Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Social Sciences Research Assistant 1 will support research studies in a lab focused on swallowing and voice physiology and rehabilitation in children and adults. Responsibilities include managing databases for study tracking and survey distribution, recruiting and scheduling participants, running lab-based and home-based audiovisual and electrophysiologic data collections, and supporting research protocol development and teaching technology. Additional duties may include managing lab communication platforms, supporting logistics for lab meetings, and maintaining a clean and organized lab environment. This is a one year term position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Recruit participants, schedule lab visits, maintain regular contact, and coordinate data collection appointments. Build rapport with participants and caregivers through regular contact (e.g., calls, texts, reminders), maintain positive relationships to support ongoing participation. (30%)
Operate audiovisual recording and electrophysiologic equipment during research sessions; ensure all equipment is functioning properly. Assist with trialing and modifying teaching technology related to voice and swallowing. (20%)
Maintain research records. Collect data and/or clean and prepare data for analysis. Manage laboratory databases for data collection, including automated survey distribution, reminders, and participant tracking. (15%)
Perform daily project activities as assigned including project-related communication with stakeholders. Assist with literature reviews, poster preparation, and other research dissemination tasks as needed. Manage lab emails, update the lab websites, organize documents and outreach materials. (20%)
Organize and schedule lab meetings as needed; maintain a clean and organized physical lab environment. (10%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab manager to discuss research, lab activities, and maintain workflow. Minimal contact with department staff for student building/lab access. 

University: Limited or no contact with other departments to share information. Occasional contact with the Institutional Review Board staff and other supports on campus (e.g., CTSC, RedCAP, HoloUniversity, etc.). 

External: Moderate contact with community to recruit research subjects. Minimal contact with external collaborators. 

Students: Continuous contact with undergraduate and graduate student research assistants to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences/Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology, or a related field and 0 to 1 year of experience required. Prior experience with participant recruitment for research studies, data entry, and data management preferred. 

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to interact with children and adults effectively and successfully. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, faculty, staff, students, and research participants across communication channels and face to face.
Mature judgement, reliable, and responsible.
Moderate computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Canva, and Google software.
Ability to learn new software (e.g., RedCap, LabChart, HoloAnatomy), equipment (e.g., Powerlab, Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, NIRx) and computer skills.
Strong ability to multitask. 
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. This position may require off-site travel for research sessions at participants¿ homes or recruitment within the surrounding community.