Position Summary
The Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience (LCN) at Boston Children’s Hospital are committed to improving the lives of children throughout the world. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers brings together experts from a wide range of fields – from neuroscience and psychology to computer science and signal processing – to expand our knowledge of human brain development and translate what we learn into earlier identification, improved therapies, and better outcomes for children and families. Boston Children’s Hospital committed to research excellence and to building a diverse workforce.

The Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) will join the SPIN (Sensory Processing in Neurodevelopment) study, a collaborative project with MIT investigating neural dynamics relating to two fundamental processes implicated in autism: predictive coding and sensory processing. The project will involve collecting EEG data with autistic children, typically developing children and children with Phalen McDermid Syndrome (PMS).

The CRA will be based in our location at 2 Brookline Place and will work directly with families participating in the research study. The position requires clear communication of complex study information, flexible problem-solving and empathic listening skills. Enthusiasm for working with young children is essential, experience working with young children with autism strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Consents and recruits patients for research studies through personal interviews and written communications with patients/families. Provides detailed background information regarding studies to families, communicates all policies and procedures, and responds to all inquiries. Evaluates suitability of prospective study candidates and makes selections based upon clinical knowledge of each study.
• Serves as liaison to the families/patients in the research studies, guiding and advising them throughout each phase of the study. Coordinates follow-up visits as necessary. Acts as a resource to study participants, addressing any concerns they may have. Troubleshoots resolution of any issues that may arise throughout the study.
• Assists with EEG and survey data collection, data management, equipment setup and maintenance.
• Creates and prepares data collection statistical reports and analytical summaries for distribution to study research team for review and analysis. Writes articles and summary papers of studies for submission to research journals, as may be necessary/requested.
• Participates in the training of newly hired research study assistants, as required.
• Coordinates activities between the hospital and research laboratories to ensure correct testing/processing and send out instructions specific to the study. Communicates project policies and procedures to personnel. Monitors and reviews data collection and data entry to ensure consistency of data across the study.
• Coordinates and prepares the necessary documentation for Institutional Review Board (IRB) together with the study team.
• Performs other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, or related field

Experience:

• Previous experience working in a research setting preferred (ideally paid professional experience, but may include undergraduate research experiences).
• Enthusiasm for working with young children is essential, experience working with young children with autism strongly preferred.
• Background and experience in signal processing and EEG data analysis would be helpful.
• High level of motivation; ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail