Research Assistant I

University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas

USD 37k-37k / month

Posted on Apr 23, 2026
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Posting Number S07004P
Position Title Research Assistant I
Functional Title Research Assistant I
Department Center for Vital Longevity
Salary Range Starting at $37,000 Dependent on Qualifications
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Dallas
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 04/23/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date 08/01/2026
Job Summary
The Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience (Co-Co Neuro) Lab is seeking a highly motivated full-time Research Assistant (Pre-Doctoral) to study how the human brain represents and processes naturalistic stimuli, with a focus on visual and social cognition and their development.

This position is designed for individuals who aim to develop into independent researchers and pursue PhD training in cognitive neuroscience or related fields. In addition to supporting ongoing projects, the Research Assistant is expected to conduct computational data analysis, formulate and test hypotheses, take ownership of research questions, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, including leading first-author work.
Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in one of the basic sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience in customer service or in daily interactions in a public services environment.
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, or a related field
  • Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)
  • Experience with data analysis (e.g., behavioral, neuroimaging, or other high-dimensional data)
  • Ability to work independently and manage complex workflows
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Clear interest in pursuing research and PhD training
  • Hands-on experience with fMRI data collection and/or analysis (e.g., preprocessing, MVPA, encoding models)
  • Experience with computational modeling or machine learning approaches
  • Familiarity with handling large datasets and reproducible pipelines
  • Prior involvement in research beyond data collection (e.g., analysis, writing)
  • Demonstrated interest in scientific publication
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Data Collection & Experiment Execution
  • Develop and maintain experimental scripts
  • Conduct behavioral, eye-tracking, and fMRI experiments
  • Coordinate participant scheduling and manage experimental sessions
  • Ensure high-quality data acquisition for complex experimental designs, including monitoring data quality and troubleshooting during scanning sessions
2. Data Management & Quality Control
  • Organize and maintain large-scale multi-modal datasets
  • Perform rigorous data quality assessment (e.g., motion, signal quality, compliance)
  • Maintain reproducible data structures and documentation
3. Computational Analysis
  • Implement and run data analysis pipelines for behavioral and neuroimaging data
  • Work with high-dimensional data and computational models (e.g., multivariate analyses, encoding models)
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of analysis code
  • Generate quantitative summaries, visualizations, and interpretable results
4. Independent Project Development
  • Take ownership of specific research questions
  • Contribute to study design, hypothesis formulation, and analysis strategy
  • Develop and lead independent and semi-independent projects from conception to publication
5. Scientific Writing & Publication
  • Contribute to manuscript preparation (methods, results, figures)
  • Draft abstracts and conference submissions
  • Lead at least one project toward a first-author publication during the appointment
6. Lab Coordination & Operations
  • Coordinate with lab members, collaborators, and imaging center staff
  • Assist with IRB protocols, recruitment, and study logistics
  • Contribute to training and mentoring junior lab members
  • Support general lab operations
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
This is a full-time, in-person position. Start date: Summer 2026. The position is particularly suitable for candidates seeking 2+ years of research experience before applying to PhD programs.

Important Note for Applicants
This position is best suited for candidates who are highly self-driven, enjoy working with data, and are motivated to develop independent research projects and publications. Applicants primarily seeking short-term or purely technical support roles may not be a good fit.
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
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