Research Assistant – Translational Neuropsychology Lab – Dietrich College

Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Psychology is searching for a full-time Research Assistant to join their team.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing support by conducting research with human participants. The RA will work extensively with individuals with acquired brain injury or neurologic diseases (individuals who have had stroke, TBI, or who will be having neurosurgical interventions to treat epilepsy or brain tumor). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the earliest start date of June 2026.

Core responsibilities include:

• Recruiting participants for participation in research studies, using the established and extensive resources available through CMU and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

• Administering and scoring neuropsychological tests

• Running functional and structural MRI studies, analysis of MRI data.

• Participating in the collection of research data during standard of care clinical procedures with collaborating clinicians in Pittsburgh.

• The selected candidate will learn cutting-edge methods of lesion-behavior analysis and MRI analysis. They will also participate in regular joint meetings between the PI’s lab and other collaborating labs and clinicians

• Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Application materials:

- CV. The candidate’s CV must include information about their field of study, graduation date, college GPA, list of the relevant courses (i.e., courses on cognition, linguistics, psycholinguistics, brain studies, statistical analysis, etc.), a brief summary of research activities in bullet points (e.g., PI’s name, nature and duration of responsibilities in relevant research labs ), scientific publications (if any; include projects that are in preparation for publication), scientific presentations (include local presentations, e.g., Honors seminars), and additional qualifications in bullet points (e.g., intermediate proficiency in French, knowledge of statistical analysis in R, etc.)

- A statement of purpose. A short cover letter (1pp max) describing (1) why this work is of interest to the candidate, (2) what qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, and (3) what their future career goals are. Please answer this question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years, and how will this experience move you closer to that goal?

- At least two letters of reference from academic supervisors/teachers who are familiar with the candidate’s strengths in respect of the criteria listed above will be requested for candidates invited to interview. List your reference letter writers in your CV and their contact information.

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong desire to work with individuals who are experiencing cognitive difficulties subsequent to a brain injury.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MA or MS in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, speech pathology, or a related field preferred

• 1-3 years of experience working in a research lab that conducts cognitive and/or linguistic studies with human participants OR experience working in a lab that conducts MRI studies with human participants

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R) and a strong desire to continue development

• Clear evidence of strong skills in quantitative and logical reasoning (e.g., prior course work)

• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with designing experiments in professional software such as Eprime, or Psych Toolbox is desirable.

• Experience working with clinical populations

• Background in neuroimaging or lesion analysis is preferred, but not required.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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