Research Assistant (Full‑time or Part‑time) Position @ Baby’s First Years Study, Multi‑Site (New York City, Omaha, New Orleans)

The Baby’s First Years study team is seeking several full-time or part-time Research Assistants to support data collection for an ongoing, large-scale longitudinal study examining the effects of poverty reduction on child development and family life. Positions are available in New York City, Omaha, and New Orleans, with start dates in spring or summer 2026.

Job Description:

Research Assistants will contribute to lab-based and occasional home-based data collection with 8-year-old children and their mothers. The role includes scheduling and conducting study visits, administering standardized assessments, collecting neurophysiological and biological data, and supporting data quality and management procedures. This position is ideal for individuals interested in developmental science, neuroscience, public health, or related graduate training.

Key Responsibilities:

• Schedule and coordinate university-based study visits with participating families
• Administer in-person study visits with children and their mothers
• Collect standardized assessments of children’s cognitive development
• Assist with measures of child brain activity (EEG/ERP)
• Support collection of epigenetic data and maternal executive functioning measures
• Administer surveys related to health and family life
• Upload, manage, and conduct quality control checks on study data
• Conduct occasional home visits, requiring light travel

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, child development, or a related field
• Prior experience working in a research setting
• Experience working with young children
• Ability to commit to the position for at least 12 months beginning spring or summer 2026
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, to accommodate families
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively
• Training in basic research methods
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (required for NYC and Omaha sites)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering standardized cognitive assessments
• Experience with EEG data collection
• Experience working with families from low-income communities
• Experience using REDCap
• Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) procedures
• Access to transportation for home visits
• Membership in or strong ties to the local community

Salary/Compensation:

• Paid positions available (full-time and part-time)
• Compensation not specified

Application Deadline:

• Not specified; applications reviewed on a rolling basis

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should email a CV and cover letter to the address below. Please indicate any preferred site (New York City, Omaha, or New Orleans) or limitations on location flexibility in your message.

info@babysfirstyears.com