Research Assistant – Neurocognitive Aging Study

About the role

The University of Arkansas seeks a Research Assistant to support a state‑funded neurocognitive aging study examining how meditation practices affect cognitive control and emotion processing in middle‑aged and older adults.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement participant recruitment plans targeting senior centers, retirement communities, and local organizations.
• Screen, schedule, and manage participants through a four‑session experimental protocol.
• Administer neuropsychological test batteries, computerized cognitive tasks, and self‑report questionnaires.
• Operate a 64‑channel EEG acquisition system and conduct semi‑structured qualitative interviews.
• Perform data quality control, including EEG signal processing, database management, statistical analyses, and assist with manuscript preparation.
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and ensure compliance with IRB and data security requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a closely related field.
• Strong attendance reliability and ability to work collaboratively.

Required skills

• Experience with EEG setup, data acquisition, and preprocessing.
• Proficiency in R statistical software for quantitative analysis.

What we offer

• Annual salary of $36,300.
• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Tuition waivers for employees and families.
• 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and retirement program contributions (5‑10% of salary).