RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

The Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Join the alcohol and addiction research community in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, a vibrant group conducting cutting-edge brain and behavior science.

The MU Learning and Memory Psychophysiology (LAMP) lab, directed by Dr. Roberto Cofresi, is a neuroscience lab investigating the role of learning and memory about rewards like foods, drinks, and drugs in human behavior. We use psychophysiological methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to study and localize the neurocognitive correlates of reward learning and memory as well as reward anticipation and consumption, including the post-ingestive consequences of drugs like alcohol. Our mission is to translate and verify basic and intervention-related findings from preclinical addiction neuroscience laboratories into the human laboratory and bridge the gap to clinical applications and testing

We are seeking a motivated, highly organized, and driven research specialist to support day-to-day implementation of federally funded neuroimaging studies examining conditioned cue reactivity, incentive salience, and reward learning related to eating, drinking, and drug use with a focus on alcohol use. This full-time (40 hours/week) on-site position is well suited for individuals seeking substantial, hands-on research experience. The role requires strong interpersonal skills to interact with research participants aged 18-25. By the time this position begins, EEG data collection will be largely complete; the role will focus primarily on fMRI data collection, participant recruitment, and longitudinal retention. All work is conducted on site at the Melvin H. Marx Building, which houses the MRI scanner. Flexible availability is essential to accommodate participant schedules. The research specialist will take primary responsibility for guiding participants through multi-day study protocols, and carefully tracking schedules, follow-ups, and survey completion to ensure smooth study flow and high-quality data.

The research specialist will work directly with Drs. Roberto Cofresi, Sandie Keerstock, and a small cohort of undergraduate research assistants. Additional information about the lab is available at at https://www.mulamplab.org/.

Key Responsibilities

• Run fMRI study visits across four days per participant, including one mock-scanner visit and three consecutive 2-hour scanner sessions; and oral administration of liquids rewards such as alcohol and juice
• Recruit, screen by phone or video call, and enroll participants; manage complex, multi-day calendars
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants before, during, and after study visits
• Coordinate visits with Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Core facility; work closely with the MRI technician; follow safety procedures
• Organize and quality-check behavioral and neuroimaging data and oversee accurate data entry
• Track and manage participant retention across the broader family of Sips and Shapes studies, by monitoring survey completion, contacting participants as needed, and coordinating compensation.
• Ensure compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) and sponsor/regulatory agencies
• Assist with training and supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Prepare and present progress reports

Generally, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• 1-2 years of experience with human subject laboratory research with demonstrated ability to interact with human subjects respectfully, displaying strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and professionalism to foster a positive experience.
• Experience with neuroscience techniques (EEG, MRI, etc)
• Experience with experimental psychology/statistical software like E-Prime, REDCap, R, MATLAB.
• Attention to detail

Salary Range: $17.05 - $23.37 per hour

Grade: GGS - 007

University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.