Our lab at the University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a full-time Project Specialist to work within a multidisciplinary research program focusing on eating disorders and obesity. The Project Specialist will work primarily on a project that uses neuroimaging and ecological momentary assessment to study binge eating disorder, with the goal of understanding how brain functioning relates to mood, cognition, and eating behavior in real life. This position would be ideal for candidates who would like to refine their research and leadership skills and gain more experience with clinical research and neuroimaging methods.

The Project Specialist responsibilities include:

• Tracking and coordinating data collection, developing, and administering study protocols, and maintaining high levels of quality control.
• Administering functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans at the USC Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroimaging Center (DNI). This requires operator training and certification at DNI.
• Training others to follow research protocols related to neuroimaging, quality control of data, and other study procedures.
• Participating in writing research papers and other documentation of project status and/or administrative activities.
• Some use of statistical packages (e.g., SPSS) and will be needed.

Essential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s ( 2 years relevant experience) or Master’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong work ethic – being honest, reliable, and conscientious
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Basic understanding of statistical methods
• Experience with administering MRI scans and collecting neuroimaging data

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with MRI analysis, and a working knowledge of FSL and FreeSurfer are a plus.
• Interest in psychiatric disorders and research in eating disorders and/or obesity.
• A willingness to commit to two years is strongly preferred.

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.31 - $33.72. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To apply or to gain more information, please submit your CV and a cover letter describing your research interests and what you are looking for in a job.

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