Open Research Assistant and Post-Doc Positions at the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center

Clinical Research Assistant Position

Note: We are actively trying to increase the diversity and representativeness of the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center and the people it serves. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and/or who speak Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PEDIATRIC ANXIETY RESEARCH CENTER 

The Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC; located in Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI and affiliated with Brown Medical School) is an integrated research and clinical program nationally recognized in pediatric OCD and anxiety. PARC encompasses research projects, outpatient services, and an Intensive Treatment Program for OCD. PARC has continually received research funding since 1999 for treatment outcome, implementation, and comparative effectiveness research. Current PARC research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative treatment models for youth with OCD and anxiety; improving quality and outcomes in exposure therapy for OCD and anxiety; innovative training models for providers in the community delivering evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety; testing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for adolescents with OCD; examining the relationship between sleep and treatment for anxiety and OCD; and training parents to support exposure practice as part of exposure therapy.

OPEN POSITIONS 

PARC is looking for 2 full-time clinical research assistants to support a federally-funded research study testing TMS as an augmentation strategy for Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for teens and young adults with OCD. Positions include a combination of research and clinical assessment components.  Commitment to at least two years in a position is preferred. This is primarily an in-person position with some limited flexibility for working from home. The position requires relocation/ ability to commute to Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI. 


RESEARCH DUTIES 

Research duties will include:

  • Data entry, management and analysis 
  • Recruiting, scheduling, and consenting research participants
  • Coding ERP therapy tapes using a microanalytic coding system
  • Preparing submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Drafting study progress reports for funders
  • Participation in multidisciplinary discussions regarding research design and implementation

 

CLINICAL DUTIES 

Clinical responsibilities will include: 

  • Screening research participants
  • Administering rating scales
  • Administering diagnostic interviews to study participants


OTHER 

Mentorship from psychologists/psychiatrists and opportunities to participate and assist with academic tasks (e.g. poster presentations, writing scientific articles for publication, and grant submissions) are provided. A strong academic record is important and past research experience is desirable. 


QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Baccalaureate Degree in a Human Service field preferably in psychology, human biology, neuroscience, or related fields. 
  • A career interest in clinical psychology or related field. 
  • Excellent computer and communication (verbal and written) skills. 
  • Past research project experience (preferred)
  • Past data management experience (preferred)
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. 
  • The ability to work well with children and parents. 
  • A willingness to tackle complex tasks in an independent manner. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and two written recommendations (sent directly by your recommenders) to Marika Marklin at parc.impact@gmail.com no later than July 1, 2023. We will review applications as they are received and contact applicants to extend interview invitations. Please address application materials to Kristen Benito, PhD.

Lifespan is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetics, military service or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Postdoctoral Fellow Position

Note: We are actively trying to increase the diversity and representativeness of the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center and the people it serves. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and/or who speak Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PEDIATRIC ANXIETY RESEARCH CENTER 

The Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC; located in Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI and affiliated with Brown Medical School) is an integrated research and clinical program nationally recognized in pediatric OCD and anxiety. PARC encompasses research projects, outpatient services, and an Intensive Treatment Program for OCD. PARC has continually received research funding since 1999 for treatment outcome, implementation, and comparative effectiveness research. Current PARC research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative treatment models for youth with OCD and anxiety; improving quality and outcomes in exposure therapy for OCD and anxiety; innovative training models for providers in the community delivering evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety; testing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for adolescents with OCD; examining the relationship between sleep and treatment for anxiety and OCD; and training parents to support exposure practice as part of exposure therapy.

OPEN POSITIONS 

PARC is looking for a full-time postdoctoral fellow to support a federally-funded research study testing TMS as an augmentation strategy for Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for teens and young adults (age 12-21) with OCD. The position will be part of the Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Consortium’s Research Fellowship Program (https://clinical-psychology.med.brown.edu/postdoctoral-fellowship/fellowship-applicants/rfp-applicants) and includes a combination of research (75%), clinical (15%), and didactic training components (10%). Commitment to two years in the position is preferred. This is primarily an in-person position with some limited flexibility for working from home. The position requires relocation/ ability to commute to Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI. 

 

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 

Research activities will include:

  • Daily provision of ERP treatment (average caseload 1-2 patients) for TMS study
  • Some TMS study coordination (e.g., coordination with investigators at other sites, supervision of research assistants)
  • Participation in regular TMS study project meetings
  • Opportunity for involvement in TMS or neuroimaging procedures, depending on interest
  • Provision of clinical study assessments for other PARC trials
  • Independent research time (20%)
  • Involvement in other federally-funded PARC projects, depending on interest
  • Contributing to PARC papers and/or presentations

 

CLINICAL ACTIVITIES 

Clinical activities will provide sufficient hours for clinical psychology licensure in RI, and will include: 

  • Assessment and treatment in PARC’s outpatient program for youth with anxiety/OCD
  • Assessment and team-based treatment in PARC’s Partial Hospital Program youth with severe and/or refractory anxiety/OCD


MENTORSHIP/SUPERVISION 

The fellow will receive weekly research mentorship, weekly clinical supervision, and additional project-related supervision (e.g., for ERP, assessment, or other research activities as relevant). Opportunities will be provided for collaboration on academic papers, presentations, and/or research grants depending on interest. Additional opportunities for mentorship are also available (e.g., through Brown’s Diversity Mentoring Program). The fellow will also receive didactic training related to clinical ethics, grant writing, academic grand rounds, and other postdoctoral seminars. 


QUALIFICATIONS

  • A doctoral degree in clinical psychology or closely related field. 
  • Past experience delivering exposure therapy, preferably with youth
  • Past research project experience (preferred)
  • Past data management experience (preferred)
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and two written recommendations (sent directly by your recommenders) to Marika Marklin at parc.impact@gmail.comno later than July 1, 2023. We will review applications as they are received and contact applicants to extend interview invitations. Please address application materials to Kristen Benito, PhD.