Research Assistant-Psychology
About The Position
The Social Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory (PI Dr. Johanna Jarcho) is seeking a Research Assistant to begin in May 2026. Research in the Social Developmental Neuroscience Lab focuses on the neural mechanisms that shape social cognition, or increase risk for and expression of deficits in social competence linked to psychopathology (http://www.sdnlaboratory.com/). This paid, full-time Research Assistant will be expected to lead participant outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts for an NIH-funded R01 study on how brain-based mechanisms of memory bias may contribute to the persistence and remittance of social anxiety in adolescents. This critical role will include developing and implementing recruitment strategies, communicating with and screening potential participants, coordinating scheduling, and maintaining accurate records of recruitment activities and participant data. The research assistant will manage day-to-day communication with participants, track enrollment progress, and ensure recruitment goals are met in accordance with study protocols and ethical guidelines. Additional responsibilities include supporting regulatory compliance (e.g., IRB documentation related to recruitment), assisting with study operations, coordinating with research staff and volunteer research assistants involved in recruitment activities, and performing other duties as assigned. Opportunities for independent research may also be available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree obtained by the start date
- At least six (6) months of research experience directly related to this position
- Experience in a lab within a psychiatry, psychology, or human development department
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, sponsors, and research participants
- Ability to operate all standard office equipment/software including MS office
- Ability to work independently or as a team with excellent attention to detail and adherence to project deadlines
- Knowledge of IRB and Pennsylvania and related regulations
- Some prior experience working with experimental research studies
- Experience with participant recruitment and retention
- Experience with overseeing others and management
Nice To Haves
- Experience using REDCap
- Experience interfacing with families and children
- Experience interfacing with clinical populations
Responsibilities
- Lead participant outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies
- Communicate with and screen potential participants
- Coordinate scheduling
- Maintain accurate records of recruitment activities and participant data
- Manage day-to-day communication with participants
- Track enrollment progress
- Ensure recruitment goals are met in accordance with study protocols and ethical guidelines
- Support regulatory compliance (e.g., IRB documentation related to recruitment)
- Assist with study operations
- Coordinate with research staff and volunteer research assistants involved in recruitment activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
- A generous retirement plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
