Laboratory Technician

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA, seeks a Lab Technician with a strong background in human movement analysis and neuroimaging to support a 3-year NIH-funded study combining biomechanics and cognitive neuroscience. You will manage daily lab operations, coordinate studies, supervise undergraduates, and facilitate complex protocols involving concurrent biomechanical and neuroimaging assessments.

The incumbent will contribute to a diverse, inclusive work environment and ensure safety, IRB

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 1–5 years of 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).
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and problem-solving abilities; ability to work with diverse populations and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup, operation and synchronization of neuroimaging hardware with biomechanical equipment.
• Manage participant recruitment, scheduling, screening and informed consent procedures.
• Execute data collection protocols and manage processing, artifact removal and analysis for neuroimaging and kinematic data.
• Oversee IRB documentation, amendments, safety compliance and SOPs.
• Oversee equipment calibration, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, manage supplies and supervise student researchers.
• Coordinate with PI to design experimental paradigms, write technical reports, and assist with grants or manuscripts.

Skills

Motion capture

Neuroimaging techniques

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Biomechanics/Human Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Psychopy

Satori

Homer3

Job description

Job Summary

Smith College is seeing 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.

Incumbent will 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

• 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

• 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

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.

The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.