Research Assistant I - CASI Lab

Boys Town; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory (CASI Lab) at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha seeks a full-time Research Assistant with a BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or related field. Preference for candidates with interest in early/adolescent development and cognitive neuroscience.

Join a vibrant team using state-of-the-art neuroimaging tools with opportunities for training and graduate study.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or equivalent background in psychology, neuroscience, biology or related field.
• Interest in early childhood/adolescent development and cognitive neuroscience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn neuroimaging methods and work with human participants.
• Must have strong record-keeping and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist in stimuli prep and test procedures.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings.
• Maintain lab equipment and safety/compliance documentation.
• Recruit, schedule, and run tests with human/animal subjects.
• Use computers to analyze and plot experimental results.

Skills

Psychology basics

Neuroscience basics

Biology basics

Data analysis

Lab safety

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework

Tools

Lab equipment operation

CITI certification

Job description

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.

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. A unique feature for employees and their dependents enrolled in medical benefits are reduced to no cost visits for services performed by a Boys Town provider at a Boys Town location. 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. Boys Town takes your mental health seriously with no cost mental health visits to an in-network provider. We help our employees prepare for retirement with a generous match on their 401K or 401K Roth account. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization, just to name a few. Working at Boys Town is more than just a job, it is a way of life.

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. 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.