Research Assistant, Neuroimaging, Translational Imaging Laboratory - Department of Pediatrics

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Neuroimaging, Translational Imaging Laboratory - Department of Pediatrics at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific, technical, regulatory, and administrative assistance to support clinical and population science (human subjects) research studies. Assist in the coordination and implementation of behavioral and population-based research protocols, including participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, data collection and management, and dissemination of research findings.

Essential Functions:

- Support the design and implementation of clinical research protocols involving human subjects.
- Recruit and screen study participants through approved methods, including outreach, surveys, and interviews.
- Conduct study visits and collect clinical and research data in compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB), regulatory, and protocol requirements.
- Communicate regularly with the Principal Investigator and research team regarding study progress and participant status.
- Collect, enter, and maintain accurate clinical and research data, including outcomes, surveys, and case report forms.
- Monitor data quality and completeness.
- Perform preliminary data analysis and generate graphs, charts, and tables to summarize results in accordance with study protocols.
- Proofread and verify research data and documentation for accuracy.
- Prepare and assist with presentations of research findings for professional, scientific, and academic conferences.
- Organize and summarize study results for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Assist in drafting, factchecking, editing, and proofreading scientific manuscripts, study reports, and regulatory documents.
- Maintain organized research records and study files in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
- Coordinate study materials and supplies, and support documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and regulatory submissions.
- Ensure workspaces remain organized and compliant with confidentiality and data security standards.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The Translational Imaging Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support clinical neuroimaging research initiatives. This position involves processing and analyzing neuroimaging datasets, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of federal grant applications.

Key Responsibilities:

- Data Analysis: Assist with the processing, analysis, and quality control of advanced neuroimaging data, with a primary focus on diffusion MRI (dMRI).
- Research Support: Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize current scientific findings to support upcoming grant submissions.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of analysis pipelines, protocols, and literature databases.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, psychology, social sciences, nursing, biology, or related field.

Experience:

Entry level (less than a year of job-related experience). Experience conducting clinical or human subject research is preferred. Experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and maintenance of regulatory documentation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple clinical research activities while adhering to study protocols, regulatory requirements, and timelines.
- Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret clinical research data and communicate findings effectively in reports and presentations.
- Requires knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired through specialized instruction.
- Knowledge of scientific integrity principles, responsible conduct of research, and human subject protections (e.g., IRB requirements, confidentiality standards).
- Excellent time management, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with research participants, clinical staff, and multidisciplinary research teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with clinical research databases or electronic data capture systems is preferred.
- Ability to recruit and communicate effectively with diverse populations, including medically underserved communities.

Preferred qualifications:

Education: B.S. in Computer Science or a closely related field is preferred.
Skills: Prior exposure to neuroimaging software or Python coding environments is a plus but not strictly required; a strong willingness to learn advanced neuroimaging methods.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0618 - Pediatrics

Employment type:

- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Salary hire maximum: 36,000.00

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include office, clinical, community, and/or research settings. May require evening or weekend hours to accommodate study participants. May require local travel for recruitment, community engagement, or professional conferences.

Job openings:

- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.