Research Student PD
About The Position
This position is for a Summer Student Research Assistant, focusing on behavioral sciences research, specifically sleep and circadian rhythms in children and adolescents. The role involves a formal training program covering various aspects of sleep research, including polysomnographic techniques, data collection, and analysis. Apprentices will gain practical experience in experimental design, ethical conduct of research, and presentation skills. The major research project assesses circadian rhythms and sleep homeostatic processes, requiring participants to work around the clock. This role is ideal for undergraduate students with a strong interest in behavioral sciences and a commitment to the full program duration.
Requirements
- Undergraduate students with a strong interest in behavioral sciences research.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for, commitment to, and availability for the full program.
- Students from local institutions are asked to maintain participation in sleep lab activities beyond the summer by working on the lab's sleep studies during the school year.
- Apprentices must reside in or near Providence for the summer.
- Must be able and willing to work on various types of schedules, including night shifts, lark shifts, and neither shifts.
- Successful applicants are required to apply for student membership in the Sleep Research Society ($45 Fee).
Nice To Haves
- Previous courses or lab work in sleep or circadian rhythms are helpful but not required.
- Graduate students may be accepted under special circumstances.
- Students may apply for a repeat summer experience as a Senior Research Apprentice, with a slightly higher stipend.
Responsibilities
- Conduct data collection, including electrode application, one-to-one work with research participants, and administration of forms and tests.
- Perform data reduction and data entry.
- Participate in research protocols that involve working unusual schedules, potentially including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Assist with the operation and calibration of Polysomnographic (PSG) monitoring equipment.
- Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency Test procedures and performance testing.
- Collect saliva samples for melatonin and cortisol analysis.
- Assist with introduction to radioimmunoassay and gene association analyses.
- Learn and apply basic lab procedures, including working with human child and adolescent participants.
- Learn ethical conduct of research.
- Understand experimental hypotheses, rationale, and methods for the laboratory's summer research project.
- Develop presentation skills, including the creation of PowerPoint slide presentations.
- Prepare for attending a scientific meeting.
Benefits
- Stipend
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
