The Translational
Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience laboratory (PI: Dr. Cameron
Carter), is recruiting for three to four Junior Specialist (research assistant)
positions at the UC Davis Medical Center, with an anticipated start date of
July 1, 2018 or earlier. Our research focuses primarily on studying the neural
mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in psychotic illness with additional
interests in neuroimmune models of psychosis and mental health services
research. Our three positions are described in brief below and applicants are
encouraged to apply to one or more of the positions depending on interest level
and qualifications. You can only be considered for the positions for which you
apply, so please read the detailed descriptions available via each link.
Positions have a one year appointment with an additional year based on
performance, and we strongly consider applicants who are able to consider a two
year commitment. Deadline for application review is slightly different for each
position, please see the posting for the deadline.
Applications
can only be accepted via the UC Davis Recruit website. For any additional
questions about the positions, please contact Erika Steinbauer (esteinbauer@ucdavis.edu).
Psychosis
Study Coordinator (please apply by 5/30/2018)
This
study is under the direction of Dr. Wilsaan Joiner and in collaboration with
Dr. Cameron Carter's Translational Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (TCAN)
Laboratory. The goal of the study is to use tools from cognitive neuroscience
to explore how disruptions in a person's ability to distinguish external versus
self-initiated actions may influence visual perception and contribute to
positive symptoms of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations and delusions). The
incumbent will be fundamentally involved in the planning and execution of this
newly funded research project. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the
PI to identify the steps necessary to implement the research project, which
includes IRB submission, identification and development of measures for use in
the study, and successful implementation of those measures in the study itself.
Furthermore, the incumbent will have the opportunity to creatively contribute
to the research project by proposing alternative analysis strategies, generate
novel projects with existing data, and review literature for manuscript
preparation. Studies of this magnitude often require thinking creatively to
design a protocol that can accommodate the study population, in this case
individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The incumbent will be
expected to be an active member of the research team in creatively adapting the
protocol and documenting changes as appropriate. The incumbent will assist the
PI in many aspects of the research study and work independently under
supervision of the PI to ensure adherence to study protocols, which includes
consent procedures, clinical interviewing, and behavioral testing. The
incumbent will assist in data management, as it pertains directly to the
execution of the research project. The incumbent will contribute to writing and
review of relevant manuscripts and will be acknowledged with authorship or in
the acknowledgement section, as appropriate based upon the work completed. The
incumbent will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research
activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on
research and the interpretation of research results with PI and others in the
lab.
Apply
here: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02192
Psychosis
Study Technical (please apply by 5/30/2018)
This
study is under the direction of Dr. Wilsaan Joiner and in collaboration with
Dr. Cameron Carter's Translational Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (TCAN)
Laboratory. The goal of the study is to use tools from cognitive neuroscience
to explore how disruptions in a person's ability to distinguish external versus
self-initiated actions may influence visual perception and contribute to
positive symptoms of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations and delusions). The
incumbent will be fundamentally involved in the planning and execution of this
newly funded research project. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the
PI to identify the steps necessary to implement technical aspects of the
research project, which includes using knowledge of programming and
neuroimaging to help develop, test, and implement measures for use in the study.
These measures will need to be developed and optimized for use in EEG and fMRI
aspects of the study. Studies of this magnitude often require thinking
creatively to design a protocol that can accommodate the study population, in
this case individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The incumbent
will be expected to be an active member of the research team in creatively
adapting the protocol, which may include developing new experiments or
modifying existing experiments and documenting changes as appropriate.
Furthermore, the incumbent will have the opportunity to creatively contribute
to the research project by proposing alternative analysis strategies, generate
novel projects with existing data, and review literature for manuscript
preparation. The incumbent will assist the PI in many aspects of the research
study and work independently under supervision of the PI to ensure adherence to
study protocols, which includes executing and training others in the execution
of EEG and fMRI tasks, as well as thinking creatively to develop tools that can
be used to analyze and present the data. The incumbent will also assist in data
management, as it pertains directly to the execution of the research project.
The incumbent will contribute to writing and review of relevant manuscripts and
will be acknowledged with authorship or in the acknowledgement section, as
appropriate based upon the work completed. The incumbent will be actively and
significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing
journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation
of research results with PI and others in the lab.
Apply
here: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02193
STEP
Psychosis Study Coordinator (job pending, will update when available)
This
position is to serve as the study coordinator for the Staged Treatment in Early
Psychosis (STEP) project at UC Davis Medical Center under Dr. Cameron Carter.
The goal of this study is to investigate the most effective way of treating
young people who may be at risk of developing a psychotic disorder.
Specifically, the study is a clinical trial that tests the effect of a
sequential treatment approach for at-risk young people, including cognitive
behavioral therapy, omega-3 fatty acids ("fish oil"), and potentially
an antidepressant. The incumbent will coordinate many aspects of the research
study. The incumbent will use knowledge of mental health conditions to conduct
phone evaluations to determine study eligibility of potential participants. The
incumbent will also consent study participants, schedule all of their research
appointments, monitor progress through the study procedures, and interface with
the UCDMC pharmacy. The incumbent will conduct clinical interviews for research
purposes under the supervision of a faculty member and will conduct behavioral
testing sessions. The incumbent will manage the study IRB protocols, adhering
strictly to privacy and confidentiality laws. The incumbent will also manage
data collection and organization, including mentoring undergraduate volunteers
in the input of data to multiple databases. Furthermore, the incumbent will be
expected to actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club
presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to
help RAs develop their career goals. Depending on their contribution and role
in the lab the incumbent may have the opportunity to contribute to writing and
review of relevant manuscripts. Furthermore, the incumbent may have the
opportunity to creatively contribute to the research project by proposing
alternative analysis strategies, generate novel projects with existing data,
review literature for manuscript preparation, and the ability to submit data
for presentation relevant conferences, such as Society of Biological Psychiatry
or Society for Neuroscience (if funding is available).
Apply
here: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02203/
