Research Assistant - Term

We 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.

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 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 academic area is required
• At least 1 year of experience working within a research lab (either as a student or staff member) preferred
• 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
• Expected to have a strong work ethic, high integrity, and excellent interpersonal skills

#VUCLO