Supports positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging research studies in alcohol and cocaine use disorder by recruiting participants through community treatment partners, assessing participant eligibility, and implementing imaging protocols. Places intravenous lines and manages arterial catheters. Administers pharmacologic challenge agents and protocol-specified medications under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). Performs arterial blood sampling during PET acquisitions and pre-processes blood specimens for analyses. Assesses participants for substance withdrawal prior to brain imaging and monitors for relapse and psychiatric symptom exacerbation, including suicidal ideation, throughout study participation. Monitors participants for adverse events, maintains regulatory documentation, trains new staff, and ensures protocol and regulatory adherence.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in clinical research, neuroimaging, or a critical care/procedural setting
Experience with arterial line management, removal, and arterial blood sampling
BLS certification
Clinical experience in addiction medicine, behavioral health, or medically managed withdrawal, including use of standardized withdrawal assessment tools
Training or experience in suicide risk assessment and crisis response
Familiarity with IRB submission processes and electronic data capture systems
Experience working with participants with substance use or other psychiatric disorders
Supports clinical research projects by coordinating projects and drug trials, assessing patients' qualifications, and facilitating protocols. Collects and reviews lab results, patient data, and lab specimens; administers medications and protocol-specific treatments. Performs general laboratory duties and specialized nursing duties, trains new staff, and ensures regulatory adherence.
Builds and maintains recruitment relationships with community and health system referral partners, including addiction medicine clinics, emergency rooms, inpatient and residential rehabilitation programs, medically managed withdrawal (detoxification) units, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, alcohol treatment programs, and recovery support organizations. Presents study information to clinical staff and prospective participants, coordinates referral workflows, tracks referral sources and recruitment yield, and represents the research program at community outreach activities.
Coordinates clinical PET neuroimaging research studies. Recruits, screens, and assesses adult participants for eligibility and enrollment by administering diagnostic and clinical assessments, including participants with alcohol use disorder and cocaine use disorder and healthy comparison participants. Assists with obtaining informed consent under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Implements study protocols and monitors participant assessments across screening, MRI, and PET scan-day, and follow-up visits.
Assesses participants for signs and symptoms of alcohol and cocaine withdrawal prior to MRI and PET imaging visits, using protocol-specified instruments and clinical judgment. Administers and scores withdrawal assessments (e.g., CIWA-Ar for alcohol), documents vital sign trends, tremor, autonomic instability, sleep and appetite disturbance, agitation, and craving, and verifies abstinence interval requirements through self-report, breath alcohol testing, and urine toxicology. Determines in consultation with the Principal Investigator or study physician whether a participant meets protocol criteria to proceed, requires rescheduling, or requires referral for clinical evaluation and management of withdrawal.
Performs specialized nursing duties including radial arterial catheter and line maintenance, flushing, and removal, venipuncture, peripheral IV placement, and arterial and venous blood sampling. Assists with invasive procedures and operates electronic physiologic vital signs and EKG monitoring equipment.
Assists PI with administering pharmacologic challenge agents in accordance with the research protocol and radiation safety procedures.
Assists with collecting, preparing, and processing lab specimens, which may include centrifugation, plasma separation, aliquoting, well counter measurement, and preparation of samples for metabolite analysis. Maintains chain-of-custody and specimen accountability documentation.
Monitors participants before, during, and after radiotracer and challenge agent administration. Records vital signs, ECG, and symptom assessments; collects and reviews clinical laboratory results, urine drug screens, breath alcohol measurements, and pregnancy testing; and monitors results for adverse reactions. Recognizes, documents, and escalates adverse events to the PI, for IRB filing, and to the sponsor per policy.
Collects participant data, including medical and psychiatric histories, substance use histories, concomitant medications, and physical assessment findings. Maintains and enters data into case report forms, study databases, and logs in a timely and accurate manner.
Performs general laboratory duties including, but not limited to, monitoring supply and study drug inventory, monitoring, cleaning and maintaining medical equipment.
Light to moderate. Position requires prolonged standing and repositioning during PET acquisitions, frequent movement between the PET suite, laboratory, and office areas, and occasional lifting of supplies up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity for catheter placement and specimen handling.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Clinical Research Nurse II
- Job Family: Research
- Job Sub-Family: Clinical Research - Nursing
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
- Required Licensure/Certification: RN
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
- Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
- Required Documents: Resume
- Optional Documents: Not Applicable