Research Associate, LI+TLE Lab (CSD)

Emerson College; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental plans

Generous time-off

Job summary

Emerson College’s LI+TLE Lab invites applications for a temporary, part-time Research Associate to begin Oct 1, 2026. The 15-hour-per-week role will support a federally funded remote study on language and communication in autistic and nonautistic children under 6.

Responsibilities include recruiting families, scheduling and conducting online visits, data management, and assisting with human subjects protocols. The appointment is initially for 2 months and renewable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or psychology or related field.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Previous research experience.
• CITI training completion (or ability to obtain on hire).
• Problem-solving mindset; computer-savvy and eager to learn new skills.
• Native or highly proficient American English.
• Experience working with autistic individuals and families (preschoolers).
• Evening and weekend availability.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting research participants.
• Scheduling research visits.
• Completing research visits, including evenings/weekends.
• Managing data.
• Assisting with human subjects protocols.
• Supporting a team of research assistants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Research experience

CITI training

American English

Evening/weekend availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or psychology

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Join our community and experience Emerson College! The Lab for Infant + Toddler Language at Emerson (LI+TLE Lab), directed by Dr. Rhiannon Luyster, has an opening for a temporary, part-time (15 hours per week) research associate to begin October 1 2026 (start date flexible). The research associate will be involved in federally-funded remote (i.e., Zoom-based) study on language and communication in autistic and nonautistic children ages 6 and under. Primary research activities include recruiting families, scheduling visits and collecting data with families during online research visits. This position can be in person or remote. The initial appointment is for 2 months but is potentially renewable.

Essential Job Duties

• Recruiting research participants
• Scheduling research visits
• Completing research visits, including during evening and weekend hours
• Managing data
• Assisting with human subjects protocols
• Supporting a team of research assistants
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or psychology or in a related field (e.g., linguistics, social work, education)..
• Required: Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Required: Previous research experience.
• Required: Certified completion of training in human subjects research in CITI or a comparable program (NOTE: this can be provided to a qualified candidate upon hiring).
• Required: A problem-solving mindset. Computer-savvy and interested in learning new skills.
• Required: Highly proficient or native speaker of American English.
• Required: Experience working with autistic individuals and their families, including preschool-aged children.
• Required; Must be available for evening and weekend visits.
• Preferred: Graduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or psychology; or in a related field (e.g., linguistics, social work, education).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A strong academic and/or professional record.
• Robust clinical skills working with children and families, including preschoolers and autistic individuals.
• Strong professional references.
• High level of motivation; ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• This position is generally sedentary in nature, movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

Grade of Position: T01N

Employment Category: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 15.00

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.