JOB DESCRIPTION:
Applications are being accepted for two Research Assistant positions beginning Summer 2026, working under the mentorship of Arielle Tambini in the Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI) in Orangeburg, NY.
Our research focuses on the neural mechanisms supporting human memory and how they are shaped by ongoing brain dynamics, using multi-modal approaches to characterize and manipulate human brain function. These positions support our NIH-funded research on awake memory reactivation using fMRI, TMS, physiological recordings, and behavioral testing to investigate how and when the brain consolidates memories during wakefulness - a fundamental and open question in cognitive neuroscience with implications for effective memory modulation approaches in health and disease.
We are looking for candidates who are passionate about research and eager to engage with the science beyond data collection. The core of this role involves working with participants through intensive, day-long sessions, and we are looking for someone who is warm, professional, and enjoys working with people. Successful candidates will also have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to data analysis, engage with the literature, and receive close mentorship toward authorship on publications. This position is designed to serve as a bridge between undergraduate training and PhD-level research.
JOB DUTIES:
Primary responsibilities include:
• Participant recruitment and scheduling
• Data collection (fMRI, physiological signals, behavioral testing, TMS)
• Data organization, management, and preprocessing
• Opportunity to take ownership of a defined analysis project, contributing to data interpretation and manuscript preparation under close mentorship
• Five-day work week with flexibility to work on weekends as needed for data collection
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
• BA, BS, or Master's degree in neuroscience, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior human subjects research experience
• Experience with MRI, EEG, physiological recordings, or behavioral testing
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming language
• Strong interest in pursuing PhD-level graduate training in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, engineering, or similar field
Background Investigation/Justice Center Review Requirements:
Prospective appointees will be: 1) Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment. 2) Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.
*The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - Disabled/Veteran, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.
Applications will only be accepted through website at: http://corporate.rfmh.org - Click on Employment Opportunities. Applications will be accepted only during the posting dates as listed at the top of the job announcement.
Questions regarding this position please email: hrprocessing@nki.rfmh.org