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The Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to discovering the fundamental principles of human learning that will enable all children to achieve their full potential. One goal of the Institute is to be a leading research generator on early learning and development; a second goal is to translate and disseminate cutting-edge research discoveries to global constituents in order to help unify the science of learning and the practice of learning.
The Lab for Early Auditory Perception (LEAP), housed within I-LABS, has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Study Assistant/ Lab Manager (NE S SEIU 925 Non Supv), funded by a NIH/NIDCD award (PI: Dr. Christina Zhao, Research Assistant Professor). This individual will support studies of neural speech processing and development in infants, children, and adults using a variety of methods, including behavioral measures of speech and language skills as well as brain imaging methods such as magnetoencephalography (MEG). Under the supervision of the PI, the primary responsibilities of this position will be to ensure the successful operation of the lab, including recruiting and scheduling families with infants and/or children, obtaining informed consent, participating in data collection, and assisting in data management for the ongoing research projects in the lab. The successful candidate may also have the opportunity to be mentored in research by the PI, such as contributing to manuscript preparation, presenting research at academic conferences and leading small research projects. The position requires excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, the ability to work on multiple projects, and flexibility in work schedule.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Telephone, email, and in-person recruitment and scheduling of families as participants in studies. (10%)
Contact with study participants; explain purpose of research studies and protocols. (10%)
Assist in the orientation of new participants by explaining consent forms, questionnaires, surveys, and study procedures. (10%)
Enter the Magnetically Shielded Room to assist in infant MEG data collection. (10%)
Conduct surveys with adult participants and assist behavioral assessment sessions with child participants. (10%)
Create and manage participants' database and conduct preliminary data analysis. (10%)
Assist in the preparation of materials for disseminating research results such as manuscripts and scripts for seminars/webinars and newsletters. (10%)
Maintain lab equipment and lab space. Adapt equipment and re-configure lab space as needed. (10%)
Oversee undergraduate research assistant work. (10%)
Perform related duties as required. (10%)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Two years of college-level course work in a relevant academic area (e.g., developmental psychology, speech and hearing sciences, linguistics) AND one year of appropriate experience OR equivalent education/experience.
Must be willing and able to work in a Magnetically Shielded Room to assist in MEG data collection. Certain implants, devices or objects may create magnetic interference and prevent some individuals from assisting during MEG data collection.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
6 months of experience working directly with infants (0-18 months old).
6 months of direct research experience (e.g., undergraduate research assistant, thesis project, or clinical lab work).
Experience with recruiting families with infants/young children for research studies and obtaining informed consent.
Experience in data collection with MEG/EEG.
Experience with Python programming language and data management.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple projects.
Fluent in English.
Strong interpersonal skills as well as written/oral communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Zoom.
Able to maintain flexibility in work schedule.
Demonstrated commitment to professional and/or academic growth.
