Clinical Research Assistant

Clinical Research Assistant

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

The Shanmugan Laboratory is part of the Department of Psychiatry, the Neurodevelopment & Psychosis Section, and the Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI). Our goal is to personalize early interventions in reproductive psychiatry. To do this, we use non-invasive neuroimaging and advanced computational methods to understand neuroendocrinologic mechanisms underlying risk vs. resilience for psychiatric disorders. The Clinical Research Assistant will work on studies examining psychopathology during reproductive timepoints, including a study examining person-specific markers of perinatal depression.

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765, the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.

The Shanmugan Lab is recruiting a Clinical Research Assistant to help investigators conduct behavioral and multi-modal neuroimaging research examining psychiatric symptoms during reproductive timepoints. We use advanced multi-modal MRI imaging and detailed measures of cognition and clinical symptomatology. The position will draw on a wide range of skills and provide learning opportunities in diverse areas. Responsibilities will include assisting with recruitment and acquisition of data for behavioral and multi-modal MRI data, cognitive assessment of both healthy women and those with psychiatric disorders, clinical data analysis, maintenance of regulatory documents, and correspondence. Position includes substantial direct interaction with faculty; opportunities for data analysis, poster presentations, and writing manuscripts abound, making it ideal for those preparing for highly competitive graduate programs. Position is contingent on continued funding; ideal start date is 7/1/26.

High School/GE Degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. BA/BS degree is preferred, particularly with educational background in neuroscience or psychology and plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience. The candidate must have a passion for science, superb interpersonal skills, and technical affinity. An interest in working directly with women affected by psychiatric symptoms is essential. Knowledge of IRB and human research protection regulations is desirable. While not required, experience with the Unix/Linux operating system, the Python programming language, and/or the statistical package R is a major asset. Above all, the applicant should demonstrate strong motivation, empathy, and excellent organizational skills. Background check required. Position contingent on funding.

Working Conditions: Office, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safety training. Physical Effort: Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less. Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department / School: Perelman School of Medicine. Pay Range: $19.47 - $20.00 Hourly Rate. Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.