Research Associate, Scientific

**Position: Research Associate, Scientific & Clinical Publications**

**Organization: ARULA for Autism**

**Location**: Mumbai

**Pay Range**: Starting INR 35,000/month

**About ARULA for Autism**

ARULA for Autism is pioneering a novel, evidence-based approach to the rehabilitation and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Our methodology is fundamentally built upon the intensive development of **extensive listening skills**, representing a significant departure from conventional autism therapies. We believe this focus provides a powerful, unexplored pathway to improved communication, behavioral regulation, and developmental outcomes.

**Position Summary**

The Research Associate will be a critical member of the ARULA team, responsible for ensuring the scientific documentation, validation, and dissemination of our novel clinical approach. This role requires an individual with exceptional research, writing, and editorial skills, and a deep understanding of academic publishing standards. The primary goal is to **publish ARULA’s innovative concepts, foundational theories, therapeutic approaches, and detailed children’s case studies in the world's most prestigious and accredited peer-reviewed journals.**

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Scientific Writing and Publication Strategy**
- **Manuscript Development**: Serve as the primary author and editor for research manuscripts, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, and literature reviews based on ARULA’s clinical data and novel theories.
- **Journal Targeting and Submission**: Identify, evaluate, and strategically target high-impact journals across the relevant disciplines (Speech Therapy, Audiology, Developmental Psychology, Pediatric Neurology, and Developmental Pediatrics).
- **Case Study Translation**: Systematically review and synthesize complex clinical case data (including pre/post-intervention metrics related to listening development and behavioral change) into compelling, publishable case reports following established guidelines (e.g., CARE guidelines).
- **Peer Review Management**: Manage the end-to-end submission process, including formatting manuscripts to specific journal requirements, writing cover letters, and expertly addressing reviewer comments to facilitate acceptance.
- **Ethical Compliance**: Ensure all research and publication activities, particularly those involving children's case data, adhere strictly to ethical guidelines, HIPAA/GDPR standards, and informed consent protocols.

2. Research and Documentation
- **Foundational Literature Review**: Conduct advanced, systematic literature reviews to provide robust theoretical grounding for ARULA's novel listening-based approach, connecting it to existing research in neurodevelopment and auditory processing.
- **Theory Formalization**: Collaborate with ARULA's leadership and clinical team to formally articulate and document the underlying mechanisms and theoretical models of the ARULA approach for academic presentation.
- **Data Interpretation**: Work closely with clinicians to organize and interpret qualitative and quantitative clinical data, preparing statistical tables, figures, and research appendices for publications.

3. Cross-Disciplinary Liaison and Collaboration (10%)
- **Clinical Communication**: Regularly interface with Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Developmental Psychologists, and Pediatricians to gather clinical insights, refine data collection methods, and ensure published work accurately reflects therapeutic practice.
- **Conference Presence**: Prepare abstracts, posters, and presentations for national and international conferences (e.g., INSAR, ASHA, APA) to disseminate research findings prior to or concurrent with journal publication.

**Required Qualifications**:
**Education & Experience**
- PhD in a relevant domain, such as **Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Speech-Language Pathology (M.S./Ph.D.), Audiology (Au.D./Ph.D.), or a related Health Sciences field.**:

- A minimum of **1-2 years of professional experience** in academic or clinical research, with a strong focus on writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- **Essential**: Documented experience as a first or co-author on published manuscripts in psychology, developmental, neurological, or allied health journals.

**Skills & Competencies**
- **Exceptional Scientific Writing**: Proven ability to translate complex clinical phenomena and novel theories into clear, concise, and academically rigorous prose suitable for high-impact journals.
- **Statistical Literacy**: Strong understanding of research design, methodology, and basic statistical interpretation (e.g., descriptive statistics, inferential analysis in clinical trials or case series).
- **Multidisciplinary Knowledge**: Familiarity with the research landscapes, terminology, and key concepts across at least two of the following fields: Speech Therapy/Audiology, Developmental Psych