Undergraduate Research Assistant: MRI Support Team

Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant: MRI Team Support
Job Code & Class: 2221 Student Employee
Department: MIDB DCAN/CDNI
Budgeted Salary Range: $16/hr

Appointment Time: 30%

Position Overview

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 MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development includes MRI brain imaging research with infants and toddlers. Interdisciplinary research groups, including the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies Lab, study the critical period of brain development during the first three years of life, using MRI imaging, along with other methods, to uncover important clues about variation in infant development.

Duties/Responsibilities: The undergraduate research assistant ("Baby Monitor") would assist with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at research visits with infants and toddlers. Scans are conducted while a child is sleeping, so visits typically begin at their bedtime, between 6:30-9pm, and last about 3 hours. Sleeping baby studies may also include scanning during daytime naps. These research visits take place at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR). Parking will be provided at the scanning site. The applicant will be trained by our MRI team and will always be under the supervision of a senior member of the MRI team during research visits.

Duties include:

• Setting up the scanning area and family waiting room prior to scans.
• Greeting families at the MIDB or CMRR.
• Conducting magnetic resonance (MR) safety screening of family members.
• Helping infants and toddlers fall asleep for their scan.
• Remaining in the scanning room with the infant or toddler for the duration of the scan.
• Administering simple tests or surveys to parents.
• Cleaning up the area when the scan is complete.
• Record keeping.
• Completion of required safety training modules in a timely manner.

Scheduling

• Weekly schedules may vary depending on research visit schedules, but the student would be expected to work up to 10 hours / week.
• MRI scans are conducted primarily in the evenings, so the applicant must be available 3 nights per week, one of which must include a weekend night (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Daytime availability is also desired, and will adjust to class schedules each semester.
• We are looking for someone to start this semester. Given the training involved, a commitment of at least one year (through end of 2027) or longer is required.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Research Study Support (85%)

• Setting up the scanning area and family waiting room prior to scans.
• Greeting families.
• Conducting magnetic resonance (MR) safety screening of family members.
• Helping infants and toddlers fall asleep for their scan.
• Remaining in the scanning room with the infant or toddler for the duration of the scan.
• Administering simple tests or surveys to parents.
• Cleaning up the area when the scan is complete.
• Record keeping.
• Completion of required safety training modules in a timely manner.

Professional Development (15%)

• Attend project and team meetings.
• Training on new methods and protocols.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• A registered and enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities who is studying psychology, neuroscience, or other health-related field.
• Student must maintain the minimum required number of semester credits for student employment eligibility.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and cultivate positive relationships with parents and their children.
• Ability to work safely in an MR environment (i.e. it may be unsafe for individuals with some medical devices and for pregnant individuals to be exposed to a strong magnetic field). An MR safety screening will be conducted with applicants to ensure this. (note: most dental implants are MR-safe).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working directly with infants/toddlers and their families.
• Previously completed CPR or Basic Life Support certification course.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay Range: $16/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.