Research Assistant (18368)

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About the Department/Unit

The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory is part of theNeuroscience Department and theCenter 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.

Summary/Objective

The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at American University in Washington DC, directed by Dr. Laurie Bayet, is accepting applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Research Assistant position, to assist on a 3-year NSF-funded project investigating infant visual cognition using electro-encephalography (EEG) and machine learning (NSF award # 2122961). The position is ideal for an individual seeking to deepen their research experience in preparation for graduate study.

Essential Functions

1. Data Management: Assisting with data collection in adherence with study protocols, such as: informed consent, EEG and eye-tracking measurements, transferring research data files to the lab server.
2. 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.
3. Data Entry and Processing: Conduct data entry, data pre-processing, video coding, and data management, in adherence with study protocols.
4. Personnel: Onboarding and supervision of undergraduate research assistants.
5. Study General Support: Assisting with designing and implementing experimental procedures, such as: creating and validating stimuli, surveys, or paradigms; monitoring materials and supplies.
6. Compliance: Develop and monitor IRB protocols for approval, modification, or renewal.
7. Other duties as assigned by supervisor: Opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and/or manuscript writing, if desired.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.
• 2.2 Specialist A.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and/or neuroscience.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort interacting professionally with families, infants, and undergraduate students; 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) (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.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Neuroscience or closely related field.
• 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, Lookit, EEGLAB), data analysis, data processing, manuscript preparation, and/or social media/website development a plus.
• The intention to make a 2-to-3-years commitment is preferred. The position currently has funding through August 2025, contingent upon a 6-month probationary period and successful completion of duties.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Applicants should apply electronically athttps://careers.american.edu/job-invite/10603/ . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Prospective applicants may email Dr. Bayet (bayet@american.edu ) with any questions.

Recent lab publications most relevant to the project:

• Ashton, K., Zinszer, B. D., Cichy, R. M., Nelson, C. A., Aslin, R. N., & Bayet, L. (2022). Time-resolved multivariate pattern analysis of infant EEG data: A practical tutorial. Developmental cognitive neuroscience, 54, 101094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101094
• Bayet, L., Zinszer, B. D., Reilly, E., Cataldo, J. K., Pruitt, Z., Cichy, R. M., Nelson, C. A., & Aslin, R. N. (2020). Temporal dynamics of visual representations in the infant brain. Developmental cognitive neuroscience, 45, 100860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2020.100860
  
  

Others

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
• Please note this job description 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.

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 .

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