Reposting from a mailing list. Could be of interest for folks looking to gain experience prior to grad school:
Research Assistant Position in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at American University, Washington DC
The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at American University, located in Washington DC and directed by Dr. Laurie Bayet (https://www.bayetlab.com/), 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 # 2122961). 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.
Applicants should apply electronically at https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-Campus-Washington-DC/Research-Assistant_R1784-1 and submit a CV and cover letter listing the names and contact information of 2-3 references.
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, a 6-month probationary period, and successful completion of duties.
Required Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 1-3 yearsโ relevant experience, such as undergraduate research experience, is required.
- Demonstrated interest in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and/or cognitive neuroscience required, such as from undergraduate coursework or research experience.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills are required, including initiative, self-motivation, rigor, attention to details, ability to work independently on multiple tasks, ability to learn new skills in a fast-paced environment, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, including comfort interacting professionally with families, infants, and undergraduate students, and ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Prior experience in developmental research (e.g., with infants/children) and/or human neuroimaging research (e.g., EEG, MEG, fNIRS) which may include undergraduate research experience (strongly preferred, but not strictly required if has some other relevant research experience).
- Flexibility to adapt to changing hours, such as the ability to run study visits with families during weekends, or occasionally during the evening, is required.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelorโs 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.
- Relevant experience with neuroscience/psychology research tools (e.g., NetStation, Psychtoolbox, Datavyu, Children Helping Science, EEGLAB, Homer, BIDS), data analysis, data processing, manuscript preparation, and/or social media or community outreach a plus.
- The ability to start in or before January 2025 and the intention to make a 2-years commitment is strongly preferred.
Additional information:
The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory is part of the Neuroscience Department and the Center for Neuroscience and Behavior at American University. American University provides a stimulating intellectual environment, just 2 miles from downtown Washington DC. DC offers a vibrant research community, and American University enjoys proximity to other notable research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health. With extensive public transit, an exciting cultural and restaurant scene, many museums and public parks, and proximity to other green spaces in the surrounding region (e.g., Appalachian trail, Shenandoah National Park), Washington DC consistently ranks amongst the top US metropolitan areas for quality of life.
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 Universityโs 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
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.