Job Summary:

The Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders is a Research and Clinical Translational Program within the Department of Psychiatry at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.  We are seeking a strong applicant for a clinical research associate focusing specifically on management of NIH, Foundation and donor funded projects.  Studies involve observational trials (optimizing the medication management of pregnant women with mood disorders across pregnancy and after birth), randomized clinical trials (prevention of preeclampsia with pravastatin) and novel neurobiological diagnostic assessments to evaluate patients with treatment refractory depression for inborn errors in metabolism. This is a full-time position for an individual interested in leading a team of research coordinators and assistants who contribute to patient-centered research projects that focus on improving mental health, particularly in pregnant women and individuals with mood disorders.  Other job duties include participating in the analysis and scientific writing of data collected in recently completed research studies.  The CRA will actively participate in funded studies in order to gain expertise in different aspects of project management, development, grant writing, study implementation, intervention delivery and supervision, data analyses, and manuscript writing. 

**Please note: The studies involve monitoring for deliveries within our pregnant population and collaborating with obstetrics and anesthesiology personnel to ensure the collection of biological specimens at the time of delivery.  This usually involves telephone contact but may involve the need to attend the delivery, which may occur well outside of regular business hours.  The CRA will supervise an on-call schedule with the RC/RA team members. 

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Participates in the planning, conduct, and training of research studies. 
• Reviews project & protocol & recommends strategies to expedite study. 
• Recruits & retains participants.
• Obtains informed consent.
• Administers tests &/or questionnaires following protocols.
• Monitors & maintains systems for effective participant and data flow for studies. 
• Creates new datasets and participant registries for data collection

Administration

• Develops protocols and communications for the IRB
• Manages study databases which may include ensuring that data is collected & entered correctly in collaboration with the data management team.
• Reviews & analyzes data in collaboration with the statistical team.
• Creates computer models, graphs, reports & summaries for use in publications, professional journals, & grant applications.
• Creates slide presentations and posters for scientific lectures 
• Writes portions of grant applications.
• Contributes to writing of scientific manuscripts.
• Maintain recruitment website and review any email inquiries.
• Supervise social media accounts.
• Develop digital advertising plans to aid in recruitment and outreach.
• Identify and work closely with external vendors to develop study marketing and non-traditional recruitment initiatives.
• Collaborate with officers overseeing IND- regulated protocols

Finance

• Process payments for research participants per study protocol. 
• Work closely with the PI and other Investigators and Staff at all subcontracting institutions, and appropriate NU financial and contracts personnel to oversee budgets and subcontracts; coordinate with the NU Contracts Manager and Financial Administrator to monitor the contracts and Task Orders in accordance with federal guidelines; manage any consultant agreements
• Work with university and hospital general counsel on a variety of legal issues including: licensing agreements; contracting (approved vendor contracts, etc.); data use and sharing agreements.

Supervision

• Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior research staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as biology, chemistry or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 4 years' research study or other relevant experience required.
• Hold an advanced qualification, including RN or MS or MA or MD (including non-licensed).

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong work ethic and a commitment to being an engaged team member.
• Strong skill set and interest in contributing to the writing of scientific reports and manuscripts.
• Skilled in biostatistics/strong data analysis skills (e.g., SPSS, SAS, or R).
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous training and experience running/managing clinical trials.
• Previous experience delivering mental health-related programs or interventions.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to supervise others in delivery of health-related interventions within the research studies.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.