Laboratory Technician

Added 06/07/2024

Purpose: The Keane Vision & Psychosis Lab at the University of Rochester is conducting a search for a full time Laboratory Technician. Our ongoing projects will aim to characterize psychosis-related visual perceptual alterations, understand their clinical relevance, and reveal their neural origins via functional and structural MRI. Duties of the position include: (a) conducting neuroimaging analyses using software such as FSL, Workbench, and Freesurfer; (b) formatting and preprocessing MRI data using Unix/Python/Matlab code on the University cluster; (c) running subjects through a neuroimaging protocol; (d) overseeing the recruitment and scheduling of research participants; (e) overseeing the administration of visual perceptual and cognitive assessments; (f) maintaining and updating study databases (e.g., REDCap); (g) preparing written scientific results for publication and conference presentation; (h) preparing materials for IRB review; (i) coordinating and supervising tasks across different members of the research team; and (j) assisting with administrative/clerical duties, as needed.

Essential Duties

• 35% Neuroimaging data collection and analysis
  • Runs subjects through our neuroimaging analysis
  • Curates, formats, and preprocesses neuroimaging data using lab pipelines
  • Performs analyses to examine structural and functional brain differences in patients
• 20% Participant recruitment
  • Works with PI to implement recruitment strategies
  • Has ability to assess eligibility of the potential study participants via discussion with clinical providers and review of screening measures
  • Conducts informed consent procedures with participants and obtains written consent
• 20% Data management
  • Sets up procedures for developing and maintaining data systems
  • Ensures the integrity and security of all study data at all times
  • Utilizes Matlab, R, Python, SPSS, or Unix/Linux (on cluster) for data analyses
  • Assists in the development of the study (“REDCap”) database and supervises the data entry and data cleaning of other study staff
  • Oversees direct data entry procedures via iPads or by transcribing paper data
  • Completes regular subject chart reviews, ensuring fidelity of documentation procedures
• 15% Coordination/Supervision
  • Develops and updates study protocols and manuals
  • Initiates IRB project approval process for new protocols and project amendments
  • Submits necessary documentation per the Data Safety and Monitoring Plan
  • Promotes achievement of enrollment targets via development of study specific recruitment and retention strategies
  • Directly trains, supervises, and mentors students or interns
• 10% Reporting and dissemination
  • Assists PI in development, writing and editing of presentations and publications of study findings
  • Prepares data reports to sponsoring agencies/institutions, as required.

Candidate will subscribe to the department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner. The Research Coordinator must maintain eligibility to participate in research involving human subjects by completing the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH’s Good Clinical Practice training. This position also requires participation in available cultural competency training.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in data analysis and programming in Matlab/Python. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, cognitive science, or psychology could be a good fit for this position.

Preferred experience (in order of priority)

• Experience performing neuroimaging analyses using Matlab, Python, or shell scripting
• Experience running jobs on a Linux cluster
• An ability to commit to two years of service
• Experience working with clinical populations
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

The start date is flexible but August is preferred.

Be sure to submit a letter of interest (including contact information for three referees), a CV, and copies of college transcripts. Informal inquiries regarding the position are welcomed (Lab Manager: Jose_Reynoso@URMC.Rochester.edu; Lab PI: brian_keane@urmc.rochester.edu). University of Rochester and local Rochester applicants should apply directly to job id: 242211 via HRMS. External applicants should submit their applications to Jose_Reynoso@URMC.Rochester.edu

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Subjects Research Coordinator

Added 05/13/2024

The Active Perception Lab and the Vision & Psychosis Lab at the University of Rochester is searching for a full-time Human Subjects Research Coordinator who will contribute to a federally funded investigation of fine-scale eye movement differences in psychosis. Activities include: (a) administering or assisting with clinical assessments (SCID/PANSS) to diagnose participants and to assess symptom severity; (b) assisting with recruiting participants and scheduling appointments; (c) attending weekly lab meetings of Professors Martina Poletti and Brian Keane; (d) maintaining and updating study databases (i.e., REDCap); (e) preparing materials for IRB review; (f) delegating responsibilities to other lab members; (g) preparing written scientific results for publication and conference presentation; and (h) assisting with administrative/ clerical duties as needed. This position can be viewed as a stepping-stone toward graduate or professional school and we make every effort to get our lab members actively involved in ongoing research projects.

For more details, please see the lab websites of each Principal Investigator:
Brian Keane
APLab

For more information on the Center for Visual Science and the UR Psychosis Research Group, visit our websites.

Essential Duties

• 30% Clinical and ocular assessment
  • Runs or assists with diagnostic, neuropsychological, and symptom-based assessments including the PANSS and SCID (training will be provided when appropriate).
  • Conducts ocular pathology screening using optical coherence tomography, tonometer, and other ophthalmologic instruments (we will provide training).
  • Implements or assists with protocols for oculomotor testing including use of a dual Purkinje eye tracker and Badal optometer.
• 30% Project Management
  • Conducts all study-related IRB correspondence, including: creating initial submissions, protocol amendments and exceptions; drafting protocols, consent forms, and recruitment materials; reporting protocol deviations and adverse events; and submitting annual continuing reviews of active and inactive studies.
  • Collaborates with Professors Keane and Poletti to ensure regulatory and other documents (e.g., NIH progress reports) are complete and on time.
  • Complete regular subject chart reviews.
• 30% Participant recruitment
  • Conducts face-to-face recruitment efforts in local clinics serving people with serious mental illness and at psychiatric residential settings.
  • Assists with recruitment using online resources (social media, CraigsList, etc)
• 5% Data Management
  • Ensures the integrity and security of all paper and electronic study data.
  • Oversee data entry and supervise other study staff in using REDCap databases.
• 5% Reporting and dissemination
  • Assist in the writing and editing of presentations and publications of study findings.

Requirements

Candidate will subscribe to the University's goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner. The Research Assistant must complete the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH's Good Clinical Practice training.

The successful candidate will have at least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline by the first day of work. Experience in vision research and oculomotor control is a plus but not required. Candidates with at least one 1 year of experience in human subject research coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience are strongly preferred. We also strongly prefer candidates who have a car, a valid driver license, and who can commit to two years of service. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Experience or strong interest in administering clinical instruments such as the SCID and PANSS is advantageous but not required.

The start date is flexible but July 1st is preferred. Applicants are asked to include a CV, cover letter, and a list of three referees (within the cover letter itself). University of Rochester and local Rochester applicants should apply directly to job id: 242211 via HRMS. External applicants should submit their applications to Michele Schultz. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Informal inquiries regarding the position are welcome and may be directed to Professors Martina Poletti or Brian Keane. Drs. Keane and Poletti will also both be available to discuss the position at this year's VSS conference at St. Pete's Beach.

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.