Research Assistant

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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, located in 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.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Conduct data entry, data pre-processing, video coding, and data management, in adherence with study protocols.
  
  
• Onboarding and supervision of undergraduate research assistants.
  
  
• Assisting with designing and implementing experimental procedures, such as: creating and validating stimuli, surveys, and/or paradigms; monitoring materials and supplies.
  
  
• Develop and monitor IRB protocols for approval, modification, or renewal.
  
  
• Opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and/or manuscript writing, if desired.
  
  

Salary Range:

• $42,060 annually.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full time.
  
  
• Bi-Weekly
  
  
• 35 Hours per week.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 1-3 years of relevant experience
  
  
• Demonstrated interest in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and/or cognitive neuroscience, such as from undergraduate coursework or research experience.
  
  
• 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, 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:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  
  
• Psychology or Neuroscience or closely related field preferred.
  
  
• 1-3 years of relevant experience
  
  
• 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 are strongly preferred.
  
  

Additional Information:

• Applicants should apply electronically and are strongly encouraged to submit a CV, cover letter, and names and contact information of 2-3 references (to be listed on the CV and/or cover letter)
  
  
• 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.
  
  

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

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

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.