Job Abstract

The Semel Institute is seeking to hire a full time Staff Researcher I. Under the supervision of the PI, the Staff Research Associate I will coordinate and perform research in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (and matched controls) using MRI and psychophysiological measures, as part of a multi-site project. The SRA I may also assist with MRI data collection in infants at high risk for developing autism (and low risk controls). Duties include the following:

A. Study coordination (20%)

• Recruit subjects using IRB approved recruitment materials

• Conduct telephone screenings of potential subjects

• Contact subjects via phone/email and schedule all study visits

• Send confirmation emails prior to visits and place reminder calls before the testing days

• Arrange parking and payment for research participants

• Maintain participants records in orderly and accurate manner

• Coordinate multi-site study by communicating with staff at other sites and preparing study procedures for use across sites

B. Assist with acquisition and analysis of imaging data as well as behavioral and psychophysiological data (60%)

• Attain safety certification to operate MRI scanner

• Orient subjects to MRI procedures

• Operate MRI scanner to acquire brain images

• Collect data from parental questionnaires

• Conduct behavioral and psychophysiological assessments

• Oversee the collection and storage of saliva or blood samples

• Oversee the setup and maintenance of database for behavioral data

• Help analyze MRI, behavioral, and psychophysiological data

• Take an independent role in doing quality assurance/troubleshooting with data

• Take a leadership role in writing up data for conference abstracts/manuscripts

• Meet with supervisors and other study personnel on regular basis and provide

progress updates as needed

C. Assist with management of IRB protocols and submission of data to NIH repositories (10%)

• Assist with submission of new IRB protocols/amendments as needed

• Assist with submission of annual protocol continuation

• Assist with data entry into national databases

D. Oversee undergraduates and summer interns helping with the project (5%)

• Maintain records of study procedures

• Train students/interns to assist with data acquisition and data entry

• Train students/interns on study procedures

E. Ensure proper lab operations (5%)

• Maintain supplies inventory and order

• Oversee data back up as needed

Pay Range: $25.75 - $30.71 hourly.

• Degree in Psychology or related fields (e.g., Neuroscience) – Preferred
• Experience interacting with pediatric populations and managing multiple investigations – Preferred
• Demonstrated experience coordinating research studies with vulnerable/clinical populations – Preferred
• Demonstrated experience with behavioral, psychophysiological, MRI, or genetic data – Preferred
• Demonstrated experience with office software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and graphics programs e.g., (Photoshop) and statistical software (e.g., SysStat, SPSS) – Preferred
• Knowledge of UNIX operating system – Preferred
• Knowledge of MRI analysis approaches – Preferred
• Demonstrated skill in working independently with minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team – Required
• Ability to assess situations and problem solve using own judgment – Required
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with staff, researchers and research subjects and their parents – Required