Research Assistant I - CASI Lab

Institute for Human Neuroscience; Omaha (NE); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free neuroimaging training

Career development opportunities

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Institute for Human Neuroscience’s Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory (CASI Lab) in Omaha has a full-time Research Assistant opening.

The role supports human and animal studies using state-of-the-art neuroimaging tools, with opportunities for career development and graduate school preparation.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or related field with demonstrated interest in research.
• Preference for experience in early childhood or adolescent development and cognitive neuroscience.
• CASI Lab seeks team players to join a vibrant group of cognitive neuroscientists.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of stimuli and development of test procedures.
• Assist in data collection and procedures in research studies with human subjects and animals.
• Maintain safety procedures and documentation for lab and specimen conditions and results.
• Adhere to lab safety standards and keep detailed records of test conditions and results.
• Calibrate, maintain and clean laboratory equipment and workspace.
• Assist in data collection and data analysis and report findings to investigators.
• Assist in design, construction, and maintenance of electronic devices used in labs.
• Assist in recruitment, scheduling, and testing in studies using animals or humans.

Skills

Research methods

Data analysis

Lab equipment operation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, biology

Tools

MRI systems

neuroimaging tools

lab equipment

Job description

Research Assistant - Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Lab (CASI Lab)

We have an opening for a full-time Research Assistant in the Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory (CASI Lab) at the Institute for Human Neuroscience at Boys Town National Research Hospital.

Successful candidates will have a BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or a related field, with a demonstrated interest in research. Applicants with interest and previous experience in early childhood development and/or adolescent development, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or neuroscience will be given preference, but most importantly, the CASI Lab seeks to find the best team players to join our group. They will join a vibrant and growing group of cognitive neuroscientists in Omaha using state-of-the-art neuroimaging equipment and resources at the Institute for Human Neuroscience, with ample opportunities for career development and training in preparation for graduate school or other long-term translational research pursuits.

Major research-dedicated tools include two 306-sensor Neo MEG systems, a high-density whole-head OPM system, a 3T Siemens Prisma magnet, brain stimulation equipment, and other cutting-edge neuroscience tools.

Successful applicants will have ample opportunity to learn the latest neuroimaging methods, conduct hands-on research with human participants, and author and co-author manuscripts.

More information about the CASI Lab can be found at this link: https://www.instituteforhumanneuroscience.org/casi-lab

Start dates are negotiable but could be as early as September 1, 2026.

Schedule

Full time

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Assists in the preparation of stimuli and development of appropriate test procedures.
• Assists in research tool preparation, data collection, and procedures in research studies which may include animals, human subjects, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions and results.
• Adheres to lab safety standards.
• Maintains a detailed record of test conditions and results.
• Assists in the calibration, maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment and workspace.
• Assists in data collection and data analysis.
• Reports findings and project outcomes to the principal investigator and involved staff.
• Assists in the design, construction, and maintenance of electronic devices used in laboratories, including PCs, audio equipment, and special purpose interfaces.
• Assists in the recruitment, scheduling, and testing in research studies using animal or human subjects.
• Uses computers to analyze and plot results of experiments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to apply knowledge gained through coursework in psychology, speech and hearing, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and/or computer science.
• Ability to operate and calibrate lab equipment and other electronic devices.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and audio equipment.
• Ability to apply math aptitude in order to perform data analyses and generate results.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work directly with laboratory staff personnel and principal investigators.
• Job requires interpersonal skills, close attention to details, math aptitude, independent analytical thinking, organizational skills and flexibility in duties performed.
• Ability to participate in continuing education programs regarding laboratory safe practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma required.
• Minimum of one year of college coursework or equivalent experience required.
• Based on area of assignment, bilingual skills may be required.
• If employed in the Cognitive Neuroscience department, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of transfer or hire required.
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification within 30 days of transfer or hire required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coursework with an emphasis in psychology, biology, and Neuroscience, or a research related area is preferred.
• Care and respect for others is more than a commitment at Boys Town – it is the foundation of who we are and what we do.

Benefits

• Free visits to Boys Town physicians and free prescriptions under the Boys Town Medical Plan.
• Tuition assistance.
• Parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization.
• Generous match on their 401K or 401K Roth account.
• Additional costs savings for the employee and their dependents are found in our pharmacy benefits with low to zero-dollar co-pays on certain maintenance drugs.
• No cost mental health visits to an in-network provider.

Culture and Commitment

At Boys Town, we cultivate a culture of belonging for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

About Boys Town

Boys Town has been changing the way America cares for children and families since 1917. With over a century of service, our employees have helped us grow from a small boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, into one of the largest national child and family care organizations in the country. With the addition of Boys Town National Research Hospital in 1977, our services branched out into the health care and research fields, offering even more career opportunities to those looking to make a real difference. Our employees are our #1 supporters when it comes to achieving Boys Town's mission, which is why we are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities.

Boys Town follows a policy of non-discrimination in accordance with the law.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.