Job Description
The Neural Enhancement of Learning Lab (NELL) (Dr. Katherine Aboud, P.I.) is seeking a highly motivated and self-directed Masters Level (MA) Research Assistant (RA), to assist the NELL to perform a wide variety of complex and independent activities to plan, organize, and conduct research investigating the neurobiological patterns of reading and learning using neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation. This is a part-time (20 hours/week) paid position , with compensation commensurate with Vanderbilt University's RA stipend levels. The position will be supervised by Dr. Tess Fotidzis and Dr. Katherine Aboud.
The MA RA will assist with conducting various clinical research protocols, while assuring integrity and quality of the research is maintained and is conducted in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, Vanderbilt Policy and Procedure, and NELL research protocols. The RA will independently implement research protocols to assure study-related procedures are performed as required and objectives and timelines.
Duties and Responsibilities
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Knowledge and understanding of the implementation, coordination, management, and reporting of research operations:

• Understand and accurately and compliantly perform the procedures required of each study protocol
• Work collaboratively with study participants, other NELL key study personnel (KSP), and departments, in safely and accurately performing study procedures:
• Study procedures include (but are not limited to):
  • collecting sensitive participant data to determine eligibility;
  • recruiting/consenting participants;
  • coordinating, arranging & preparing study testing schedules and visits;
  • collecting and maintaining current and accurate participant data records and storage (in compliance with IRB and Sponsor regulations and NELL SOPs)
  • supporting the administration and collection of study research data, including paper/pencil tests, brain imaging, non-invasive brain stimulation;
  • supporting data preparation and fidelity check processes of research data;

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as an advocate for human subjects by establishing and maintaining communication with Investigators, research staff, Sponsors, & participant:

• Successfully complete all CITI Training, Protection of Minors, Humans Participants of Research trainings, and the like, and adhere to all required compliance regulations.
• Engage in open communication with participants by providing them with contact information and being available to answer, address, or refer their questions or calls.
• Engage in weekly lab meetings, and other pertinent KSP and VU trainings and workshops, as applicable.
• Participate in data collection trainings with periodic fidelity checks
• Assist with other research lab and data collection related tasks and projects, as applicable

Qualifications
A post-secondary degree in a related field is required
Experience :

• A minimum of 2 years of previous research experience or relevant advanced coursework is preferred.
• Exposure to neuroimaging methods, including fMRI, EEG and non-invasive brain stimulation, is preferred
• Experience with REDCap is preferred
• Experience with data management is preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate:
o is observant, self-directed and a quick learner; o is thorough, accurate, organized, and productive; o exercises extreme attention to detail and caution; o is able to easily identify and correct errors or problems; o has excellent interpersonal skills, and communicates effectively; o is friendly, creative, and flexible; o can plan and organize effectively; o is able to navigate and manage complex projects with many moving parts o demonstrates an enthusiastic and motivated work ethic o delivers high-quality work
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
May be required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, or lift
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.
About Us
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330 acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
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.