Please note: This is a full-time, term role.We are looking for a full-time, term Research Assistant for the Vanderbilt Stress and Early Adversity (SEA) Lab, a fast-paced highly collaborative interdisciplinary research group exploring brain development, caregiving, and interventions to improve child and family functioning. Under the supervision of Dr. Humphreys, the individual in this position will be involved in participant data collection activities for multiple longitudinal research studies. Data collection for these studies involves acquisition of MRI and EEG data, administration of cognitive tasks, collection of biological samples (e.g., hair, saliva, blood spots), and assessments of mental health and exposure to stress and adversity. Additional duties will include quality checking and auditing data collection, conducting data analyses, and leading or contributing to lab manuscripts. This position will require work during evenings and weekends to complete study visits and accommodate participant schedules. Experience gained in this position will be particularly useful for those hoping to continue working in a research environment, including pursuing a graduate degree. About the Work Unit: At the Stress and Early Adversity Lab, we are committed to fostering an environment that thrives on hard work, high expectations, and the pursuit of excellence. We celebrate achievements, big and small, and recognize that excellence is the driving force behind our impactful research. If you are seeking an environment where every day involves new and interesting challenges, you work in large and fast-paced team environment, and you're eager to contribute to a team conducting cutting-edge, translational research, we would love for you to apply. NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.Duties and Responsibilities
Lead study visits and data collection with pregnant individuals in studies involving neuroimaging, EEG, and mental health/stress assessments, biospecimen collection
Ensure completion of study questionnaires and procedures, including follow up reminders for participants
Support community engagement activities related to research studies
Assist with recruitment and screening of participants
Assist with scheduling for research studies
Monitor participant communication ensuring a timely response
Plan and oversee training of undergraduate and masters-level research assistants, as needed Develop REDCap surveys and data collection instruments
Quality check data and perform audits of study data
Perform statistical analyses
Lead or support manuscripts to disseminate findings
Curation of datasets for Lab Director, collaborators, students as needed
Serves as a resource for staff and students for data management and statistical analysis queries
Perform general administrative duties to maintain the workings of the laboratory
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have formal supervisory responsibility of students or staff members, but will work closely with undergraduate and/or master’s student research assistants, this position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. Feller. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is necessary
Must be organized, detail oriented, and able to function well independently
Experience working with research participants is required, Work with pregnant individuals is preferred
Experience recruiting and scheduling participants for research study visits preferred
Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including nights and weekends, to accommodate the participants we work with
Experience developing study protocols and process documentation is preferred
Experience with statistical programs (R, SPSS) required
Experience with REDCap is preferred
General understanding of scientific theory and methods § Evidence of scientific writing skills required
Physical Requirements:
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, and operates foot and/or hand controls
Working Conditions
Must be able to work during the evenings and over the weekends; required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
