UCSD Department of Pediatrics 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 Division of Environmental Science & Health within the Department of Pediatrics is involved in four major areas: 1) providing clinical services to patients with birth defects and developmental disabilities, 2) providing public health services in counseling patients, providers and education to the public about pregnancy and lactation exposures and their impact on child development and health, 3) a teaching program that includes undergraduate students, graduate students in epidemiology, medical students, and post -doctoral students, pediatrics, epidemiology, health behavior, global health, pharmacy, and other specialties; and 4) conducting clinical research to better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Research programs and projects within the Division involve federal, state and industry sponsored grants and contracts totaling over $60 million. These encompass national and international studies that require complex interrelated infrastructure and shared resources both within the Division and with collaborators and subcontractors outside the Division.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Staff Research Associate 1 assisting the PI, Project Manager and research team with a complex multi-site longitudinal Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study on pregnant persons and their children. Primary responsibilities include recruitment and maintaining correspondence with potential and active research participants, screening participants for safety and appropriateness for MR imaging sessions, assisting with baby monitoring of the MRI and EEG sessions, monitoring status of supplies, assisting with processing and shipping of biospecimen, and assisting with upload of data collected.

• Theoretical knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, biology, cognitive science or related field. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred.

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality of participant information with working knowledge of mandated reporting procedures.

• Ability to screen participants for or safety and appropriateness for MR imaging sessions, including reviewing mrisafety.com or consulting with physicist for device/implant compatibility with 3.0T MRI.

• Ability to prioritize workload and work independently and seek guidance or information when appropriate

• Ability to maintain correspondence with research participants utilizing organizational systems

• Ability to professionally communicate with people of different backgrounds and explain various research procedures as well as navigate the participants to various research appointments

• Strong basic computer skills such as word processing and data entry, as well as experienceusing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Adobe PDF.

• Experience collecting, handling, and shipping biological specimens.

• Proven ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population including children and their parents.

• Proven effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English.

• Previous experience in a research setting.

• Experience recruiting and retaining participants in a research study.

• Current MRI Safety certification and working knowledge of MRI safety.

• Bilingual with fluency in both English and Spanish highly preferred.

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

• Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

• Must be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends.

• Willing to work in several locations (e.g., Main Campus, 7910 Frost Street, UCSD MRI facilities) including some driving to scanner locations.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Must meet criteria for eligibility to participate in MRI scanning on high field strength magnets, as determined by the MR facility safety and operator training requirements.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.