JOB OPENINGS

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Position: Post-doctoral Research

Fellow Department: Neurology

Schedule: Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking an outstanding individual to be a Post-doctoral fellow in the Center for Translation Cognitive Neuroscience (CTCN) at the Boston University School of Medicine and VA Boston Healthcare System. Based at VA Boston, the CTCN lab focuses on applying the techniques of cognitive neuroscience to increase our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. A two-year commitment is required.

The specific project which funds the position seeks to test a pragmatic introduction of ERPs into the existing workflow of participants and patients in the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and affiliated memory disorders clinics with the hypothesis that ERPs will provide (1) additive diagnostic information beyond that of neuropsychological testing alone and (2) data on how brain physiology is altered by neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries.

Other ongoing projects in the laboratory that the fellow may be involved with include examining: (A) the effects of social isolation and the built environment on cognition and mood; (B) the impact of false memories and misinformation on older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease; (C) the relationship between structural MRI, ERP, neuropsychological, and behavioral data in older adults with and without memory disorders; (D) autobiographical memory in individuals with memory disorders; and (E) the relationship between consciousness and memory in individuals with and without memory disorders.

Successful applicants will have demonstrated research interests in translational research, experimental psychology, and/or cognitive neuroscience, as well as a demonstrated record of research project management (e.g., study design, IRB protocol writing, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation).

The applicant should be highly motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. As part of their job duties, the candidate will participate in a variety of professional development activities, including activities with the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, leading publications and presentations, and participating in individual and group mentorship activities.

Women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

The Post-doctoral fellow is responsible for:

· Supervising research assistants and students who complete Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and management for human research, including new applications, amendments, continuing review reports, study personnel changes, safety report submissions per IRB policies and procedures, protocol deviations, etc.; (30%)

· Overseeing recruitment of study participants by research assistants and students (10%)

· Overseeing site monitoring visits (pre-site selection, site initiation, and interim visits, plus follow-up after visits) for applicable research studies in the Section, including taking the lead or assisting in scheduling; (10%)

· Performing research-related data analysis, manuscript writing, grant writing (50%)

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related discipline

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: You must have or receive training/certification for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subjects Protection (HSP), HIPAA, and Conflict of Interest training.

EXPERIENCE: Experience with, or willingness to quickly learn, ERP data collection and analysis methods necessary.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

A strong quantitative background and competency in programming environments such as Matlab, Python, R, and Psychtoolbox are preferred. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline when they start.

TO APPLY: Please send Cover Letter and CV to Dr. Renée DeCaro (Postdoctoral Fellow; rdecaro@bu.edu) with cc to co-PIs for this position, Dr. Kate Turk at kturk@bu.edu, and Dr. Andrew Budson, abudson@bu.edu.

ANTICIPATED START DATE:

Applications will be reviewed as received, with an anticipated start date of July 1. Later start dates can be negotiated. The position will be open until a qualified applicant is found.

Position: Research Assistant (RA)

Department: Neurology

Schedule: Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an individual to fill the position of Research Assistant in the Center for Translation Cognitive Neuroscience (CTCN) at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston VA Healthcare system. The CTCN lab focuses on applying the techniques of cognitive neuroscience to increase our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. This RA will be responsible for study-related paperwork including Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and compliance, as well as the day-to-day coordination of participant recruitment and testing for a variety of research projects including investigating autobiographical memory in older adults with and without memory impairment as well as investigating EEG as a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease and a clinical research study investigating the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury among veterans on memory as well as brain structure and function. This individual will gain expertise and mentoring in design of behavioral experiments studying memory in older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease, the use of technology in the rehabilitation of memory in these populations, and EEG and event-related potentials techniques in clinical research. The individual will have the opportunity to be a co-author on publications resulting from the project. A two-year commitment is required.

Women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

The Research Assistant is responsible for:

Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and management for human research, including new applications, amendments, continuing review reports, study personnel changes, safety report submissions per IRB policies and procedures, protocol deviations, etc.; (40%)
Recruit study participants by assessing the eligibility of potential subjects through screening interviews and medical record review; Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, assessments, etc., as required by study protocols. (40%)
Participation in site monitoring visits (pre-site selection, site initiation, and interim visits, plus follow-up after visits) for applicable research studies in the Section, including taking the lead or assisting in scheduling; (10%)
Actively communicating research-related progress; e.g., maintaining and disseminating monthly active protocol lists, email reminders/yearly schedules for research compliance and recruitment (10%)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Neuroscience or Master’s degree or related research experience working with human subjects.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

You must have or receive training/certification for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subjects Protection (HSP), HIPAA, and Conflict of Interest training.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 1 year of human research experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Previous experience with IRB submissions and regulatory requirements is preferred
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Knowledge of MS Office applications, database systems, and the Internet.
Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health-sensitive information.

Please send a CV and cover letter and direct all inquiries to Dr. Kate Turk kturk@bu.edu