Research Assistant I- Pediatric Binaural Integration Lab

The Pediatric Binaural Integration Laboratory studies how children integrate sound from both ears to develop skills that are foundational for listening, language, and learning. Our primary focus is on understanding how children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing in one ear learn to navigate complex listening environments and optimize auditory input to support their academic, communication, and social-emotional development. Our goal is to help doctors, speech-language pathologists, and teachers develop improved care plans that help children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing achieve their greatest potential.

Our lab uses multiple techniques to consider the behavioral outcomes of children in the context of sensory and neural function, in real time. Research techniques include:

- Behavioral measures like those in audiology and speech-language pathology clinics to assess hearing, speech, language, and cognition
- State-of-the-art brain imaging, including magnetoencephalography (MEG) and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Cutting-edge electroencephalography (EEG)

Research Assistants in our lab work as a team on various phases of research studies that support our lab's goal.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Assists in the preparation of auditory and language stimuli and development of appropriate test procedures.

• Assists in research tool preparation, data collection, and procedures in research studies involving human participants.

• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and results.

• Adheres to lab safety standards.

• Maintains a detailed record of test conditions and results.

• Assists in the calibration, maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment and workspace.

• Assists in data collection and data analysis.  Reports findings and project outcomes to the principal investigator and involved staff.

• Assists in the design, construction, and maintenance of electronic devices used in laboratories, including PCs, audio equipment, and special purpose interfaces.

• Assists in the recruitment, scheduling, and testing in research studies using animal or human subjects.

• Uses computers to analyze and plot results of experiments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge gained through coursework in psychology, speech and hearing, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and/or computer science.

• Ability to operate and calibrate lab equipment and other electronic devices.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and audio equipment.

• Ability to apply math aptitude in order to perform data analyses and generate results.

• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work directly with laboratory staff personnel and principal investigators.

• Job requires interpersonal skills, close attention to details, math aptitude, independent analytical thinking, organizational skills and flexibility in duties performed.

• Ability to participate in continuing education programs regarding laboratory safe practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required.

• Minimum of one year of college coursework or equivalent experience required.

• Based on area of assignment, bilingual skills may be required.

• If employed in the Cognitive Neuroscience department, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of transfer or hire required.

• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification within 30 days of transfer or hire required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Coursework with an emphasis in psychology, speech and hearing, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or a research related area is preferred.

• Prior experience working with children and families is preferred.

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