Improve Life PLLC, a psychiatry clinic in Northern Virginia led by Dr. Stephanie Waggel, is seeking volunteer collaborators to contribute to an ongoing PRISMA-compliant systematic umbrella review examining the effects of commonly used medications and supplements during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. 

We welcome contributors with an interest in evidence synthesis and systematic reviews. Volunteers may assist with:

• Literature screening (title/abstract and full text)
• Data extraction
• Risk of bias assessment (RoB 2, ROBINS-I, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, etc.)
• Critical appraisal of evidence
• Scientific writing and manuscript preparation

Training and mentorship will be provided. Previous experience conducting systematic reviews is preferred but not required.

Estimated commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling. Research activities are conducted remotely.

Contributors who make substantial intellectual contributions may be eligible for authorship in accordance with accepted publication guidelines.

 

When contacting the email address attached in the file below to apply, please ensure you clearly note that you are applying for the research position in the subject line. Additionally, please ensure you attach your CV and cover letter in order for your application to be reviewed. Lastly, please only apply if you are sure you are able to commit 20 hours a week to research.

Prior to acceptance, applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in conducting RoB 2 assessments under the guidance and instruction of our PI.

We are looking for motivated undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, clinicians, faculty members, and researchers with an interest in systematic reviews and evidence-based medicine. Ideal applicants should: - Be reliable and detail-oriented. - Be able to commit approximately 20 hours per week. - Enjoy working collaboratively within a research team. - Have an interest in pregnancy, women's health, pharmacology, or evidence synthesis. - Have experience with risk-of-bias assessment or critical appraisal, particularly experience using the RoB 2 tool. This experience is not required but is preferred and especially valuable at our current stage of the review. Additionally, previous systematic review experience is preferred but not required.