"Research Assistant"

Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department:

School of Education

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Laboratory for Educational Neuroscience at 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., Prolific.co).
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:

• $22.86 - $27.47 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's 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 University's unique benefit options.