Research Study Assistant

Department: Med-DevSci
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between be Salary range is as be $17.05-$21.31 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

Position Description

The Mental Health, Earlier Implementation Science Research Center (MHE Center; MPIs Lauren Wakschlag & JD Smith) is seeking a highly motivated individual for a research study assistant position. The center uses a community-engaged implementation science framework to implement mental health screening and intervention into routine pediatric care in partnership with a network of health centers. The signature project will optimize the implementation of Developmental Early Childhood Instrument for Deciding Effectively for Mental Health, a predictive analytic decision tool linked to the Family Check-Up family intervention program. Responsibilities will include conducting and coding observational assessments, and providing administrative support for study implementation, including potentially scheduling study visits and direct assessments with children and families. Additional tasks may include assistance with the facilitation of meetings for clinician and caregiver collaboratives, IRB related activities, and data collection such as qualitative interviews. A key aspect of the position will be conducting and coding behavioral observations of young children and caregivers using a novel method that prioritizes sensitivity to families' varied lived experiences, and pragmatic methods. This is an optimal position for an individual with education and/or expertise in psychology, child and family development, maternal-child health or related fields, providing a wide range of experience particularly well suited for those interested in pursuing a subsequent graduate degree. This is an hourly, full-time position for a person with experience in working with young children and families, coding of parent-child interactions, and working within a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. The ideal candidate for this position will have training in early child development, and/or experience with video coding caregiver-child behavioral observations and/or working with young children and families, and experience providing research support to a project team. The individual will be joining a fast-paced and dynamic research program and will work with professionals from a range of disciplines in this team science, highly collaborative environment. This position requires an enthusiastic and committed individual with a strong attention to detail, clear scientific thinking, a background in early childhood development, and a strong interest in caregiver-child interaction.

This is a hybrid position with regular in-office requirements. Experience with administration of developmental assessments and parent interviews is also a plus. Attention to detail, flexibility, and excellent communication skills are essential. The position requires 40 hours per week and may include evening and weekend hours. This is an outstanding position for an individual with an interest in growing their skills in community-based research in child and family development and related fields within an energetic research environment.

About the Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences

This position is based at Northwestern University's Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) brings together the rich and diverse community of scholars at Northwestern focused on how early development shapes lifespan health and wellbeing. DevSci provides a scientific platform for transdisciplinary research and training bridging NU's biomedical and social sciences campuses. DevSci provides specialized infrastructure, resources, scientific exchange opportunities and training to over 300 faculty, students and staff from disciplines ranging from pediatrics, developmental psychopathology, prevention, developmental science, education, neuroscience, and population health. It also oversees the Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Training Core at Northwestern University which enables the integration of state of the art developmentally-sensitive neuroimaging, physiologic and performance-based developmental assessment methods into multi-faceted research programs.

Please provide your resume and a cover letter that details your experience with working with children and families, coding experience and any standardized assessments you are familiar with.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

Schedules study visits with participants.

Conducts interviews.

Scores test results.

Facilitates communication with key personnel & participants to maintain project

study flow.

Administration

Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs.

Supervision

May provide work direction &/or train other research staff to interview/test participants.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• A bachelor's degree in a social or health science + no experience or 2 years practical research study or related experience is required.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years

Some coursework, experience or training in child/family development

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills, in person and via phone/web/zoom
• Young child/family experience, preferably in a research capacity
• Comfort with participant outreach
• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional organizational, time management, attention to detail and personal accountability
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and accurate data entry
• Training/knowledge/demonstrated interest in early child development, and/or caregiver-child interaction

Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Training or experience with video coding of caregiver/child behavioral observations

Experience working with young children and administering standardized developmental assessments

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.