BRAIN Laboratory Research Coordinator

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas BRAIN lab is seeking a Research Coordinator to lead studies on brain-behavior linkages in ASD and FXTAS. Responsibilities include administering neuropsychological, behavioral, and MRI tests, data entry, IRB reports, and coordinating a research team across multiple sites in Kansas.

The position is full-time and in-person, based in Lawrence, KS, with potential testing at KU Edwards campus, Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, and other KU sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to motor control, neuroscience, psychology, geriatrics, education, social work, or child development.
• Experience in a clinical research lab and related coursework.
• Willingness to travel between Lawrence and Kansas City area.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory administration, coordinating recruitment, scheduling, team meetings, and supporting grants and manuscripts.
• Administration of research assessments and data entry for ASD/FXTAS studies, including neuropsychological and MRI-related tasks.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

B.A./B.S. in related field

Job description

Position Overview

The BRAIN lab (http://brainlab.ku.edu/) is seeking one Research Coordinator to help lead our studies of brain and behavior linkages in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Our lab has multiple ongoing research projects investigating cognitive and sensorimotor abilities and their underlying brain systems in individuals with ASD and individuals with FXTAS. These clinical research projects are conducted through the Clinical Child Psychology Program (https://clchild.ku.edu/) and the Life Span Institute (http://www.lsi.ku.edu/) at the University of Kansas and in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART: http://kcart.ku.edu/ ), the Division of Developmental Pediatrics at KUMC (https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/care/specialties/child-health-development ), and the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center (http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/hoglund-brain-imaging-center.html ), providing a multitude of research and clinical training opportunities.

Responsibilities for the position include administering neuropsychological, behavioral and MRI tests, scoring analyzing clinical test data, data entry, preparing Institutional Review Board (IRB) reports, helping to lead weekly lab meetings, and helping to coordinate the research team consisting of doctoral students, faculty collaborators and full-time staff. This position provides the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working with clinical populations, developing skills in psychological and neuropsychological testing, and participating in each phase of the research process.

The position will be full-time (100% FTE) and in-person. We are seeking someone with strong interest in research aimed at understanding brain-behavior relationships in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will be motivated to learn new clinical and research skills, have a strong attention to detail, be comfortable working with patients ranging in age from early childhood to late adulthood, show skill in working collaboratively with trainees and faculty colleagues, and be invested to help manage current and new clinical studies for multiple years. Start date for the position is between November 30 - December 7. The position primarily is located in Lawrence, Kansas at our laboratory facilities in Youngberg Hall on the West Campus of the University of Kansas (KU). Additional testing may be conducted at the KU Edwards campus in Overland Park, KS, the Hoglund Brain Imaging Center in Kansas City, Kansas, the Pediatrics Department in Kansas City, KS, and the Landon Center for Aging in Kansas City, KS. Candidates must successfully pass a background check.

Job Description

The Research Coordinator will work directly with Drs. Mosconi and Unruh and Ms. Roggero, postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, staff, faculty colleagues and undergraduate students in the lab on ongoing studies. S/he will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

60% - Laboratory Administration:

• Coordinate with research participants, sites, or programs to facilitate study objectives, including the recruitment and scheduling of research participants, organizing team and laboratory meetings for the BRAIN Lab (PI: Mosconi), and work with KU personnel for purchasing, upgrading and maintaining equipment and complying with human subjects regulations. The coordinator also will work directly with the PI and lab members to support grant submissions and manuscript preparation, including identifying and entering study references, data analysis, and assisting in preparing all required materials.

40% - Research Assessments:

• Administration of research assessments with individuals with ASD and related conditions (e.g., FXTAS) ranging in age from 12 months - later adulthood. Tasks include administration of clinical report measures and neuropsychological, cognitive, sensorimotor EEG and MRI tests. Scoring of standardized and experimental tests as well as data entry and analysis also will be conducted by the research coordinator in collaboration with members of the team and the PI.

Position Requirements

1. Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel between Lawrence and sites in Kansas City area.

Required Qualifications

1. B.A./B.S. in a discipline related to motor control, neuroscience, psychology, geriatrics, education, social work, or child development.
2. Strong interest in clinical research on neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders as evidenced by experience and application materials.
3. History of involvement in a clinical research lab as evidenced by application materials.
4. History of coursework in clinical psychology, clinical neuroscience, aging, or child development, as well as coursework related to conducting research as evidenced by application materials.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced in a cover letter and by previous experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience participating on a clinical research team.
2. Strong writing and clinical skills as evidenced by application materials and previous experience.
3. History of involvement in a clinical research lab studying child development, aging, or neurodevelopmental disorders.

Additional Candidate Instructions

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Matthew Mosconi: [e-mail]; Dr. Kathryn Unruh: [e-mail]; Ms. Meg Roggero: [e-mail]; Dr. Carissa Cascio: [e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$41,800 - $45,000

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 30, 2026