Position Overview
This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDBs mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.
Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors of the CNS Lab, Casey Burrows is the Lab Director of Clinical Training, and Shanna Mliner is the Program Director. Amy Esler, PhD, LP serves as the Clinical Core lead for this work. We are seeking a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) to join our expanding clinical research team specializing in the characterization of neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Responsibilities for this BCBA Interventionist role include intervention and supervision of intervention implementation to support participants completing clinical assessments and neuroimaging, research study coordination, training and supervision, and laboratory support.
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work will primarily be conducted in person, engaging directly with families and participants. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in developmental and behavioral assessment and intervention within a collaborative research environment. This BCBA Interventionist will work with a team including psychologists, child-family life specialists, psychometrists, behavior technicians, and trainees. Child participants also may have psychiatrists and other medical providers within the MIDB who will consult with the study team.
Applications must be submitted online; please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. This position will report directly to Dr. Amy Esler.
Job Responsibilities
Intervention & Supervision of Intervention Implementation (70%)
o Design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based interventions to children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities, directly and via parent coaching
o Conduct functional behavior assessments with children and families, including outreach to educational and community services child is receiving
o Design data collection tools for individual child progress monitoring
o Summarize, review, and interpret data and use this data to inform intervention strategies
o Provide consultation and coaching to the study team to promote participants research participation using advanced analytical and technical skills in positive behavior supports
o Administer participant assessments (e.g., semi-structured parent interviews, behavioral and developmental testing with children, etc.) with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs
o Complete CMRR safety training to be able to support participants through MRI scans
o Provide positive behavior supports to facilitate successful collection of MRI data and clinical assessment data (may require occasional night or weekend sessions)
o Ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity, including completing Human Subjects ethics and clinical trainings
Research Study Coordination (10%)
o Oversee setup, scoring, and data entry for behavioral data collection during research participation
o Ensure compliance and adherence to the established research protocol and study procedures
o Manage the day-to-day research operations related to participant support
o Participate with the study team in identifying solutions to complex problems to fulfill research objectives
Training and Supervision (15%)
o Work closely with senior psychometrist, psychologist, and research staff to maintain data acquisition fidelity and reliability
o Oversee behavior technicians and interns implementing interventions
o Train research staff and undergraduate research assistants
o Participate in regular performance reviews and professional development opportunities for team members
Laboratory Support (5%)
o Attend project meetings
o Support the broader lab and assessment team as needed
o Provide regular updates to study PIs, Program Director, Clinical Lead and supervisors
o Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development
o Option to contribute to and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications)