Position Overview
This position supports research conducted at the Institute of Child Development. Dr. Megan Gunnar holds a grant to support work within a multisite research project across the United States enrolling 6,000 participants. Minnesota is one of many research sites. The goal of this study is to establish the normal ranges for measures of a number of physiological systems that are activated when young children experience stress. This information will be used to create a new screening test to help physicians know when their patients are experiencing chronic excessive physiological stress activation. We are seeking someone with knowledge of child development theory and research who has sufficient laboratory and engagement with young children experience to be able to recruit families into participant testing and collect data for the project. Responsibilities for this position include contacting families, describing the research, scheduling appointments and sending reminders, tracking data, obtaining informed consent, administering behavioral tasks and questionnaires, collecting biological samples and growth measurements of child participants under 6 years of age, and assisting other lab staff in research tasks.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. To accommodate the needs of participating families, a portion of the work may occur in the mornings, afternoon, evenings, and on weekends. Portions of the work may be conducted remotely, using Zoom and/or phone calling at times convenient for participants and some data collection appointments will occur at local community sites in addition to on campus. This position also requires out-of-state travel up to a maximum of 5 times per year, lasting 4-10 days per trip for research collection at partner early learning centers. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The target start date of this position is July 1, 2024.

Job Responsibilities

Data Collection with participants (60%)

* Complete required ethics training for research with human subjects and study procedural trainings
* Obtain informed consent from parent participants with their young children
* Assist participants in completing electronic questionnaires using REDCap software and attention/behavioral iPad assessments
* Collect, label, securely store, and ship biospecimen samples from child participants (saliva, hair, cheek swabs)
* Collect current growth measurements (height, weight, head circumference) and body temperature from child participants
* Work a flexible mix of early morning, afternoon, early evening, and weekend shifts as scheduled to test participants and accommodate their needs
* Occasionally travel to local (within ~15 miles of the Institute of Child Development) community sites for recruitment and testing participants

Data Management (10%)

* Use computer software programs including Microsoft Office, REDCap, University Box, and Adobe Acrobat to manage documentation and track study progress
* Enter data forms into REDCap with accuracy
* Maintain participant tracking files and electronic data, adhering to participant privacy and confidentiality as well as data security procedures and requirements

General Laboratory Support & Research Administration (10%)

* Understand the research and participant recruitment process and comprehend the value and importance of gathering, organizing, and maintaining confidential and valid, high-quality data
* Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants in research procedures and ethics; monitor research hours
* Maintain and inventory study supplies and materials; submit purchasing requests
* Coordinate lab and project meetings among study personnel
* Take notes at research meetings and track agenda items
* Assist the lab in conducting internal audits of IRB materials and research data collection on multiple projects
* Coordinate with other partner university teams regarding scheduling and logistics for out-of-state data collection visits at early learning centers
* Communicate effectively with the Research Manager and Principal Investigator on a regular basis regarding recruitment, scheduling, data collection, and any or all issues related to job responsibilities

Participant Recruitment (10%)

* Conduct telephone and/or recruitment of child participants by calling/contacting families on research registries
that have indicated an interest in participating in this or other research projects ("warm calling")
* Screen confidential health information for assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria to assess study eligibility
* Develop rapport with children and families to ensure a positive research experience
* Draft correspondence and send participant emails and/or mailing packets
* Schedule, update, send reminders, and cancel appointments with families participating in the research study using multiple online calendar and room reservation systems
* Organize and track study files (electronically and by paper) including participant appointment information, calling log, and files to be sent to family such as welcome letter and directions

Research collection out-of-state (10%)

* Out-of-state travel up to a maximum of 5 times per year, lasting 4-10 days per trip for research collection at
partner early learning centers

Required Qualifications

* BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
* Availability for flexible scheduling of morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours, plus week-long travel out-of-state up to a maximum of 5 times per year
* Prior experience working with populations of young children and parents

Preferred Qualifications

* Coursework in child psychology, psychology, educational psychology, social work, or family social science
* At least one-year behavioral/clinical research experience with child participants under the age of 6
* Experience conducting informed consent processes
* Ability to manage multiple tasks on a daily basis
* Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including high attention to detail and research
protocol adherence
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, including communication with study faculty, junior and
senior research staff, organizations serving diverse communities, and individual parents and young children
* Comfort with standard computer resources, including email, web searching, document and spreadsheet
software, PDF files, and web-based calendars
* Experience using iPads, Zoom, REDCap, MEFS or other assessments using technology, and University Box
software platforms
* Prior experience with phone recruitment of research participants
* Ability to commit to at least 1 year in this position
* Spanish fluency or proficiency

Department Overview:
The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education
and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview:
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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