Staff Research Associate I

SRA 1 (009613)

UCPath Position ID: 40987755

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1138358

Approved Date:

3/18/2026 12:52:00 PM

Date Last Edited:

3/18/2026 12:51:57 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

3/14/2023

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1330D

Division:

L&S LIFE SCIENCES

Department:

087500 - PSYCHOLOGY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40987755

Position Description ID

167624

UC Payroll Title:

SRA 1 (009613)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40187831

Reports to Payroll Title:

Associate Professor

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40041384

Department Head Payroll Title:

Department Chair

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

An experienced, independent, and highly organized individual is sought for a full-time Staff Research Associate position in the Sumner Stress Lab at the UCLA Psychology Department, run by Jennifer Sumner, PhD. Our research examines how experiences of severe stress and trauma relate to accelerated aging and risk for chronic disease. Most of our studies are focused on studying the psychological and biological mechanisms linking severe stress and trauma with disease risk. Under the supervision of Dr. Sumner, the incumbent will be involved in managing an active research lab with several grants and participate in many aspects of the research process, including recruitment of research participants, development and maintenance of a database for participant recruitment and tracking, preparation and submission of IRB applications, data collection using a variety of modalities, supervision of volunteer assistants, and data management. These duties will primarily focus research pertaining to bidirectional links between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular health. Data collection for this research involves assessments of trauma exposure, mental health, and cardiovascular health in various trauma-exposed populations.

The UCLA Department of Psychology is an exceptional department known for its excellence in research, teaching, and service. With a distinguished faculty comprising more than 60 ladder rank members, it is one of the nation's top psychology departments. Its undergraduate program is the largest within the Division of Life Sciences and the UCLA College, with 5000 undergraduate students enrolled across three majors: Psychology, Psychobiology, and Cognitive Science. The department also offers a comprehensive Ph.D. program with eight areas of study to approximately 200 enrolled graduate students.

Data Collection with Human Subjects

A1. Recruit participants and conduct comprehensive telephone screenings with callers regarding psychiatric and medical history to assess study eligibility. Develop and maintain databases for participant recruitment and tracking. Enter participant data into web-based programs and research databases, and schedule research study sessions. (E)  A2. Administer laboratory protocols including trauma exposure, mental health, psychophysiology, and cardiovascular health assessments. (E)  A3. Prepare and score research data for analysis. (E)  A4. Manage data entry, quality assurance, and ensure confidentiality. (E)  A5. Complete basic statistical analyses, using web-based data management programs and statistical computing programs. (E)  A6. Supervise a team of undergraduate research assistants in data collection and management. (E)  A7. Maintain and update large databases in Qualtrics, REDCap, Excel, SPSS, and other programs. (E)  A8. Perform library and internet research, and assist with the reports and paper presentations. (E)  A9. Assist with preparation of manuscripts for publication, support any revisions required (E)

50%

Lab Management

B1. Hiring and training undergraduate research assistants (E)  B2. Supervising undergraduate research assistants working on lab studies, scheduling, or interacting with participants (E)  B3. Maintaining lab instructions, references, and resources for all lab members (E)  B4. Manage cleanliness of lab. (E)  B5. Monitoring supplies and purchasing anything required (M)  B6. Collaborating with fund manager to monitor and coordinate budget (E)  B7. Process payments for research participants, in compliance with PCI security standards. (E)

30%

IRB Coordination and Grant Processing

C1. Develop IRB Protocols for new projects and renewing existing protocols with IRB. (E)  C2. Maintain compliance with IRB procedures and assist in the preparation of IRB applications and renewals. (E)  C3. Maintain confidential information of study participants. (E)  C4. Train undergraduate research assistants on IRB compliance, participant information privacy and confidentiality. (E)  C5. Assist with regulatory protocols (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov registration and updates). (E) C6. Assist with grant preparation and writing and collecting materials (e.g., cumulative or proposed study enrollment and demographics, budget information, equipment and facilities information) required for new grant submissions and renewals. (E)

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Psychology, Psychobiology, or related field and/or equivalent experience / training

Preferred

Experience working or volunteering in research lab settings.

Required

Understanding of lab research methods.

Required

Coursework in Statistics and Research Design.

Required

Demonstrated interpersonal skills that are needed to elicit sensitive information in interactions with research participants and communicate effectively with research participants, students, staff, and supervisors.

Required

Computer skills including word processing, web applications, email, spreadsheets, and databases (especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and SPSS).

Required

Skill in independently prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely fashion and demonstrating flexibility in responding to changing needs and resolving issues.

Required

Ability to use standard office equipment, recording equipment, and scanners.

Required

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing, including proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, to obtain and convey information to individuals from diverse and varying backgrounds.

Required

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Required

Knowledge of payment processing systems (Cash-net and PCI).

Preferred

Knowledge of forms and submission procedures to obtain research approval from the UCLA Institutional Review Board and Office for the Protection of Human Subjects.

Preferred

Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and good decision making when confronted with difficult people or situations, either on the telephone or in person.

Required

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Pritzker Hall 7501

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.