Research Assistant II - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' AVENUE

The Research Assistant II will support the AVENUE clinical trial, a multicenter study evaluating an investigational drug for adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) experiencing acute suicidal ideation or behavior. The study is conducted at the Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center. Responsibilities include participant recruitment, pre-screening, and follow-up; obtaining informed consent and assent; data collection and documentation; coordinating study visits; administering protocol-required clinical rating scales and research assessments; collecting biological samples as applicable; collecting and entering study data; maintaining regulatory documentation; and ensuring protocol compliance throughout screening, treatment, and follow-up visits. The Research Assistant II will administer standardized psychiatric and cognitive assessments, monitor participant safety, coordinate study procedures with clinical staff, and work closely with psychiatrists, research coordinators, sponsors, participants, and their families to ensure adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and all applicable regulatory requirements. Bilingual preferred.

Position Summary:

Under general direction, conducts basic/ translational research, which may include animal work and other research activities. Research activities may include some or all of the following: handle biological samples, perform laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under general direction, performs laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation including notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project. May prepare graphic representations of data results.
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Under general direction, monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects in a timely manner.
• Stays abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for research laboratory. Must maintain compliance with required training. May participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• As needed, coordinates the work of laboratory technicians, support staff and other assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results. Answers questions or resolves problems regarding routine or more complex duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

None. General knowledge of research elds and computer skills preferred.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree required. May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement. Master's degree in psychology preferred.

Minimum Experience:

One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.

May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.