Research Associate I - NIH (Psychological Science)

Role Overview

This position is for a Research Associate I supporting the Behavioral Health Lab in the Department of Psychological Science. The role works under the guidance of Laura Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP and Joseph Hovey, Ph.D., and focuses on assisting the research team with an NIH-funded clinical trial.

About the Study

The project examines two behavioral treatments for dental fear in children: One Session Treatment for Dental Phobia in Children (OSTD) and RELAX, a psychoeducation and progressive muscle relaxation approach. Study participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. The target group consists of children and adolescents between 7 and 16 years old who meet criteria for a specific phobia diagnosis.

Core Duties

• Support participant recruitment, screening, and retention efforts.
• Arrange study appointments and visits.
• Carry out study assessments and procedures in line with protocol requirements.
• Help interventionists during treatment sessions.
• Enter, manage, and monitor study data in research databases.
• Handle participant payment distribution and related documentation.
• Set up, maintain, and track research equipment and supplies.
• Keep an inventory of research materials.
• Help prepare reports and summaries of research findings.
• Follow all applicable state and university policies.
• Perform additional related tasks as needed.

Supervision and Team Support

The role reports to the assigned supervisor and may include limited project responsibilities aligned with objectives, policies, and applicable laws. It also involves guiding student employees when required.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required. A master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline is preferred. No minimum prior experience is required, though experience with diagnostic interviews, clinical trials, or behavioral research involving human participants is preferred. Bilingual ability in English and Spanish is also preferred.

Tools and Work Setting

Applicants should be comfortable using a personal computer, Microsoft Office, and institutional software systems. The work takes place in an office/research environment, and because UTRGV is a distributed institution, the role may require presence at multiple locations across the Rio Grande Valley. Evening or weekend work may be needed depending on the appointment schedule.

Additional Information

This is a grant-funded full-time role with an FTE of 1 and non-exempt status. The selected candidate is expected to be available for multiple years, and annual continuation depends on funding availability. The role is currently projected to start in Summer 2026, subject to budget approval. The grant is scheduled to expire on 12/31/2031. A criminal background check is required for all employees. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Any substitution for the stated requirements must be approved in advance by the Vice President of Human Resources. The university may stop accepting applications before the listed close date once the minimum posting period of three calendar days has been satisfied. Working location may change based on institutional needs.

Equal Opportunity Notice

The university maintains a non-discrimination policy and welcomes applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should omit confidential information from submitted documents, including date of birth, gender, and ethnicity/race. Questions are directed to the institution’s careers site for contact details.