals—regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexuality—have the opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. The department is highly interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative, and we seek staff and faculty members who will thrive in this environment.

Work Environment
The University of Utah is the state's oldest and largest institution of higher education, and offers an exceptional research and teaching environment. The university is located in Salt Lake City, which has been named one of the top 10 mid-sized American cities. The city is a thriving hub for innovation and the arts. Salt Lake City is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, which offers ample opportunity for outdoor adventure, including nine ski resorts within an hour of campus. As a university, we are committed to supporting our faculty, staff and students to lead balanced lives, while achieving success in their professions. We aim to create a space that is safe and welcoming for all, and where all employees are meaningfully engaged and have equal opportunity to succeed. 

Responsibilities
This position is expected to collaborate on Drs. Morimoto and Altizer's projects either by taking the lead on clinical interactions with patients (diagnosis, clinical monitoring, cognitive testing, administering mood/functioning scales, follow up)within our NIH, and NIMH funded clinical trials, and/or as lead and co-author of manuscripts, lead analyses on historical and current data, contribute to new grant applications, and the conduct of ongoing NIH, and NIMH funded research projects.

Minimum Qualifications


Preferences
MD/Psy.D./Ph.D. in related field. Clinical degree is strongly preferred.
Ideal candidates will have a strong background and experience, and supervised training in a combination of the following: clinical service delivery, patient-facing clinical trials, neurobiology, mood disorders, aging, post viral/post chemotherapy cognitive impairment, digital mental health solutions. Comfort with technology and internet-based data collection is also desirable. Applicants with Spanish language fluency are strongly preferred.

Special Instructions


Requisition Number: PRN39669B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F 8-5
Department: 01720 - PHS - HEALTH SYS INNO & RSRCH
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 75000 to 118000
Close Date:
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/170444


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