Research Specialist

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders has outpatient clinics in the Oxford Building in Oakland and the Quantum Building on the South Side. Benjamin Handen, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics is Director of Research at the Center for Autism & Developmental Disorders.

The Handen lab is involved in a wide range of research for children and adults with developmental disabilities and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Research is supported through grants from the federal government, foundations, and pharmaceutical industry sponsors. CADD researchers study the efficacy of psychosocial treatments and pharmacological interventions to address disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and conduct problems. At present the Center is involved in a multicenter study examining the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for ADHD symptoms in children with autism. The Center's research faculty serves as leaders in a longstanding international effort that is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute on Aging, to examine Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers in adults with Down syndrome. The Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium - Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) involves following a cohort of 550 adults with Down syndrome over time and includes associated studies examining the impact of lifestyle factors on symptoms of dementia as well as parental factors that might impact dementia risk. A related multicenter study (MET-DS), examining comorbid medical conditions in children and adults with Down syndrome has also begun enrolling participants. Preparation for interventional clinical trials is ongoing as well.

The research specialist will oversee a renewed R01 subaward that is collecting sleep, diet, and exercise data in adults with Down Syndrome who are also participants in the longitudinal ABC-DS study. The research specialist will also assist the study coordinator and study staff during ABC-DS participant visits.

An optional writing sample detailing your education and research experience would be greatly appreciated.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, conducting written informed consents, collecting and entering data via participant questionnaire, phone or face to face interviews. Explaining and demonstrating actigraphy and sleep data collection devices; arranging for shipping and retrieval of devices from participants. Supporting study coordinator, study staff, and the Principal Investigator in other study activities. Arranging for participant stipends, keeping track of Vincent stipend data for participants and ensuring all confidential data is properly entered. Assisting in yearly NIH progress reports and institutional review renewals.

• Collaborate with senior research personnel regarding recruitment, data collection, outcomes of interviews, reports according to the needs of the study. Attend staff meetings as needed

• 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.

• Previous human subjects research experience with vulnerable populations strongly preferred

• Previous clinical trials or interventional research experience (including drug trials) preferred

• Experience with EMR such as Epic preferred

• At least one year experience with various data platforms and databases strongly preferred

• Experience conducting informed consent is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.

• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran