Research Assistant I

Updated: about 2 months ago

26-Jul-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66353BR


Job Summary

Under the direction of Professor Leah Somerville in The Affective Neuroscience & Development Lab at Harvard University, the Research Assistant (RA) works on a series of projects aimed at understanding how brain development shapes changes in cognition, emotion, motivation, and decision making through adolescence.


Position Description

The Research Assistant (RA) will gain experience with all aspects of the research process, which could serve as a launch pad to graduate studies. The RA's primary responsibilities include: (1) data acquisition using behavioral and brain imaging techniques; (2) general administrative duties to maintain the workings of the laboratory; (3) subject recruitment and screening; (4) management of datasets; and (5) manuscript and data preparation.


Basic Qualifications

Background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field and previous research experience is required. Experience with Word, Excel, Google docs/calendar is necessary.


Additional Qualifications and Skills

B.A., B.S., or equivalent preferred. The following skills will confer an advantage but are not necessary to receive consideration: Experience working with children and adolescents in experimental settings and/or visiting schools to conduct research; clinical interviewing; experience with skin conductance, eye tracking and/or fMRI data acquisition and analysis; coursework or practical application of statistics; experience with IRB documentation; accounts management. Familiarity with programs such as R, Python, and FSL are especially valued. 

The RA must possess excellent organizational and communication skills and must demonstrate the ability to work independently. Because this research involves the participation of children and adolescents, hours will vary week-to-week and will sometimes include evenings and weekends. Communication skills must be sufficiently strong to maintain excellent rapport with child and adolescent participants and their parents.


Additional Information

This is a two-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding. 

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers are made by FAS HR.


Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.


Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge


Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab


Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers


Pre-Employment Screening

Identity


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.



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