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The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a Specialist at the Assistant rank in the field of assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disability research.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with assessment of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. David Hessl and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in outcome measure development and treatment response in people with neurodevelopmental disabilities, especially intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position is to assist the coordination an NICHD-funded multi-center study, “A Cognitive Test Battery for Intellectual Disabilities”. The Aims of the study include the development and validation of novel computer-based cognitive tests for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), including Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, autism, and other cases of IDDs. In addition to collection of various measures over time (longitudinal study), the project includes a clinical trial focused on determining the degree to which the cognitive tests are sensitive to a medication that improves attention. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the Clinical Research Coordinator and PI in the development and execution of the research project; management of participant recruitment and eligibility determinations at the UC Davis site; data collection and organization; creation and maintenance of IRB documents; support communications with various agendas and ensure compliance with requirements; data entry in the REDCap data system; administer cognitive tests, under supervision, to the above reference participants.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% Effort)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities. Specific duties include: Receive training and later administer cognitive tests to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities; screening, enrollment, recruitment and consent of research participants; data entry and data curation; attendance at regular site and study-wide meetings; mentoring from PI on scientific writing and authorship opportunities; training on data analysis if desired; experience with and training use of REDCap data management systems; ongoing collaboration with other staff members, postdoc, and other site PIs and staff

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
4. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/ or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for A Cognitive Test Battery for Intellectual Disabilities project conducted by PIs in the laboratory and/or department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% Effort)

1. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
2. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% Effort)

1. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
2. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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