Position Summary
Researchers in the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience (LCN) are dedicated to furthering our understanding of brain and cognitive development in typically developing infants and children, as well as children diagnosed with or at risk for various developmental disorders. In collaboration with clinical experts in fields such as developmental pediatrics and child neurology, we are working to expand our knowledge of child development and developmental disorders. In gaining a better understanding of these processes, our goal is to contribute to the healthy growth and development of our children.

We are seeking a Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) to work on an ongoing longitudinal study that is collecting EEG, parent-report measures, and developmental/behavioral/academic assessments from young children seen in a large pediatric primary care clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital that serves under-represented groups (75% Hispanic or Black). The primary goal of the study is to identify predictive markers of autism or other neurodevelopmental delays/disorders. As part of the study children are now being seen for follow up behavioral assessments between 2- and 6-years of age. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers and physicians brings together experts from a wide range of fields including neuroscience, psychology, and primary care pediatrics and developmental behavioral pediatrics.

The CRA will be involved in all aspects of the research process with close mentorship from the principal and co-investigators (Dr. Charles Nelson, Dr. Carol Wilkinson and Dr. Anne Arnett.), with opportunities to work directly with both English and Spanish speaking research participants. This position will provide experiences working in both clinical and research settings, with mentored opportunities to develop additional research and clinical skills. The CRA will receive and training from and work closely with the study’s Senior Clinical Research Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule and perform all aspects of study visits
• Complete research reliable assessments of development and autism children aged 2-6 years old
• Collect EEG data as part of study visits
• Data entry, organization, and management
• Opportunities for mentored data analysis and participation in collaborative research analyses

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, psychology, child development, cognitive science, neuroscience, or related field required

Experience:

• Ability to communicate with people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The CRA will be completing assessments of children in English and Spanish. Therefore, English and NATIVE Spanish speaking fluency is required. Must be listed on resume.
• Experience working with infants and children, and/or under-represented populations
• Availability for flexible scheduling since study visits are often scheduled on evenings and weekends to accommodate family schedules
• Computer skills and experience with data management software (eg. Excel, Redcap).
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of motivation; ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail
• Previous experience with video coding of child behavior or language, experience abstracting data from the medical record, experience administering developmental assessments preferred.
• A 2-year commitment to the position