Working/Functional Title

Lingo Lab Research Assistant

Position Summary

The Lingo Lab in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University (directed by Courtney E. Venker, Ph.D., CCC-SLP) is seeking a full-time Research Assistant. The goal of the Lingo Lab (https://lingolab.msu.edu/) is to understand how autistic children and children with Down syndrome learn language and how best to support language development in children who struggle. The successful candidate will have frequent interactions with a wonderful group of curious, committed, and supportive people. This position is ideal for a candidate who would like to gain experience in a research environment. This is a 1-year position with the possibility of renewal.

Preferred start date is July 8, 2025. 

The Research Assistant will play an integral role in NIH-funded research designed to understand how linguistic simplification affects language processing and word learning in autistic children and children with Down syndrome. The Research Assistant will:

• Coordinate day-to-day lab operations
• Manage budget and purchase requests
• Hire, train, and supervise undergraduate Research Assistants
• Assist with data collection and data entry (including NIH repositories)
• Recruit participants and schedule research visits
• Develop and maintain study protocols
• Communicate with the Institutional Review Board
• Oversee eye-gaze coding and transcription
• Maintain lab website and newsletter
• Help promote a lab culture of inclusion and respect

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders/Speech and Hearing Sciences, Psychology, or a related field
• One to Three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements. 
• Or and equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft programs (e.g., Word, Excel).

Desired Qualifications

• Prior research experience
• Experience working with children and families
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Impeccable attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and seek consultation when needed
• Dependability, trustworthiness, and cultural humility
• Curiosity about research and evidence-based practice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should include:

1) a letter of interest

2) a resume or curriculum vitae

3) contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Direct questions to Lingo Lab: lingolab@msu.edu with “Lab Assistant Position” in the subject line.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent on funding renewal.

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/departments/com

Bidding Eligibility ends May 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM