Research Associate II

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Neurology seeks a Research Associate II to advance EEG-based brain-computer interface research. You will design and conduct experiments, analyze complex data, develop protocols, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to push scientific discovery.

This role emphasizes rigor, regulatory awareness, and publication readiness within a dynamic lab environment in Austin, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• Minimum of two years of laboratory experience required.
• Experience supporting scientific research activities in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and independently conduct brain-computer interface (BCI) experiments.
• Collect EEG and other physiological data.
• Maintain accurate records of procedures and results.
• Recruit research participants and conduct follow-up activities.
• Analyze research data using signal processing, ML, statistics.
• Prepare reports and assist with manuscripts and publications.

Skills

EEG BCIs

Signal processing

Machine learning

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or related

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate II

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Hiring Department:

Department of Neurology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 23, 2027

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Research Associate II supports innovative research in human neurophysiology and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), with a primary focus on electroencephalography (EEG)-based research. This position designs and conducts research experiments, analyzes complex data, supports protocol development, and collaborates with multidisciplinary research teams to advance scientific discovery.

Purpose

The Research Associate II independently designs and conducts research studies in human neurophysiology and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This role performs EEG-based experiments, analyzes research data, develops research protocols, supports regulatory compliance, contributes to scientific publications, and collaborates with investigators and research staff to advance ongoing research initiatives.

Responsibilities

Conduct Research Experiments

• Design and independently conduct brain-computer interface (BCI) experiments.
• Collect electroencephalogram (EEG) and other physiological data.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and research results.
• Recruit research participants and conduct participant follow-up activities.

Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using signal processing, machine learning, statistical methods, and other scientific techniques.
• Interpret research findings and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.
• Assist with manuscripts and scientific publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.
• Compile research data and prepare comprehensive reports supporting ongoing research activities.

Protocol Development

• Develop and optimize brain-computer interface (BCI) research protocols.
• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and ongoing protocol management by preparing documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submissions and approvals.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate laboratory procedures and conduct self-assessments while preparing detailed reports.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked laboratory environment.
• Follow established laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.
• Communicate effectively with internal research teams, external collaborators, and project stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).
• Knowledge of signal processing, machine learning, statistical analysis, and scientific research methodologies.
• Ability to analyze experimental results, identify data trends, and troubleshoot research challenges.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.
• Proficiency operating laboratory instrumentation and scientific data analysis software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, publications, and presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience supporting scientific research activities in a laboratory setting.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience supporting EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) research.
• Experience with signal processing, machine learning, and advanced statistical analysis techniques.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, grant proposals, or IRB submissions.

Licenses/Registrations/Certifications

Required

• None

Preferred

• None

Salary Range

$47,025+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office and laboratory environment.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard and computer.
• Use of laboratory equipment and research instrumentation.
• May work with research participants during laboratory studies.
• May be exposed to laboratory equipment and other research-related occupational hazards while following established safety protocols.
• Must have reliable transportation as travel to additional study sites in Georgetown, TX is required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three (3) work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) should be uploaded in the Application Questions section, where you may upload multiple files. Before submitting your online application, ensure that all Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your application has been submitted, changes cannot be made.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers: You must apply through Workday by searching Find UT Jobs. Log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, select Career , update your Professional Profile, and upload any additional Required Materials requested above.

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfer. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.