Research Assistant 1

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Overview

We are seeking a Research Assistant to assist with clinical diagnostics and assessments for PET imaging studies conducted by Dr. Margaret Davis. The Research Assistant would coordinate and conduct Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Disorders (SCID) as well as administer various mood/trauma assessments. Individual will assist with study recruitment and scheduling, screening of study participants, obtaining informed consent, as well as additional functions incidental to research activities. 

Studies the Research Assistant will principally be working on several neuroimaging studies focused on understanding the relationship between trauma related psychopathology. Specifically, the individual would play a significant role in the conduct (participant recruitment, screening, assessment, scanning) of on 2 active PET studies examining potential treatment targets for suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder. Studies involve comprehensive psychiatric and assessment and physical, suicide risk assessment, PET and MRI scans, and cognitive testing.

The lab is also involved in completing projects geared toward understanding of the effects of other disorders (bipolar, major depression) on brain neurochemistry and development of psychopathology in adults


Required Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
2. Ability to work with individuals suffering from psychiatric disorder. Strong communication skills.
3. Ability to work well as part of a team.
4. Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel.
5. Excellent time-management skills.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in psychology or neuroscience. Experience working with or advocating for people with lived experience with trauma or borderline personality disorder.

Previous research experience working with high-risk individuals (i.e. trauma survivors, borderline personality disorder, individuals at risk for suicide).

Experience with fMRI neurofeedback

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. 3. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. 4. Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures. 5. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May assist research and support staff. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities. Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

05/07/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$28.43

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

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