Research Assistant II at San Diego State University Research Foundation – San Diego, California

San Diego State University Research Foundation
Research Assistant II

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20224
Type: Full-Time Contract
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research/Project
Laboratory for Language & Cognitive Neuroscience

Overview

Position Summary

The Laboratory for Language and Cognitive Neuroscience (LLCN) and NeuroCognition Laboratory (NCL) at San Diego State University are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support a) multiyear project focused on improving early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in deaf signing adults and b) joint lab EEG and co-registration (EEG and eyetracking) studies.

Under the direction of Dr. Karen Emmorey (SDSU and Director of LLCN), Dr. Tamar Gollan (UCSD) and other collaborators on the NIA-funded project, the Research Assistant will contribute to developing and refining new language and cognitive assessment tools for deaf seniors, help characterize the cognitive profile of Alzheimer’s Disease in this population, and support studies examining how earlyversus latelife exposure to spoken language may influence cognitive test performance.

Under the direction of Dr. Phil Holcomb (SDSU and Director of NCL), the Research Assistant will contribute to ongoing EEG and coregistration studies on NIDCDfunded projects. This research investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support reading in deaf adults using behavioral methods, eyetracking, and electrophysiological measures (EEG/ERP). The Research Assistant will support studies examining how factors such as spelling ability, phonological awareness, signing experience, and visual attention influence brain responses during reading, eyemovement patterns, and the interaction between signed and written language in skilled deaf readers.

This is a full-time benefited position. Weekend hours may be required. Opportunity to present research findings at professional conferences. Fluency in American Sign Language is required for employement.

Work Environment

This position is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team committed to advancing equitable assessment practices for deaf individuals. The Research Assistant will work closely with deaf and hearing researchers and community members and will receive training in specialized assessment and experimental methods and ASLaccessible research practices.

Responsibilities

Specific Duties 95%

• Assist in the development, adaptation, and piloting of language and cognitive assessment tools for deaf older adults.
• Recruit, schedule, and test research participants, including deaf signing individuals and older deaf adults with suspected or diagnosed cognitive impairment.
• Collect, code, and manage behavioral, linguistic, and cognitive data.
• Support the creation of ASLbased testing materials and work with Deaf community consultants and ASLfluent team members.
• Maintain accurate documentation, follow IRB compliance, and data security procedures.
• Contribute to literature reviews, study protocols, and preparation of conference presentations or manuscripts.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of deaf and hearing researchers and clinicians

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
  

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• OR - Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Fluency in American Sign Language Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, or a related field.
• Previous experience working in a research setting (coursework, internships, or lab experience acceptable).
• Experience with cognitive or neuropsychological testing.
• Familiarity with data management, coding, or statistical software (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS).
• Background in bilingualism, language assessment, and aging research.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Comfort interacting with older adults and diverse communities.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.