Research Assistant

Advertising Summary

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Center for Translational Science

Department Summary: The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research seeks to hire a part-time, hourly research assistant to join the CARI MRI Lab research team. Applicants must be available to work at least 16 hours per week, with an opportunity to work an average of 29 hours per week. All work will be in person at the CARI MRI Lab in Richmond, Virginia.

Available working hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The research assistant will support multiple ongoing neuroimaging studies by contributing to fMRI data collection, management, preprocessing, and analysis.

• Independently manage MRI data (storage, organization, file naming, backups) across multiple studies.
• Assist with preprocessing and analysis of fMRI data using MATLAB, SPM, FSL, and AFNI.
• Maintain radiology reports and study documentation.
• Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and best practice documentation.
• Assist in preparation of study materials for publication, including figures, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external research team members to advance study goals.

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• At least 5 months of hands‑on experience with MRI data collection and/or neuroimaging research.
• Experience using research data management systems (REDCap) and strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, PDF management).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrate an ability to think independently and critically, with discretionary decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and be receptive to ongoing feedback.
• Demonstrate commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

• Prior experience using MATLAB, SPM, FSL, AFNI, E‑Prime, Osiri
  
  X, and Linux.
• Familiarity with Linux scripting languages such as Bash.
• Experience contributing to preparation of scientific publications, reports, or presentations.
• Prior work in a collaborative, multi‑institutional research environment.

$18‑24 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Non‑Exempt

29

Yes

No

Fully Onsite

3406B - Research Coordinator Base

Name: Edward Zuniga
Email: eazuniga