Job Summary
The innovation that will move the world forward. It all starts with one small step. Take your next step, as a part of the prestigious team of Dr. Erin Dunn (www.thedunnlab.com), in the pursuit of the next giant leap.
As a member of the Dunn Lab Team, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation while gaining a competitive advantage for graduate school. Dr. Dunn joined Purdue after spending more than a decade at Harvard and the Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a Professor in Purdue’s Department of Sociology and Director of a new university-wide interdisciplinary Center focused on sociogenomics. The Center’s goals are ambitious: to bring the genomics revolution to the social sciences and deepen the inclusion of social science research in genetic studies.
Her research lab, the Dunn Lab (www.thedunnlab.com), uses interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the social and biological factors that influence risk for depression among women, children, and adolescents. She has built national and international research collaborations that have helped to define the biological and psychosocial impact of early adversity on mental health. Dunn led several genetic association studies and gene-environment interaction studies that were the first of their kind, including publishing some of the first genome-wide association studies of depression risk in non-European ancestry populations and the first genome-wide environment interaction study of depression.
To facilitate this research, the lab will be collecting and analyzing exfoliated primary teeth (also known as baby or milk teeth) to learn if and how teeth might record information about a child’s early life experiences, during pre- and perinatal life. The Research Assistant will assist with clinical and translational research projects (www.teethforscience.com), as well as perform a variety of administrative tasks that support the day-to-day operations of the Dunn Lab.
Responsibilities will include: conducting literature searches, drafting IRB-related documents, participating in data management and data analysis tasks, helping with grant submissions, assisting with peer-reviewed journal submissions, developing materials for conference presentations, and performing other administrative support duties as required. Candidates must have a BA/BS, 0-1 years of experience, good quantitative skills, an ability to work well in a collaborative environment, fluency with all modes of communication in English, and strong writing skills. The ideal candidate must exhibit a high level of expertise and comfort in facilitating objectives within a complex cross-functional project team. Candidates will gain valuable experience and knowledge working in all phases of the research process, ranging from study design to analysis and interpretation of results. Opportunities to co-author manuscripts and present study results at conferences may be available. This position is ideal for someone wishing to pursue graduate study in the fields of public health, psychology, or medicine.
The College of Liberal Arts is an emerging leader in innovative Liberal Arts education and scholarship. It is home to the nationally-recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program, Degree+, and launched the campus Degree in 3 initiative. Purdue University and the College of Liberal Arts are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. All staff are expected to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include: conducting literature searches, drafting IRB-related documents, participating in data management and data analysis tasks, helping with grant submissions, assisting with peer-reviewed journal submissions, developing materials for conference presentations, and performing other administrative support duties as required. Candidates must have a BA/BS, 0-1 years of experience, good quantitative skills, an ability to work well in a collaborative environment, fluency with all modes of communication in English, and strong writing skills. The ideal candidate must exhibit a high level of expertise and comfort in facilitating objectives within a complex cross-functional project team. Candidates will gain valuable experience and knowledge working in all phases of the research process, ranging from study design to analysis and interpretation of results. Opportunities to co-author manuscripts and present study results at conferences may be available. This position is ideal for someone wishing to pursue graduate study in the fields of public health, psychology, or medicine.
- Collects & organizes primary and secondary data. Maintains records and databases. Uses software programs to generate graphs and reports.
- Assists with recruiting and consenting participants for research studies.
- Assists with interviewing study subjects. Administers and scores questionnaires. Provides basic explanation of study and in some cases obtains informed consent from subjects. Performs study procedures, which may include biomarker data collection.
- Conducts literature searches and assists in the writing of manuscripts for publication.
- Performs administrative support duties as required.
Required:
- BA/BS Required. Experience: minimum 0-1 year
- Careful attention to details.
- Good organizational skills.
- Ability to follow directions.
- Good communication skills.
- High degree of computer literacy.
- Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems.
- Working knowledge of clinical research protocols.
- Ability to demonstrate respect and professionalism for subjects’ rights and individual needs.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Ability to interpret acceptability of data results.
Note: Cover letter required for consideration. Cover letter should include the following:
- Relevant experience and skills that make you uniquely qualified for this role.
- What interests you about being part of the Dunn Lab team and why you are excited about the opportunity to be part of this specific research project.
- How your experiences, skills and interests align with the culture of the College of Liberal Arts and Purdue.
Additional Information:
- Purdue will not sponsor an employment related visa for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
- Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
Benefits of a Purdue Career:
- Competitive benefits package including generous paid sick time and vacation
- Tuition remission (Purdue and Purdue Global)