Research Assistant, FACE Lab

Join our community and experience Emerson College! We are hiring a Research Assistant for an NIH-funded project at the FACE Lab at Emerson College. The project’s aims are to identify language and communication markers that can predict conversational success and satisfaction among autistic and non-autistic adolescents. The Research Assistant will report to the FACE Lab Director and will support day-to-day operations of the project, including interactions with our partners on this grant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Connecticut (UConn).

The primary research focus at the FACE Lab will be data collection in online (Zoom) conversations between autistic and non-autistic adolescents. The RA will acquire expertise in several software programs, including ELAN, manage student research assistants, and support all aspects of data collection and processing. The RA will provide a full range of administrative, logistical, and scheduling support to the Lab Director and Post-Doctoral Fellow, as well as coordinate activities and communication with our partners at CHOP and UConn. This is an important role that requires high organizational ability, strong communication and technological skills, as well as a high level of emotional intelligence. Minimum commitment is two years. This is a grant-funded position. Future commitments beyond the initial two years are contingent on continuation of grant funding.

The FACE Lab is a small, collegial environment dedicated to engaging in high quality, relevant, and ecologically valid research on social communication through respectful, honest, and open communication. We aim to collaborate with and be informed by the autism and autism research communities and remain accountable to all stakeholders, including providing active mentorship and growth opportunities to all lab members.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Lead recruitment and data collection with autistic and non-autistic individuals and their families.
• Certified training in human subjects research regulations is provided by the College.
• Participate in regular meetings between FACE Lab and partner labs at CHOP and UConn to provide status updates and adjust priority list of research tasks.
• Implement data processing methods, priorities, and timelines established by the research team.
• Create online surveys, implement data processing or exporting pipelines, and create associated documentation.
• Organize and maintain data, IRB protocols, backup systems, and documentation.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of student research assistants and maintain the lab schedule.
• Provide general administrative support for project.
• Growth opportunities in writing abstracts and presenting research at conferences.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Science, Communication Disorders, or a related field required.
• Experience using statistical and other research software, such as R/R Studio, Redcap, and Qualtrics or QuestionPro strongly preferred.
• 1-3 years of previous experience working with children with autism or other developmental disorders strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, as well as strong communication skills required.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• The position is generally sedentary in nature; movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• General office conditions.
• Exposed to moderate noise levels.

COMPENSATION

• Hiring range is $22.85 - $27.40, commensurate with experience.

IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS

• This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

WORK HOURS AND CONTRACT TYPE

• Grade of Position: 23-05NE.
• Employment Category: Grant Funded (Fixed Term).
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25.

BENEFITS

• Outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses.
• Dental plans.
• Generous time-off programs.
• A 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Commuter offerings.

ABOUT US

Emerson College is the nation’s only four-year institution dedicated exclusively to majors in communication and the arts in a liberal arts context. It is located in the dynamic multi-cultural city of Boston in close proximity to major arts institutions, performing art venues, and research centers. The college enrolls over 5,800 graduate and undergraduate students from more than 70 countries and all 50 states. Emerson College has campuses in Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

At Emerson College, we seek individuals who bring innovation, creativity, and impact to our campuses to increase our depth, breadth, and diversity in our educational offerings. Emerson’s commitment to inclusive excellence is supported by a range of resources. Commitment to Inclusion: Emerson College believes the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence is fostering a campus climate where everyone can thrive. As a community of scholars and storytellers, we continually strive to cultivate a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent, characterized by the intentional inclusion of individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EQUITY, ACCESS & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Emerson College has designated the Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Equal Opportunity/ Title IX Coordinator to respond to inquiries regarding the College's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Violence. The Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Equal Opportunity/ Title IX Coordinator is located in the Ansin Building, 180 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111, Suite 409, and may be reached by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.