Research Assistant Position @ Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN

The Reactivity and Regulation Lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, directed by Dr. Meredith Gruhn, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (RA)/Lab Coordinator who will contribute to multiple aspects of research projects studying early life adversity and emotion regulation in adolescents using behavioral, physiological, and neuroimaging (fMRI) methods.

Responsibilities: 

The RA will oversee the daily functions within the lab. Key responsibilities include recruiting participants, gathering behavioral data through surveys and interviews, gathering saliva samples, gathering and preprocessing fMRI data, conducting data analysis, and managing administrative tasks. Additional responsibilities will be tailored to the RA’s background and preferences. This role necessitates strong communication and organizational abilities. For more information about the lab visit www.regulatelab.com.

Experiences:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field
• Previous experience working in a research lab
• Organizing and executing study protocols involving both children and adults (recruitment, scheduling, running participant visits).
• Gathering and analyzing behavioral, physiological, and neuroimaging data
• Conducting interviews and administering surveys that involve sensitive information, including history of maltreatment and mental health symptoms
• Mentoring and overseeing undergraduate research assistants to ensure smooth operation of projects.
• Managing administrative tasks (e.g., data organization, maintain inventory, oversee budget, upkeep of websites and participant recruitment platforms)
• Conducting comprehensive literature searches and reviews to support manuscript preparation.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Follow University safety protocols
• Prepare and operate equipment in experimental protocols
• Prepare and maintain IRB protocols

Preferred:

• Demonstrated interest in neuroscience research
• Proficiency in coding (e.g., psychopy, python, R)
• Familiarity with any of the following tools: FSL, Freesurfer, SPSS, R. 
• Experience creating and administering online surveys via REDCap

To Apply: 

For more information and to apply please contact the lab director Dr. Meredith Gruhn at meredith.gruhn@vumc.org with the Subject Line RA APPLICATION. Applications should include a detailed cover letter specifying career goals and how working at the Reactivity & Regulation Lab will advance these goals, a current CV/resume, and the names and emails of three professional references.