Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Applications are being accepted for two, two-year 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.

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
• Willingness to commit to a two-year position

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in neuroscience, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields

Ideally, we are looking for individuals with any of the following experiences:
• 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

To apply, please include your resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please 1) describe relevant experiences and 2) how this position fits into your career goals - what would you hope to gain from the experience and how would it help guide future career path?