Lab Manager

Department

SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees – Berman

About the Department

As environmental neuroscientists, we study the interaction between brain functioning, individual behavior, group behavior, and the external physical environment, as well as how those interactions vary across space and time. We define environmental neuroscience as the scientific study of brain-mediated, bidirectional relationships between organisms and their social and physical environments. Under this broad umbrella, our specific research projects include:The influence of the natural and built environment on affect, cognition, health and collective behaviors, Information compression and memorability, the relationship between life expectancy and crime, brain network efficiency and its relationship to cognitive effort and social network analysis.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

A Lab Manager position in the Environmental Neuroscience Lab (ENL) at the University of Chicago will be available starting in the Spring/Summer of 2025.

We define environmental neuroscience as the scientific study of brain-mediated, bidirectional relationships between organisms and their social and physical environments. As environmental neuroscientists, we study the interactions of brain functioning, individual behavior, group behavior, and the external physical environment as well as how those interactions vary across space and time.

Broadly, our research projects explore the influence of natural and built environments on neural processing, affect, cognition, health, and collective behaviors. We use neuroimaging methods such as fMRI and fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), to examine the influence of environmental factors on brain activity. We also use computational methods, including machine-learning, natural language processing, and spatial analysis, to analyze large datasets with the goal of better understanding how places impact people. We develop machine-learning algorithms and non-linear measure of brain dynamics to quantify more vs. less effortful brain states.

This is an excellent position for someone who is interested in: (1) investigating how environmental factors affect brain processes and behavior, (2) obtaining additional research experience in cognitive neuroscience, and (3) developing their computational skills before applying to graduate school.

The ENL has successfully aided lab managers in their search for and acceptance into Ph.D. programs at institutions such as the University of Chicago and Yale University. Lab managers have the opportunity to co-author 1 to 2 publications a year and develop research skills which help them earn acceptance into top graduate programs in Psychology or Neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• Generating research questions and hypotheses.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Participating in team meetings focused on designing and executing research projects.
• Implementing large-scale data collection using online survey tools (e.g., MTurk, Prolific).
• Designing and programming experimental stimuli (using Qualtrics, PsychoPy, etc.).
• Recruiting, testing, and debriefing human subjects for both neuroimaging (fMRI and fNIRS) and behavioral experiments.
• Preprocessing and analyzing experimental brain and behavioral data (using R, MATLAB, Python, etc.).
• Preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Providing support for lab personnel.
• Organizing lab meetings and events.
• Managing IRB approvals and amendments.
• Writing grant updates.
• Reporting on the lab’s use of computational resources.
• Preparing and submitting expense reports.
• Onboarding new hires.
• Purchasing equipment.
• Maintaining the lab website and social media accounts.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education

• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, psychology, sociology, biology, physics, math, or other related fields.

Experience

• Research experience in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or another social science is ideal, but not required.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong computer programming skills (e.g., R, MATLAB, and/or Python) are expected, though we will help to improve candidate’s computational skills throughlab training and collaborative research projects.
• Must be self-motivated, independent, and reliable.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$24.51 – $31.72

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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