Research Assistant (Neuromodulation Program)

Overview

The Marcus Institute for Aging Research seeks a Research Assistant to carry out research/development activities on various products/projects in the neuromodulation studies labs (Drs. Alvaro Pascual-Leone and Brad Manor). May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to projects.

Conducts assessments with participants and/or their administration partner, supports implementation of the study intervention(s), enters data, completes data quality control procedures, engages in recruitment activities and organizational support of all study components. Prepares technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Strong technical skills required.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with others, carries out research/development activities primarily on studies applying home-based non-invasive brain stimulation for a) enhancement of memory and cognitive function in patients with dementia, b) improvement in mood in patients with depression and dementia, and c) additional studies focusing for example on executive dysfunction, gait and balance problems.• Role includes making detailed observations, collecting and carefully curating data, and participating in data analysis, and interpreting and reporting of results. Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental studies in the neuromodulation portfolio. • Must have a working knowledge of the conduct of research protocols.• In collaboration with the team, conduct assessments of cognitive and mental health functions, prepare personalized tasks and conduct behavioral testing; assess motor function, gait and balance; recording high density electroencephalography; train participants to correctly deliver noninvasive brain stimulation and monitoring noninvasive brain stimulation sessions.• Training, mentoring and support in all techniques will be offered - familiarity with them and prior experience in their use in research is expected.• Opportunities exist for engaging in other projects both in collaboration with others and independently. • Prepares technical reports, regulatory compliance activities, and fidelity of research protocols.• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature.• Contributes to project process within their scientific discipline through innovative research.
  
  Assignments are complex and require a high degree of independent initiative and decision-making.• Exercise discretion and independent judgment on significant research project matters by evaluating and comparing possible courses of action and making a decision or recommendation after considering the various possibilities.• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, which would be in conformity with the level of the position. Completes special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in a scientific discipline, 1 - 3 years of related experience or M.S. degree in a scientific discipline, 0 - 2 years of related experience.• Must have basic computer skills i.e. be able to effectively use current Windows platform, the internet and e-mail. • Experience with and ability to utilize REDCap for research studies highly desirable. • Must exhibit respect for participant confidentiality, excellent communication skills, careful attention to details, good organizational skills and ability to follow directions. Must demonstrate flexibility in regards to project demands, i.e., adapting to changes in schedules, coverage gaps, new technologies and unanticipated participant needs.• Must be professional, proactive, collaborative, conscientious and results-oriented individual.
  
  Must have an optimistic and positive demeanor, excellent oral and written communication skills, good intuition and able to adapt to changing priorities and display good, sound judgment with a sense of humor.• Superb organizational skills. Must have solid analytical skills. Must be creative and proactive yet disciplined, discriminating and able to streamline work volume in order to maintain bottom line efforts in midst of multi-tasking and daily re-prioritizing. Must have ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle even difficult situations.• Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change.• Desirable to have knowledge specific to neuromodulation, brain circuitry, cognitive dysfunction, healthy aging, and other study-related core concepts. • Experience with evaluation of patients with dementia and depression, behavioral and cognitive testing, desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Our ideal candidate also will possess: