Research Assistant

Research Assistant 046743
We are searching for an experienced Research Assistant 046743 at our Detroit campus location.
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high quality education. Our deep rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities preparing students for success in a diverse, global society.
Essential Functions (Job Duties):
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to
complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
CONTINUING UNIQUE DUTIES:
Develop and maintain data processing pipelines for functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography/event-related potential, positron emission tomography, psychophysiological experiments, including automation of data management.
Work in partnership with the IT department to maintain servers and data storage and order computer equipment and software.
Attend and engage in team and laboratory meetings.
Communicate frequently with study staff and other members of the research team.
This position requires regular attendance. Candidates with demonstrated ability in being reliable, dependable and accountable need only apply.
Drs. Hilary Marusak and Eric Woodcock are seeking an entry-level full-time research assistant to assist with the management, processing, archiving, and analysis of a variety of neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI, PET) and behavioral data types. This individual will assist with a large neuroimaging study on the impact of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuroinflammation and neurobiological underpinnings of suicide ideation in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related studies.
The research assistant will oversee the data archiving, management, processing, and analysis of neuroimaging data; scripting, coding, and paradigm design; management and updating of technologies in the lab, including hardware and software; development of pipelines for data quality assurance and processing, statistical analyses, and data management procedures scripted with written code to ensure reproducibility from raw data to all analytic results; identify technical and security requirements; maintain data quality standards; validate methods, and resolves issues.
This position demands initiative and the ability to work flexibly on multiple tasks simultaneously under minimal supervision. Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, office organization, time management, attention to detail, strong computer skills (e.g., C++, bash, python, shell, java, MATLAB, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint), ability to work independently and as a team.
Unique Duties:
Ensure compliance with industry and University standards for system design, network access, data security and protection of human participant confidentiality. Assist in writing grants, manuscripts, and protocols to obtain funding to support research endeavors. Contribute to the development of improved computational methods and visualization protocols; conduct statistical analysis of research data and train research assistants, students, and other related staff in research techniques and analysis.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge
predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged
course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.
Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and
data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity
principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting/developing informatics systems in biological or research environments. Knowledge of or experience in neuroimaging processing, including SPM, afni, and/or fsl software. Interest in neuroscience and/or learning about neuroimaging data and analyses. Expertise in statistics and statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS). Knowledge of or experience in experimental coding, such as Presentation or PsychoPsy software. Applicants who are interested in at least a two-year commitment will be prioritized. EDUCATION Bachelor's Degree in computer science, engineering, psychology, neuroscience, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Strong scripting or programming experience in one or more of the following: MATLAB, Python, C++, Java. Thorough knowledge of basic and research computing systems, including data storage and management, and system and data back-up. Proven skills in performing tasks with continuous attention to accuracy, safety and productivity. Excellent communication skills and a positive customer service orientation with all levels of users.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary Department:
H0613 - Psychiatry
Job Type: Full or Fractional Time
Job Category: Research
Funding/Salary Information:
Compensation Type: Annual Salary
Hourly Rate:
Salary Minimum:
Salary Hire Maximum:
Working Conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.
Job Openings: 1
Reposted Position: No
Reposted Reason: None (New Requisition)
Prior Posting/Requisition Number: 046743
Background Check Requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. WSU encourages applications from women, people of color, and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.