Research Specialist I - Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Caroline Larson's Language and Cognition (LLC) Lab in the College of Health Sciences - Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Missouri - Columbia is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Specialist I.

This position will support research in the Larson Language and Cognition Lab (PI: Caroline Larson). The LLC Lab conducts research on language development, language processing, and neurodevelopmental conditions using behavioral and functional neuroimaging methodologies.

This position will involve (but is not limited to) designing longitudinal behavioral and other studies of visuo-perceptual and language skills in toddlers with elevated likelihood of autism and developmental language disorder, recruiting and testing participants, and data processing and analysis as part of the European Research Council Synergy Grant SHAPE. It will also involve performing data collection and analysis, oversight of participant recruitment, scheduling, and onboarding for studies of adults with developmental language disorder, including language, social-emotional, and cognitive behavioral and functional neuroimaging measurement, and coordinating with the centralized CHS fiscal office regarding lab finances, and additional administrative responsibilities. Depending on experience, the position may include opportunities to lead and/or collaborate on papers, posters, and presentations for national and international scientific meetings, and mentoring research assistants. This position will work independently and collaboratively with other team members to fulfill the goals of the projects.

Job Responsibilities:

(70%) Support and implement research

• Conduct behavioral and neuroimaging experiments with research participants
• Create and manage surveys and questionnaires through Qualtrics and REDCap
• Collect and analyze data using E-Prime, MATLAB, standardized assessments, and/or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
• Write and review R code for data collection and analysis
• Recruit participants and schedule testing sessions
• Manage participant and project database through REDCap and Excel

(30%) Lab management

• Handle IRB requests (prepare consent forms, attend to project amendments, support preparation and submission of new protocols, document reportable events)
• Train and oversee undergraduate and/or graduate student hourly employees on data collection and analysis procedures
• Coordinate with the College of Health Sciences centralized Administrative Operations Office and Grants Office to manage lab finances, order materials, etc.
• Detailed record keeping, filing, and tracking research-related supplies
• Maintain lab documentation and website content

40 hours per week, including occasional evening and weekend availability when needed.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Bachelor's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or a related discipline (e.g., psychology, linguistics, neuroscience)
• Familiarity with standardized language and cognitive testing, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), remote experiment administration, longitudinal design, and eye gaze methodology
• Familiarity with relevant data collection and analysis (e.g. REDCap, E-Prime, R, MATLAB, standardized language/cognitive assessments)
• Experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Experience conducting experimental research on cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and/or language processing

Anticipated Hiring Range: $17.05 - $29.69 per hour

Grade: GGS 007

University Title: Research Specialist I

Internal applicants can determine their current grade and university title by accessing the Job Information page through the Additional Employee Info tile in myHR.

Completed online application, cover letter, and resume are required.

Applications must be submitted on-line through the University of Missouri website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (search for Job Opening 58291).

Applications will be reviewed until well-qualified applicants are identified to advance to the interview process.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

At the Mizzou College of Health Sciences https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/about/, we work every day to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

As the home of the most popular major on campus, we teach Mizzou students who care about health and are dedicated to serving others. In addition to learning in the classroom, our students spend more than 80,150 hours helping patients every year.

Our faculty are driven to solve real-world problems. They lead the way by conducting research that has power and purpose. From expanding the use of technology in health care to improving mental health and learning in schools, we are discovering ways to make life better for everyone.

Through clinics and community outreach programs, we provide vital services to members of our community and training for our students. We are proud to serve Missourians today while preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

This position is grant funded with 5 years guaranteed funding. Employment is contingent upon available grant funding.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.