CASTL Research Specialist

The UVA B.E.A.R. Lab in the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Specialist to join a team in a novel investigation using real-world neuroscience to examine the impact of classroom instruction on student attention in college classrooms. This position is for in-person work in Charlottesville at UVA and starts immediately.

Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the Research Specialist will be responsible for coordinating participantrecruitment and outreach for a funded investigation designed to examinethe neural correlates of attention in naturalistic learning environment.

Primary responsibilities include recruiting for the research study, managing,and coordinating the research study participants, collecting and managing EEG data, and conducting preliminary analysis onthe research data. The Research Specialist will be responsible for training undergraduate research assistants on data collection preparationand procedures, data entry, and administrative support.

The incumbent will provide research support and coordination for thegathering of data for EEG experiments in the real-world settings, conducting EEG testing, educating participants on EEG study procedures, obtaining informed consent, and operating and troubleshooting the EEG recording devices to ensure accurate data is collected. The Research Specialist will utilize data collection from the study to conduct basic data analysis to translate and synthesize the data into visually coherent tables, graphs, and infographics for formal reports. Other responsibilities include day-to-day data maintenance, managing information technology systems, updating research social media accounts, and supporting the research project with any administrative needs.

This is a restricted, term-limited position with an end date of August 31, 2024. Continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance, the need for the position and the continued availability of funding.

Role and Responsibilities

Project Coordination

• Track and facilitate project work
• Organize project meetings and events
• Schedule observations and assessments
• Draft project materials, agendas, and schedules
• Maintain project materials, supplies, and technology
• Keep research records organized and confidential

Communications

• Coordinate recruitment materials process; serve as a liaison between faculty, staff, and the project and its participants
• Maintain contact with participants for assessment follow-ups and finding dissemination
• Manage and update the project’s social media presence to create effective presence and bring awareness to the research
  

Recruitment and Data Collection

• Manage all research participants’ activities including recruiting, scheduling applicants, educating subjects on study procedures, and obtaining informed consent
• Maintain databases to track participation rates, data collected, and participants' records
• Assign accurate research IDs to all data collected in preparation for data entry and analysis, in accordance with IRB protocols for maintaining anonymity of processed data
• Collect on-site data through classroom observations, administer student assessments, and oversee survey responses
• Coordinate a team in the collection of electrophysiological (EEG) data in real-world settings
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot the EEG recording devices to ensure accurate data is collected. Identify potential issues and mitigate concerns as needed
• Promptly schedule and conduct interviews with instructors after initial data collection sessions
• Coordinate a team in the collection of classroom observation data using an established behavioral coding framework
• Resolve routine logistical or other complications arising from the data collection.
• Under guidance of staff, organize and analyze data collected from EEG assessments using coding system (such as R, Stata, or SPSS), and translate the data into visuals (graphs, tables, infographics) for formal reports to stakeholders
• Collaborate with other research team members to identify the key supports necessary to execute research methodologies
• Adhere to confidentiality and Protection of Human Research Subjects standards vis-a-vis the UVA IRB and any externally applicable IRB protocols
• Maintain documentation for data analysis including process, replication requirements, and detailed codebooks. Organize and prepare data as necessary to preserve content and enhance accuracy.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Skills

Significant preference will be given to those candidates who meet some or all preferred qualifications. Candidates are strongly encouraged to explain in their cover letter how their experience and qualifications align with the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Education, or related field
• Ability to troubleshoot technology issues independently. Mastery in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), G Suite (Google Calendar, Sheets, Docs, Forms, etc.) and web applications
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, lead and facilitate cross-functional groups, and the ability to interact collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders and research team
• Experience with writing or contributing to the writing of reports, proposals, and/or other related documents that require high attention to detail and comfortable use of academic and/or technical language
• Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining professionalism
• A minimum of one year of education or social science research experience, including project coordination and data collection responsibilities
• Familiarity with MatLab and Brainvision Analyzer
• Experience with electrophysiological data collection
• Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes
• Experience with Box, Qualtrics, Canva, Slack, and project management applications, such as Smartsheet

Compensation Information: Full-time position with a range of $40,000-$45,000 annually, includes UVA benefits.

Application Instructions

Please apply through Workday , and search CASTL Research Specialist - UVA B.E.A.R. Lab. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV or Resume
• Cover letter required
• As part of the application process, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they address diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs.'

The position will remain open until filled. This is a non-exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This restricted position appointment with an end date of August 31, 2024. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For additional information about the position, please contact Jennie Gramme r. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks .

In alignment with President Ryan’s UVA strategic plan, CASTL is committed to:

• Recruiting talented and diverse doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff;
• Recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce and providing an inclusive and supportive environment in which staff and faculty are recognized as integral to the success of our work; and
• Promoting a culture of integrity, mutual respect, excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visitthe UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpageprior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirementsandguidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.