Research Assistant, FACE Lab

Emerson College•Boston, MA

7d•$23 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant will support an NIH-funded project at Emerson College’s FACE Lab investigating language and communication markers that may predict conversational success and satisfaction among autistic and non-autistic adolescents. The role reports to the FACE Lab Director and supports day-to-day project operations, including coordination with partner teams at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Connecticut (UConn). The primary research focus is collecting data from online Zoom conversations between autistic and non-autistic adolescents. The Research Assistant will learn software including ELAN, support data collection and processing, manage student research assistants, and provide administrative, logistical, and scheduling support to the Lab Director and Post-Doctoral Fellow. The position requires strong organization, communication, and technological skills, along with emotional intelligence. The minimum commitment is two years; continuation beyond that period depends on grant funding. The position is grant-funded and fixed-term. The FACE Lab is a small, collegial environment focused on high-quality, relevant, ecologically valid social communication research. The lab values respectful, honest, open communication, collaboration with and input from the autism and autism research communities, accountability to stakeholders, and active mentorship and growth opportunities for lab members. This position requires an in-person presence on Emerson College’s Boston Campus during the work week and is scheduled for 36.25 hours per week. The hiring range is $22.85–$27.40, commensurate with experience. Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Science, Communication Disorders, or a related field.
High emotional intelligence and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
Minimum commitment of two years.
In-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Nice To Haves

Experience using statistical and other research software, such as R/R Studio, REDCap, and Qualtrics or QuestionPro.
1–3 years of previous experience working with children with autism or other developmental disorders.

Responsibilities

Lead recruitment and data collection with autistic and non-autistic individuals and their families; the College provides certified training in human subjects research regulations.
Participate in regular meetings between the FACE Lab and partner labs at CHOP and UConn, provide status updates, and adjust research-task priorities.
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 student research assistants and maintain the lab schedule.
Provide general administrative support for the project.
Coordinate activities and communications with partner teams at CHOP and UConn.
Provide administrative, logistical, and scheduling support to the Lab Director and Post-Doctoral Fellow.
Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.