Research Assistant - Human Brain Research Lab
The University of Iowa Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Human Brain Research Laboratory (HBRL) by conducting and helping with neuroscience research projects as part of a large research team. This position will assist with experiment development, preparation, and execution, as well as collecting, maintaining, and processing data.
Duties Include:
- Facilitate visit procedures and paperwork associated with outpatient visits (e.g., questionnaires, MRI screening).
- Coordinate with neurosurgery and HBRL staff members to arrange for research activities during participants pre-operative and follow-up visits, including appointment scheduling and escorting patients to their appointments.
- Coordinate with neurosurgery, HBRL, and Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) staff members to arrange for research activities during participants’ stay in the EMU.
- Daily update team members on completed and planned research activities via e-mail during participants’ stay in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.
- Set up and Participate in HBRL Monday and Wednesday lab meetings.
- Participate in electrophysiological data collection from research participants in the EMU at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Stead Family Children’s Hospital (often weekends, sometimes evenings and nights) and intraoperative experiments in the operating room.
- Assist with equipment setup in the EMU and the operating room (including electrode preparation, Neuralynx Atlas research system, WatchPAT sleep monitor, moving computer monitors, speakers, microphones into room).
- Assist with collecting data using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging from participants.
- Maintain and update detailed and accurate records of all data that is collected (including LabArchives and LabWiki databases).
- Interact with participants during data collection, including describing study purpose and procedures and ensuring that participants understand tasks and expectations.
- Help maintain laboratory equipment and facilities.
- Operate stimulus presentation and data acquisition equipment.
- Conduct preliminary data management tasks (computer entry, database search, proofing, copying, redaction, etc.).
- Perform low level data preprocessing (including format conversion and denoising of data files).
- Generate preliminary data visualizations and figures.
- Keep track of research and office supply inventory and coordinate procurement as necessary.
- Coordinate weekly research presentations, send prompt reminders to presenters.
- Maintain and update lab website.
- Assist in technical support and troubleshooting of HBRL computers and other equipment.
- Perform other administrative activities, such as organizing and maintaining research paperwork.
Percent of Effort: 100% (40 hours/week)
Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay
Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 12 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed.
The aim of the Human Brain Research Laboratory (HBRL) is to achieve a comprehensive basic understanding in the field of human brain physiology that serves as a foundation for future translational research and the development of effective therapies for various neurological diseases. The laboratory works as an extension to the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which provides excellence in teaching, research, and the highest quality of patient care. Our broad range of interests includes areas of research committed to auditory processing, neuroeconomics, sensory-motor integration, and visual processing. Our research makes use of technologies such as electrocorticography, functional MRI, and psychophysical experimentation.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, psychology, or engineering preferred.
- Experience working in a clinical environment with patients who have diverse abilities including those who have cognitive deficits and major medical issues.
- Flexible schedule – occasional weekend, evening and night hours. Research activities are dependent on clinical schedules and each patient-subject is typically involved in research for 2 consecutive weeks, during which time the Research Assistant must be willing to have day-to-day flexibility in their schedules.
- Experience with placement and management of scalp EEG electrodes in the 10-20 system.
- Experience with relevant data acquisition, management and analysis software: MATLAB, R, Epic, RedCap.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and a high level of organizational skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to program and use software for experimental design (Presentation).
- Experience working in the operating room environment.
- Experience working with electrophysiological and neuroimaging data.
- Experience with real-time interpretation of clinically significant electrophysiological findings (epileptiform discharges).
- Familiarity with clinical and research data acquisition systems (Nihon Kohden, Neuro Workbench, TDT, Neuralynx, Biopac, and Eyelink).
- Experience in lab management, research scheduling and coordination.
- Research experience in neuroscience, biomedical research or psychology laboratory, preferably in cognitive neuroscience and/or electrophysiology.
Please attach a resume and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Erin Curry at 319-356-7355 or erin-curry@uiowa.edu.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
