"Research Specialist I - Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences"

Hiring Department

Research Specialist I
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
College of Health Sciences
University of Missouri - Columbia

Job Description

Caroline Larson’s Language and Cognition (LLC) Lab in the College of Health Sciences – Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Missouri – Columbia is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Specialist I.

This position will support research in the Larson Language and Cognition Lab (PI: Caroline Larson). The LLC Lab conducts research on language development, language processing, and neurodevelopmental conditions using behavioral and functional neuroimaging methodologies.

This position will involve (but is not limited to) designing longitudinal behavioral and other studies of visuo-perceptual and language skills in toddlers with elevated likelihood of autism and developmental language disorder, recruiting and testing participants, and data processing and analysis as part of the European Research Council Synergy Grant SHAPE. It will also involve performing data collection and analysis, oversight of participant recruitment, scheduling, and onboarding for studies of adults with developmental language disorder, including language, social-emotional, and cognitive behavioral and functional neuroimaging measurement, and coordinating with the centralized CHS fiscal office regarding lab finances, and additional administrative responsibilities. Depending on experience, the position may include opportunities to lead and/or collaborate on papers, posters, and presentations for national and international scientific meetings, and mentoring research assistants. This position will work independently and collaboratively with other team members to fulfill the goals of the projects.

Job Responsibilities:

(70%) Support and implement research

• Conduct behavioral and neuroimaging experiments with research participants
• Create and manage surveys and questionnaires through Qualtrics and REDCap
• Collect and analyze data using E-Prime, MATLAB, standardized assessments, and/or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
• Write and review R code for data collection and analysis
• Recruit participants and schedule testing sessions
• Manage participant and project database through REDCap and Excel

(30%) Lab management

• Handle IRB requests (prepare consent forms, attend to project amendments, support preparation and submission of new protocols, document reportable events)
• Train and oversee undergraduate and/or graduate student hourly employees on data collection and analysis procedures
• Coordinate with the College of Health Sciences centralized Administrative Operations Office and Grants Office to manage lab finances, order materials, etc.
• Detailed record keeping, filing, and tracking research-related supplies
• Maintain lab documentation and website content

Shift

40 hours per week, including occasional evening and weekend availability when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or a related discipline (e.g., psychology, linguistics, neuroscience)
• Familiarity with standardized language and cognitive testing, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), remote experiment administration, longitudinal design, and eye gaze methodology
• Familiarity with relevant data collection and analysis (e.g. REDCap, E-Prime, R, MATLAB, standardized language/cognitive assessments)
• Experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Experience conducting experimental research on cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and/or language processing

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range: $17.05 - $29.69 per hour
Grade: GGS 007
University Title: Research Specialist I

Application Materials

Completed online application, cover letter, and resume are required.

Applications must be submitted on-line through the University of Missouri website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (search for Job Opening 58291).

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed until well-qualified applicants are identified to advance to the interview process.

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.