Research Assistant I

05-Apr-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65359BR

Job Summary

An experienced, independent, and highly-organized individual is sought for a full-time Research Assistant position in the Stress and Development Laboratory at the Harvard University Psychology Department, run by Katie McLaughlin, PhD. Our research examines the impact of environmental experience on children's development. Our research focuses on identifying developmental mechanisms linking adverse environmental experiences to the onset of psychopathology.

Under the supervision of Dr. McLaughlin, the individual in this position will be involved in an active research lab with several large grants and participate in many aspects of the research process, including recruitment of children and adolescents into research, preparation of IRB applications, data collection from children and caregivers, data management, programming behavioral tasks, and maintenance of a database for participant recruitment and tracking.  These duties will primarily focus on either an intensive repeated-measures fMRI study examining dynamic changes in emotion, behavior, and brain function following exposure to stress in adolescents. Data collection for this study involves acquisition of psychophysiology and MRI data in addition to assessments of mental health and exposure to stress and adversity.

**Required to be able to work in person on Harvard's campus**

**Applications due by April 15, 2024**

We strive to provide enriching opportunities for all trainees, including those from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in psychology. Please see the Join Us page on our lab website (https://sdlab.fas.harvard.edu/ ) for more details on our lab’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 

Position Description

• Recruitment and screening of participants
• Maintain databases for participant recruitment and tracking
• Data collection with children, adolescents, and caregivers in multi-modal studies involving psychophysiology, neuroimaging, clinical interviews, ecological momentary assessment, passive mobile sensing (e.g. Fitbits, screen time, call/text data) and mental health assessments
• Prepare IRB applications
• Clean and organize data for analysis
• Program behavioral tasks
• General administrative duties to maintain the workings of the laboratory (e.g., managing lab website, coordinating lab meetings, etc.)

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent experience in psychology, neuroscience, or related field

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic area
• At least one year of full-time work experience in a research position in psychology or neuroscience
• Experience working with children and adolescents (e.g. data collection or clinical experience) is preferred
• Experience with task presentation software or programming experience (e.g., Psychopy, Eprime, R, Matlab, Python, Javascript) is preferred but not required
• Experience in collecting and/or analyzing neuroimaging data (i.e., MRI, fMRI, DTI) and comfort working in a command-line environment (e.g., Linux) is preferred but not required

Additional Information

Qualified candidates are encouraged to contact the lab directly to express interest and a set of pre-screening questions for the position using this link:

https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QpQDvyB4STKC46

At least two references will be required for full consideration. If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out to our lab at [email protected] .

Due to the hands-on nature of the research, this position requires a full-time on-campus presence in Cambridge, MA.

The salary for this position is approximately $52,000/year.

This is a grant-funded one-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding.

Hours will vary week-to-week and will sometimes include evenings and weekends.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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.