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The Regulation of Emotion in ASD Adults Children and Teens (REAACT) Lab (www.reaact.pitt.edu), which focuses on emotion and mental health in autism, is seeking a full-time research specialist. The primary responsibility for the applicant will be related to Project 2 and Clinical Core within an NIMH Autism Center of Excellence study focused on advancing research on adult mental health and suicide. There are many ongoing and pending studies, and the research specialist may also be asked to support other studies - all focused-on autism with age ranges across the lifespan. The Research Specialist will work on a large grant that will look at mental health and suicide in adults with autism. The research specialist will work closely with participants, screening them, assisting with MRI scheduling as well as scheduling for other appointments in the study, assisting with data entry, and assisting staff who are administering assessments.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

+ Consent participants

+ Acclimate participants of what to expect for all parts of the ACE study

+ Assist with preparing equipment for participant visits

+ Instruct and train participants to use sensors

+ Instruct participants how to complete questionnaires

+ Support data collection via Qualtrics for Project 3

+ Monitor data on Movisensxs and contact participants to address issues

+ Contact participants when there are gaps in the EMA responses to make sure everything is working properly with equipment

+ Download data after participants return sensor equipment

+ Assist with tracking all equipment in and out of lab

+ Escort participants to Presbyterian Hospital for Project 3 imaging appointments

+ Screen participants

+ Administer WASI II

+ Score data and complete data audits

+ Enter study data into a secure database

+ File and track data

+ Participant in weekly supervision with the designated study investigator

+ Attend study team meetings

+ Ability to work independently with little supervision once trained

+ Perform other duties as related to the research project as requested by the Principal Investigators, coordinator, and/or supervisors

+ May assist in other studies with additional duties as new grants are funded. May also support other ongoing studies if there is additional time, focusing on similar types of tasks.

+ Help with coding or analyses as needed

+ Must be able to juggle and prioritize tasks and keep open communication with the Principal Investigator and supervisors to ensure timely completion of all duties

+ Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors

+ Available to work evenings and/or weekends

+ Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.

+ Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.

+ Experience with autism highly preferred. Familiarity with computers and common software packages including excel required.

+ Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

+ Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication and interpersonal skills expected.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

+ Act 33 with renewal

+ Act 34 with renewal

+ Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran