Research Assistant Position

at the Center for the Study of Learning, Georgetown University

This Research Assistant (RA) position involves planning and conducting research involving functional neuroimaging technology (functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) to study the neural basis of reading in children initially at 6 years of age and followed over two consecutive years. Studies are planned over a five-year period at the Center for the Study of Learning by Dr. Guinevere Eden and are being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Li-Hai Tan in Beijing, China, where similar data acquisition will occur for comparisons across orthographies. This research is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The primary role of the RA is to organize research sessions, aid in the acquisition of MRI data, ensure the studies are conducted safely and reliably, and to develop the skills necessary to perform complex data analysis. Applicants should be comfortable interacting with adults and children, and be comfortable with conducting training sessions to familiarize subjects on experimental tasks. Other responsibilities include programming experimental stimuli, and learning new software packages as the need arises. As analysis is completed, the Research Assistant will aid in manuscript preparation.

Individuals with experience in a research environment with statistical, graphing, and database software would be suitable. Special consideration will be given to candidates with prior experience using the Windows and Linux operating systems and a background in psychophysiology or cognitive neuroscience. Competence in computer hardware and software would be an additional advantage. Good organizational, interpersonal, and record keeping skills are a must.

The start date is May 1st 2009 and a two-year commitment would be desirable. For more information on the Center for the Study of Learning please go to http://csl.georgetown.edu/.

Interested applicants should please send their CVs and names of two references to Ashley Wall at jobs@csl.georgetown.edu.

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration in employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status or disability. We are committed to diversity in the workplace.