Job Description

Psychological Sciences Department

The Family & Child Development Lab at the University of Missouri, directed by Dr. Ashley Groh, is recruiting a full-time research assistant to begin in summer 2024. The research assistant will work on an NSF funded study on the human maternal brain over the transition to motherhood. Specifically, this study examines the interplay of maternal psychological risk (e.g., attachment insecurity, depression) and neural reactivity to infant cues (using EEG/ERP) on maternal and infant health and well-being across the perinatal period. The research assistant will be responsible for study management and behavioral and EEG data collection, reduction, and analysis.

The postgraduate associate will also support other tasks related to the team’s research, such as manuscript preparation, grant writing, presentations at conferences, design of future studies, and other duties as assigned. This is an ideal position for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual looking to gain more research experience on topics related to parent-child relationships, neural processes (EEG/ERP), and development before pursuing a PhD in a related field (e.g., development psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, HDFS).

This position is a one-year appointment with renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding and with a start date in Summer 2024.

The successful candidate will have:

•        Experience working with parents and infants/children

•        Experience with EEG/ERP

•        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•        Exceptional project management skills, including good attention to detail

•        The ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment

Essential Duties

•        Assist with all aspects of the research process: recruit and schedule participants; conduct lab visits with (expectant) mothers and infants; create and program stimuli; write protocols; assist with grant reports, manuscript preparations, and conference presentations

•        Assist with EEG/ERP and Observational Data Collection/Reduction: collect EEG/ERP and observational data from (expectant) mothers and infants; code, process, and analyze EEG/ERP and observational data

•        Assist with daily lab operations: purchase lab supplies and equipment; manage budgets, IRB protocols, participant database, website, social media, newsletters; establish and coordinate recruitment events (e.g. Baby Expos, Hospital Education Classes)

•        Lead a team of undergraduate research assistants: recruit and interview undergraduate research assistants; develop training manuals and provide training; assign daily and long-term tasks; supervise research assistant progress

Flexible work hours, to be determined. Some nights and weekends included.

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

•        1-2 years of research experience, preferably infants and parents AND with EEG/ERP methods

•        Exceptional organizational, time management, and leadership skills

•        Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills

•        Self-motivated to learn new skills and solve problems independently, attentive to detail, and comfortable juggling multiple tasks

•        Familiarity with observational research methodologies and statistical analysis

•        Proficiency (or willingness to learn) R, SPSS, Qualtrics, Photoshop; expertise with Microsoft office (Word, Excel)

•        Creativity and/or a design background (to help with stimuli creation, recruitment, newsletters)

•        Computer programming, or web development skills would be a plus 

Salary Range: $15-$17/hour

Grade: GGS 006

University title: Senior Research/Lab Technician 

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume/CV

Cover Letter 

List of 2-3 references

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.