Laboratory/Technical (Research) Assistant

About the Role

The Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience (CMBN) of School of Arts & Sciences, Newark (SASN) is seeking a Research Assistant to provide daily research support, reporting directly to the Principal Investigator and under the guidance of the Lab Manager. This is a full-time, temporary staff position requiring a fully on-site work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Administration of neuropsychological tests to human subjects
• Managing and reporting data for multiple projects
• Managing databases and subject files
• Screening and scheduling research subjects
• Handling sensitive information regarding subject participation
• Overseeing student workers in the lab
• Communicating key updates at lab meetings
• Assisting the Lab Manager with IRB Continuing Review applications and other lab document preparation
• Working in compliance with laboratory, CMBN, SASN, and Rutgers University procedures, policies, and processes
• Working in a manner that furthers the mission of the Laboratory, CMBN, SASN, and Rutgers University

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant laboratory technician or research study experience carrying out research protocols and tests, or other technical work.
• Experience with administering neuropsychological assessments of cognition, behavior, and/or health is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational and administrative skills are necessary.
• Ability to interface with the public, especially older African Americans, is essential (manage potential stressful situations and communicate effectively with potentially distressed or difficult research participants).
• Must complete any training and certifications to work with human subjects, as required by the University.
• Must be willing to be trained to collect saliva samples and take participants’ weight, height, and blood pressure.
• Must be willing to be trained to run a Polysomnography (PSG) device for nap/sleep studies and analyses.
• Must be willing to be trained on the administration of all neuropsychological tasks relating to lab experiments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn statistical analysis software, such as SPSS and Matlab.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience:
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant laboratory technician or research study experience carrying out research protocols and tests, or other technical work.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/technical discipline is required, or a combination of education and experience in conducting and/or managing human behavioral research on aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease, preferably within urban and minority communities.
• Experience with administering neuropsychological assessments of cognition, behavior, and/or health is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational and administrative skills are necessary.
• Ability to interface with the public, especially older African Americans, is essential.
• Must complete any training and certifications to work with human subjects, as required by the University.
• Must be willing to be trained to collect saliva samples and take participants’ weight, height, and blood pressure.
• Must be willing to be trained to run a Polysomnography (PSG) device for the purposes of conducting nap/sleep studies as well as to run analyses.
• Must be willing to be trained on the administration of all neuropsychological tasks relating to the various lab experiments, as required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Graduate degree.
• Experience in writing research protocols, grants, and scientific publications.
• Experience with the administration and interpretation of neuropsychological assessments.
• Physical Demands and Work Environment:
• Laboratory environment.
• Must adhere to University, SASN, and CMBN policies and procedures for research labs and human subjects, including and not limited to, Protection of Minors.
• Relevant safety procedures are mandatory.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.