Rsch Pro 3-Rsch Coord-Gnrlst

Position Overview

The Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies Lab in the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) at the University of Minnesota is currently conducting multiple research studies examining brain and behavioral development in young children between birth and 6 years of age. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigators in managing/coordinating and conducting various aspects of this research. We are seeking someone with knowledge of child development theory and research who has sufficient experience to ethically recruit participants, schedule participants for MRI scans and behavioral assessments, acquire informed consent from participants, conduct participant assessments (e.g., semi-structured parent interviews, behavioral testing with children), acquire MRI data (learn to safely operate the scanner console), perform quality control / quality assurance procedures on behavioral and MRI data, purchase materials as needed, supervise undergraduate RAs, enter and manage data in the lab's LORIS database, and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications). The is a civil service position for 40 hours a week and requires a minimum 2-year commitment. The position will provide primary support for the IBIS Network study.

This position is in-person at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Research Study Coordination (45%)

• Complete Human Subjects ethics training
• Assist PI with maintaining study protocol
• Recruit, schedule, and acquire informed consent from participants
• Purchasing study materials and ensuring compliance with purchasing procedures/documentation
• Communicate regularly with local and national collaborators regarding study progress
• Attend regular IBIS network meetings
• Organize weekly recruitment/enrollment report
• Manage organization and storage of data
• Reliably administer standardized behavioral tests on young children (e.g., Bayley Scales for Infant & Toddler Development, Autism Observation Schedule for Infants, Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales, etc)
• Reliably administer experimental behavioral assessments for young children (e.g., DJAA, MEFS, etc.)
• Reliably administer semi-structured and standardized parent interviews (e.g., Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, etc.)
• Acquire familiarity with eye tracking hardware and software and conduct eye tracking assessments
• Acquire front-end functional familiarity with LORIS database, including tasks such as entering data, performing queries, examining quality control metrics, and extracting data for analyses
• Perform basic data analyses using statistics software (Excel, SPSS, R, SAS)

Developmental Imaging Acquisition (45%)

• Complete CMRR safety training to be able to independently operate the 3T and 7T scanner consoles
• Learn the CNS Lab developmental neuroimaging standard operating procedures well enough to train new members
• Attend MRI sessions and assist PI and other staff with the collection of MRI data
  • Should plan to dedicate a up to 3 nights a week to night scanning (typically between 7-11pm)
• Personnel Training/Management
  • With support from the PI, overseeing the responsible conduct of research training and CMRR specific training for all lab members who participate in our developmental neuroimaging procedures
  • With support from the PI, overseeing the recruitment and retention of research assistants (RAs) who contribute to our developmental neuroimaging procedures
  • Training lab personnel on how to interface between MRI data collection and our project/data management system (LORIS)
  • Training collaborators and MIDB Neuroimaging core personnel on CNS Lab developmental neuroimaging procedures and establish SOP for such training

Laboratory Responsibilities & Professional Development (10%)

• Attend weekly lab meetings
• Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development * Contribute to and generate scientific products
• Undergraduate RA supervision (data entry, coordination of "sib-sitting", visit observation & recording) * Supporting the broader lab team as needed

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least 4 years of experience or advanced degree plus 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years; often the senior-most individual contributor in a department to whom other more junior employees go to for technical guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Proficiency with computer software in PC or Mac (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Suite)
• Strong written and spoken language skills
• Previous experience coordinating recruitment and data collection in longitudinal research studies
• Experience in managing and supervising undergraduate students or employees
• Demonstrable experience working with young children and their families
• Demonstrable interest in learning about MRI and its application to infant/toddler brain development

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Educational Psychology, or related field
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a laboratory/research setting
• Proficiency with computer programming software (e.g., R, Python, Matlab, SQL, etc.)
• Proficiency with statistics software (e.g. R, SAS)
• Prior experience with MRI
• Prior experience working with eye tracking data
• Prior experience conducting clinical / behavioral assessments with children
• Independent problem-solver
• Demonstrable leadership ability
• Comfortable interacting with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents
• Demonstrated ability to be personable, flexible, and well-organized
• Demonstrable data management and archiving skills
• Knowledge of IRB regulations and best practices in human subject protection
• Understanding of accounting and record keeping best practices
• Prior experience managing web content and/or direct communications (e.g., website, newsletters)

Department Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $68,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should detail interest in the position and background/experience relative to each of the required qualifications, as well as applicable preferred qualifications.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).