Positions

Past

Full-time, Paid, Research Assistant, New York State Psychiatric Institute Center for OCD and Related Disorders

March 15, 2026
11:59 PM

Posted

March 6, 2026

Start Date

May or June 2026

Organization

New York State Psychiatric Institute Center for OCD and Related Disorders (affiliated with Columbia University Irving Medical Center)

Position Title

Research Assistant

Position Description

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to join the Center for OCD and Related Disorders, a clinical research program directed by Dr. Blair Simpson. The Center focuses on advancing the understanding and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders.

This position provides hands-on training in patient-oriented clinical research and is ideal for individuals planning to pursue medical school or graduate training in psychology or neuroscience. The Research Assistant will work closely with Dr. Simpson and her research team and gain experience working with participants with OCD and anxiety disorders.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Assisting with participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling
  2. Administering neurocognitive tasks
  3. Accompanying participants to MRI and/or PET imaging units and assisting with imaging procedures
  4. Managing study data and assisting with IRB applications
  5. Preparing biological samples and performing blood draws
  6. Supporting the coordination and implementation of clinical research studies

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field
  2. Academic excellence (minimum GPA of 3.2 in relevant coursework)
  3. Currently living in or willing to relocate to the tri-state area

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. At least 6 months of relevant research, clinical, or volunteer experience
  2. Strong interest in the neuroscience of human behavior
  3. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and technical skills
  4. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research environment

Time Commitment

Full-time

A two-year commitment is requested due to the training involved.

Compensation

$46,021.52 – $50,000 per year

Apply

Applicants must complete both steps below:

  1. Email a CV and cover letter to: [email protected]

  2. Apply through the Research Foundation ApplicantPRO Portal

     

Application deadline: March 15, 2026.