This is an opportunity to join two research studies in the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services (CABS) group, both focusing on young people with bipolar disorder. PROMPT-BD uses clinical assessments, actigraphy, and mobile sensing to predict recurrence of mood episodes, while the Child Bipolar Network (CBN) Keto Study will test the feasibility of a ketogenic diet in this population. The CABS team is a dynamic, collegial, and inclusive group of clinicians and researchers focused on improving the lives of young people with bipolar disorder.

The Research Specialist will be completing diagnostic assessments with study participants, presenting case findings to study investigators, completing data collection forms. Ideal candidate would have psychiatric clinical experience, especially diagnostic assessment experience, experience working with adolescents and young adults, solid understanding of DSM-5, experience working in mental health research.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Completes the formal diagnostic and assessment interviews required at all phases of the study including initial evaluation of child/adolescent/young adult subject and parent and follow-up assessments of all subjects. Interviews will be conducted by video chat, in person and by telephone.

• Completes all study data collection forms and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

• Prepares and presents oral and written summary of participant assessments to study investigators for diagnostic consensus.

• Assists with recruitment, screening and scheduling study participants.

• Assists with setting-up, distributing and retrieving actigraph watches from study participants, as well as downloading and processing actigraphy data.

• Ensures that actigraph watches are charged and in working order.

• Instructs and assists participants to download smartphone app for passive sensing.

• Participates in inter-rater reliability procedures. Maintains diagnostic consistency of at least 80% agreement in rating interviews for reliability.

• Maintains records of subject contact, subject interviews, return of self-reports, and issuance of subject payments.

• Communicates effectively with research and clinical staff to facilitate study recruitment and ongoing operation of the study, including data collection, entry, quality control issues and reports.

• Attends and participates in all project-related meetings, training sessions, including regular staff meetings, diagnostic conferences, and research team meetings.

• Completes and maintains required education and certification in Human Subjects Protection and Good Research Practice fundamentals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related field is required. Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant field preferred.

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

• Experience administering and scoring standard research assessments (e.g., K-SADS-PL, ALIFE, SCID, etc.) preferred.

• Clinical assessment experience with children, adolescents and adults preferred.

• Proficiency in basic computer software packages, including MS Word and email required.

• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written/oral communication skills required.

• High degree of motivation and the ability to function independently.

• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to multiple organizational workload changes.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekend and evenings.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• 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