University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

NICC Research Coordinator

The Neuroimaging and Cognitive Core (https://www.med.upenn.edu/bbl/bbl-cnb.html) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Brain Behavior Laboratory aims to facilitate cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience through use of the Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (CNB) and neuroimaging. NICC serves researchers in medicine, psychiatry, engineering, computer science, physics and biostatistics, all around the world by offering a variety of services from online cognitive testing using the CNB tool, clinical and self-report assessments using customized surveys in REDCap and Neuroimaging data acquisition support.

The NICC Research Coordinator will provide support for collecting, managing and analyzing data within the lab of Drs. Ruben and Raquel Gur. Our goal is to delineate normal brain maturation and understand how abnormalities of development give rise to psychiatric symptoms. To do this, we leverage advanced multi-modal neuroimaging.

Job Description

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765 the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.  http://www.med.upenn.edu/.   

NICC Research Coordinator

We are seeking a full-time NICC Research Coordinator to join our team immediately. This position offers a highly interdisciplinary research experience, combining approaches from cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, and psychiatry with neuroimaging. Primary responsibilities include the administration of standardized cognitive and clinical research assessments; performing standardized training for service center clients and collaborators; recruiting, consenting, and preparing participants for MRI scanning; MRI data acquisition and quality assessment.  

Other duties include maintaining updated documentation for variety of research protocols; managing all Institutional Review Board (IRB)-related activities pertaining to NICC including Data use Agreements/ MTA’s; assisting in answering client questions about services and tools; and performing regular audits and quality assurance using internal databases. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented and can trouble-shoot independently while recognizing when to ask questions. The ideal candidate will feel comfortable with and be skilled at working with diverse patient samples. There will also be opportunities to gain research experience in additional areas, including data analysis, scientific planning and manuscript preparation with the project investigators.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to biology, neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, or clinical research and 1-2 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.  Master's Degree preferred.       

Skills and Competencies:

• The ideal candidate would be familiar with Microsoft Office including Excel, as well as Zoom, IRB software, EPIC EMRs, VELOS research EMRs, REDCap/Qualtrics questionnaire software or demonstrate appropriate computer technical skills and the ability to be trained in such software.
• Develops effective written communications and uses them appropriately.
• Interacts and proactively shares information with internal and external contacts where appropriate.
• Develops effective relationships with the team and clients.
• Effectively manages own time and resources.
• Can be relied upon to ensure that activities within areas of specific responsibility are completed in a timely manner and within budget.
• The ability to conduct at least limited statistical analyses in Excel or statistical software would be advantageous.
• Background check is required. Must pass Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Act (also known as Act 73) background checks, within 30-90 days of employment. Position contingent on funding.

Working Conditions

Office, Library, Computer Room; MRI scanner; Requires extensive safety training

Physical Effort

Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$36,401.00 - $65,521.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.