Research Assistant

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Summary:

TheLaboratory for Educational Neuroscienceat American University in Washington DC directed by Dr. Emily Grossnickle Peterson is accepting applications for a full-time benefits-eligible Research Assistant position to assist with an NSF-funded project investigating adolescent curiosity and visual processing (NSF award #2239591). The Research Assistant will support project management and data collection using methods including eye-tracking surveys online studies and citizen science approaches. The position is ideal for an individual seeking to deepen their research experience in preparation for graduate study.

Essential Functions:

1.) General Study Support

• The Research Assistant will assist with project management including: maintaining and organizing general lab and experimental procedures; maintaining lab schedules; monitoring materials and supplies; updating computers and technology. The Research Assistant will develop and monitor IRB protocols for approval or modification. The Research Assistant will onboard and supervise undergraduate research assistants. The Research Assistant may also be involved in creating and validating stimuli surveys or paradigms as needed.

2.) Data Management and Processing

• The Research Assistant will conduct data entry data pre-processing transcript coding and data management in adherence with study protocols. The research assistant will maintain the study database including organization and documentation of files and will assist with preparing open-access versions of datasets. The research assistant will assist with preliminary data analysis including writing analysis scripts and preparing tables/figures.

3.) Participant Recruitment

• The Research Assistant will conduct outreach recruitment and communication with schools families and individuals who participate in the research such as: designing and implementing outreach/recruitment materials assessing study eligibility scheduling study visits maintaining contact with participating schools and families advertising and monitoring online studies through an online recruitment platform (e.g. ).

4.) Data Collection

• The Research Assistant will collect data in adherence with study protocols such as: informed consent administering interventions eye-tracking measurements and surveys.

Competencies:

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Developing Plans.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Displaying Creativity.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid 1 modality (3 - 4 days on campus per week).

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in psychology neuroscience education or related field.

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

• Prior experience with human subjects research related to at least one of the following: data collection or study recruitment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

• Experience with programming/coding of experimental stimuli presentation.

• Data management and data analysis experience.

• Relevant experience with neuroscience/psychology research tools (e.g. eye-tracking Qualtrics E-prime Psychtoolbox).

• Computational skills and programming experience in Excel R and/or Stata strongly preferred.

• Experience working with adolescents/children or working in a school setting is preferred.

• The intention to make a 2-year commitment is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• We strongly encourage applicants to supply a cover letter.

Travel Required:

• This position includes travel to schools or research sites within the DMV area. Overnight travel is not required.

Other Duties:

• 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 Universitys 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

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Contact Us

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