Neuro Imaging Research Technician II - Psychiatry

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Laboratory for Child Brain Development (LCBD-PI: Dr. Susan Perlman) currently has an opening for a Neuroimaging Research Technician to work on NIH funded studies of temperament, the parent-child relationship, and biological stress unfolding during early childhood.

The applicant's main appointment will be in the Laboratory for Child Brain Development (LCBD; http://www.childbrainlab.com) in the Department of Psychiatry in the Washington University, School of Medicine, William Greenleaf Eliot Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (https://childpsychiatry.wustl.edu/). The LCBD is dedicated to using multi-modal methodology to understand the trajectories of emotional development from infancy to middle childhood (with a strong preschool focus).

Currently, the LCBD has several ongoing projects including:

1. Biological changes in children experiencing stressful life events.

2. Longitudinal development of preschool irritability as a predictor for psychopathology.

3. Interpersonal brain synchronization in early childhood psychopathology.

4. The impact of treatment for disruptive behavior on brain development.

5. Brain development in preschool children who were born dependent on opioids, in addition to several local and national collaborations.

The research assistant will mostly be working on two studies. The first is a longitudinal study investigating the biological unfolding of stress and how it predicts the onset of psychopathology in four to seven (4-7) year-old children. This study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health employs intensive, state-of-the-art, multi-modal, neurodevelopmental measurement including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), HPA axis measurement (hair and salivary cortisol), and inflammatory markers. The second is a NIH funded, longitudinal study investigating the transmission of anxiety from parent to child through dyadic interaction and biological synchrony. This study is also multi-modal and includes fNIRS, EEG, RSA, eye-tracking, and behavioral coding. The neuroimaging research technician will also be aiding with data preprocessing and analysis from previously collected studies. Additional, multi-modal studies within the laboratory employ eye tracking, facial expression and behavioral coding, and sleep actigraphy, hair cortisol, and pain measurement.

This is an ideal position for a candidate looking to gain research experience before applying to graduate or medical school or for those pursuing scientific or medical careers. The research assistant will be an integral member of this scientific team and will have potential opportunities to earn authorship on publications and present posters at scientific meetings. Position requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, engineering or a related field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate interest in child development, strong motivation, work ethic, and organizational skills, and will combine collaborative orientation with the ability to function well independently. Flexibility in scheduling during some weekend and evening hours is required. This position requires experience in a research laboratory environment (whether through previous work experience or during undergraduate studies). Experience with a brain imaging modality (fMRI, EEG, fNIRS) and/or psychophysiology (heart rate, skin conductance, pupillometry) is preferred, along with experience in computer programming languages (R, Matlab, Python). Previous experience with children and families is required.

Position open for immediate start. This is an ideal position for applicants who have recently received their bachelor's degree with college level research experience. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist PI/Postdoc fellow with running study participants through magnetic resonance imaging experiments.

• Transferring files to appropriate server.

• Review study database to make sure all data has been entered.

• Running developed scripts from image processing and analysis under PI and Postdoc fellow supervision.

• Assess basic cognitive function and behaviors with testing.

• Provide routine data entry ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Maintain study database.

• Provide the testing questionnaires to study participants.

• Prepare cognitive testing packets.

• Score cognitive testing and questionnaires for PI and Postdoc fellow.

Working Conditions

• Typically sitting at desk or table.

• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

• Equipment.

• Office equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Related undergraduate degree.

• Demonstrated ability for attention to detail.

• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated technical ability including effective skills in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, etc.).

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification; some college and one year of related experience in imaging research.

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.59 - $25.92 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.