Research Assistant II, Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology in the College of Arts & Science has faculty (both tenure and non-tenure lines) who are aligned within three specializations: clinical psychology, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, and neuroscience. We are first and foremost a research-oriented department, and our faculty comprises nationally and internationally recognized scholars in their fields of research.
Our Undergraduate Program currently consists of nearly 160 undergraduate majors. Our approximately 40 Ph.D. students in the Department's Graduate Program will join, upon graduation, alumni employed in public and private institutions and organizations, as well as in private practice.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Program behavioral tasks using Matlab that updates a high-refresh monitor based on the immediate eye position of the subject with a fast update time of 5-15 milliseconds.
- Develop a electroencephalography (EEG) system to be used daily for monitoring task performance in non-human primates
- Develop a system to record heart rate and skin galvanic response based on the subject touching a bar
- Program and develop an interactive game based on touch screens for non-human primates
- Create anatomically accurate 3D models of the brain and skull and develop custom-fit implant designs for electrophysiology recordings
- Perform basic time-series analysis of this EEG data and other datasets that the lab is collecting
- Develop a system to record breathing patterns
- Create anatomically accurate 3D models of the brain and skull and develop custom-fit implant designs for electrophysiology recordings
- Develop computer and back-end systems to support high-density (hundreds to thousands of channels) electrophysiological recordings with NeuroPixels or similar probes
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Anthropology, Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science or Primatology is preferred.
- Relevant experience is preferred.
- Familiarity with scientific computing and programming is necessary.
- Proficiency in Excel is preferred.
- Animal training (NHP preferable) using positive reinforcement methods is preferred.
- A 2-year commitment is desired
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.