Research Coordinator for Mindfulness-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy study

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

The successful candidate for this Research Coordinator I position will be a dynamic, motivated, highly organized individual who is certified in phlebotomy (or prepared to become certified) and interested in clinical behavioral research. This role will be responsible for recruitment, participant tracking, and data collection and management for the Mindfulness-assisted Psychedelic Therapy study, an interventional research study assessing the psychological and physiological impact of psilocybin assisted therapy with vs. without mindfulness training. In addition to clinical research experience and aptitude, enthusiasm for working in the domain of meditation and psychedelic therapy intervention is a high priority. Core responsibilities include working to recruit participants to a research study involving psilocybin, a Schedule I drug and investigational medication; running study sessions; collecting participant data; maintaining records so that all projects are compliant with institutional policies; analyzing EEG data; and communicating with physicians, scientists, and other staff about study activities. This research coordinator will report to the Principal Investigator and receive day-to-day supervision from the Research Coordinator II.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with patients, physicians, and researchers. This person will regularly review responses to the eligibility survey on the study website to identify potentially eligible participants.  The candidate should be comfortable interviewing participants and compassionate for the medical problems that the participants may be encountering.  This person will participate in consenting research subjects to an interventional trial involving an investigational medication and will work with the investigators to ensure that all proper training is received, and all institutional regulatory protocols are followed.  It is expected that the candidate will have a clear understanding of the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study for which they are obtaining informed consent.  This person will be involved in running study sessions and completing day-to-day study activities, collecting participant data and biological specimens, administering computerized cognitive tests, obtaining EEG recordings, and analyzing EEG data.  Strong computer skills are required; familiarity with data analysis and some experience with coding is preferred.  Participant confidentially must be strictly protected at all times.

The Research Coordinator I will assist the study physician and study therapists to complete sessions related to preparation, ingestion, and follow-up of the investigational drug, and will assist the study therapists with monitoring attendance at group study sessions (mindfulness training).  The candidate must have excellent attention to detail to ensure that study data is collected at the appropriate time according to study SOPs.

The candidate must be able to manage biological specimen collection (blood, urine) following the approved IRB protocols and SOPs.  A California phlebotomy license (Certified Phlebotomy Technician I) is desired, but training may be provided for the right candidate.  The candidate will be expected to collect blood samples according to study SOPs.  All specimens received must be correctly logged using study numbers. This individual is responsible for coordinating timely receipt of blood specimens by lab members to ensure success of the study objectives.  Individuals from those labs will assist in this endeavor, but the research coordinator must manage the coordination of these specimens as they pertain to the study.

This person will ensure that study enrollment data is up to date in the study database and will assist the Research Coordinator II with preparing enrollment logs, tracking participants, and following up with participants regarding scheduled sessions. As time allows, engaging in preprocessing and preliminary analysis of data and writing up of the results will be a part of this position as well.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Experience: 1 year

Minimum Field of Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in a health sciences or mental health field or related experience. One year of experience working in clinical or behavioral research required.  California phlebotomy license (Certified Phlebotomy Technician I), completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health, and passing of a national certification examination approved by the California Department of Public Health for phlebotomy certification is desired, but training may be provided for the right candidate. Must be willing to collect blood samples and other biological specimens from research participants.  English language proficiency. Will be required to complete human subjects research training if not already completed. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Excellent record keeping skills.  Facile with computer data entry. Able to walk between our various clinical sites on the same campus, perhaps 2-3 miles per day. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of medical environment and terminology. Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional research regulations as well as Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and HIPAA regulations is helpful; training on these topics will be provided. Proficient with MS Office applications. Problem solving skills to successfully recruit subjects. Ability to multi-task. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience: 1-3 years

Supervises: No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicant Attachments (Required): Résumé & Cover Letter

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.62 - $35.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational consideration.

The University of Southern California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Individuals of any gender, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Administrative or research experience. Working knowledge of MS Office applications. Demonstrated effective communication and writing skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.