Research Assistant - Virginia, United States - American University

Description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

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Department:
College of Arts & Sciences


Time Type:
Full time


Work Modality:
Full On Campus Presence


Union:
Excluded


Job Description:

Summary:
The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at American University in Washington DC, directed by Dr.

Laurie Bayet ), is currently accepting applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Research Assistant position, to assist on NSF and foundation-funded funded projects investigating infant visual cognition and social communication (e.g., NSF award # The lab uses electro-encephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), behavioral measures, and machine learning The position is ideal for an individual seeking to deepen their research experience in preparation for graduate study.

Essential Functions:

• Data Management: Assisting with data collection in adherence with study protocols, such as: informed consent, EEG, fNIRS, and/or eye-tracking measurements, transferring research data files to the lab server.
• Participant Recruitment and Support: Outreach, recruitment, and communication with families who participate in the research, such as: designing and implementing outreach/recruitment materials, assessing study eligibility, scheduling study visits, maintaining contact with participating families.
• Data Entry and Processing: Conduct data entry, data pre-processing, video coding, and data management, in adherence with study protocols.
• Personnel: Onboarding and supervision of undergraduate research assistants.
• Study General Support: Assisting with designing and implementing experimental procedures, such as: creating and validating stimuli, surveys, and/or paradigms; monitoring materials and supplies.
• Compliance: Develop and monitor IRB protocols for approval, modification, or renewal.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and/or manuscript writing, if desired.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• The initial position is for 1-year and is renewable contingent upon continued funding and successful completion of duties.

Salary Range:

• Commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-3 years' relevant experience required.
• Interest in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and/or neuroscience required.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including Initiative, self-motivation, rigor, attention to details, ability to work independently on multiple tasks, learn new skills in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort interacting professionally with families, infants, and undergraduate students; ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds required.
• Prior experience in developmental research (e.g., with infants/children) and/or human neuroimaging research (e.g., EEG, MEG, fNIRS) (strongly preferred, but not strictly required if has some other relevant research experience) required.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing hours, such as the ability to run study visits with families during weekends, or occasionally during the evening required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Neuroscience or closely related field preferred.
• Computational skills and programming experience in Matlab, R, and/or Python preferred, but not strictly required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Relevant experience with neuroscience/psychology research tools (e.g., NetStation, Psychtoolbox, Datavyu, Lookit/ChildrenHelpingScience, EEGLAB, Homer, BIDS), data analysis, data processing, manuscript preparation, and/or social media or community outreach a plus.
• The ability to start by late Spring/early Summer and the intention to make a 2-years commitment are preferred.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account.

If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.