Lab Assistant II - Psychiatry - 140488

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments of psychiatry in the country with cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering challenging career opportunities with potential for growth and a dynamic learning environment to its talented and dedicated employees.

The Women's Mood Clinic within the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support an NIH-funded clinical research study examining sleep, circadian rhythms, light therapy, and mood dysfunction during the menopausal transition.

Under supervision, the LA2 will assist the PI and research team on SALI for Menopausal Depression Study investigating the effects of a non-pharmacological, at-home circadian-based treatment for menopausal mood dysfunction within the Department of Psychiatry. The incumbent will play an important role in participant support and study implementation. Responsibilities include delivering and retrieving study supplies from participants' homes, teaching participants how to use study equipment including wearable sleep/activity monitoring devices and bright light therapy boxes and providing instruction on urine sample collection procedures. The incumbent will also transport collected urine samples from participants' homes to the research laboratory for later analyses. The LA2 will work closely with the Principal Investigator, study coordinator, data manager and other research associates to assist with participant recruitment, screening, data collection, and other study procedures for a clinical trial of a Sleep & Light Intervention (SALI) for menopausal depression. Assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to interact professionally and compassionately with research participants, including individuals experiencing mood symptoms or emotional distress.

• Ability to learn and implement research procedures related to participant screening, informed consent, data collection, and participant safety monitoring.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate research records and follow detailed study protocols.

• Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality of participant information.

• Must be comfortable conducting participant interactions via Zoom, phone, email, and in-person home visits.

• Familiarity with administering and scoring psychological assessments.

• Proficiency in using web-based database platforms and strong computing skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, and Power Point) and electronic data entry systems such as REDCap.

• Ability to recognize participant safety concerns and follow established escalation and reporting procedures.

• Experience interacting effectively with co-workers as well as research participants.

• Ability to collect, code, and score data using computerized and pencil and paper measures according to study protocol.

• Experience performing informed consents and explaining procedures to human study subjects.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with the research team.

• Ability to transport study materials and biological samples in accordance with study and safety procedures.

• Experience interacting with research participants or patients in a professional setting.

• Experience with participant recruitment, community outreach, or social media-based recruitment efforts.

• Experience conducting interviews, administering questionnaires, or coordinating study visits.

• Spanish-language written and oral communication skills.

• Interest in women's mental health, mood disorders, sleep/circadian research, or behavioral interventions.

• Prior experience working in clinical research, behavioral health, psychiatry, psychology, or related healthcare settings with middle-aged or older adult populations.

• Familiarity with IRB procedures, informed consent processes, and human subjects research protections.

• Experience handling or transporting biological specimens using standard safety procedures.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able and willing to interact professionally and compassionately with research participants, including individuals experiencing mood symptoms or emotional distress.

• This position involves in-home visits in diverse participant environments, candidates must be able to safely perform duties in a variety of household settings, which may include exposure to common environmental allergens (e.g., dust, pets, scents).

• Must have ready access to reliable transportation to travel to participant homes and be willing to travel off-site.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.