Research Assistant I

The Motivated Cognition and Healthy Aging Lab (directed by Dr. Jennifer Crawford) at the Center for Vital Longevity, University of Texas at Dallas, is currently seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant . The mission of the lab is to understand the earliest cognitive, affective, and motivational changes that co-occur with Alzheimer's disease pathology in middle and late life using the combination of multimodal neuroimaging, plasma biomarkers, and intensive longitudinal sampling.

This position will expose the individual to a wide array of theories and methods in cognitive aging, neuroscience, and Alzheimer's disease research, providing a unique opportunity to develop research skills and engage in professional development with a collaborative team. It would be a good fit for individuals aiming to gain intensive research skills prior to graduate school. We are looking for a hard-working, detail-oriented, and highly motivated bachelors-level researcher with skills in data collection.

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a compatible basic sciences field. Candidates with prior experience in human subject data collection, human-facing interaction, and/or a research background are preferred. Competence with Microsoft Office and other basic computer skills is required. Excellent organizational, time management, interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this position.

Knowledge of techniques and protocols needed for experiments is a plus. Experience working with middle- to older-age adults from the community is also a plus. Previous experience and interest in brain imaging data (e.g. fMRI) is also preferred, but not necessary.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Remote work not available for this position.

The position is available starting August 2026, although the start date is negotiable; the length of the position will be a minimum of one year with the possibility for extension (up to three years). Due to the nature of the job responsibilities, candidates should have their own transportation. Job duties will require driving between multiple locations within the DFW region. Position will require some evening and weekend working hours to accommodate participant testing.

Contact Name: Jennifer Crawford

Contact Email: jlcrawford@brandeis.edu

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