Undergraduate Research Assistant

Thank you for your interest in the NERD (Neuroendocrinology of Reproductive Mood Disorders) lab!

This is an application for undergraduate students who are interested in joining the NERD (Neuroendocrinology of Reproductive Mood Disorders) lab (Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Andersen, PhD). Students with an interest in biomedical research, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, or related fields are encouraged to apply. You will be able to submit an application until Friday, January 14th, 2022 at 5 pm when the application will close. Application link: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0k3stCk3sr2oyVM

NOTE: We have previously advertised Dr. Andersen’s research as part of the SHARRP (Stress, Health, and Reproductive Research) program led by Dr. Girdler, one of our collaborators and mentors. Dr. Andersen is now leading the NERD Lab where we will continue studying the Neuroendocrinology of Reproductive Mood Disorders. Both labs will continue our close collaboration with each other!

Our lab studies stress, hormones, and affective changes in women with mood disorders. In particular, our research investigates how these factors increase womens’ risk of mood disorders at particular periods of development such as puberty, postpartum, and menopause. To study these topics, we use a variety of techniques including ecological momentary assessment (EMA), physiological recording during stress tasks, electroencephalogram (EEG), and cognitive tasks, just to name a few. This position provides exposure to many aspects of psychiatry, psychology, & neuroscience research, and provides excellent preparation for a number of post-graduate opportunities (graduate school, research careers, etc.). Common tasks include running participants through experimental sessions, data entry and management, contributing to participant recruitment and correspondence, preparing study materials, and more. Additionally, RAs can attend lab meetings and, if interested, enroll in PSYC/NSCI 395 to receive course credit for their time at the lab. Advanced students may elect to complete a senior honors thesis while in the lab and/or contribute to lab members’ manuscripts in preparation.

Qualifications:
We are looking for students who are motivated, curious, friendly, and mature. The ability to learn new skills is particularly important for this position, as is the ability to communicate with people from a wide range of age and backgrounds. Relevant prior experience is desirable, but not absolutely necessary.

Students must be able to commit at least 6-10 hours per week to lab work and plan to work in our lab for at least one semester.

Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a brief personal statement, a resume and/or application form, and, optionally, contact information for two references. Details are provided in the following pages and you will have an opportunity to review your application before submission.

We are an equal opportunity workplace, and are committed to equal work opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, disability, or gender identity. Students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience are especially encouraged to apply.