Research Specialist - The Smagula Lab

at  UPMC

The Smagula lab is within the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science and department of Psychiatry. Dr. Smagula conducts studies evaluating links between aging, sleep-wake disruption and mental health in older adults. Our current studies involve evaluating the sleep-wake patterns related to: suicidality among adults with major depression; depression symptoms in dementia caregivers; negative symptom severity in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. For the main research project we are seeking a full-time Research Specialist for is the Assessing Improvements in Mood and Sleep (AIMS) Trail, which is a multi-site randomized control trial of an evidence-based clinical intervention. In older adults, sleep-wake rhythm disruption and recurring depression/suicide ideation are often inter-related, unmet, clinical needs. This project will confirm the efficacy and mechanism-of action of the clinical intervention, specifically, to improve depression in adults 55+ years of age. This multi-site trial will confirm if and how this approach works, and for whom, thereby advancing evidence-based strategies for controlling depression symptoms in older adults who have depression and high suicide risk. The participants are also asked to complete clinical assessments, cognitive assessments, daily sleep diaries, and wearing an Actigraphy Watch Device to monitor sleep.

• Conduct cognitive assessments by phone/virtual and/or in-person
• Obtaining/facilitating participant MRI clearance and conducting MRI visits
• Documentation of all participant communications/interactions for recruitment, clinical concerns (suicide safety), and other key study functions. Report on such communications/interactions in a timely manner or at weekly meetings.
• Keeping up with data entry via online portal or Microsoft Access and reporting any inconsistencies/quality concerns in a timely manner
• Actigraphy activation, download, quality assurance, and scoring (may be taught by study team)
• Recruitment via community outreach – including promoting the study at support groups, relevant events, or communicating with community organizations about the study to develop a lasting community collaboration/stakeholder relationship.
• Collaborate closely with senior research personnel regarding recruitment, data collection, outcomes of interviews, reports according to the needs of the study.
• 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.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
• Experience with clinical interviews/intakes strongly preferred.
• Experience in working with individuals with significant depression and/or suicidal ideation strongly preferred- or- significant interest in the population.
• Some experience in Suicide Safety Screening and Assessment preferred.