Research Assistant, Motion Analysis Research Center

Description:

Job Description Summary:

The Research Assistant will contribute to all aspects of research and technology operations within the MARC, including data collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation. The role will assist in software development, technology implementation, and research collaboration, including manuscript co-authorship. Responsibilities include maintaining lab supplies, coordinating space and equipment bookings, preparing and managing data collection sessions, developing and testing software modules for data analysis, and interpreting results in partnership with investigators. The role also involves learning and implementing new hardware and software technologies and contributing to scholarly outputs through literature review, data visualization, and report preparation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• MARC administrative supportMaintain supplies of consumables (tape for instrumentation, etc.)Assist with coordination of bookings of space and equipment in the MARC for teaching, research, and service provisionCoordinate bookings with availability of MARC and outside staff
• Data collection, processing, and analysisAssist in data collection sessions through setup, collecting data with supervision, and post-collection cleanupAssist in initial processing of collected data, e.g., marker tracking, export of data, printing and collation of reports, etc.Assist in further development and modification of existing MARC data analysis software modules, including new projects, to include learning data analysis goals and parameters, developing software one module at a time, using test data to check function of code, developing data stream for projects, and perform data processing using tested code: on-going examination of results, functioning of software, format of data presentation.Undertake data interpretation in collaboration with MARC Manager and other co-investigators.
• Manuscript co-authorshipContribute to review of literature related to data analysis techniques and contribute to production and formatting of data tables and figures
• New and upgraded technologyLearn operation of new MARC technology from hardware and software vendors with MARC Manager and implement new technology in collaboration with MARC Manager

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge

• Technical expertise within an administrative and operational function
• In-depth understanding of the university services, operations and standards
• General computer applications and systems

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written/oral) and negotiation skills
• Capable of balancing multiple interests and developing collaborative solutions
• Mastery of advanced office/business skills
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint, Google Docs, Adobe, PowerPoint and basic office equipment.
• Highly developed computer/IT skills are a plus

Abilities

• Use creative and critical thinking to solve problems and develop alternative solutions
• Effectively prioritize multiple tasks and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment
• Handle privileged information in a confidential manner

Education

• BA/BS degree strongly preferred

• 5 years work experience in a high functioning Administrative/ Project Manager role

• 2 years project management, preferred

Working conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Mostly indoor office environment with windows
• Offices with frequent interruptions
• Some hybrid work may occur at the discretion of Director

Physical requirements

• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer
• Managing video conferencing and online meetings
• Use telephone and other electronic equipment used in general university operations
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Sacramento and Bay Area
• May be required to occasionally travel to offsite placement sites

Benefits of Working at SMU

Health, Dental, Vision Care

SMU offers a broad range of employee benefits including health, vision, and dental care; sick leave, vacation and holiday leave, 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, voluntary tax-deferred annuities, educational leaves, sabbatical leaves, tuition reimbursement, tuition remission on SMU courses, disability insurance, and more.

SMU offers HMO, EPO and PPO health insurance plans, Delta Dental coverage, and VSP vision coverage.

Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance plan or elsewhere. It’s a smart, simple way to save money while keeping you and your family healthy and protected.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or elder daycare. A DCFSA is a smart, simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work.

Life Insurance

As a means of financial protection, basic life insurance is provided for employees. Insurance may be purchased to benefit-eligible employees in order to supplement additional basic life insurance coverage. Employees that purchase supplemental life insurance may also purchase coverage for dependents.

Retirement 403(b)

A retirement plan that includes investment alternative and a matching contribution plan is available to all benefit-eligible employees. The retirement plan rewards special contributions of the long-service employee by providing a measure of financial security during retirement.

You Are Welcome Here

SMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law—including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process within the University or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. Nondiscrimination is consistent with the principles and practice of the University and is in compliance with Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.