Research Assistant: Youth Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorder (full time)
Dr. Linsday Squeglia, Youth Collaborative, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston)
Full time post graduation


The candidate will work on a group of research studies within MUSC’s Youth Collaborative that focus on evaluating treatments for youth alcohol and cannabis use disorder. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator (Dr. Lindsay Squeglia) in the recruitment of research participants, the collection of psychological and biological research data, data entry, and organizational tasks. Primary duties include the coordination two studies that are testing cannabidiol (CBD) and citicoline as a possible medications to treat youth alcohol use disorder. The candidate will be directly involved in the collection of questionnaire, interview, laboratory, neuroimaging, and other research data related to ongoing and future research studies. After-hours and weekend work are required. Travel around the local Charleston area may also be required. Duties and Responsibilities: The Program Assistant will coordinate and assist with tracking of all research participants, which includes recruitment, screening, and scheduling of research participants, manage scheduling of medical personnel for research study visits when necessary, and participate in weekly research team meetings (25% of time); conduct study visits and Intake assessments, including performing diagnostic interviews consisting of structured clinical interviews and other related instruments. Document participant assessment data in research records. Study visits after regular work hours (evenings, weekends, lesser holidays) may be required to accommodate participants’ schedules for visit completion and/or recruitment activities (25%); assists with functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging sessions and data transfer (10%); enter data into a computerized database and manage ongoing organization of patient data files (10%); collection and testing of biological samples (urine, blood, saliva, breathalyzer) (10%); initiate and maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation as required by FDA, Institutional Review Board, study sponsors, and Good Clinical Practice Guidelines in connection with research trials, scrutinize on an ongoing basis the effectiveness of study procedures and suggest changes in procedures when indicated (10%); assist with regulatory documentation for submissions, DSMB meetings, and annual reports as required (5%); and maintain research supplies and monitor and arrange for periodic calibration of laboratory equipment (5%). Requirements and Expectations: Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and three years of relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience. Preferred Training and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, premed, neuroscience, biology, nursing, or other life sciences or health care field is preferred. Prior research experience in a lab, knowledge of REDCap data entry, management, reporting tools, interviewing research participants, conducting structured clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests and collecting biospecimens not required but valued. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with adolescents and emerging young adults (ages 13-25). Excellent verbal communication and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and assure accuracy. The ability to collect, organize, and analyze information in a clear and concise manner. Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as these are the times young adults are typically available to participate in the studies. Additional Information: Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30AM - 5:00PM; occasional weekend work required. Websites: ABCD Study, Squeglia Lab, and Youth Collaborative. To Apply: See https://musc.career-pages.com/jobs/univ-research-program-assistant-psychiatry-addiction-sciences-division-charleston-south-carolina-united-states-23bb6e53-8d77-4252-8dad-e7371c0739ab. (posted 6/2023)