Sr Research Associate

Work type: Staff Full-time
Location: South Hadley, MA
Categories: Lab Instructor/Research Assistant
Position Type: Staff Full-time
Hours per week: 37.5  
Weeks per year: 52
Work Schedule: 8:30-4:30

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

Dr. Jane Couperus is looking to hire a Senior Research Associate in her Attention, Brain, and Behavior Lab (https://sites.hampshire.edu/jcouperus/) specifically to work on projects that are part of the PURSUE project (http://pursueerp.com). This is a one-year grant funded position that may be extended to a second year contingent on funding. Current research topics in the lab include neural representations of visual selective attention in adults and children as well as individual differences such as socioeconomic status and their impact on cognition. We use behavioral and brain imaging techniques (event related potentials) to answer a variety of research questions based in these topics. A primary focus of this position will be conducting research, analyzing, and curating EEG/ERP data for the PURSUE project. This is an ideal position for someone for someone who would like to obtain additional research experience in cognitive neuroscience or developmental cognitive neuroscience before applying to graduate school. The lab is committed to providing a rigorous, supportive, and inclusive training environment.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• 40% – Organize, analyze, and clean PURSUE project event related potential data
• 20% – Supervise and train undergraduate research assistants on event related potential research
• 10% – Design and program new event related potential experiments
• 20% – Manage/schedule participation in event related potential studies and collect event related potential data
• 10% – Other responsibilities: Maintain the event related potential equipment and order supplies, recruit participants, work with Primary Investigators on the PURSUE project

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or other related field.
• Prior research experience in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields.
• The ideal candidate should be able to take initiative and work independently in addition to working well with undergraduate in the lab.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior research experience with EEG/ERP
• Experience with one or more computer programming languages (preferably Matlab or Python) and/or stimulus presentation programs (eprime, Opensesame, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Experience working with children (school age) and desire to do research with children.

License/Certifications:

Compliance Requirements:

Physical Demands: Sedentary Work – must be able to stand for extended periods of time regularly (up to 2 hours), lift objects on occasion (below 10lbs), and have fine motor dexterity.

Working Conditions: The employee will not be substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work). 

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online by application deadline. Application materials must include

• a cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications,
• a complete resume or curriculum vitae, and
• contact information for 3 professional references.

Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the recruitment and admission of students to its graduate program.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.