MCTFR COMN Research Assistant

Position Description
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire a COMN 2.0/PATHS Research Assistant 1 (Job code: 8351SM: "Research Professional 1-Social Science Multidiscipline") responsible for recruitment and assessment of participants for MCTFR research protocols. Successful applicants will have:

1. Prior recruitment, family or community engagement, or customer service experience;
2. Understanding of and/or interest in learning about the scientific nature of longitudinal research and the ability to communicate its significance to participants;
3. Excellent communication skills and be comfortable speaking on the phone with potential study participants;
4. Ability to use electronic applications to track progress;
5. Ability to keep careful electronic records of daily activities, including participant contact and progression through the study protocol; and
6. Ability to work well with a larger team to achieve project objectives.
   

Position has a uniquely flexible work schedule distributed across evenings, weekends and daytime, to best meet participant needs. Individuals filling this position have flexible work options, but are expected to spend the majority of their time in MCTFR offices within the Department of Psychology in Elliott Hall, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN. This position is a 100%-time civil-service appointment, and is contingent upon the availability of funds and/or work for the position. The salary range is $43,139.20 - $52K ($20.74 to $25.00 per hour) commensurate with education and experience.

Applications with cover letters addressing an individual's match to the qualifications will be prioritized.

Major Responsibilities
Percentages may fluctuate over time with regard to how much time is given to recruitment and assessment.

• (60%) Participant recruitment
  • Recruit research participants and manage their progression through a research protocol.
  • Contact by telephone for recruitment and encourage current and potential new research participants to engage in a research protocol, which may consist of an in-person visit, a video conference or phone interview, an online questionnaire, the collection of biospecimens (e.g., saliva, blood), and neurocognitive testing, among others.
  • Schedule participants to complete the study and arrange associated logistical support (e.g., mailings, payment, parking, lodging).
  • Electronically track the progress of research participants through the study protocol
  • Understand the scientific goals and significance of the study and be able to explain those goals to participants in ways that are engaging and easily understood.
• (30%) Recruitment procedures development
  • Assist in the development of recruitment procedures, including but not limited to:
    • Strategies for searching online databases to help in locating participants.
    • Innovative and individualized strategies for hard-to-recruit participants.
• (10%) Clinical assessment administration
  • Administer clinical assessments, with an understanding of their scientific basis, including, but not limited to:
    • Mental health and cognitive evaluations.
    • Video conference interviews, online questionnaires, and other assessments in the
      research protocol.
  • Score/code clinical assessments, as appropriate.

The Research Assistant is appointed by the MCTFR Director and reports to the COMN Site Coordinator and Principal Investigators. The position is a 100%-time civil service appointment, which includes health, dental, vacation and sick-time benefits, and is covered by Social Security and Minnesota State Retirement System. A background check is required, and applicants must verify authorization to work in the United States. Appointment is renewable with acceptable performance and contingent on availability of funds and/or work for the position.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and/or research experience totaling at least four (4) years.
• Able to work evenings and weekends (3-4 evenings per week and 4 weekend days per month) with the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and engaging manner with a diverse participant pool and encourage them to participate in research.
• Excellent communication skills and must be comfortable speaking on the phone during recruitment and assessment calls.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience screening and recruiting human subjects in longitudinal or clinical trial research.
• Experience working with minoritized/underrepresented populations
• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to human behavior, such as psychology, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or human research experience totaling at least four (4) years.
• Prior experience conducting structured clinical interviews and neuropsychological tests with research participants.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and assure accuracy.

About the MCTFR
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) is a nationally-recognized team of researchers whose mission is to understand the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology and development of physical and mental health. We are housed in the Department of Psychology, in the College of Liberal Arts, at the University of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $20.74 - $25.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Applications with cover letters addressing an individual's match to the qualifications will be prioritized.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).