Job Description Summary

The position of Research Assistant is responsible for making independent contributions to the conduct of research studies with a focus on preschool language development. Specifically, this position is responsible for independently recruiting and screening prospective research participants; scheduling and running studies; and data collection. This position will also work, with guidance, on data management and administrative oversight of current research studies. This position will be entirely within the Methods of Acquiring Concepts and Words (MACAW) Lab under the direction of Dr. Sabrina Horvath. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Horvath, other research staff, students, and preschool children and their families. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, linguistics, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field.
This is a 15-month research position funded by 1R21DC020785-01.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000230 CHP - Rehab Research Division

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

$29,061 - $41,415 - $53,769

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties

35% Research Operations

Independently recruit, screen, and schedule participants for studies related to language development and language disorder. This includes contacting community partners about sharing recruiting materials, answering questions about the study from prospective families, and working with research staff to coordinate schedules for families to visit the lab. Independently follow study protocol, including obtaining consent, administering assessments related to the study (vocabulary and developmental data), and collecting data using an eye tracker.

25% Data and Informatics

In collaboration with PI, manage records related to the study. This includes data export from the eye tracker, processing of data collected from administered assessments, and data entry into pre-existing project records.

25% Study Management
Provides support by tracking invoices related to study activities. This includes monitoring recruitment expenditures. This also includes monitoring of study-necessary laboratory supplies (e.g., assessment forms) and notifying the PI about necessary purchases. With support, updates training manuals and standard operating procedures for running the current research study.

5% Communication

Participates in study team meetings and updates study team on study progress.

5% Ethics

Adheres to all regulations related to human subjects research.

5% Leadership and Professionalism
Assists with identifying efficiencies and improving processes. Behaves professionally when interacting with community partners, families, and children in the lab.

Band 4

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma and four years relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

MUSC Physical Requirements:

(Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift)

Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent)
Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent)
Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent)
Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent)
Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent)
Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent)
Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent)
Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and/or understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. (Frequent)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)
Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)

Additional Job Description

A high school diploma and four years of relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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