UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP)-Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) provides broad scientific and programmatic leadership for multi-disciplinary research programs related to HIV or cannabis or both. As part of its leadership role, the HNRP-CMCR stimulates and helps coordinate interdisciplinary collaborative research at the local, regional, national, and international levels, and also serves as a resource for consultation, training and career development for investigators working in HIV/AIDS, cannabis and associated issues. The HNRP-CMCR greatly facilitates research progress by identifying and broadly encouraging work on important topics, and by offering potential investigators (a) multidisciplinary consultation and training, (b) coordinated access to data and biological specimens from existing human subjects cohorts, and (c) state-of-the-art expertise with statistics, data management, and recruiting of new participant groups to meet specific needs of the proposed investigation. The HNRP-CMCR conducts numerous studies, clinical and non-clinical, of a variety of conditions including HIV, mental health disorders and substance use. Studies include the evaluation of interventions such as cannabinoids, other therapeutics and behavioral interventions.

Within the HNRP-CMCR, the Neuromedical Unit is responsible for conducting the neuromedical assessments of participants enrolled in HNRP-CMCR studies. Under supervision, incumbent will work as a Staff Research Associate 1 in three main areas within a multi-disciplinary HIV/NeuroAIDS research program within the Department of Psychiatry: Assessment, Quality Assurance, and Research Support. Assessment duties include performing participant interviews for the purpose of data collection; following-up with clinicians and other neuromedical staff to complete case report forms; preparing data for entry. Research Support duties include assisting in the preparation of progress reports; assisting with grant submissions; assisting with posters, abstracts and manuscripts; assisting with data analysis; assisting with study coordination: attending study meetings. Guide student employees in the preparation neuromedical charts for all research studies. Assist with study coordination and general administrative tasks as needed. Quality Assurance duties include: thoroughly reviewing case report forms to identify discrepancies and missing information; downloading and reviewing electronic data to identify discrepancies and missing information; taking the appropriate steps to correct discrepancies and filling-in missing information; and maintaining records of QA activities and providing periodic reports of the volume and types of errors and resolutions. Assist with other projects and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Theoretical knowledge in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurosciences or other related field or comparable level of knowledge and experience.

• Demonstrated experience to read, write and speak fluent Spanish.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse study population and staff. Cultural competency working with diverse populations including ethnic and cultural minorities, gays and lesbians, people living with HIV, and people recovering from substance abuse.

• Working knowledge of HIV disease, opportunistic infections and neurological issues related to HIV.

• Proven experience with interviewing in a research or clinical setting.

• Computer (PC and Mac) knowledge to effectively use spreadsheets, databases, word processing programs, and electronic mail, and navigate the internet. Experience using MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, as well as analytical programs, e.g. JMP.

• Demonstrated skills in teamwork and cooperation.

• Demonstrated excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated consistent attention to detail.

• Strong demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to be alert to inadequate responses and collect reliable information in interview.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.

• Experience with quality assurance.

• Experience to obtain medical records and complete case report forms.

• Ability to assist with performing statistical analyses as needed.

• Experience with research support duties (e.g., assistance with literature reviews, preparing abstracts/manuscripts, progress reports, etc.).

• Experience to review selected study charts for completeness according to research study protocol and consistency between CRFs and visits (including dates, duration of therapy, medication codes, ICD-9 codes, etc.).

• Experience to use statistical analysis software (JMP) to evaluate accuracy and consistency of collected data post data entry by comparing subject data across study visits and identifying discrepancies between case report forms within study visits.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and / or valid CA license and acceptable driving record.

• Must be willing to work at a large HIV/NeuroAIDS research center.

• Must be willing to work occasional Saturdays, weekends, and overtime if required.