Research Assistant

Job Description

India Autism Center (IAC) has a dynamic research team focused on developing a deeper understanding of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Our research initiatives have been supported by organisations like Wellcome Trust, and our research findings have been published in the top journals in the field of autism. To learn more about our work, visit: https://www.indiaautismcenter.org/research-thinking/ To advance our current project titled “Adaptation And Validation Of A Phenotypic Test Battery For Autistic Children And Young People In India”, we need a Research Assistant to join the team. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual to fill this position. The individual will work closely with the Research Director (Prof. Bhismadev Chakrabarti) and the Research Team at the India Autism Center and actively contribute to the IAC’s ongoing research project. The successful candidate will be an integral member of our team, committed to facilitating greater inclusion of profoundly autistic individuals in autism research. To know more about India Autism Center in general, please visit: https://www.indiaautismcenter.org/ Roles and responsibilities: A. Data collection: Administer psychometric and computer-based assessments to individuals with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (including autism and intellectual disability). Administering questionnaires to parents and trainers. For these interviews, you will receive training from researchers at IAC. Conduct experiments according to established protocols under the supervision of the Research Director. B. Data Management: Store the obtained data from questionnaires and experiments securely, both physically and electronically. Tabulate and clean data in the given format so the research team can conduct further analysis. C. Other responsibilities would include: Support the preparation and organisation of assessment materials. Assist the team with scheduling and coordinating data collection with parents and trainers. Assist in the preparation of research reports and documentation of findings. Analysis of the obtained data under the supervision of the Research Director. Conducting literature reviews as required and instructed by the Research Director/coordinator. D. Documentation, Reporting, & Meetings: Maintain accurate and detailed records of the research procedures, results, and other relevant information. Communicate regularly with the research coordinator to resolve any logistical or data collection challenges. Attend weekly team meetings with the Research Director to discuss progress and share insights. Attend all weekly and monthly update meetings related to the research department. Submitting a report accounting for the work undertaken and completed every week. E. Equipment and Resource Management: Ensure proper use and maintenance of research equipment. Skills and Qualifications Education: Candidates with a Master's in a relevant field, such as psychology, or a related discipline, will be considered for a Research Assistant position. In exceptional circumstances, candidates with a bachelor’s degree with a high level of performance and/or relevant experience will be considered for this position. Experience/ Domain Knowledge: Previous experience in conducting psychological assessments is required. Prior experience in working with children and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions will be an advantage. Language Preference: Proficient in speaking and writing in English, Bengali, and Hindi. Working Conditions: Timing: The normal working days are Monday through Saturday. Hours: The normal working hours are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. However, sometimes out-of-hours work might be required. Job Location: The position will be full-time and in-person, based in Kolkata, at various daycare centres and mainstream schools within the city and its surrounding areas, where data will be collected. Benefits of the post: The selected candidate will undergo training conducted by the IAC research team and will obtain certification in various assessments related to executive functioning, fine and gross motor skills, IQ, and other domains. The training will incorporate instruments such as eye-tracking technology and the Psychopy platform. This position will be a great learning opportunity for candidates planning to pursue research or a PhD in future. Show more Show less