Research Associate WPIC

The Smagula Research Group in the Department of Psychiatry is seeking a full-time Research Associate to work on two NIMH-funded clinical trials: the Assessing Improvements in Mood and Sleep (AIMS) Trial and the Caregiver Stress and Sleep Study (CARES Study). This role is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong interest in clinical research focused on depression, suicidality, and aging. The Research Associate will be an integral member of a collaborative team (including psychiatrists, psychologists, and data scientists) investigating how sleep-wake patterns impact mental health outcomes in older adults and caregivers. We are seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the Assessing Improvements in Mood and Sleep (AIMS) Trial, which is a multi-site RCT of an evidence-based behavioral intervention versus an active control. In older adults, sleep-wake rhythm disruption and recurring depression/suicide ideation are often inter-related, unmet, clinical needs. This project will confirm the efficacy and mechanism-of action of the clinical intervention, specifically, to improve depression outcomes. Our team dedicates substantial effort to recruiting and coordinating with participants in our study who are adults 55+ years of age with depression plus at least one other suicide risk factor. The Research Associate would also administer clinical assessments, cognitive assessments, daily sleep diaries, and actigraphy data collection. This position is grant funded. Responsibilities:

• Recruit, screen, and consent older adult participants who may have mental health conditions and suicidality.
• Conduct clinical interviews, cognitive assessments, and follow up suicide severity assessments.
• Implement and document suicide safety protocols, including safety planning, reporting, and follow-up.
• Maintain detailed and timely documentation for team discussions and study records.
• Schedule participant visits, coordinate MRI sessions, and oversee use of actigraphy and sleep diaries.
• Collaborate with research staff to track participant progress and ensure adherence to study protocols.
• Present reports at weekly recruitment and study team meetings.
• Work independently across multiple projects while maintaining consistent communication with the team.