Psych Scoop, 7/9/19
July 9th, 2019
The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni every Tuesday throughout the academic school year. Share your news with psyadvis@umn.edu!
Research
1. *Credit or Volunteer* Research on Longitudinal Study of Resilience in Military Service Members RA Position
The Readiness and Resilience in National Guard Soldiers (RINGS) research lab, under the direction of Drs. Melissa Polusny and Drs. Christopher Erbes at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, is looking for research assistants! The current longitudinal study examines processes contributing to resilience in military personnel. Research assistants who join the RINGS lab will receive extensive training and gain hands-on experience conducting a large cohort study that utilizes evidence-based longitudinal tracking and survey methods. Duties include recruiting soldiers to participate and collecting baseline data at National Guard armories on Saturdays/Sundays, conducting participant outreach and follow-up calls, conducting eligibility screenings for lab visits, data entry, attending lab meetings, and assisting lab technicians with lab visits. In collaboration with Drs. Scott Sponheim, Nick Davenport, and Shmuel Lissek (co-investigators on this project), research assistants may also gain experience with the collection of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in conjunction with cognitive tests, interview-based assessments of symptoms, and questionnaires. This is a volunteer position and requires an 8-10 hour per week commitment. Students can receive research credit for the course PSY 4993. Preference will be given to students who are available in the summer and fall, and those able to make a multiple-semester commitment. Start date is June 2019. Successful candidates must have a valid SSN (required to work on-site at the VA). Those with experience working with veterans or the military may be given priority. To apply, send an email with “RINGS RA Position” in the subject line to the project coordinator, Shelly Hubbling at michelle.hubbling@va.gov. Include your name, email, class year, and reasons for applying in the body of email, and attach your resume/CV and copies of your unofficial transcripts. For more information about the study, please visit the ARMOR Project website.
2. *Credit or Volunteer* Cognitive Development and Neuroimaging Laboratory (CDN Lab)
The Cognitive Development and Neuroimaging Laboratory (CDN Lab) at the Institute of Child Development (ICD) is seeking research assistants for summer and/or fall 2019. Specifically, we are looking for students or volunteers to collaborate on a behavioral study of the potential relationship between daily activities like exercise or reading, and executive function skills in 5-year-olds. We are happy to take volunteers or students for research credit. All research assistants are expected to contribute a minimum of 6 hours per week in the lab. Some participating families are available only during after-school, evening or weekend hours, so some availability at these times is appreciated. Activities will include training in responsible conduct of research, telephone recruitment and participant scheduling, behavioral testing with 5-year-old children, verbal interviews with parents about family routines, administration of questionnaire measures to parents. Interested individuals should email Mackenzie Chiodi at chiod013@umn.edu.
3. *Credit or Volunteer* Research Assistant Position
The Minnesota Aging & Technology Lab (MINTECH) is currently looking for new Research Assistants. The volunteer position supports the execution of research projects in the VA Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center (GRECC) under Dr. Adriana Seelye, which contribute to national efforts to understand cognition and daily functioning in normal aging and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease and to develop and evaluate innovative technologies for cognitive assessment and patient support. Research assistant duties include entering behavioral and neuropsychological test data into the REDCap study database, verifying accuracy of data entered, assisting the study coordinator and PI with recruiting research volunteers, determining eligibility, facilitating study enrollment, making telephone calls to research volunteers, participating in regulatory compliance (IRB, HIPAA training), and attending weekly lab meetings. There are also opportunities to learn and administer assessments to research volunteers depending on one’s interest, time commitment, and skill level. Due to the training burden, Dr. Seelye expects research assistants to commit to at least 9 hours per week to the lab (internship for credit) and to start in June or any time after. Interested parties should send a cover letter addressing qualifications, a current resume or CV that includes any relevant psychology or research methods coursework and current GPA, and a list with the names and email addresses of at least 2 references who can address the applicant's qualifications for the position. Questions should be addressed to Jessica Klinger at jklinger@umn.edu or Kurt Benckendorf at kbencken@umn.edu.
4. *Credit or Volunteer* The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is looking for Research Assistants
Dr. Scott Sponheim is looking for volunteer research assistants to work in the Cognition And Brain in Psychopathology lab at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Dr. Sponheim’s primary research interests are in understanding how genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are expressed in the brain and in investigating the neurologic effects of traumatic brain injury and stress disorders in combat-exposed military service members. Primarily, we use electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in conjunction with cognitive tests, interview-based assessments of symptoms, and questionnaires. Responsibilities may include assisting with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, cognitive assessment and questionnaire administration, and data entry. This opportunity is eligible for PSY 4993 credit. We require a commitment of at least 10 hours per week, and those able to make a multiple-semester commitment will be given priority. Successful candidates typically have a 3.5 GPA or higher, have junior or senior level credits, and may have an interest in pursuing a higher degree in psychology or related fields. If you are interested, please send a copy of your unofficial transcripts, cover letter, and resume to the study coordinator, Elijah Lahud at ejlahud@gmail.com.
Events
5. Elevate Employment Information Session - the City of St. Paul
Thursday, July 11, 2019, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Avenue, St. Paul, MN
Do you have questions about the City of Saint Paul's hiring process? Attend one of these sessions! You will receive tips on how to navigate through our application system, learn about our hiring process, and discover the many careers available with us. This session is approximately 2 hours long and includes a presentation; please plan to arrive at the beginning of the session. Find out more information here.
Resources
6. Diversity in Psychology Program - University of Minnesota
Our Diversity in Psychology Program is designed for individuals who are historically underrepresented in psychology graduate programs and who are interested in learning about graduate education in Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Although the event is sponsored by the Department of Psychology, we also accept applications from individuals with interests in the Institute of Child Development and Department of Educational Psychology. This program will feature a coordinated set of formal and informal experiences designed to familiarize participants with strategies for constructing successful graduate school applications and to provide them with the opportunity to learn more about the experience of graduate education in our departments. Find eligibility and application on our website. You can email psyapply@umn.edu with questions. The application deadline is August 23rd, 2019 at 5:00 pm.
7. GRE Study Course on Lynda moving to LinkedIn Learning
Lynda.com, a library of training videos available to University faculty, staff, and students, was acquired by LinkedIn in 2015. LinkedIn has since transitioned Lynda.com training content to their new platform, LinkedIn Learning. As a result, on July 16-17, the University will transition from Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning. You can find out more on the IT website about the transition.
Engagement
8. Stats Department Recruiting Volunteer Undergraduate Students
This year, the Stats Department is coordinating some teaching training for the new graduate TAs. During the training, the new TAs will each deliver a short lab session to a live audience. The audience will play the role of students (asking for clarification, answering questions, etc.) and provide feedback to the TAs. This is where students can help us—by serving as a volunteer “student” in the short lab sessions. I hope that you will consider volunteering with us, for who can serve as a better audience than the real students? Our TAs will get authentic classroom experience by interacting with you. By helping our new TAs develop better teaching skills, you will be benefiting yourselves or your peers who may take their classes in the future. Also, I believe this will be a fun experience as you get to “grade” the TAs. The short lab sessions will take place on Friday, August 23rd from 9:00- 11:00 am (including a short orientation session for the volunteer students) at Ford Hall. No experience is needed. As a small token of our thank-you for volunteering with us, $5 will be added to your Gopher Gold account afterward. If you are interested or have questions, please send Georgia Huang an email at huan1108@umn.edu.
Jobs/Internship Opportunities
IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.
9. Full-time Clinical Interviewer position at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Dr. Scott Sponheim is looking for a full-time Clinical Interviewer to work in the Cognition And Brain in Psychopathology lab at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. This individual will assist in the collaborative work between Dr. Sponheim and the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC) as we investigate long-term neurologic effects of traumatic brain injury and stress disorders in combat-exposed military service members. Primarily, we use electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in conjunction with extensive cognitive testing and interview-based assessment of trauma exposure and symptoms. Responsibilities will include administration of neuropsychological assessments and clinical interviews, participant recruitment and eligibility screening, and data scoring/entry as needed. Additionally, the opportunity exists to work in neuroimaging data collection (MRI or EEG) and will be determined on an individual basis. This position is only available to citizens of the United States, and individuals currently holding a 4-year degree. Successful candidates typically have an academic background in psychology or related sciences and a 3.5 GPA or higher. The preferred candidate has experience working with military veteran populations and administering clinical or neuropsychological assessments. If you are interested, please send a copy of your cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to the study coordinator, Elijah Lahud at ejlahud@gmail.com.
10. ACR Homes
ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Get some experience this summer or save a spot for the fall! You would work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to care for 4 people who have disabilities (amazing 1:2 ratio). You will get the chance to gain direct patient care hours by caring for the medical, emotional, and physical needs of the residents as well as enjoying fun activities with them on your shifts. ACR is VERY flexible for students, pays starting up to $15 per hour, offers paid training, we have locations near campus, and you don't even need to have a car! We even offer custom research based INTERNSHIPS that end with a letter of recommendation from our CEO who is a licensed psychologist. Contact Kayla Wildes at wilde177@umn.edu if you are interested in applying!
11. Paid Research Assistant Position (Part-Time; 0.6 - 0.8 FTE)
The Neurorehabilitation (Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)) Sexual Health and Intimacy Work Group at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System (MVAMC) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) is currently looking for a paid research assistant to provide support for a research project entitled “Improving Communication About Sexual Health for Persons Undergoing Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation for TBI.” Research assistant duties will include consenting research participants, data collection and entry, patient medical chart review, documenting efforts in clinical charts, preparation of educational aids/materials for an interdisciplinary team training, collaboration with other research staff and interdisciplinary TBI rehabilitation team members, preparation of and maintaining documents related to IRB requirements, reporting progress to collaborators and other agencies, conducting literature reviews, and disseminating results locally. There also are opportunities to present at national conferences and to contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts if this is desired. The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational and communication skills and attention to detail. The paid position is currently part-time (i.e., 24 - 32 hours per week of work), and this funding level is guaranteed for the next two years. Funds for this research are provided by the State of Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Candidates who are able to commit to two years are preferred. Interested parties should send a copy of their curriculum vitae/résumé to Dr. Melanie Blahnik, staff psychologist and study principal investigator at Melanie.Blahnik@va.gov.
12. Position Openings with MN Center for Twin & Family Research (Full- and Part-Time)
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) is seeking applicants for three full-time positions, as well as one part-time paid undergrad research assistant (UGRA) position. To view full job postings, go to the UMN Job Board and follow the instructions below.
Full-Time: Click "External Faculty and Staff Applicants" or "Current U Employees" then search for the Job ID. The openings are Principal Recruiter (Job ID: 331402), Recruiter (Job ID: 331400), and Interviewer (Job ID: 331392).
Part-Time: Click "Students" and then search for the Job ID. The opening is ABCD UGRA (Job ID: 331406).
13. Psychology - Student Tech Support Services
Psychology IT is looking for a UofM Student to assist their team with using and troubleshooting classroom presentation and video recording technologies. Student job classifications are used exclusively for students enrolled in and attending classes at a University of Minnesota campus. Student employment is considered a form of financial assistance. This classification encompasses a broad range of work that also includes internships. Apply now! (Job ID: 331416)
