The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways through which mothers affect their infant’s brain and behavioral development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, such as biological samples (i.e., human milk, placenta, infant stool, etc.), measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collected during natural sleep, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the lab.
The MIND Lab is looking for a Part Time Research Assistant to work primarily on the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study (https://hbcdstudy.org/recruitment_sites/virginia-tech/). This Research Assistant position will contribute to various sample collection and processing activities for our HBCD programs. Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from entry- to mid-level. Experience with collection and processing of human or animal tissue is desirable.
The primary duties of the role will include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Collecting and processing samples from research participants per approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiment instructions. Samples to be processed will include human placental tissue, cord blood, cord tissue, and human blood.
• Working in a BSL-2 level research space which will include the use of centrifuges, liquid nitrogen, and sharps. The candidate must demonstrate ability to adhere to safety protocols. Various safety training will be required upon hiring.
• Working cooperatively with medical staff at the hospital as well as a variety of co-workers within the MIND Lab’s group.
• Working on-call shifts at night and on weekends to collect and process samples within the expected time windows.
• Interacting respectfully with families who participate in a range of ongoing research studies examining infant brain and behavioral development.
• Communicating with participants to help coordinate pre-natal study visits and to get appropriate updates from our participants on their pregnancy.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise.
• Maintaining and cleaning the laboratory space and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned such as administering assessments and interviews and other research data collection and record keeping.