UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments of psychiatry in the country with cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering challenging career opportunities with potential for growth and a dynamic learning environment to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will assist the PI to run a virtual reality study investigating the effects of nicotine use on cognition and psychophysiology within the Department of Psychiatry. Primary responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and screening of research participants; scheduling research participant appointments, administering behavioral questionnaires for observational study, assisting with virtual reality paradigm research data collection, organization of study files, and monitoring of medication adherence and side effects over 30 day period. General lab assistance duties may include maintaining equipment and supplies, and preparing data collection forms and various correspondence. Assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in Psychology or related field and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid CA driver's license and acceptable driving record.

• Previous lab experience in a research setting.

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

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

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

• Experience assisting with administering neurocognitive and behavioral assessments.

• Experience assisting with administering psychological paradigms in virtual reality (including using the unity platform and the HTC Vive ProEye headset).

• Experience assisting with administering the MINI clinical interview, substance use assessments, stop signal task (on millisecond), and the delayed discounting task (on millisecond).

• Experience setting up and administering surveys on REDCap.

• Experience working with clinical populations, including substance use disorder.

• Ability to monitor participant's medication adherence and side effects over 30 day period.

• Experience collecting, handling, and shipping biological specimens.

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting.

• Experience administering detailed clinical interviews.

• Experience collecting, coding, and scoring data using computerized measures according to study protocol.

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

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

• Reliable transportation required.

• Must be able to work a variable hour schedule.