Project Coordinator

About the opportunity: The PINE Lab is seeking a full-time post-baccalaureate Research Coordinator to manage our Projects PINESEED and PINESEEDLING, examining neuroplasticity mechanisms linking early experiences (both promotional and adverse) to sensory and language learning in sensitive periods using EEG and MRI methods over the first two years of life. The person in this role will gain experience with all aspects of the research process, which could serve as a launch pad to graduate studies, including within the PINE Lab.

This role and PINE Lab are part of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health in the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex at Northeastern University, a community of labs examining brain, mental, and physical health across the lifespan using both basic science and clinical trial designs.

Primary responsibilities of the position include: (1) community engagement; (2) recruitment and acquiring data from infants, caregivers, and children using behavioral, biological, and brain imaging techniques (both MRI and EEG); (3) data management (interacting with IRB, managing financial reimbursement, managing our database etc); (4) manuscript preparation with primary authorship opportunities; and (5) collaborative teamwork with others in the lab on data projects.
We encourage applications from members of under-represented groups in science.

Basic Qualifications: B.A/B.S in developmental/clinical psychology, neuroscience, or a related field. The coordinator must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and must demonstrate the ability to work independently and flexibly with families. Hours will vary week-to-week and will sometimes include evenings and weekends.

Additional Qualifications: Experience with data collection in infants is preferred. Experience with EEG or fMRI data acquisition and analysis is not necessary, but helpful.

Interested? Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2 recommenders to northeastern.pinelab@gmail.com

Graduate Students

Dr. Gabard-Durnam is accepting graduate student applications for the Plasticity in Neurodevelopment Lab in the 2024 application cycle to start in the fall of 2025. Students interested in addressing questions about how developmental experiences interact with underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms to shape healthy, maladaptive, and/or resilient development will best fit the scope of ongoing and future studies in the lab. Dr. Gabard-Durnam specifically encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups in science.

If you are an interested prospective student, please feel free to email Dr. Gabard-Durnam (l.gabard-durnam@northeastern.edu) to introduce yourself and share your research interests. It is also helpful to include a copy of your CV with your email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Gabard-Durnam is able to accept graduate students through the Northeastern Psychology Department. Click here to learn more about the Northeastern psychology program, faculty, and community.

As a graduate student in PINE Lab, you will also be welcomed into the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, an interdisciplinary group of labs exploring both basic questions and interventions related to the brain and mental or physical health across the lifespan.

A note about the costs of applying to graduate school:

I know applying to graduate school is an extremely expensive process that places an undue burden on applicants.

Here are ways that I and Northeastern are trying to reduce that burden:

1. GRE score reports: I do not use GRE scores in making decisions about applicants. Northeastern’s application lists the GRE as optional, and if you are applying to primarily work with me, you do not need to pay to have your scores sent to Northeastern.

2. Application fees: We offer application fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. Please email me if the fee is an undue financial burden and we will make the case for a waiver.

3. Flight/hotel expenses: If you are invited to an in-person interview, Northeastern will pay for your flights and stay directly, so you do not need to worry about paying out-of-pocket and then filing for reimbursement.

4. Interview clothes: Come as you are to interview with me, I do not judge your merit based on looks or clothing.