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Dr. Erica Middleton (https://mrri.org/people/erica-l-middleton), Director of the Language and Learning Lab of Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI), announces a new opening for a BA/BS-level research assistant supporting research on language processing in typical speakers and stroke-survivors with language and cognitive impairments. The position is funded in partnership with the Neuroscience of Language Lab, directed by Dr. Malathi Thothathiri, at The George Washington University (https://blogs.gwu.edu/malathi/). The full-time research assistantship will be based at MRRI at the Moss Rehab Elkins Park, PA campus. The position is available immediately and will continue for two years, with possible extension.

The Language and Learning Lab focuses on advancing an understanding of the cognitive basis of aphasia and mechanisms of language change in the service of promoting effective rehabilitation. The Neuroscience of Language Lab focuses on the neural basis of sentence processing in healthy individuals and persons with aphasia. The successful applicant will be jointly supervised by Drs. Middleton and Thothathiri on cross-lab collaborative projects centered at MRRI. Opportunities for further enrichment are available through interactions with our colleagues at MRRI, a unique environment with a highly active research community situated in the context of a rehabilitation hospital.

With appropriate training and supervision, the successful candidate will:

  • administer standardized assessments of cognitive and language function to patients and to neurologically intact individuals
  • help design and conduct experimental studies using computer-administered protocols, eyetracking, and electrophysiological (EEG/ERP) methods
  • help design and conduct experimental studies with online research participants
  • manage, process, and analyze data
  • participate in other aspects of research and lab operation as warranted

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Applicants should have a strong academic background in cognitive psychology/cognitive science, psycholinguistics, linguistics, speech & hearing science, and/or neuroscience, with coursework in statistics and research methods. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience and coursework in relevant areas. Other qualifications include:

  • evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills
  • demonstration of willingness and ability to flexibly learn new techniques in a dynamic environment
  • prior experience in a human subjects research setting is strongly preferred

MRRI and Moss Rehab are part of the Einstein Healthcare Network, an Equal Opportunity Employer located in the Philadelphia area. Einstein Healthcare Network is proud to offer its employees outstanding career opportunities including competitive compensation, attractive benefits plan including medical/dental/vision coverage, generous vacation time, and tuition reimbursement.

Send cover letter including, when applicable, a description of prior relevant research experience, C.V. (including a list of relevant coursework), and at least two letters of reference (including details of performance in prior research roles, if applicable) to Jeremy Kirkwood at: kirkwooj@einstein.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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