Research Assistant - Otolaryngology

SUMMARY

The Department of Otolaryngology - Carver College of Medicine seeks to hire a Research Assistant to join an interdisciplinary team of clinician-researchers conducting projects in cochlear implant electrophysiology. The work focuses on characterizing how the peripheral auditory system influences outcomes for cochlear implant users and on strategies to preserve structure and function during and after implantation. The Research Assistant will partner with investigators in otolaryngology, neurobiology, genetics, communication science, and collaborators at other institutions.

Responsibilities include recruiting and scheduling participants, conducting visits to perform electrophysiological and hearing assessments, scoring, entering, and managing data, keeping detailed research records, overseeing regulatory paperwork, and supporting the study team on other research-related tasks as needed.

Perform research activities based on protocols developed by other research staff or the principal investigator of the research project. Provide support for researchers by addressing administrative, management, and maintenance tasks within a hearing research laboratory.

Research

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the interdisciplinary research team, including study investigators, clinical audiologists, clerks, staff, students, and other researchers.
• Coordinate participant recruitment and scheduling, including recruiting and interviewing prospective participants, obtaining informed consent, completing questionnaires, and reviewing data with investigators or management.
• Maintain telephone or email contact with participants, review protocol compliance, and organize and maintain study records and files.
• Administer and score research measures according to protocols developed by other staff or investigators.
• Communicate effectively, establish rapport, and explain study purpose and procedures to participants.
• Conduct literature searches to collect background information on relevant topics, as directed, and assist in preparing bibliographies.
• Contribute to technical writing of papers, manuscripts, and published materials.
• Prepare basic data reports for discussion with investigators.
• Analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers or the principal investigator.

Administrative

• Facilitate completion of paperwork associated with visits (e.g., payments, travel arrangements, parking).
• Prepare reports to track progress toward project goals.
• Assist in the design of manuals, questionnaires, and forms.
• Present updates at team and departmental meetings; may present at local and national meetings as skills develop.
• Multitask efficiently by allocating time effectively.

Data Management

• Ensure accuracy in all details: collecting, recording, and entering data.
• Manage existing databases and create new databases for lab studies using Excel, Access, or Red Cap.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Make recommendations regarding the validity of research data.

Facilities and Equipment Management

• Assist in designing and developing questionnaires, manuals, and forms.
• Manage and maintain lab equipment, including software updates and simple calibration checks.
• Set up and operate research materials and equipment.
• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
• Learn to troubleshoot as skills develop.
• Create and maintain logs of laboratory-owned and manufacturer- loaned equipment.

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, communication science, speech and hearing science, linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, social work, gerontology, biology, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs, and ability to learn new technical skills quickly.
• Ability to perform and score standardized clinical assessments of hearing or rapid ability to learn administration and scoring.
• Willingness to learn relevant lab protocols under supervision…