Research Assistant

Note: We aim to increase the diversity and representativeness of our laboratory and the families it serves. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and/or who speak English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

PI:  Mary A. Carskadon, PhD

We seek to further understand Circadian Rhythms and the biology and architecture of sleep. We are seeking an RA to assist on studies that explore the impact of different factors on sleep and circadian rhythms. Current studies with children and adolescents include examination of: 1) The impact of sleep on circadian timing, memory and cognitive performance; and 2) the impact of asthma on sleep and circadian rhythms in a diverse urban sample. We are starting a new study that aims to test the validity and reliability of a developing technology to assess sleep and wake in adults.  Our studies draw from cognitive neuroscience, sleep research, and circadian biology, and involve both adolescents and adults. The research takes place at the E.P. Bradley Hospital Sleep and Chronobiology Research Laboratory under the direction of Prof. Mary A. Carskadon the Director. Dr. Carskadon is also the Director of Bradley’s COBRE Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and is a professor in Brown’s Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Our group includes undergraduates, postbaccalaureate staff, pre and postdoctoral trainees, and faculty.

OPEN POSITIONS

E.P. Bradley Hospital Sleep and Chronobiology Research Laboratory is looking for a full-time research assistant (RA) to assist with NIH-funded studies. Current themes include sleep health disparities, sleep and memory, and comparison of wearable devices for assessing sleep and wake. Study activities include study recruitment, in-person assessments, melatonin sampling, oversight of equipment used for assessing sleep, and behavioral and cognitive testing. Commitment for two years is required.

RESEARCH DUTIES

RAs recruit, schedule, and consent research participants and caregivers. RAs prepare for and perform data collection including interviews, cognitive tasks. RAs complete data entry and error checking. RAs order supplies for the study. RAs also assist with IRB submissions and maintain training requirements. RAs may contribute to academic activities in the lab such as presentations, publications, and journal club. In addition, RAs often supervise undergraduate research volunteers.

Ideal candidates are excited by human subjects research in the cognitive or neural sciences and interested in graduate school, medical school, or a career in science. A strong academic record is important; research experience is desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent “people” skills; experience working with children a plus.
• Access to a car
• Bachelors degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to tackle complex tasks independently.
• Comfort working in a team setting.
• Eager to learn new skills
• Flexible schedule (must be able to work some evenings/weekends per the studies’ activities).
• Commitment to the lab ethos of honesty and accuracy in the scientific process.
• Strong computer skills.
• Prior experience with statistics and/or programming (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS, MATLAB, UNIX, Python) is a plus.
• Past research experience especially with human subjects is desired.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and CV to: cgredvigardito@lifespan.org