Research Assistant

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number
S4214P

Home Org Name
Psychological Sciences

Division Name
College of Liberal Arts

Position Title
Research Assistant

Job Class Code
HA01

Appointment Status
Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term
Yes

Limited Term Length
Two Years

Job Summary

This is a two-year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds.

The Social Affect and Behavior Integrative Neuroscience ( SABIN ) Lab at Auburn University is seeking a fulltime Research Assistant to work on a NIMH -funded clinical trial that uses neuroimaging-guided brain stimulation to improve social motivation function in people with Major Depressive Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. This project will be conducted onsite at Auburn University under the mentorship of Dr. Travis Evans. The Research Assistant will work closely with Dr. Evans on all aspects of conducting the research study including coordination/logistics, conducting clinical interviews, running neuroimaging scans, administering non-invasive brain stimulation, and project management. Opportunities for mentorship in manuscript writing, academic conference submissions, and other types of career development will be supported.

Start date could be as early as June 1st but is negotiable.

Auburn University is more than just an institution; it’s a vibrant community where real people come together to make a difference. Our commitment to students, employees, communities, and our world runs deep, and it’s reflected in every corner of our campus and beyond.

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Essential Functions

• Collects, records, and processes data related to research study procedures (e.g., coordinating recruitment efforts, scheduling, phone screening, conducting clinical interviews, etc.).
• Collects and processes data related to neuroimaging and neurostimulation (conduct fMRI scans, fMRI data preprocessing, identify personalized target sites for transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS ), administer TMS to participants, etc.).
• Trains and supervises undergraduate research assistants.
• Attends regular operations and lab meetings with Principal Investigator.
• Assists with the development of research plans and protocols, supervise undergraduate research assistants and other study staff, and assists with logistical considerations (e.g., IRB documentation, preparing progress reports for the Institutional Review Board ( IRB ), Data Safety and Management Board ( DSMB ), and National Institute of Health ( NIH )).
• Assist in the preparation of research results for publication or presentation at conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Psychology, Neuroscience, or closely related field.
• No experience required.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; Strong problem-solving skills; Demonstrated ability to multitask, manage multiple and competing priorities, and prioritize different task demands; Exceptional attention to detail/conscientiousness and high standards for accuracy; Excellent time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines and achieve goals; Ability to create, follow, and maintain detailed protocols; Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with study personnel; Ability to handle sensitive clinical data from participants; Ability to respond to constructive feedback and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment; Ability to work with and motivate others; Ability to interact with empathy, compassion, and sensitivity when working with clinical populations; Basic computer literacy ability to comply with department needs and expectations (e.g., obtaining background information on participants, following up on appointments, etc.).

Minimum Technology Skills

Ability to use computers to conduct essential functions as requested, and to learn new software and programs as needed

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

· At least 3 semesters of research experience, or equivalent
· Experience with statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, R, etc.)
· Experience with neuroimaging software (e.g., AFNI, SPM, etc.)
· Exposure to programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, etc.)
· Knowledge of other software/programs used by the lab (Microsoft Office/Word/Teams, Endnote, Box, etc.)
· Experience working with clinical populations
· Experience working in a clinical research setting
· Personal experience and/or interest in mental health services
· Experience working with individuals living with psychiatric disorders
· Enthusiasm for the lab’s research topics

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range
$34,610-$48,450

Job Category
Research

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

City position is located in:
Auburn

State position is located:
AL

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Posting Date
01/28/2025

Closing Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO ) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/50942
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please tell us how you first heard about this opportunity.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
2. * Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period
   • Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee
   • Not an Auburn or AUM employee
3. * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, neuroscience, or closely related field or will have obtained one at the time appointment is set to begin?
   • Yes
   • No