Research Specialist - The Regulation of Emotion in ASD Adults Children and

at  UPMC

The Regulation of Emotion in ASD Adults Children and Teens (REAACT) Lab (www.reaact.pitt.edu) in the Center of Excellence for Autism Research (CeFAR) is seeking a full-time research specialist to assist with a research program focused on mental health and suicide risk in autistic adults. The program will enroll both autistic and non-autistic adults to participate in three inter-related studies.
The Research Specialist will work on a large grant that will look at mental health and suicide in adults with autism. The Research Specialist will mostly work on Project 2 which involves working closely with participants, teaching the participants about how to use the sensors and what to expect while completing this part of the study.

• Coordinate Project 2 of ACE study, including but not limited to:
• Liaison between Project 2 and Clinical Core of the ACE study
• Maintain accurate documentation of procedures for Project 2
• Acclimate participants of what to expect for all parts of the ACE study.
• Prepare all equipment for participant visits.
• Instruct and train participants to use sensors.
• Instruct participants how to complete questionnaires.
• Monitor data on MovisensXS and contact participants to address issues.
• Contact participants when there are gaps in the EMA responses to make sure everything is working properly with equipment.
• Download and process sensor data after participants return sensor equipment.
• Track all equipment in and out of lab.
• Oversee data collection and audits for Project 2.
• Be primary staff member responsible for initial Movisens data processing steps and data quality checking.
• Train staff to perform primary and secondary RA duties which include leading participant orientation visits, daily compliance, and maintaining a line of direct communication throughout data collection.
• Update Project 2 Principal Investigator regularly
• Assist with ACE Clinical Core participant appointments
• Data entry for ACE clinical Core
• Score data and complete data audits
• Enter study data into a secure database
• File and track data
• Participant in weekly supervision with the designated study investigator
• Attend study team meetings
• Ability to work independently with little supervision once trained.
• Perform other duties as related to the research project as requested by the Principle Investigators, coordinator, and/or supervisors.
• May assist in other studies with additional duties as new grants are funded
• 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.
• Minimum two-year commitment is preferred.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required, including excel.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
• Experience with autism highly preferred.
• Must have excellent attention to detail, as well as organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.