Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

Dr. Stewart Shankman is seeking a research study assistant for his new lab at Northwestern University to assist on a newly-funded NIMH R01 study. Research in the lab examines the basic mechanisms and risk factors underlying mood and anxiety disorders, and aims to contribute to more effective prevention and treatment interventions. Specifically, we conduct multi-method research investigating behavioral, physiological, neural, and genetic aspects of reward and threat processing in individuals with mental illness. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to gain experience in experimental design, recruitment, data collection and analysis. Opportunities for co-authoring studies will also be available. The position will also provide the opportunity to learn about psychophysiological and psychopathological theory and research more broadly. Successful applicants will have experience in psychological (or related area) research and quantitative data analysis and have strong organizational and writing skills.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Recruits study participants.
• Reviews & obtains informed consent.
• Schedules study visits with participants.
• Scores test results.
• Collects survey data.
• Facilitates communication with key personnel & participants to maintain project study flow.
• Conducts formal assessments with participants, including diagnostic interviews and neuropsychological testing
• Conducts experiments which will involve collecting electrophysiological and neuroimaging data, running experimental tasks and data acquisition software, and session setup and cleanup

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data; &/or preparing basic charts & graphs.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.

Finance

• May process reimbursements for travel expenses.

Supervision

• May train other research staff to interview/test participants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
• Minimum of one year related research experience

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong writing skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Highly motivated and ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• 2+ years experience in psychological research
• Completion of an independent research project

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with R, Excel, SPSS, and/or brain vision analyzer
• Experience writing using APA format

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

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Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $16.55-$23.28 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

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