Research Assistant, Department of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedResearch Assistant, Department of Psychiatryat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to

complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or

as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the

research protocol.

Essential Functions:

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) Lab, directed by Dr. Hilary Marusak. Our lab (www.wsuthinklab.com) studies how stress, trauma, and cannabinoids affect brain and behavioral development in children and adolescents, focusing on anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and PTSD. We use fMRI, genotyping, biomarker analysis, and psychophysiology to investigate these effects and test interventions like exercise, cannabinoids, and mindfulness. Key Responsibilities: Participant Recruitment & Management: Engage with participants in schools, clinics, and community organizations. Coordinate recruitment events. Scheduling & Communication: Manage study schedules and handle participant communications. Data Collection & Analysis: Conduct surveys, behavioral assessments, MRI scans, clinical interviews, and collect biological samples (blood, saliva, urine). Data & Lab Management: Organize research data, supervise trainees, and maintain lab operations. Collaboration: Work with partner organizations (e.g., MR Research Facility, Wayne Pediatrics). Regulatory & Administrative Support: Assist with IRB documentation, advertising, finances, and lab maintenance.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge

predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged

course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and

data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity

principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s in neuroscience, psychology, social work, biology, computer science, or related fields. Interpersonal Skills: Comfortable working with diverse populations, including children and adolescents. Flexibility: Must be available for evenings/weekends as needed. Initiative & Adaptability: Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn research software (e.g., REDCap, Ripple). Preferred Experience: Human subjects research, IRB processes, coding, statistical analysis (SPSS, R), experiment software, fMRI analysis, publications, or phlebotomy. Health Compliance: Must be fully vaccinated and comply with campus health policies. Commitment: Priority given to applicants interested in a two-year commitment and learning phlebotomy.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0613 - Psychiatry

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Full Time

• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Hourly rate:

• Salary minimum: TBD

• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 2

• Reposted position: No

• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.