Research Assistants

Job Description

The Cognition, Affect, and Psychophysiology Lab (CAP Lab) at Virginia Tech, headed by Dr. Martha Ann Bell, is seeking 2 full‑time Research Assistants for the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study at Virginia Tech. The Research Assistants will join a team of other Research Assistants in the lab and be responsible for the day‑to‑day functioning of all HBCD research activities and lab‑related activities.

The Research Assistants will work as a team with current HBCD staff in data collection (EEG, behavioral observations, cognitive battery) in our Blacksburg campus lab and at our satellite lab in Roanoke.

This is a limited‑term appointment, funded for two years from date of hire after a 6‑month review and probationary period.

• Previous research experience in a lab focused on infant and child participants
• Willingness to participate in data collection on weekends and evenings as necessary
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work independently as well as with a group
• Detail oriented
• Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, exercising a high degree of confidentiality
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time‑management skills
• Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection appointments
• Have transportation available to travel between CAP Lab in Blacksburg and our satellite lab at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke (42 miles away)

• BS/BA in Psychology, Human Development, or related field
• Experience with mother and/or child behavioral coding
• Experience with EEG data collection

3

Non‑Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

40

March 1, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Michelle Wooddell at mwooddel during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.