Research Assistant I

Research Assistant I

The Affective Neuroimaging and Modeling for Mental Health (AIMM) Lab, directed by Dr. Ke Bo at the Center for Vital Longevity at The University of Texas at Dallas, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant I. The AIMM Lab studies the neural and biological mechanisms underlying emotion and emotion regulation, with a particular interest in how brain and body bioenergetic and metabolic health shape these processes and influence mental health. Our research uses a combination of functional MRI (fMRI), EEG, behavioral experiments, computational modeling, and peripheral biospecimen measurements. The Research Assistant will contribute to multiple ongoing and developing human-subject research projects and will play an important role in the day-to-day operation and growth of a new research lab. Responsibilities will include participant recruitment and testing, coordination of research studies, collection and management of behavioral and neuroimaging data, and assistance with data preprocessing and analysis. The position is well suited for someone interested in gaining intensive research experience before pursuing graduate training in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, data science, or a related field.

Minimum Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in one of the basic sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience in customer service or in daily interactions in a public services environment.

Preferred Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, or another related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant research experience. Prior experience designing and conducting human-subject behavioral experiments, collecting fMRI data, or conducting related research is preferred. Strong organizational, time-management, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential. The successful candidate should be reliable, detail-oriented, comfortable interacting with research participants, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience with one or more of the following is desirable but not required: Behavioral experiment programming, Functional MRI or structural MRI data collection, preprocessing, or analysis, Human-subject recruitment, screening, scheduling, and testing, Research data management and quality control, Programming or data analysis using MATLAB, Python, R or similar tools. Applicants do not need to have experience in all of these areas. Training will be provided as appropriate.

Other Qualifications - To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Assist with recruitment, screening, scheduling, and communication with research participants. Assist with informed consent, questionnaires, behavioral tasks, cognitive assessments, and other study procedures. Support collection of fMRI, behavioral, physiological, and other human-subject research data. Maintain accurate participant records, study documentation, and research databases. Assist with data organization, quality control, preprocessing, and analysis. Assist with programming and testing behavioral or experimental tasks when needed. Support IRB documentation, study protocols, and other research administration activities. Coordinate with undergraduate research assistants and other members of the research team. Participate in regular lab meetings and contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. Assist with other research and laboratory responsibilities as needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Additional Information - The preferred start date is Spring 2027, although the exact start date is negotiable. A minimum one-year commitment is strongly preferred. Extension for multiple years can be negotiated. The position will be based primarily at the Center for Vital Longevity in Dallas, Texas, with research activities potentially taking place at other UT Dallas research facilities or affiliated imaging locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Some scheduling flexibility may occasionally be needed to accommodate participant availability. Lab website: Remote work is not available for this position. Visa sponsorship is not eligible for this position.

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message - 1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214