Undergraduate Research Assistant: MRI Support Team

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) at the University of Minnesota is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support MRI team activities with infants and toddlers, including safety screening, setup, and family interaction.

This 30% time student position requires strong communication, ability to work in an MRI environment, and commitment through 2027 or longer. Evening hours are common, with a campus-based role and potential remote work where approved.

Qualifications

• Registered and enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
• Student must maintain required credits for student employment eligibility.
• At least 18 years of age and strong communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with parents and children.

Responsibilities

• Setting up scanning area and family waiting room.
• Greeting families at MIDB or CMRR.
• Conducting MR safety screening of family members.
• Assisting infants and toddlers to fall asleep for scans.
• Staying in the scanning room for the duration of the scan.
• Administering simple tests or surveys to parents.
• Cleaning up the area after scans.
• Recording keeping and safety training completion.

Skills

Strong communication

MR safety awareness

Infant/family interaction

Education

Enrolled undergraduate student, University of Minnesota

Pursuing psychology or neuroscience

Tools

MR safety protocols

Job description

About the Job

Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant: MRI Team Support

Job Code & Class: 2221 Student Employee

Department: MIDB DCAN/CDNI

Budgeted Salary Range: $16/hr

Appointment Time: 30%

Position Overview

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development includes MRI brain imaging research with infants and toddlers. Interdisciplinary research groups, including the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies Lab, study the critical period of brain development during the first three years of life, using MRI imaging, along with other methods, to uncover important clues about variation in infant development.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Setting up the scanning area and family waiting room prior to scans.
• Greeting families at the MIDB or CMRR.
• Conducting magnetic resonance (MR) safety screening of family members.
• Helping infants and toddlers fall asleep for their scan.
• Remaining in the scanning room with the infant or toddler for the duration of the scan.
• Administering simple tests or surveys to parents.
• Cleaning up the area when the scan is complete.
• Record keeping.
• Completion of required safety training modules in a timely manner.

Scheduling

• Weekly schedules may vary depending on research visit schedules, but the student would be expected to work up to 10 hours / week.
• MRI scans are conducted primarily in the evenings, so the applicant must be available 3 nights per week, one of which must include a weekend night (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Daytime availability is also desired, and will adjust to class schedules each semester.
• We are looking for someone to start this semester. Given the training involved, a commitment of at least one year (through end of 2027) or longer is required.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Professional Development

• Attend project and team meetings.
• Training on new methods and protocols.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A registered and enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities who is studying psychology, neuroscience, or other health-related field.
• Student must maintain the minimum required number of semester credits for student employment eligibility.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and cultivate positive relationships with parents and their children.
• Ability to work safely in an MR environment (i.e. it may be unsafe for individuals with some medical devices and for pregnant individuals to be exposed to a strong magnetic field). An MR safety screening will be conducted with applicants to ensure this. (note: most dental implants are MR-safe).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working directly with infants/toddlers and their families.
• Previously completed CPR or Basic Life Support certification course.

About the Department

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

About the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.