Research Associate with focus on psychedelic and affective science

Position description:

Research Associates have the opportunity to work on all aspects of the research process, from design to dissemination. Research duties include, but are not limited to: collecting data; managing research projects in the lab; creating protocols and stimuli; administering experiments; recruiting participants; managing research assistants; organizing lab meetings; conducting literature searches; coding and analyzing data; assisting with manuscript editing and preparation; and preparing conference presentations. They are also likely to be a co-author on manuscripts submitted for publication. Some of the research associate’s time may also go to administrative tasks that are not always directly tied to research.

This position is intended to be a time-limited position that aims to advance the research associate’s skills, knowledge, and career prospects, so as to enable admission to graduate programs or other more advanced scientific study.

Current research at the center focuses on psychedelics, MDMA assisted-therapy, social anxiety, shame, compassion, belongingness, social signaling functions of emotion, racial affect among White people, processes of change in psychotherapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. A large portion of the research associate’s time is spent supporting an ongoing randomized trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder in collaboration with the Oregon Research Institute Center for Evaluation Studies.

Responsibilities:

Technical

  • Recruits study participants
  • Reviews and obtains informed consent
  • Schedules study visits with participants
  • Conducts interviews and assessments
  • Scores test results
  • Collects survey data
  • Reviews medical records
  • Manages longitudinal data tracking
  • Consults with clinical staff to coordinate research
  • Maintains databases
  • Data entry
  • Assists in manuscript editing and preparation
  • Writes lay summaries and blog posts related to lab research
  • Performs scientific literature searches in support of research
  • Obtains articles and references for investigators
  • Update reference databases using reference management software
  • Trains research assistants on study protocols

Administration

  • Maintains and follows standard operating procedures
  • Assists in maintenance of lab webpages and online recruitment forms
  • Assists in maintenance of lab-related social media
  • Assists in recruiting, managing, and training volunteer research assistants
  • Assists in administering internal grant program
  • Manages participant scheduling
  • Community outreach/marketing
  • Purchasing equipment and supplies
  • Hardware/software maintenance
  • Managing human subject protocols
  • Coordinating events and meetings 
  • Attending lab meetings 
  • Assists in event management 
  • Assists in public relations pertaining to research
  • Assists in maintaining security of organization and lab

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or higher degree in a major such as psychology or related social/health science; OR appropriate combination of education and experience
  • Minimum one year of research experience
  • Communicates effectively, electronically, in-person, one-to-one and in groups
  • Plans, organizes, and schedules in an efficient and productive manner
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software
  • Effective time management skills
  • Basic clinical interviewing experience
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience programming REDCap
  • Previous experience in a clinical research environment.
  • Previous experience conducting assessments of psychological functioning
  • Ability to have flexible hours to accommodate participants
  • Previous work or education involving clinical psychology, counseling, clinical social work, or related field or experience
  • Training in statistical analysis and basic proficiency with statistical analysis software (R, SPSS, Stata, etc.)
  • Knowledge of FDA and federal regulatory compliance

For more information about the lab: https://portlandpsychotherapytraining.com/research-lab-at-portland-psychotherapy/

Our publications can be viewed here: https://www.portlandpsychotherapytraining.com/publications-by-scientists-at-portland-psychotherapy

We are looking to fill both full and part time positions. Full-time positions (i.e., 40 hours per week) that comes with a full benefits package. The schedule is reasonably flexible, and requires daytime hours and occasional evening/weekend availability. The review of applications is ongoing until hire is made. This is a temporary position that typically lasts two years and can be extended depending upon funding and staffing needs. Portland Psychotherapy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an affirming and inclusive environment for all employees. Persons from historically disadvantaged populations including gender, sexual, and racial minorities are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/UrWR2RR5id and then send a cover letter and CV as indicated at the end of the form. If you are selected, you will also be asked to submit information from three references.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule (some in-person work is required)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Employee retirement plan with 3% match
  • Life and long-term disability insurance
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Stipend for professional education
  • Supervision toward licensure
  • Dedicated stipend for training related to anti-racist practice, diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Free attendance of any of our many workshops and classes we offer through our continuing education and internal training programs
  • Ability to bring your well-behaved animal companion to work

About Portland Psychotherapy:

Portland Psychotherapy is based on a social enterprise model that attempts to contribute to the social good in four areas:

  1. Our local community– through providing clinical services (including a reduced fee), psychotherapy training and workshops, supervision of trainees, and support for local therapists
  2. The wider community– through contributing to scientific research and scholarship, dissemination of innovations, and participation in national and international organizations
  3. Employees– providing an excellent place to work with high quality of life for employees
  4. The natural environment– through managing our environmental footprint in sustainable ways that minimize our negative impact on the planet

All profits generated at Portland Psychotherapy are used to fund our local and wider community social good efforts. These funds are what support all the research our center conducts including dedicated salary support for doctoral researchers, research associates, or trainees involved in research. Our funding structure protects Portland Psychotherapy from the vicissitudes of grant funding and allows us to focus on furthering science rather than chasing grants. This also allows our clinicians to operate in a true scientist-practitioner model through opportunities to both contribute to and benefit from research conducted in the center. More information about our unique business model can be found here. A listing of our scientific publications can be found here.

Portland Psychotherapy has local, national, and international reputation as being leading center for evidence-based therapy, especially acceptance and commitment therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, training, and research. Our center is housed in a beautifully restored 1889 Victorian home in the vibrant N. Williams corridor area of Portland which provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for clients and staff alike. For more information about our building please see our website.

What Makes Us Unique

Portland Psychotherapy is a clinic, research & training center with a unique business model that funds scientific research. This results in a team of therapists who are exceptionally well-trained and knowledgeable about their areas of specialty.