Under the direction of Dr. Marta Pecina, the Translational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging lab (TNN lab) seeks to understand individual differences in mechanisms of treatment response in patients with depression. We aim to delineate a model-based theory of antidepressant placebo effects that explains the biological substrates of the interaction between expectancies, learning, and mood. The TNN laboratory uses several neuroimaging methodologies, including task-based and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computational approaches to behavior and mood, and biological markers.

　　This position is grant funded.

　　The duties of the Research Specialist will involve assistance with research design and protocols, data collection, scheduling and screening participants, data management, participant recruitment and retention, and lab administration. The position requires coordination, execution, and completion of tasks that are critical to research outcomes. An ideal candidate should be a bright, compassionate, and motivated person with some experience in psychology or neuroscience research. The lab environment is collaborative, and staff has the opportunity to learn functional imaging techniques.

　　Responsibilities:

　　Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, obtaining written consent forms, collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s).

　　Collaborate with senior research personnel regarding recruitment, data collection, outcomes of interviews, reports according to the needs of the study.

　　Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.

　　Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.

　　Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.

　　Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

　　Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

　　Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)

　　Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

　　Act 33 with renewal

　　Act 34 with renewal

　　Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

　　UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran