Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Research
The University of Chicago

Department

BSD NEU - HAARC - Communication Bridge

About the Department

The Department of Neurology at The University of Chicago Medical Center has a great history and tradition, having made significant contributions to neurological training, clinical care, and the basic understanding of neurological disease. The Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care (HAARC) Center, is a new multidisciplinary center at the University of Chicago focused on implementing research on aging, Alzheimer's and related dementia research focused on optimizing knowledge, care, interventions, and quality of life. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary

The Communication Bridge Research Program at the Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care (HAARC) Center, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to join our groundbreaking intervention study. This position will play a pivotal role in screening, delivering the core speech-language therapy (SLT) component of the Communication Bridge intervention, or in assessing outcomes for our new randomized controlled trial (RCT) launching in 2024. The Communication Bridge intervention aims to maximize communication participation and quality of life for people with PPA and their partners.

This unique opportunity invites applicants interested in advancing their knowledge of interventions for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and delivering interventions to this population through a clinical trial. The successful candidate will play a principal role in screening, delivering the interventions to participants enrolled into the PPA Clinical Trial, or assessing outcomes while maintaining regulatory compliance with the designated protocol. This is a full-time benefit eligible position.

Additional interactions (e.g., community outreach and education) related to the research project may also be involved depending on the qualifications of the applicant. Additional responsibilities may include the organization and analysis of data, mentoring of other team members and trainees, establishing interactions with extramural collaborators and other research-related activities. Flexible schedule may be required to meet the intervention session requirements.

As part of the HAARC Center, you'll be immersed in a collaborative and dynamic research environment dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing PPA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive speech-language evaluations for participants with PPA.
  
• Implement the assigned intervention protocol (Control or Experimental arm) with fidelity,utilizing evidence-based SLP approaches within a dyadic framework.
  
• Facilitate individual and dyadic intervention sessions through HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing.
  
• Solves complex problems relating to data management and the analysis of large administrative datasets. Works independently to develop, manage, and report on key data and ensures timeliness of data and reporting submissions from multiple investigators.
  
• Acts as a resource on the basics of clinical research and related aspects of clinical study for colleagues with less experience. Prepares and evaluates writing protocols, IRB submissions, grant applications, manuscripts, reports, and dissemination tools.
  
• Performs various professional, organizational, and operational tasks under limited supervision. Acts as a resource on clinical research and related aspects of clinical study for other clinical research staff. Accountable for complex problem solving on assigned clinical research studies and professional tasks.
  
• Accountable for all tasks in complex clinical studies.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Clinical master's degree in communication sciences and disorders (SLP).
  

Experience:

• Familiarity with telehealth service delivery and technology, including video-chat, smart devices (iPad set up and accessibility settings), communication support web and smart device applications.
  
• Familiarity with Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA).
  
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  
• Clinical experience working with adults who have aphasia and their families.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Research methods (study design, research ethics, data analysis).
  
• Familiarity with database management is desirable (e.g., entering data into REDCap or other database system).
  
• The ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) is strongly preferred.
  
• Experience with AAC in adults is strongly preferred.
  
• Experience delivering services in a LPAA model of care is strongly preferred.
  
• Prior experience providing care for individuals with PPA or a related dementia syndrome.
  

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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