Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician

Smith College is seeking a Lab Technician with a strong background in human movement analysis and neuroimaging techniques to support a 3-year, NIH-funded research study combining human movement science and cognitive neuroscience to assess postural control and fatigue. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing daily lab operations, study coordination, supervision of undergraduate students and facilitating complex protocols involving concurrent biomechanical and neuroimaging (fNIRS) assessments.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

• Technical Support:
  Lead the setup, operation and synchronization of neuroimaging hardware with biomechanical equipment (force plates, motion capture systems, surface electromyography)
• Participant Coordination:
  Manage participant recruitment, schedule lab visits, screen candidates against inclusion/exclusion criteria, and administer informed consent procedures.
• Data Acquisition & Processing:
  Execute high-level data collection protocols with human participants and manage primary processing, artifact removal, and data analysis for neuroimaging and kinematic data sets.
• Protocol & Regulatory Compliance:
  Oversee Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation, amendments, safety compliance, and standard operating procedures.
• Lab Management:
  Oversee equipment calibration, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, manage supplies and ordering, supervise student research assistants.
• Collaborative Research:
  Coordinate with principal investigator to design experimental paradigms, write technical reports, and assist with grant or manuscript preparation.

Minimum Required Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

• Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Human Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering and 1 to 5 years experience
• Knowledge of Motion Capture and/or Neuroimaging Techniques
• Experience with motion capture or neuroimaging software
• Experience with data analysis software (including Matlab or Python)
• Exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving abilities; strong interpersonal skills for working effectively with diverse research populations and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Human Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering
• Knowledge of:
  Kinematics, Kinetics, Electromyography, Neuroimaging Techniques
• Proficiency in data analysis software and programming languages commonly used for neuroimaging and signal processing (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Psychopy, Satori, Homer3).
• Strong working knowledge of motion analysis or physiological recording software.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $47,875.16 - $64,772.28 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.

Position Type

Fixed Term