The Research Specialist will have responsibilities within the ongoing research projects of Dr. Brian Thoma within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Thoma’s program of research examines mental and behavioral health among LGBTQ youth, with a focus on risk for suicidal behavior. The Research Specialist will primarily conduct data collection within a longitudinal study examining how gender expression among children ages 7 – 10 is related to early indicators of risk for suicidal behavior, including biological and neurocognitive factors.
This position is grant funded.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct data collection activities for a longitudinal study examining gender expression and early indicators of suicidal risk among children.
- Schedule and coordinate participant appointments in alignment with study protocols.
- Obtain informed consent from participants and their parents/guardians in compliance with research requirements.
- Conduct clinical interviews with child participants and their parents.
- Collect and manage self-report data from study participants.
- Perform risk assessments and support safety planning with participants, as needed, in accordance with study guidelines.
- 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.
- Experience and/or interest working with elementary-age children preferred.
- Prior training and experience with clinical interviewing preferred, including risk assessment and safety planning.
- 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