Research Assistant - Term

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Nashville is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the Mood, Emotion, and Development Lab. The role involves recruiting participants, leading EEG studies, and administering clinical assessments. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in a related field and prior experience working with human subjects. This position offers the chance to contribute to significant research aimed at improving mental health outcomes for youth and families. Start date is May 18, 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive studies, child studies, or a related field required.
• Previous research experience working with human subjects is required.
• Experience working with children and families is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead EEG study sessions with research participants.
• Administer clinical assessments.
• Recruit and schedule research participants.
• Check data for accuracy and completeness.

Skills

Experience with human subjects

Working with children and families

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive studies, or related field

Tools

REDCap

Job description

Position Summary

This full‑time research assistant position is part of the Mood, Emotion, and Development Lab housed in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. The role is responsible for coordinating and collecting data for studies of neural and physiological predictors of depression and related symptoms in youth and families. Primary responsibilities include recruiting and scheduling research participants and leading data collection, including electroencephalogram (EEG) and clinical assessments. The research assistant reports to the lab manager and lab director. The ideal start date for this position is May 18, 2026.

About The Work Unit

The mission of the Mood, Emotion, and Development Lab is to promote mental health and reduce the burden of mood disorders on children, adolescents, parents, and families. Our team is united in our values of rigorous science, teaching and mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement, welcoming diverse ideas and perspectives in an increasingly evolving society. If you are seeking a large and fast‑paced team environment, opportunities for growth and challenges, and are passionate about contributing to high‑quality translational research, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Lead EEG study sessions with research participants, including children, adolescents, and adults
• Administer clinical assessments
• Recruit and schedule research participants
• Train students in study procedures and lab expectations
• Check data for accuracy and completeness
• Monitor and document payments made to research participants
• Maintain organization of lab spaces and lab servers

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; it reports administratively and functionally to the Lab Manager and Lab Director.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive studies, child studies, or a related field is required.

Experience and Skills

• Previous research experience working with human subjects is required.
• Experience working with children and families is required.
• Experience recruiting and scheduling participants is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is necessary.
• Experience training others is preferred.
• Experience with EEG methods is preferred.
• Experience administering clinical assessments is preferred.
• Experience with and detailed knowledge of REDCap is preferred.