Columbia University: Research Assistant Position

Research Assistant Position

Employer: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Laboratory PI: Randy P. Auerbach, Ph.D., ABPP
Location: New York, NY, USA
Positions available: January 1, 2018

A Research Assistant position is available within Dr. Randy Auerbach’s laboratory at Columbia University. Ongoing studies in Dr. Auerbach’s lab focus on identifying mechanisms implicated in the onset of adolescent depression and suicidal behaviors as well testing predictors of treatment response among youth (e.g., CBT, internet-based CBT). These studies employ a variety of approaches, including EEG, MRI (e.g., structural, functional, resting), and MRS. Dr. Auerbach also is the Co-Director of the WHO College Mental Health Project, which is: (a) characterizing mental disorders in student populations (~75,000 students), (b) developing internet-based treatments, and (c) using machine learning to predict treatment response. The research assistant position is fulltime, starting January 1, 2018. A two-year commitment is requested, and renewal of the appointment is contingent upon continued funding. A period of evaluation will be required. Flexibility in working hours is a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties will include initiating and maintaining contact with study participants; screening applicants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and making independent judgment as to the suitability of their participation; working in concert with Principal Investigator to develop and to implement patient/participant recruitment; organizing and maintaining the databases; conducting experiments with neuroimaging (EEG, fMRI, MRS) data and experimental tasks; assisting the Principal Investigator in manuscript and grant preparation as well as presentation of research data; performing library searches; assisting with management of laboratory budget, including ordering equipment; assisting in completion of institutional review board applications.

 SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

·         Ability to work independently.
·         Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical or research problems and issues and to interpret the acceptability of data results.
·         Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.
·         Good oral and written communication skills.
·         Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
·         High degree of computer literacy.
·         Excellent organization skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
·         Careful attention to detail.
·         Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects’ rights and individual needs.
·         Knowledge of data management programs.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:
BA/BS in Psychology, or related fields preferred. Experience working with patients with mood disorders, including familiarity with clinical assessments (e.g., K-SADS, SCID), is a plus, but not a requirement. Computing and software skills in multiple platforms are helpful as well as familiarity with software packages (e.g., SPSS, R, Matlab, SPM). Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

APPLICATION:

Review of applications will begin immediately and questions about the position can be sent directly to Dr. Auerbach (randy.auerbach@nyspi.columbia.edu). Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 professional references.