Technical Research Assistant - Human Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Data Systems; Research

About the Job

The Herman/Darrow Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Technical Research Assistant (Research Professional
2) to join our group. The Technical Research Assistant will be a hands‑on member of an interdisciplinary human neuroscience team, providing long‑term technical continuity for experimental systems, research data infrastructure, and participant/patient studies. Working under the direction of senior lab staff, the successful candidate will set up and troubleshoot equipment; verify trigger timing and synchronization; support stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral experiments;

and curate, document, and integrate complex datasets. This is an execution‑focused role rather than an independent investigator position. It is well suited to a detail‑oriented, persistent problem solver who enjoys connecting hardware, software, data, and people and who wants to build deep expertise over a sustained period. Opportunities to contribute to analysis, presentations, and publications may be available based on interest and project needs.

• Experimental Systems and Equipment Operations (35%):
  Configure, test, maintain, and troubleshoot electrophysiology, stimulation, behavioral, and data‑acquisition systems used across lab studies; verify trigger/TTL routing, timing, synchronization, signal quality, cables, interfaces, and software settings; coordinate maintenance, repairs, and inventory.
• Data Curation and Research Infrastructure (30%):
  Organize, standardize, quality‑check, document, and transfer multimodal research data; maintain file structures, metadata, data dictionaries, and issue logs; develop and maintain scripts and repeatable workflows that support ongoing datasets, repository integration, and handoff of routine data operations from senior staff.
• Study Execution and Participant/Patient Support (20%):
  Prepare equipment and research spaces; set up and run stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral sessions under approved protocols; support participant and patient visits, coordinate with clinical and research teams, monitor data collection, and resolve technical problems in real time.
• Documentation, Training, and Collaboration (10%):
  Create SOPs, checklists, troubleshooting guides, and training materials; train lab members in equipment setup, data handling, and quality‑control procedures; communicate technical status and risks clearly and collaborate with investigators, engineers, clinicians, coordinators, and trainees across studies.
• Laboratory Operations and Compliance (5%):
  Maintain equipment and data records, assist with purchasing and inventory, support IRB, safety, and quality requirements, and contribute to lab meetings and process improvement.

Required Qualifications
:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot research hardware, software, or integrated technical systems using a systematic and persistent approach.
• Experience working with scientific data files and basic programming or scripting in Python, MATLAB, R, or a similar language.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow, document, and improve standard operating procedures.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with research participants, clinical staff, investigators, and trainees.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment, including occasional evenings or weekends when participant or patient studies require it.

Preferred Qualifications
:

• Master's degree or at least one year of relevant experience in a neuroscience, engineering, clinical research, or laboratory setting.
• Experience setting up or operating EEG, ECoG/stereo‑EEG, neural stimulation, behavioral testing, or physiological recording systems.
• Familiarity with digital triggers and TTL signals, data‑acquisition hardware, event timing, synchronization, or experimental control software.
• Experience with Linux, Git, REDCap or other databases, BIDS or other research data standards,…