Senior Research Specialist - Health Neuroscience Center

University of Missouri-Columbia
parental leave, paid time off
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Mar 04, 2026
Hiring Department Health Neuroscience Center - Department of Psychiatry Job Description The Health Neuroscience Center (HNC) seeks a Senior Research Specialist to support interdisciplinary research focused on addiction neuroscience. We are seeking a candidate with a background in project coordination, data collection and management, and human subjects research. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and collaborative. Experience in behavioral or clinical research, neuroscience, psychology, or data-driven research environments is preferred. About the Health Neuroscience Center The HNC is organized around using cognitive and affective neuroscience methods to investigate the pathophysiology of drug addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders. Each research project is conducted using human subjects and leverages a broad array of techniques, including brain imaging (fMRI), non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), lab-based behavioral measures, and remote behavioral monitoring and assessments. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Provide daily coordination and operational oversight of research activities as delegated by PI in the Health Neuroscience Center, including the coordination of research workflows to ensure efficient study operations, timeline adherence, and alignment with approved protocols. * Manage operations to support continuity of research activities and effective use of personnel and resources. * Design & lead the execution of recruitment strategies to identify and enroll specialized populations of individuals with nicotine addiction to ensure adherence to study timelines under the guidance of the principal investigator. * Utilize existing database of potential research subjects and design new recruitment strategies. * Assist with the collection of neuroimaging (fMRI) and clinical data, including participant preparation, protocol adherence, and coordination with imaging staff. * Implement and monitor research-specific quality control procedures across studies, including data cleaning & quality checks and workflow procedure documentation based on best practice. * Assist with maintenance of study documentation, including regulatory binders, consent forms, and protocol-related materials, in compliance with institutional, IRB, and sponsor requirements. * Assist with administrative tasks as required such as interfacing with department research administration team to review/monitor study budget and coordinate needed lab purchases, other tasks as assigned. * Coordinate study visits, collect research data from human subjects. * Collaborate with team members through lab meetings & journal club, engage in training and professional development opportunities. * Assist in the advancement new research directives. * Other duties as assigned. Shift Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate research participants. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field. Human Subjects & Clinical Trial Certification through CITI is desired. Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $52,915.20 - $55,000.00 annually Grade: GGS - 9E University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST SR Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. Application Materials In addition to the Online Application, please provide a Resume/CV. Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.