Clinical Research Assistant

About the Job

Position Summary:

The Center for Developmental NeuroImaging (CDNI) is seeking a Research Professional I to assist with the data collection of various clinical research projects amongst the principal investigators. A successful applicant must be detail-oriented, outcome-oriented, work effectively with a team, and to communicate clearly in a collaborative environment with a diverse range of research tasks and disciplines. This position is not eligible for remote work. The CDNI is housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. Our work focuses on advancing the understanding of brain development in health and disease. We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers trying to:

• Understand basic principles of brain functioning across development (i.e. figure out how the brain works)
• Learn about how neuropsychiatric and other brain-based disorders develop and progress over time
• Contribute to the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders
• Engage underrepresented communities in all aspects of academic medicine and research

To learn more about CDNI and current research studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/developmental-cognition-and-neuroimaging-lab/

Work Schedule: In-person, Work Hours varies, Work Days varies

Duties/Responsibilities:

Clinical Data Collection Support (60%)

• Utilize existing internal and external registries to identify potential participants for research studies
• Conduct phone screens with participants to determine eligibility for the studies
• Assist with the scheduling and conduction of research visits involving MRI scans, biospecimen collection, and cognitive/behavioral tasks
• Reliably enter study data into online databases
• Maintain conformity with the established protocol, Good Clinical Practice, and University of Minnesota policies
• Support or lead necessary study visits that align with variable family schedules (early morning, late evening, and/or weekends)
• Organize study materials for visits

Documentation and Administrative Tasks (30%)

• Maintain detailed and adequate research records
• Provide up-to-date tracking of study recruitment and enrollment efforts
• Document best practices for various research activities to ensure they are carried out in a standardized manner
• Edit and generate SOPs for study activities

Other Lab Duties (10%)

• Attend mandatory center, lab and team meetings
• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 4 years of relevant experience
• Sufficient computer knowledge with Google suite and Microsoft office
• Ability to multi-task without losing attention to detail
• Previous clinical research experience in collecting neuroimaging data
• Previous experience working with individuals with and without substance use disorder
• Previous experience performing urinalysis procedures
• Completion of phlebotomy training and interest in further developing phlebotomy skills
• Proven ability to manage and escalate safety concerns and hazards to supervisors and principal investigators

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in neuroscience, psychology, neuroimaging and/or human development
• Openness to work with a diverse age range of human participants ages 2-80
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with HIPAA
• Willingness and ability to learn in a collaborative environment from various trainers and training programs

About the Department

To learn more about the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, please visit https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23/hr - $24/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components of the application are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until the posting is removed.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.