Department of Psychology & Neuroscience / Center for Cognitive Neuroscience

Overview:

An Associate in Research position on the role of structural and functional connectivity in age-related cognitive decline & preservation is available in the labs of Roberto Cabeza (https://cabezalab.org/) and Simon Davis (https://sites.duke.edu/electricdino/) in the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University. The position will contribute to a project that seeks to improve a scientific understanding of memory function by revealing how distributed structural connectivity patterns and qualities affect functional connectivity in neural circuits to selectively enhance memory functioning. Applications to age-related pathologies including Alzheimer's disease and Dementia will be explored, including brain stimulation technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The candidate will collaborate on current studies, assist is data collection and quality control, keep detailed records of participant testing and compensation, provide assistance in preparing protocols and paperwork related to neuroimaging research, and contribute to the conceptual development of new experiments within the scope of this and related projects. Approximately 60% effort will be dedicated to research duties, while 40% effort will be dedicated to regulatory & recruitment duties, in any calendar year.

Essential Duties:

1. Recruitment/Consent

Coordinate and track contact with currently-enrolled study participants.
Maintain enrollment log to keep accurate records to report recruitment statistics to PI and the IRB for continuing renewals.
Conduct and document consent within the approved IRB process including documentation of consent, notice of private practice documentation and storage of consents.

2. Data collection

Collect required study data which could include questionnaires, behavioral testing, demographic information, MR imaging, and clinical data from medical records and other sources.
Conduct experiments with MR imaging, Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation, or behavioral testing.
Independently maintain study-level and subject-level documentation.
Participate in the development of recruitment flyers, study forms, questionnaires and study procedures (SOPs).
Ensure all data collected is captured, collected and stored in the approved IRB and Duke required practice.

3. Data Analysis

Perform neuroimaging research in Dr. Cabeza’s and Davis’ lab, focusing on the structural and functional connectivity of the healthy and demented human brain.
Coordinate and assist with database maintenance, data migration and data entry.
Conduct computational analysis of brain data, including distinct models of tissue characteristics and longitudinal change.
Assist with data coding, working closely with statisticians for data clean up and preparation for statistical analysis.
Perform behavioral analyses on questionnaires, demographic information, and behavioral tests, and integrating these data with neuroimaging measures.
Be able to work with a research team and manage study documentation.

4.. Regulatory

Assist the PI in submission of new protocols, amendments or personnel changes to eIRB.
Maintain up-to-date regulatory binder.
Maintain up-to-date enrollment log.
Assist PI with any internal QI review, audits or external audits.

5. Communication

Communicate with other staff/students about issues/situations that may arise regarding study procedures.
Assist PI with abstract, poster, and manuscript preparations and report writing.
Assist PI in proofing new study materials and suggesting modifications in wording or order, providing feedback based on previous contact with research subjects and materials.

Qualifications:

Candidates with a BA/BS in any area of cognitive neuroscience broadly defined (e.g., Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related field) are welcome to apply.
Ideal candidates have

experience with both standard neuropsychological and basic science behavioral testing
some basic computer programming experience (MATLAB, C, or python)
familiarity with diffusion imaging analysis methods

This is a full time, grant funded position, eligible for all Duke benefits (https://hr.duke.edu/benefits) with an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of renewal, dependent on funding and performance.

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online and include their resume, a cover letter and contact information for at least 2 references. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you are not able to upload your application materials or if letter writers would prefer to upload their letters directly, please complete your application and email those materials to Meghann Koffi at meghann.koffi@duke.edu to be uploaded manually.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Position ID:	Duke-P&N-AIR_CABEZADAVISLAB [#24518]
Position Title:	Associate in Research
Position Type:	Other
Position Location:	Durham, North Carolina 27708-0999, United States [map]
Subject Area:	Cognitive Neuroscience
Appl Deadline:	2023/09/30 11:59PM finished (2023/03/10, finished 2023/05/22, listed until 2023/09/30)
Position Description:

Duke University, Psychology and Neuroscience