RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science

Job Description

This position provides research and administrative support for a research study led by Dr. Timothy Trull that examines patterns of alcohol use during the transition to legal drinking age. The study uses smartphone-based data collection, ecological momentary assessments, and portable breathalyzer readings to gather real-time behavioral data.

This position will assist with participant recruitment and coordination, support data collection and management, process participant payments, and help ensure adherence to research protocols and compliance standards. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with study participants and team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and tracking. Maintain communication with potential and enrolled participants, screen individuals for eligibility, coordinate study visits and reminders, and ensure participant confidentiality and adherence to study protocols.
• Support data collection and management. Prepare study materials, distribute surveys through mobile platforms, collect and enter data, perform basic data checks, and flag irregularities for review by senior research staff.
• Assist with participant payments and documentation. Track compensation, prepare payment requests, and ensure records are complete and compliant with university policy.
• Provide routine study updates. Compile weekly recruitment and data tracking reports, and communicate participant compliance and project status to the project manager and principal investigator.
• General laboratory and research support. Maintain research files, order supplies, and assist other project staff with day-to-day operations as needed.

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Experience working on research projects and/or recruitment is preferred

Anticipated Hiring Range: $17.05-23.37 per hour
Grade: GGS 007
University Title: Research Specialist I
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

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.