Senior Research Specialist - Social Sciences

Job Summary: The Department of Psychiatry is seeking a Senior Research Specialist– Social Sciences. The main purpose of this position is to oversee data entry and collection and analyze trends according to established research protocols on subjects, who are youth in care of the state of Illinois, in need of psychopharmacological intervention. The research results help to provide improved clinical care, oversight, and influence policy.

In addition, this position will troubleshoot data related problems with prescribing clinicians, mental healthcare providers, and social service professionals while providing education on up-to-date research based psychopharmacological practices in order to promote safe, effective, and best practice standards for the use of psychopharmacology in our subjects. This position will develop reports to provide feedback in the field to improve data submission.

This position will train all new research staff on the protocols and procedures associated with data entry and collection for the research study.

With guidance, training, and supervision from the Associate Director of Mental Health Policy, Behavioral Health, & Welfare Program, the Research Specialist – Social Sciences will be expected to fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop objectives and design of research and data collection procedures. Conceptualize, initiate and execute research goals for project.
• Conduct and coordinate advanced research studies. Analyze and interpret data and results and refine study design.
• Develop and write advanced study protocols.
• Evaluate current developments and research findings to determine their potential applicability to research projects.
• Replicate, refine and add/develop new research approaches based on project needs. Advise on new direction for research based on study results.
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis and implement changes as needed.
• Prepare, organize and communicate research results. Write papers, grants, and other documents for publication based on research findings.
• Author and co-author articles for publication and present at scientific symposia and conferences.
• May act as supervisor or team lead in directing and coordinating the work of lower-level staff. Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
• Provide support through data analysis. Identify concerning trends or errors in data entry, notify research supervisors in order to develop and implement proper guidelines to promote quality assurance.
• Develop reports that provide feedback to the prescribers and facilities to improve the quality of the data submitted.
• Oversee assigned projects and help to prioritize work. Train and develop staff to effectively and efficiently perform research-oriented tasks. Educate the field on program changes related to evidence-based research.
• Develop processes to make sure things run efficiently. Implement new and necessary procedures and technologies to help achieve programs main goals. Work with the IT Technical Associate as a technical liaison for the team responsible for communicating team needs for changes impacting the database application. Analyzes and interprets data and results.
• Autonomously use professional judgment and discretion needed when gathering complex information on each subject and working with DCFS and Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).
• Collaborates with Registered Nurses and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists regarding research protocols facilitating a communication bridge between the different roles on the study team.
• Collaborate with community-based stakeholders, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and Faculty supervisor on research processes and effective data collection.

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed by employees within…