Lab Technician - REID Lab, Center for Cognitive and Brain Health

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The REID Lab and offices are located in the heart of Boston in the new state-of-the-art ISEC building on Northeastern Universitys campus which includes a brand-new research suite and neuroimaging center. Our research examines how human biology adapts to social and nutritional factors worldwide to support child development. Our mission is to combine psychobiology and nutrition research to understand how bodies and brains respond to the environment. We focus on the endocrine system neurodevelopment the immune system nutrient metabolism and behavior in infants children pregnant individuals and adult caregivers. As part of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health there is ample opportunity for collaboration with other faculty and researchers of the Center.

As a research staff member you will receive formal mentoring in the lab to refine technical and intellectual research skills and gain valuable career planning and professional development support. This position offers valuable experience for those interested in scientific or clinical careers including research psychology pediatrics neuroscience and data analytics. For exemplary lab technicians who want to work in the REID Lab long term there is also the possibility of advancement to a lab coordinator.

This position will be integral in founding and managing the lab as well as all research activities. The lab technician responsibilities include:

• Building lab infrastructure (e.g. setting up computers internal data storage systems develop lab manual);

• Conducting research (e.g. helping to write IRBs recruiting and enrolling infants / children / and adult study participants data collection management and analysis - includes behavioral biospecimen neuroimaging wearable and online data with possibility of disseminating results via conference posters talks and first-author manuscripts);

• Supporting lab research (e.g. assisting other lab members with developing study protocols stimuli preparation task design data collection manuscript and grant preparation);

• Building and supporting the lab community (e.g. facilitate lab communication and organizing events);

• Hiring and managing research staff (e.g. undergraduate research assistants research coordinators); and

• Potential to gain experience with advanced quantitative methods neuroimaging data or complete an independent research project.

The Lab Technician will play a crucial role in launching various studies including a long-term NIH-funded project focusing on social experiences behavior and nutrition during pregnancy and infancy. This project investigates how stress during pregnancy can impact the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both the pregnant individual and the baby. IDA a condition caused by insufficient iron in the body can lead to complications during pregnancy and affect the babys brain development. The projects goal is to explore the underlying mechanisms considering both biological and behavioral factors.

This project involves a range of activities including laboratory and virtual stress assessments online surveys participant interviews collection and processing of biological samples (such as salivary cortisol blood-based nutrition and inflammation markers and hair) infant neurodevelopmental evaluations (e.g. NICU Neurobehavioral Exam (NNNS-II) EEG MRI) and data from wearable devices like the Garmin watch.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree required in a relevant field such as: Psychology Human Development Cognitive Science Neuroscience Biology or related disciplines.

Research & Technical Experience:

• Prior research experience in psychology neuroscience or child development is preferred but not always required.

• Experience working with infants children or pregnant women in a research or clinical context is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with research methods and data collection especially behavioral neuroimaging or physiological techniques is a plus.

• Proficiency with basic laboratory techniques and procedures including data entry and behavioral coding.

• Experience with software such as Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint) and online research tools (e.g. Redcap Qualtrics)

• Programming skills (e.g. R SPSS Python or similar) preferred

• Interpersonal & Organizational Skills

• Excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong attention to detail and time management.

• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends as required by study protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate research assistants.

• Familiarity with open science practices and data management is advantageous.

• Experience working in diverse communities and communicating with families from various backgrounds is an asset.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience education and skills when extending an offer.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin age sex sexual orientation disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: