Please note: This is a full-time, term positionWe are looking for a full-time 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. 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 may include supporting recruitment efforts, helping to schedule study visits, overseeing undergraduate and masters students, quality checking and auditing data collection, and providing general lab administrative support. 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. An ideal candidate will be able to remain in the position for at least 2 years. 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
Assist with human resources functions of the lab, including recruitment of new staff, and recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of research assistants
Assist with day-to-day oversight of the laboratory space, infrastructure, and supplies/equipment, including purchasing and payments
Assist with project meeting scheduling and upkeep of lab website
Plan and oversee training of undergraduate and masters-level research assistants, as needed
Perform general administrative duties to maintain the workings of the laboratory
Supervisory RelationshipsThis 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 academic area
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 lab management and research administration is preferred
At least 1 year of experience working within a research lab (either as a student or staff member) preferred
Expected to have a strong work ethic, high integrity, and excellent interpersonal skills
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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
