Job Description

Department

SSD: Psychology-Staff/Temporary Employees-Yang

About the Department

The lab manager will manage the Human Nature and Potentials Lab (https://voices.uchicago.edu/potentialslab/), at Department of Psychology in Social Science Division at the University of Chicago.The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Human Nature and Potentials Lab (https://voices.uchicago.edu/potentialslab) at the University of Chicago, directed by Dr. Fan Yang, is recruiting a full-time Research Lab Manager (research-intensive role). Our lab studies how individuals engage with life’s big questions, reflected in diverse topics such as meaning, happiness, morality, and the self.

The Research Lab Manager will not only support the lab’s operations but also play a central role in advancing and shaping our lab’s research. Given the small size of our lab, the role is primarily research-focused, with the majority of time devoted to research activities, including study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. This position is ideal for highly motivated individuals planning to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling and testing child and adult participants.
• Building and maintaining relations with participants, testing sites, and collaborating labs.
• Training and mentoring research assistants.
• Supporting lab operations (e.g., IRB submissions, scheduling lab events, reimbursements).
• Designing studies and creating research materials.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Coding, organizing and analyzing data.
• Developing research manuscripts and presentations.
• Providing research support and guidance to students’ projects in the lab.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience and strong interest in working with children and parents.
• Interest in learning a wide range of research methods from classic experimental designs to machine learning and design-based interventions.
• Demonstrated interest in theoretical and conceptual questions.
• Familiarity with basic psychology research tools (e.g., R, Qualtrics).

• Strong interest in research and deep engagement with our lab’s research questions.
• Basic quantitative research training and strong willingness to learn advanced statistical methods.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate cross-site collaborations.
• Responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Organizational and lab management skills.

Working Conditions

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• The position is renewable for up to four years, depending on performance and funding availability. The start date is flexible.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (name and contact information for at least two references) (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

30

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

$21.79 - $28.20

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.