Research Specialist

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early-stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.

This position will work within the Brain Imaging Core of the Waisman Center. The Brain Imaging Core is a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary facility dedicated to affective and cognitive neuroscience research.

The Research Specialist will support a research project to evaluate new MRI research methods for brain imaging studies of the glymphatic system during sleep in adults. The objectives of the study are to develop and evaluate new imaging techniques for studies of the brain glymphatic system as it relates to aging, sex and cognitive decline. This position will be responsible for assisting with participant recruitment and study coordination, and the collection and management of MRI data in the evening, blood samples and cognitive measures.

• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• Oversees participant recruitment, enrollment and data collection and works with participants to facilitate travel arrangements.

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

Waisman Center

$45,000; Salary is negotiable and will be based on education, experience and skills.

• One year of experience in a human participants' research setting.

• One year of project administration/management experience.

• Experience with managing IRB protocols.

• Previous research experience in brain imaging and behavioral data analysis.

• Previous experience working with aging and/or cognitively impaired adults.

• Excellent interpersonal, organization, written, and verbal communication skills.

• High degree of general computer proficiency and the ability to learn new technology quickly - especially RedCap, Excel, Python and/or Matlab.

• Attention to detail and a strong work ethic.

• Proactive problem solving and planning.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Relevant undergraduate/graduate research experience may be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Qualified candidates should be able to work safely within an MRI scanner environment (e.g., no electronic or metallic implants that are not MRI safe).

Bachelor's degree preferred

• This is part or full-time position with an FTE of 80 - 100%. (an estimated 32 - 40 hours per week).

• Some evening, night and weekend work will be required as data collection will be performed in the evenings.

• A Criminal Background Check will be performed.

• The successful applicant will be required to complete HIPAA training and receive certification upon hire and annually thereafter.

• Reporting requirements must be completed in a timely manner, including but not limited to effort reporting and outside activities reporting.

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to begin the application process. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and a list of professional references.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Jessica Soper (HR Generalist) at jdsoper@wisc.edu or (608)262-9613.

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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