DESCRIPTION

The collaborative MACH2 study (Measuring Adversity and Cannabis in HIV) uses cognitive and behavioral testing, structural and functional neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers to study the effects, and underlying mechanisms, of HIV, cannabis use, and developmental adversity on the brain in young adults.

Under supervision, the incumbent will serve as Research Associate for the MACH2 study, assisting in cognitive and behavioral assessments, magnetoencephalography (MEG) data acquisition and processing, functional MRI (fMRI) data acquisition, scheduling participants, and other related tasks, in the UCSD departments of Neurosciences, Psychiatry, and Radiology. Duties involve: 1) administering and scoring cognitive/neuropsychological and behavioral assessments; 2) acquiring magnetoencephalography (MEG) and fMRI data; 3) assisting with MEG data pre-processing; 4) performing informed consent procedures; 5) scheduling participants and arranging transportation and participant compensation; 6) assist in performing toxicology screening of participants; 7) data entry and backups; 8) organizing and maintaining testing supplies; and 9) assisting with other study tasks as needed. All training will be provided by the Principal Investigators and staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge or degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or related field.

• Demonstrated ability or experience in administering and scoring cognitive/neuropsychological tests and biomedical and mental health assessments.

• Excellent oral communication skills for conducting cognitive tests in person with participants in English, speaking with participants by telephone, and conducting MRI safety screenings. Ability to read clearly and articulate out loud.

• Demonstrated experience with computer word processing software, including Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively work with other staff members and study personnel, and to test and motivate research participants.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that will facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population including those with substance use and/or HIV. Ability to use tact, diplomacy and confidentiality in relation to research participants (e.g., maintain HIPAA privacy and rights of human research subjects).

• Ability to manage several tasks at once, and work with others to achieve common goals.

• Demonstrated organization skills to keep accurate, retrievable electronic and paper records.

• Excellent clerical and recordkeeping skills.

• Proven ability to keep accurate records, file, update computerized administrative files, and conduct computerized library searches.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience with magnetoencephalography or neuroimaging.

• Theoretical knowledge of HIV and/or substance use.

• Bilingual English/Spanish or demonstrated ability to speak Spanish.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to ride with subjects in San Diego via provided transportation to and from MRI imaging locations to accompany participants to the scanner.

• Must be able to meet criteria for eligibility to participate in MRI scanning on high field strength magnets as determined by the MR facility safety training requirements.

• Must be able to work on a flexible schedule including some weekends and/or evenings and various locations based on business needs.