Research Assistant

Job Summary:

The research assistant is part of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. The research assistant is responsible for recruiting study subjects, data collection, and conducting supportive tasks that ensure successful research visits for study subjects. The research assistant will be trained to collect data including survey questionnaires, EEG acquisition, MRI scans with infants, babies, and children, biospecimen collection, biosensors collection, and behavioral assessments. Supportive tasks include providing support to additional family members during visits, planning and executing team or board meetings, and preparing for data collection.

Responsibilities:

• Recruit research participants for the study at local OBGYN Clinics, Substance Use Treatment Centers, community events, and other community partner agencies
• Perform BioSample audits of frozen and ambient study samples and compare with the LORIS database for accuracy.
• Prepare biological samples for shipment to HBCD laboratories, using dry ice, and using extreme caution for identifying the correct samples.
• Oversee EEG tasks required to maintain equipment functionality, data transfer and backups, and other miscellaneous tasks requested by the HBCD EEG Work Group.
• Collect data across modalities of the study including, Questionnaires, BioSamples such as urine, saliva, nails, infant stool, Biosensors, EEG Acquisition, MRI support, and/or Behavioral assessments
• Process BioSamples including urine, blood, and stool and maintain all laboratory safety protocols.
• Maintain study platforms such as Ripple to track participation, store contact information and other personal information necessary for communication around scheduling and retention.
• Ensure the laboratory is prepared for experiments (maintain inventories, maintain sterile conditions as required)
• Train and perform in a supervisory/staff support role during research visits while supporting team members in completing tasks, making decisions in the moment, handling emergency based on protocol, and ensuring all components of a research visit are accurately administered and all steps are completed.
• Support parents during an MRI scan, managing the child participant during EEG visits, and assisting in other data collection duties that support the data collection team
• Attend national and local team meetings and trainings, and represent the OSU site on meetings when needed.
• Support transportation needs for research families when needed, including being responsible for renting an OSU car and driving families to and from the research center.
  
  

Environmental Hazards:Possible exposure to hazardous material, hot and cold, strong acids/bases.

Physical Requirements:Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds, stoop, reach, stand, walk, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent
• 1-2 years of previous experience working in an infant and/or child development lab and collecting data with infants and children
• Some nights and weekend work are required
  
  

Skills, Proficiencies and Knowledge:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills is necessary
• Experience with data entry, data coding, and (possibly) data analyses
• Exceptional communication skills including a compassionate and warm communication style
• Fine attention to detail and ability to navigate complex protocols
• Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection appointments
• Ability to navigate various data collection platforms and project management programs such as Ripple, ASANA, REDCap, and others that may be presented by the National Consortium
  
  

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Education, or related field