Job Description

Job Summary
The Food and Addiction Science and Treatment (FAST) lab in the University of Michigan Department of Psychology is seeking a full-time research assistant for a NIDA-funded research project. The aim of this research is to understand how ultra-processed foods impact reward-functioning, mood, and well-being using cutting-edge technology (e.g., neuroimaging, continuous glucose monitoring, ecological momentary assessment) and experimental designs with human subjects. Employees will receive training on these scientific methods.

The research assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Ashley Gearhardt. They will join a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers and have opportunities to collaborate on numerous research projects focused on the impact of ultra-processed foods on mental health and well-being.

The research assistant will participate in various research-related activities, including running participants and collecting neuroimaging and mobile technology data, and organizing, analyzing, and managing lab duties. This position is suitable for candidates interested in growing a competitive research record for preparation for graduate school in clinical or quantitative psychology or in related fields of neuroscience, epidemiology, or public health. The research assistant will have opportunities to develop methodological, statistical, and writing skills.

Responsibilities*
Running human participants through protocols (including neuroimaging, mobile technology, and experimental designs in simulated fast-food restaurant)
Analyzing and processing data, organizing data, and archiving data. Working on projects to effectively manage large amounts of data and working with IT and other labs to design efficient
IT systems for data and conduct analyses on data.
Recruiting participants and screening participants for eligibility
Train incoming research staff and students in the lab and be a resource throughout their employment
Working with the research coordinator on evaluating research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives
Partnering with graduate students and undergraduates on research projects
NOTE: The amount of time in some of these activities (e.g., participant screening, training incoming research staff & students) will vary somewhat based on experience, time of the year, and lab needs). You will be expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards across all tasks and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications*
High school diploma or Associate's degree
1-2 years of experience in a research environment, particularly with human subjects
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills
Excellent communication and writing skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desired Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably with a major or minor in statistics, computer science, applied math, or similar fields OR a degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field with a strong background in statistics and data management
Interest in clinical psychology or neuroscience
Experience with data cleaning, management and analysis using R and/or SPSS
Experience with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap)
Willingness to travel to various on and off-campus locations for purposes of the research study