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 and 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 and Alzheimer's Research Care (HAARC) Center, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Research (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, such as 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

• Conducts comprehensive speech-language evaluations for participants with PPA.
• Implements the assigned intervention protocol, Control or Experimental arm, with fidelity, utilizing evidence-based SLP approaches within a dyadic framework.
• Facilitates individual and dyadic intervention sessions through HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing.
• 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.
• Accountable for all tasks in complex clinical studies.
• Facilitates and participates in the daily activities of complex clinical studies and performs various activities including patient data retrieval, documenting clinical research records, and participation in program audits. Uses in-depth knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples with a high degree of independence.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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 such as iPad set up and accessibility settings, communication support web and smart device applications.
• Familiarity with Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) and background delivering services in a LPAA model of care is strongly preferred.
• Clinical experience working with adults who have aphasia and their families.
• Background working with AAC in adults is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience providing care for individuals with PPA or a related dementia syndrome.

Certifications:

• The ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Research methods (study design, research ethics, data analysis).
• Familiarity with database management is desirable, including entering data into REDCap or other database system.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $85,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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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