Research Assistant - Minnesota Twin Registry and Adoptive Family Interviewer

Position Overview

Dr. Glenn I. Roisman of the Institute of Child Development and Dr. Bob Krueger of the Department of Psychology, Principal Investigators on two coordinated five-year NIH-funded grants to follow-up the large Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) and the Minnesota Twin Registry (MTR) cohorts into mid and late life, seek to hire several Research Assistants (8352SM: Rsch Pro 2-Soc Sci-Multidisc) responsible for carrying out field studies by interviewing study adult participants remotely via Zoom/phone (additional assessments will be conducted in person for the SIBS cohort). Structured research assessments conducted remotely by the Research Assistants with adoptees and their parents (SIBS) and older twins (MTR) will include: a 1.5 hour-long interview with the participants about their childhood experiences, questionnaire and interview assessments of participants' physical health, personality, and social experiences, and standardized measures of cognitive health. The Research Assistants will review data to assure quality and prepare data for analysis. They will work closely with the MTR and SIBS research participants, the MTR/SIBS co-investigators, and the MTR/SIBS project coordinator and lead recruiter who helps schedule visits, so a bachelor degree is required and research experience, knowledge, and skills plus outstanding communication and problem-solving skills are preferred.

The Research Assistants report to the Principal Investigators of the MTR (Professors Roisman and Krueger), to the project coordinator, and to the lead recruiter. Each position is 100%-time, 12 month civil-service position with possibility of reappointment annually until assessment-specific aims are completed. Current NIH support for the current research runs for five years total for both the SIBS and MTR samples. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Funding is contingent upon successful completion of duties and availability of funds.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Data Collection: Research Participant Interviewing (60%)

• Conduct formal 4.5-hour (on average) research assessments with participants remotely via Zoom/phone, including an 1.5 hour-long interview to collect data with the study participants about their childhood experiences, questionnaire assessments of participants' physical health, personality, and social experiences, and administer standardized measures of cognitive health, plus other psychological assessment instruments.
• Prepare and run samples on various instruments and clean equipment.
• Replenish supplies as needed.
• Greet study participants and then describe study goals, assessment tasks, confidentiality limitations and potential risks.
• Obtain informed consent from participants.
• Accurately answer participant questions and conduct a debriefing at the end of the visit.
• Maintain required assessment documentation.
• Accommodate occasional requests to complete assessments in a different setting (e.g., at the University or at the participant's home).

Participant Recruiting (30%)

• Schedule, update, and cancel appointments with participant in the research study using independent judgement.
• Directly correspond with participants by sending email and regular mail as necessary, including sending attachments with information regarding appointment and directions.

Quality Control Review Participation (10%)

• Meet in person with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigator, Project Coordinator, and Lead Recruiter to evaluate interview validity and reliability and implement feedback as required by MCTFR quality standards.
• Ensure that components of the project are completed in an ethically, scientifically, rigorous and timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in psychology or child psychology and at least two (2) years of professional experience; or a combination of related education and experience equal to six (6) years.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting involving such work as participant recruitment, telephone screening, obtaining informed consent, or similar
• Must be able to work on some evenings and weekends with the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• Must be available in person for meetings and training at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience conducting structured clinical interviews and/or neuropsychological tests. Note that extensive training will be provided in all assessments, even if applicants have prior experience.
• Availability over the next two years.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail to work independently and ensure accuracy.

Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research Overview

The MTR and SIBS studies are embedded within the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) in the Department of Psychology. The MCTFR seeks to identify environmental and genetic influences on psychological traits and includes studies of twins, adoptees, and biologically related adolescent siblings. MCTFR participants are involved in a variety of projects including: assessment of psychopathology, neuropsychological function, social adjustment, psychophysiology and collection of DNA samples.

Department Overview

This appointment will run through the Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota, which has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of successful development across the lifespan. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments in the United States studying children's development. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary for this position is $20.38 per hour. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).