Research Assistant Position available in infant EEG research
We are looking for a Research Assistant (Grade 1 or 2, depending on qualification; 12 months 1.0 FTE) to support a collaborative project between the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. The research assistant will work in the laboratories of, and report to, Associate Professors Katherine Johnson and Stefan Bode.
The main tasks of the research assistant will be (1) to assist with data analysis of a large EEG data set acquired from infants in Bangladesh, (2) to assist with optimising the current experimental paradigms for a second testing site in Malawi, (3) to assist with developing capacity for testing infants with EEG within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences.
The position will give the successful candidate the opportunity to be involved in a significant and unique research project at the intersection of developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience and immunology & global health. It will allow for developing strong research and EEG data analysis skills and pave the way for a career in research or data analysis.
The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS), within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS), is one of the leading schools of Psychology in Australia. Both MSPS research laboratories involved in this project provide a strong environment for learning new methods, professional development, and a supportive team of researchers.
Key Responsibilities
Conducting data pre-processing and analyses of electroencephalographic (EEG) data using EEGLab and MATLAB. In particular, analyses will focus on event-related potentials (ERPs), steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) and resting-state EEG. Some relevant methods knowledge is desirable, but guidance will be given by the research team.
Support with managing large data sets and coordinating a team of researchers and students
Assisting with the development of improved experimental paradigms for the next stage of the research project; programming of experimental paradigms in the Psychophysics Toolbox for MATLAB (and modifications of existing paradigms)
Assisting with infant recruitment in Melbourne
Assisting with preparation of testing materials, coordination of research, and data management
Assisting with the preparation of conference presentations, publications and future grant applications arising from the research
Selection Criteria
An Honours, Masters or PhD degree in an area of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, computer science, or a cognate field
Experience with MATLAB or demonstrated proficiency in other relevant programming languages (e.g., R or Python)
Some experience with EEG systems and knowledge about the required hardware is desirable
Experience with data acquisition and analysis is expected (EEGLab would be desirable), ideally paired with some experience and expertise with at least some of the relevant analysis techniques
Strong ability to work in a research team, dedication to research and interest in EEG and infant research
Well-developed organisational and project management skills
Application process
Applications should contain a) a cover letter, b) an academic CV, and c) a separate document explicitly addressing the selection criteria
Application should be sent via email to A/Prof Stefan Bode: sbode@unimelb.edu.au
Deadline for applications is 9th August 2019.