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Requirements
Research Manager – Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery - Georgetown University Medical Center
The Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery - a joint enterprise of Georgetown University and MedStar National Rehabilitation Network - is designed to develop groundbreaking approaches to restore brain function caused by neurological damage and disease. It focuses on the study of neuroplasticity, the biological process underlying the brain’s ability to learn and develop, and a potential recovery tool in conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and dementias such as Alzheimer’s.
Job Overview
The Research Manager assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a complex, active research laboratory studying language learning and pattern learning in adults and young children. Most studies involve behavioral research, presenting miniature languages that we devise to children and adults in short sessions during which they listen to the language and are then tested on what they have learned. Some of our studies also include running our subjects in the GUMC neuroimaging MRI scanner (non-invasive, not harmful, uses magnetic methods) in a neighboring building in short 6-minute sessions during which they listen to 1-minute blocks of sentences or scrambled sequences of the miniature languages.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Participating in the design of experiments, which involve neural computations and fairly complex materials design
- Preparing audio and video stimuli for new experiments
- Contacting undergraduate subjects and day care centers and using Facebook advertising to find adults, children, and families interested in participating in the research
- Scheduling the adult and child subjects
- Running subjects in experiments in the lab, online using Zoom, and in our nearby imaging center
- Analyzing data from the behavioral experiments and learning how to do the basic preprocessing steps of analyzing imaging data
- Writing up detailed summaries of the design and results of each study for our records
- Managing the lab’s REDCap databases, including technical development of new suvey instruments
- Developing and implementing child-friendly computer games in PsychoPy (Python) Work
- Performing other lab research tasks
Work Interactions
Reporting to two professors in the Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery (Neurology affiliated), the Research Manager oversees the conduct of all these studies, reporting to and working with the faculty members on planning, execution, and completion of the studies.
As well, they directly supervise part-time undergraduate student researchers to make these projects run simultaneously and function smoothly for the completion of multiple studies; and works alongside and facilitates the research of graduate students and postdocs.
This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.
Requirements and Qualifications
- BA in a cognitive science-related field that includes experience working with children and supervising assistants.
- At least 2 years of experience working in cognitive science or linguistics, including at least 1 year as a research assistant in a lab
- Extensive background in cognitive science, knowledge and use of experimental design, statistics, and interaction with children and adults
- Strong computational skills and programming experience - preferably in Python, JavaScript, and/or R
- Experience creating experiments in PsychoPy or similar platform
- Academic and working knowledge of statistical analyses and experimental design
- Experience and strong skills in interacting with infants, children, and parents
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of formal linguistics
- Experience managing databases and creating survey instruments in REDCap
- Experience in running research studies online
- Experience analyzing behavioral research data
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Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
Need Assistance:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
EEO Statement:
Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits:
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
