Position Summary
Michigan State University invites applicants to apply for the research assistant (RA) position for the Nation Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) funded HeAL Study. Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Johnson, C.S. Mott Endowed Professor, Professor of OBGYN, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Medicine, this NICHD funded trial is in collaboration with Dr. Kent Key, Ann Back-Price, MSN, and Dr. Caron Zlotnick.
Healing After Perinatal Loss (HeAL) will be the first fully-powered randomized trial of treatment for any psychiatric disorder following perinatal loss. HeAL compares two interventions for women experiencing major depression after the loss of a pregnancy or newborn. The study recruits women from the entire state of Michigan. HeAL addresses NICHD priority to improve the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy. Given that poverty increases risk of perinatal loss and that rates of perinatal loss for African-American women are double those for White women, the location of the trial (minority-majority cities in Michigan with high rates of poverty) increases the significance of the trial. Outcomes will include time to recovery from MDD, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, time to recovery from PTSD, social support,
well-being, grief, and fear of subsequent pregnancies. This study will provide an evidence base for treating a vulnerable and understudied population whose distress has historically been minimized, improving outcomes for these women and their families.
The RA will recruit, screen, consent, randomize and conduct clinical interviews with women who have experienced a recent miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. The RA will enter data into the REDCap database, and will be responsible for tracking participants, and conducting follow-up interviews by phone which will consist of providing standard clinical assessments to assess depression and other mental health/mood disorders. The ideal candidate will have exceptional interpersonal skills and should be highly organized.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience working with population under the study (pregnant and postpartum women, people with mental health disorders and people in crisis); the ability to troubleshoot and analyze problems and excellent communications, interpersonal and organizational skills are essential; experience working independently, commitment to maintaining confidentiality and strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Word. Completion of human subject training and certification (online program) prior to contact with participants or data.
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health or related field, two or three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human subjects research, experience following research protocol, establishing rapport with diverse group of study participants who may be distressed psychiatric patients, experience exhibiting professionalism with hospital staff, experience with word processing, spreadsheet and proficiency with data and participant tracking software or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
Diversity Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Statement
Special Instructions
contact information (address, e-mail and phone) for four references (applicant will be notified prior to contacting references)
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position funded until 07/31/2025 with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
https://publichealth.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 05/14/2024 at 11:55 PM
