Research Technician

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Research Technician

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Working with Professor Jenna Monroy, the Research Technician will be responsible for conducting a human study that uses non-invasive behavioral methods of cognitive psychology and neuromechanics to study how cognition influences everyday physical movement (e.g., walking) in normal, healthy individuals across various age groups (i.e., younger and older adults).

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.  Perform other duties as assigned.

 

• Conducts research regarding age-related changes of gait with cognitive and motor load using motion capture.

• Identifies research questions, designs experiments, and develops procedures for motion capture set up and data collection.

• Coordinates planning and implementation of lab experiments, including recruiting community participants, preparing materials, and setting up equipment.

• Trains undergraduate research assistants in experiment protocols for data collection, processing, and analysis.

• Collects behavioral and kinematic data in young and older adults, and analyzes data, and writes manuscripts for publication.

• Supervising, coordinating, training, and mentoring, undergraduate research assistants  

• Developing protocols and lab training materials

• Design experiments

• Leading data collection sessions

• Data processing and analysis 

• Community participant recruitment and scheduling 

• Prepare and present conference presentations

• Conducting literature reviews and preparing publications

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:  

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to interact with a diverse clientele of faculty, staff, students, and other members of the community.

• Ability to process large amounts of information and manage multiple deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Strong computer and analytical skills.

• Extensive experience using a Qualisys motion capture system and Visual 3D software.

• A background in psychology and neuromechanics is preferred.

 

 

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

 

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Neurobiology, or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

 

Experience conducting human studies and interacting with institutional IRB committees is preferred.

 

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES: 

None.

 

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a temporary status, part-time (not to exceed 20 hours per week), non-benefits eligible.

 

The regular hours for this position are 20 hours per week Monday-Friday 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the department.

 

This assignment is expected to end on or before July 1, 2026 and is subject to availability of funding.

 

Hourly rate range: $20.00-$21.88. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

           

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

Train undergraduate students to use Motion capture system and analysis software.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate. 

 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. 

 

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.  Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

 

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time.  Scripps College is an At-Will employer.  Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.