Social/Clinical Research Assistant Position: Babies with Down Syndrome (full-time)

Social/Clinical Research Assistant Position: Babies with Down Syndrome
Shen Lab, Prof. Mark Shen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Full-Time Post-Graduation
 

The role is two-fold: (1) Study coordinator of our NIH-funded longitudinal MRI study of babies with Down syndrome: recruiting and interacting with babies and their parents, and accompanying them for their MRI scan during nighttime sleep; and (2) Help process the MRI images using brain imaging software and executing scripts to measure certain brain features. Responsibilities: These include (1) recruiting and scheduling of young children with developmental disabilities and their families; (2) assisting with MRI scan process: Attend MRI scans in the evening, prepare the MRI suite, meet the family and complete necessary paperwork, assist with getting the subject prepared for the scanner, supply families with any needed training materials for their scan, stay through the completion of the scan to transfer data if needed, and any necessary follow-up (e.g., rescheduling); and (3) assisting with other data collection: Assist PI and study team with collecting information for research projects. This involves interviews, either on the phone or in person, with families to guide their entry into projects as well as for general project data collection. Assist with bio sample data collection as needed. Requirements and Expectations: Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Requirements: The candidate should have (1) excellent verbal and written communication skills; (2) ability to learn quickly, work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision, prioritize tasks, and work under deadline pressure; (3) high level of accuracy and attention to detail; (4) strong computer skills; (5) ability to gather data and accurately document procedures; and (6) ability to plan work and coordinate multiple projects. Preferred qualifications: Ideally, the candidate would have (1) experience working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders in a clinical research setting; (2) experience working with clinical populations is preferred; (3) experience conducting clinical research with children with neurodevelopmental disorders; (4) experience in clinical research activities is preferred; and (5) experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is preferred. Additional Information: For candidates who have the initiative and motivation, this position has opportunities to work with data and contribute to presentations, grants, and publications. Start date is somewhat flexible (preferably starting around June). Given the extensive training we provide, we ask for a commitment of at least 2 years (but could be longer). Therefore, this job is ideal for someone who is looking for a career opportunity and stepping stone to start graduate/medical school in Fall 2026 or later. For more information about the lab and our research activities, please visit our website: https://markshenlab.org/. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. To Apply: Go to UNC-Chapel Hill Employment Opportunities | Social/Clinical Research Assistant - Shen (peopleadmin.com). (posted 4/2024)