Senior Research Associate

San Jose State University Research Foundation; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan (403b)

Vacation-hour accruals

Professional development

Job summary

San Jose State University Research Foundation seeks a Senior Research Associate to collaborate on research evaluating sleep deprivation effects and interventions. The role involves planning, executing, and analyzing human-subjects research, with responsibilities spanning manuscript preparation and reporting to stakeholders.

The candidate will work with NASA Ames collaborators and SJSURF staff, performing organizational tasks, IRB protocols, and data management in a dynamic, interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD in Public Health, Biology, Physiology, Psychology or related discipline.
• Experience with human-subjects research and data analysis.
• Strong writing and communication skills for manuscripts and reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead sleep, circadian rhythm studies and related behavioral/biological measurements.
• Plan, execute, and oversee data collection and analysis; manage IRB protocols.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate research activities with NASA Ames collaborators and SJSURF staff.
• Ensure required workspace maintenance and administrative tasks are completed.

Education

PhD in Public Health, Biology, Physiology, Psychology or related discipline

Tools

SAS

R

MS Office

Job description

OUR STATEMENT

The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

Do you want to help support NASA's missions, but don't want to go through astronaut training camp? Do you like making a difference in the world and want to help progress the vision of NASA?

The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service researchers from the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory within the Human Systems Integration Division at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a Senior Research Associate to collaborate on research evaluating the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation and interventions that mitigate these effects.

The Senior Research Associate will provide expertise in the planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and communication of human-subjects research. The position also involves performing organizational and administrative tasks, such as completing Institutional Review Board protocols and engaging in workspace maintenance activities. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in research methodology and statistical analysis, demonstrated experience conducting human-subjects research, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Our work environment is very open, collaborative and welcoming; we are a diverse and tight-knit team that enjoys off‑site team building events and activities. We believe that fostering a comfortable workplace for everyone is important! Our team values a healthy approach to our work, from providing adjustable desks to maintaining a balanced work‑life schedule. You will contribute to our wide diversity of skills and incorporate new ideas into our environment. You will work with people across NASA, hear about upcoming missions and how we help support them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Coordination and Administrative Duties

Lead laboratory and field research studies focused on evaluating sleep, circadian rhythms, and associated performance, mood, behavior, and biological changes, including the following activities:

• Develop study designs and methodology, informed by scientific literature
• Contribute to and oversee study execution
• Perform organizational and administrative tasks, including completing protocols for review by relevant Institutional Review Boards
• Engage in workspace maintenance activities, including ordering and organizing supplies, cleaning, and maintaining equipment

Data Collection, Analysis, and Research Reporting

Conduct experimental sessions with human participants; analyze and summarize data using statistical and graphical methods; lead manuscript and report writing to summarize research findings. Activities include:

• Search scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct) for relevant literature; read, analyze, extract, and organize information and data from research articles.
• Collect, process, and store biological, physiological, cognitive, and neurological samples (saliva, urine, temperature, performance testing, electroencephalogram)
• Use statistical software such as SAS, R, or comparable programs to perform data analysis, such as ANOVA, factorial ANOVA, correlation, and regression.
• Interpret results within the context of research questions, study design, and scientific literature.
• Organize and format citations/references.
• Prepare clear and accurate summaries, reports, presentations, and other research deliverables.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders and the wider scientific community.
• Other duties as assigned

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Report to the Project Director. Interact with NASA Ames Civil Service and SJSU Research Foundation research staff daily.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None, though may be called upon for advice and direction by others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• PhD in Public Health, Biology, Physiology, Psychology or related discipline required.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience with human participants, preferably in human factors, psychophysiological, or psychosocial studies.
• Experience collecting, processing, and storing biological samples (saliva, urine).
• Experience conducting reviews of the scientific literature using a variety of scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar).
• Experience writing detailed and accurate manuscripts summarizing findings and appropriately citing scientific articles.
• Experience working effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating work schedules and creating timelines for deliverables.
• Experience with various administrative tasks, including completing, routing, and tracking required forms/paperwork; investigating, learning, and following relevant policies as needed to complete assigned tasks.
• Certification in CPR, AED, first aid, and laboratory safety.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong knowledge of research design, methodology, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and with statistical software such as SAS or R.
• Ability to analyze experimental and correlational data using a variety of statistical procedures (e.g., ANOVA, factorial ANOVA, correlation/regression).
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and human physiology.
• Knowledge of basic biology, chemistry, and physics as applied to the human body.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to think critically.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively and efficiently in a culturally and organizationally diverse research team.

Complexity of Duties

• Exercise independent judgment in the management and completion of a diverse set of concurrent tasks, including leading specific research and/or project management efforts.

Physical Demands

• On-site work at NASA Ames Research Center is required. Telework is subject to approval by the manager.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 15 kg, sitting for long durations, and working overnight shifts.
• Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of the more advanced clerical functions and communications.
• Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees of the Research Foundation at all levels, San Jose State University faculty and staff, and/or vendors, with the ability to discuss and appropriately respond to inquiries and requests.
• Work with time constraints and under pressure.
• Periodic regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents and other related materials.
• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from customers, clients, and vendors, and to respond appropriately.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

Compensation Range:

$112,000 - $130,000 annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS

The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION

SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non‑profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self‑supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational‑related activities.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation's continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.