Stanford University is seeking a Physical Science Research Professional 1 to apply knowledge and understanding of a scientific discipline or related technology in laboratories engaged in research in the physical sciences.
Typically, apply specific scientific or technical knowledge to research projects guided by broad policies and professional knowledge.
The Neuroimaging Research Assistant is primarily responsible for the performance of neuroimaging-related research, including:
• Coordination of participant recruitment and appointment logistics • Preparation of experiment-related software • Continued maintenance of data analysis pipelines • Testing and debugging of MRI sequences • Assessment of data quality • Performance of MRI scanning sessions, including the acquisition of neuroimaging data from healthy participants and participants with neurological disorders, such as aphasia, cerebral palsy, and ALS.
Duties include:
• Serving as primary contact with research participants, sponsors, and regulatory agencies • Coordinating studies from startup through close-out • Determining eligibility of and gathering consent from study participants according to protocol • Assisting in developing recruitment strategies • Collecting and managing patient and laboratory data for clinical research projects • Managing research project databases, developing flow sheets, and other study-related documents, and completing study documents, case report forms • Monitoring expenditures and adherence to study budgets and resolving billing issues in collaboration with finance and/or management staff • Interacting with the principal investigator regularly, ensuring patient safety and adherence to proper study conduct • Ensuring essential documentation and recording of patient and research data in appropriate files per institutional and regulatory requirements
Other duties will include:
• Installing complex research computing hardware and software • Maintaining computer software, tracking all software updates, and testing equipment function after such updates • Operating MRI machines safely and effectively • Arranging schedule and executing multiple neuroimaging scanning sessions per week • Helping design and execute on participant recruitment strategies for healthy participants and people with aphasia, cerebral palsy, and ALS, and related disorders • Maintaining data collection records, tracking all relevant aspects of each neuroimaging session • Ensuring data quality through regular inspection of data and regularly running analysis pipelines on newly collected data • Meeting regularly with researchers to plan and practice execution of research sessions • Assembling unique systems to perform new unusual or special tests • Conducting a broad range of experiments involving advanced technology, contributing to the design of experimental protocols to achieve the scientific objectives of the research project • Working closely with the Supervisor and with colleagues at other universities • Assisting with other neurotechnology research projects as assigned by the Supervisor • Functioning as the principal technical specialist for the research unit or for a specific research project • Attending weekly lab meetings in person at Stanford University or by videoconference, may present data, submit abstracts, present posters, and assist with research manuscripts • Assisting with participant recruitment efforts • Leading some aspects of event planning, such as assembling invite lists or securing a venue
Desired Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree with coursework in engineering, biology, or neuroscience • 1-2 years related experience in neuroscience or electrical or computer engineering • Extraordinary interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a complex multi-institutional team • Ability to comfortably and sensitively interact with study participants • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize tasks • Ability to coordinate activities with colleagues at multiple sites • Superb organizational skills and ability to multi-task • Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities • Familiarity with Linux, Unix command line is advantageous • Experience with data analysis in Python is advantageous • Experience in neuroimaging is advantageous • Excellent writing and communication skills in the English language • Excellent problem-solving skills • Safeguards the privacy of information and keeps appropriate information confidential • Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels, including physicians, scientists, and engineers via teleconferences and/or videoconferences • Previous experience in a research environment is advantageous
Education & Experience Requirements:
• Bachelors degree and two years of experience in a related scientific field or combination of education and relevant experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:
• Demonstrated experience applying multidisciplinary scientific principles and practices to perform and assist with experimental design and coordinate laboratory activity • Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of research data and ability to recognize irregularities and invalid results • Demonstrated ability to organize data and develop models allowing for integration and display of data • Basic experience with scientific software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job • Ability to coordinate and work with scientific or research staff and assist with technical procedures • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and to provide information to scientific and research staff
Certifications & Licenses:
• Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Drivers License
Physical Requirements:
• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds • Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach, and work above shoulders, sort, and file paperwork or parts • Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop, and mix, or operate hand and foot controls • Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job • Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours • Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds • Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment • Ability to drive day or night
Working Conditions:
• May work extended or unusual work hours based on research and project requirements • Comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements
Interpersonal Skills:
• Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety, communicates safety concerns, uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned
Standards:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the Universitys Administrative Guide: http://adminguide.stanford.edu
Pay Range:
• The expected pay range for this position is $38.55 to $46.68 per hour
Benefits and Rewards:
• Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire • The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs • At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package • The Cardinal at Work website: http://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards provides detailed information on Stanfords extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees • Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process
Equal Employment Opportunity:
• Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer • All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law