The MAPS (Mapping the Diversity of
Young Children)-Integrated Research Program (MAPS-IRP), which focuses on
characterizing and predicting the early emergence of mental health problems,
has part-time positions available to advanced undergraduate and graduate
students. The MAPS Follow-Up Study (MAPS-FUS) (PI: Lauren Wakschlag, PhD)
is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to identify
developmentally based brain:behavior markers in early childhood that most
sharply predict which young children will go on to develop chronic mental
health problems from early school age-pre-adolescence. Individuals hired for
these positions will be part of a dynamic collaborative team that includes
clinical and developmental psychologists, methodologists, and neuroscientists.
Research
Assistant/Phlebotomist:
One question this study is
designed to answer is whether differential exposure to stress may increase
health disparities in mental health problems in minority children via changes
in their immune system. To achieve this aim, we will be drawing blood
from the children who participate in the school-age assessment.
We are hiring a Research Assistant
with pediatric phlebotomy experience to conduct the blood draws. The candidate
will also be responsible for processing and storing peripheral blood samples,
separating sera from plasma, isolating and stimulating PBMCs for cytokine
production and conducting ELISAs. Experience in these techniques is preferred
but not required. The Research Assistant will be an important part of the
research team.
The Research Assistant’s primary
activities involve:
-
Performing blood draws on our pediatric
population (children ages 6-9 years old)
-
Collection, handling, and processing of
biomedical specimens
-
Conducting study assessments
-
Maintaining accurate, timely, and detailed
records of participant contact and databases
-
Other project-related responsibilities
Experience and Preferred/Required
Qualifications:
1.
Experience or demonstrated interest in working
with diverse children and their families;
2.
Experience conducting informed consent process
with human research subjects;
3.
Experience interviewing research participants;
4.
Phlebotomy experience;
5.
Willingness to work weekends is required;
6.
Proficiency in Spanish preferred.
Observational Coder (5
openings):
These positions are responsible
for coding developmentally based observations of young children’s disruptive
and anxious behavior and parenting behavior. In particular, coders will need to
devote 12-20 hours per week of intensive training to reliability and then
independently code tapes assessing children’s behavior during a series of
semi-structured laboratory activities with a parent and examiner. Once training
is complete, hours may be flexible but a minimum commitment of 12 hours per
week is required. Coders must be available to attend coding training and
reliability meetings on Tuesdays. This is an excellent opportunity for students
who are interested in applying to graduate school in Clinical/Developmental
Psychology or in expanding their exposure to assessment of early childhood
psychopathology and for master’s level professionals interested in working
part-time within the context of a larger developmentally based research
program.
Experience:
1. Knowledge of typical early childhood development;
2. Prior experience with observational methods and/or
developmental research preferred;
3. Interest and/or knowledge about childhood psychopathology;
4. Ability to work independently and attention to detail.
Time commitment:
1. Availability to meet on Tuesdays to discuss tapes and reach
consensus;
2. One year commitment is required.
Child Specialist (up to 6
openings):
The Child Specialist is a key
member of the assessment team for the MAPS-FUS team. 500 diverse parents and
their children will participate in intensive lab-based assessments at
school-age (6-8 years old) and at pre-adolescence (9-10 years old). Assessments
include direct observation, neurocognitive tasks, puppet interviews and parent
interviews about clinical symptoms and family context. The Child Specialist
participates in clinical research by assisting the data collection team with
transitioning between tasks, helping administer tasks to the children,
supervise siblings who are present during a family’s visit, and oversee
audio-video recording. The Child Specialist adheres to the lab protocol for lab
visit preparation, administration, and completion, and may be assigned general
office work and other duties in support of the study. The Child Specialists may
also attend team meetings including journal club and other scientifically
relevant activities. This is an excellent position for students interested in
careers in clinical or developmental psychology or related fields. It will
provide outstanding opportunity to obtain experience in clinical research
assessment with diverse, developmental populations.
Positions will be available
until filled and will start asap.
Northwestern students: There is an opportunity for 399 course credit.
Experience:
1.
Experience or demonstrated interest in working
with diverse children and their families;
2.
Experience working in a research setting;
3.
Experience with team work.
Time commitment:
1.
12-20 hours per week;
2.
Weekend work is required.
