Research Assistant II

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

10h

About The Position

The Laboratory for Language and Cognitive Neuroscience (LLCN) and NeuroCognition Laboratory (NCL) at San Diego State University are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support a) multi‑year project focused on improving early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in deaf signing adults and b) joint lab EEG and co-registration (EEG and eyetracking) studies. Under the direction of Dr. Karen Emmorey (SDSU and Director of LLCN), Dr. Tamar Gollan (UCSD) and other collaborators on the NIA-funded project, the Research Assistant will contribute to developing and refining new language and cognitive assessment tools for deaf seniors, help characterize the cognitive profile of Alzheimer’s Disease in this population, and support studies examining how early‑versus late‑life exposure to spoken language may influence cognitive test performance. Under the direction of Dr. Phil Holcomb (SDSU and Director of NCL), the Research Assistant will contribute to ongoing EEG and co‑registration studies on NIDCD‑funded projects. This research investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support reading in deaf adults using behavioral methods, eye‑tracking, and electrophysiological measures (EEG/ERP). The Research Assistant will support studies examining how factors such as spelling ability, phonological awareness, signing experience, and visual attention influence brain responses during reading, eye‑movement patterns, and the interaction between signed and written language in skilled deaf readers. This is a full-time benefited position. Weekend hours may be required. Opportunity to present research findings at professional conferences. Fluency in American Sign Language is required for employement. This position is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team committed to advancing equitable assessment practices for deaf individuals. The Research Assistant will work closely with deaf and hearing researchers and community members and will receive training in specialized assessment and experimental methods and ASL‑accessible research practices.

Requirements

Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
Fluency in American Sign Language Required
Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, or a related field.
Previous experience working in a research setting (coursework, internships, or lab experience acceptable).
Experience with cognitive or neuropsychological testing.
Familiarity with data management, coding, or statistical software (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS).
Background in bilingualism, language assessment, and aging research.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Comfort interacting with older adults and diverse communities.

Responsibilities

Assist in the development, adaptation, and piloting of language and cognitive assessment tools for deaf older adults.
Recruit, schedule, and test research participants, including deaf signing individuals and older deaf adults with suspected or diagnosed cognitive impairment.
Collect, code, and manage behavioral, linguistic, and cognitive data.
Support the creation of ASL‑based testing materials and work with Deaf community consultants and ASL‑fluent team members.
Maintain accurate documentation, follow IRB compliance, and data security procedures.
Contribute to literature reviews, study protocols, and preparation of conference presentations or manuscripts.
Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of deaf and hearing researchers and clinicians
Other Duties as assigned

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