Research Specialist

Position Definition:

This position is for a Research Specialist for performing and supervising comprehensive clinical assessment, including diagnostic interviews for study inclusion/exclusion, symptom-based interviews, and/or cognitive assessments for research studies on schizophrenia and psychosis risk, with a focus on working with youth at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts comprehensive clinical research assessments for clinical and neuroimaging research studies of youth at risk for psychosis


• Writes summary vignettes, participate in diagnostic consensus meetings, share feedback and recommendations with patients, families, and referring providers


• Collaborates with project coordinator, principal investigator on aspects of research study management (e.g., determination of participant eligibility, coordination of follow-up assessments)


• May also supervise clinical assessments of psychology trainees or research staff

Job Requirements:

• Possession of a masters or doctoral level degree in psychology or related field


• Experience with administering psychiatric diagnostic interviews (e.g., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes, SIPS)


• Prefer ability to work evening and/or weekend schedules when necessary due to participant availability


• Familiarity working with standard software programs for research (e.g., MS word, Excel, Power Point)


• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Prefer prior experience conducting research with patients and collaborating with
  health service providers


• Prefer prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with mental health problems, particularly serious mental health conditions such as psychosis.


• Able to work well with others including the principal investigator and other research colleagues, study staff, medical students, residents and post-doctoral fellows

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law.  The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base salary range for this position is $81,203.20 - $170,227.20 per year. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation’s Veterans.