The laboratory of Dr. Emily Finn in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for a targeted start date of July 2020. The research of the lab focuses on individual differences in brain activity and connectivity, and how these relate to behavior. Some key questions are:

• How do our intrinsic traits bias our perceptions and judgments, and how is this reflected in patterns of brain activity?
• Why might different people arrive at different interpretations of the same experience?

Our research combines behavioral, neuroimaging and computational modeling techniques to study individual differences in cognition, especially under rich, dynamic, “naturalistic” stimulation such as watching movies or listening to stories. This position is especially well-suited for individuals planning to apply for a PhD in cognitive neuroscience or psychology. The position would be for an initial 1 year, with an ability to renew up to 2 additional years thereafter based on performance. Preference will be given to applicants who are willing to stay at least two years.

Position Purpose

Plays a crucial role in helping to set up the lab as well as conduct experiments. The Research Assistant’s role will involve administrative tasks, such as purchases, participant recruitment, ethics applications, organizing files, and setting up meetings. Conducts research, including designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing papers, with the aim of completing an independent research project by the end of their time. The Research Assistant will learn techniques in programming, functional MRI brain scanning, and in-person and online behavioral experimentation.

Required Qualifications

• Competence in one or more laboratory methods, procedures and techniques as well as the equipment and instruments, e.g., fMRI data acquisition, eye-tracking, behavioral experimentation.
• General programming and computational skills for data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
• Experience with neuroimaging analysis software (e.g., AFNI, SPM, FSL) and experiment creation (e.g., PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox)
• Experience working with human participants
• Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of software for writing and presentation (e.g., Microsoft Office), and online scientific literature search engines
• Two years of relevant laboratory/ research experience during undergraduate.
• Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, biology, or a similar field.

Key Accountabilities
Research – 45%

• Conducts experiments by applying established methods and procedures.
• Sets up and assists with research protocols and experiments under the general guidance of the principal investigators and other senior investigators in the laboratory; may have primary responsibility for independently setting up, performing and trouble shooting less complex experiments.
• Observes experimental results in progress and maintains written records of activities and observations; applies past experience and precedents to identify and troubleshoot problems.
• Anticipates unexpected findings and assists in trouble-shoots techniques.
• Reconciles results that are disparate from anticipated findings; re-runs techniques as necessary.
• Reports experimental results to the principal investigator and other senior laboratory personnel and assists in their analysis
• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator in investigating and developing modifications to techniques and documents all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
• Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.

Records – 25%

• Collects and analyzes data resulting from experimentation/testing.
• Summarizes results and prepares progress reports for oral presentation at laboratory meetings.
• Prepares appropriate and understandable representations of data such as graphs, charts, tables, statistical summaries, etc.
• Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by drafting portions of the text, preparing graphs, tables, and charts, etc.
• Conducts literature searches to assist in establishing new laboratory techniques.

Laboratory – 25%

• Accomplishes day-to-day care and housekeeping of laboratory.
• Assess the need for and orders all supplies needed for research.
• Assists in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and safety records
• Monitors laboratory equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Maintains computerized records associated with laboratory activities.
• Instructs others in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques and provides technical guidance and direction as required.

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performs other duties as assigned. – 5%

SEIU Level : Not an SEIU Position
FLSA:  Non-Exempt
Employment Category: Regular Full Time
Department Contact for Cover Letter: Emily Finn, Assistant Professor

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

This position is a 12-month term position.

Quick Link: http://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/53821

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Position Title: Research Assistant I
Department: Psychological and Brain Sciences
Position Number: 1127099
Hiring Range: Minimum $16.00/hr
Hiring Range: Maximum $22.44/hr