Technical Specialist (EEG Sleep Technician)

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The mission of Brain and Mind at Western is to provide a centralized and visible presence for cognitive neuroscience at Western University. The Institute's primary functions are to promote research, to facilitate the training of highly qualified personnel, and to foster national and international collaborations in cognitive neuroscience.

Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist) will work under the direction of Principal Investigator and in collaboration with other researchers to support a grant funded project examining the impact of phase-locked auditory stimulation during sleep on sleep physiology, memory consolidation, and cognition in older adults with and without amnestic mild cognitive impairment. The Technical Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of data collection (e.g. polysomnography, behavioural testing, and cerebral blood flow measures). The Technical Specialist will build rapport with participants upon study enrollment and will ensure that they are comfortable with all experimental procedures, describing the procedures to the participant, setting up the participant for the overnight study, addressing questions, resolving technical or equipment issues and monitoring the sleep study throughout the night. The Technical Specialist will support researchers to facilitate the achievement of their objectives and will make recommendations for enhancements to equipment and instruments as necessary to support research objectives.

Qualifications

Education:

• 3 year Community College Diploma in Psychology, Health Sciences or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health Sciences or a related field is preferred
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification as a Polysomnographic Technologist would be an asset

Experience:

• 2 years of experience in a sleep research facility or sleep clinic utilizing EEG equipment
• Experience scoring the clinical polysomnographic record according to standards set by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 
• Experience supporting students or researchers in a laboratory environment is preferred
• Experience working with patients, particularly seniors, in a clinical environment would be an asset
• Previous experience identifying sleep stages in real time in elderly populations is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated expert skill in use of sleep software and protocols
• Demonstrated skill in techniques and the use of a variety of monitoring devices and instrumentation required for sleep studies
• Demonstrated ability to accurately score sleep studies
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation operation
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred
• Communication skills to listen to the complete message, solicit more information as required, and provide feedback 
• Verbal and written communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Ability to creatively adapt traditional methods, concepts, models or systems to new applications
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• Strong interpersonal skills to understand needs and expectations of study participants, with a desire to make participants feel comfortable and engaged throughout the research process 
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
• Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to take responsibility for own work and ensure that deadlines are met and outcomes are achieved
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use relevant software, applications or equipment that achieves required outcomes for the research
• Ability to be forward thinking, anticipate possible errors, and take preventative measures
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement, while being open to trying new ideas and working methods
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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