Assistant Project Scientist Position
The Division of Child and Adolescents, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA
and Semel Institute

The Assistant Project Scientist candidate will perform independent research investigating conduct independent research on the clinical, affective, and motivational factors related to adolescent mental illness and/or develop and test innovative methodological and quantitative techniques in these research areas. They will perform all required research related activities with IRB and regulatory affairs as well as oversee data entry and participant recruitment and enrollment. They will evaluate and disseminate cutting-edge psychiatric research with real-world implications on clinical populations. They will participate in the scientific and research training activities at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences.

Specific Responsibilities:
• In collaboration with UCLA faculty, they will conduct research examining the functional impact of addiction and developmental psychopathology on cognitive, neurological, psychological and behavioral development in youth, and development of methods in which to intervene early in the trajectory of high-risk adolescent behaviors.

• They will utilize their expertise in use of mobile and digital technologies in psychiatry and with vulnerable populations such as adolescents and those with substance use disorders. They will monitor and obtain funding for their research projects, implement study protocols according to regulatory guidelines, coordinate research staff involvement in data gathering, and manage participant recruitment and data securely.

• They will have the ability use of novel and current technologies in psychiatry and be aware of ethical challenges that are faced in using these technologies in clinical populations. They will consult extensively with UCLA research, medical, and academic personnel to ensure the quality of research and health safety of participants are maintained.

In addition, will:
• Independently write draft manuscripts of research study findings for submission to peer review journals.
• When appropriate, present research findings at conferences related to child, adolescent, adult psychiatry or psychology.
• Prepare and submit grants through UCLA for research funding. Monitor their current funding levels for personnel and supplies carefully.

Required Qualifications:
• M.D. or Ph.D. related to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Psychology

• >10 years of experience working with individuals and families and in academic centers focused on transdisciplinary neurodevelopmental disorders from early childhood through adulthood.

Required Skills:
• 10+ years of experience with all aspects of human subjects research. Experience with all stages of publication, grant submission, and project management.
• Expertise working with clinical and addiction-affected populations. Expertise with statistical and web data acquisition software for data management and analyses.
• Ability to handle several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to train and advise laboratory personnel.
• Ability to maintain high quality scientific records.

Salary will be consistent with the UCLA Project Scientist Series. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table(s) https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b.pdf. The salary range for this position is $74,100 - $85,900.

Interested applicants must submit: i) a cover letter outlining academic interests and a brief statement about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion*; ii) curriculum vitae with bibliography; and iii) contact information for three potential references to the application portal at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10313.

For more information, please contact at KVigil@mednet.ucla.edu.

(*Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Please see the following page for more details: https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/1111.html

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