The Services for the Treatment of Early Psychosis (STEP) clinic is an outpatient clinical program for the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of people who may be experiencing early symptoms and signs of psychotic illness in a recovery-oriented setting. Our goal is to determine how early symptoms may contribute to the onset and course of psychotic disorders, so we may then make better treatment decisions. The clinic is NIMH-funded through an Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) award that includes sites in Pennsylvania and Maryland to collect clinical data from clients to optimize care delivery. This individual will work under the supervision of the University of Pittsburgh EPINET Principal Investigator (E-PI) to assist in the administration and coordination of the Western Pennsylvania arm of the EPINET grant. In addition, this individual will assist in linking EPINET-related work with our broader psychosis research program through the Laboratory of Psychiatric Treatments and Outcomes (PI Sarpal), which focuses on neuroimaging and mechanistic studies of psychosis treatment.
This position is grant funded.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the STEP clinic and other First Episode Psychosis (FEP) clinics across Western Pennsylvania to identify and recruit eligible study participants.
- Screen potential participants for study eligibility and coordinate enrollment activities.
- Schedule study assessments and maintain ongoing communication with participants throughout the study period.
- Obtain informed consent and conduct quantitative and qualitative research assessments and interviews at multiple study timepoints, including baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits.
- Enter, manage, and review research data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
- Assist with data quality assurance activities, including data verification, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Maintain and organize all required Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulatory documents, binders, and study records.
- Conduct neuroimaging scans in accordance with research protocols and established procedures.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams to support study operations and project goals.
- Perform additional research-related duties and special projects as assigned.
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field. Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required. Two to three years preferred.
Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
Demonstrated interest in working with individuals experiencing mental health and psychiatric conditions within a clinical research environment.
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and support multiple research projects simultaneously.
Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran