Research Assistant

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University Department: College of Arts & Sciences Time Type: Full time Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality: Full On Campus Presence Union: Excluded Job Description: Summary: The Research Assistant will assist with behavioral and computational research in the laboratory of Mark Laubach. The position involves carrying out operant behavioral testing in rats, supporting lab hardware and software used for behavioral testing, and computational analyses of data collected using video recording methods, electrophysiology, and other techniques. Successful candidates will be experienced with operant behavioral methods, programming in the Python language, and working with multi-model data sets (e.g., behavioral measures, video recordings, electrical recordings of brain activity). Essential Functions: 1.) Operant Testing of Laboratory Rats Perform daily behavioral training and testing of laboratory rats including transport to and from the vivarium, recording daily weights, setting up operant chambers, using software to control experiments, placing rats into operant chambers, monitoring ongoing behavior and experimental events, and recording behavior. Clean operant chambers and other lab areas as needed. These activities require completing animal research compliance training and documentation. 2.) Hardware and Software Support for Laboratory Equipment Perform regular testing and maintenance on all experimental equipment used in the course of lab research. Maintain computers used for data analysis (Linux operating system). Electronics support for current and new hardware. Programming novel behavioral task variations. Working with PI on developing an alternative open-course behavioral control system (PyControl), which requires experience with Python coding. 3.) Data Analysis of Video Recordings, Motion Sensors, Electrophysiological, and Behavioral Data Working with the PI and PhD students to carry out pose estimation analyses of video recordings, analyzing data from motion sensors, and electrophysiological and behavioral data from current and recent experiments funded by NIH. Competencies with the Python programming language are essential for these tasks, as well as some familiarity in working with video or sensor data. 4.) Computer Code Development to Support the Tasks Above Working with the PI to develop new methods for analyzing interactions between datasets collected with electrophysiology, fiber photometry, video recordings, and computational models of decision making. Competencies: Prioritizing and Organizing. Acquiring and Analyzing Information. Building and Supporting Teams. Supporting Coworkers. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time. 35 hours per week. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding. This is a temporary full-time position for one year (12 months at 35 hours per week). Salary Range: $22.86 - $23.00 per hour. Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Less than 1 year of relevant experience. Preferred Education and Experience: 1 - 3 years of relevant experience. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options. Other Details Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer. Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Contact Us For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu. American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individuals genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities. American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.