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

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 University's 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 baby's brain development. The project's 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

Bachelor's 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

Research

Additional Information

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

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

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:

105H

Expected Hiring Range:

$20.47 - $28.14