About the Opportunity
The Department of Psychology and Institute for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University invites applications for a full-time Research Technician. The position is to begin Summer or Fall 2026 for a term of 2-3 years, with yearly renewals based upon funding and performance. This position will be based in the Social Development and Wellbeing Lab, led by Dr. Alexandra Rodman. The Lab and offices are in the heart of Boston, in the new, state-of-the-art ISEC building, which includes a brand-new neuroimaging center. Our research examines the social lives of teens, including their social behavior and experiences, and how they process social information. We also examine how individual differences in these processes confer risk or resilience to mental health problems. As part of the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Health, there is ample opportunity for collaboration with other faculty and researchers of the Institute. Research staff will be formally mentored in the lab to help refine research interests, develop technical and intellectual research skills, and receive career planning / professional development. This position is a useful experience for those interested in scientific or clinical careers, such as in the field of research, psychology, pediatrics, neuroscience, data analytics, medicine, behavioral economics, and big data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (or expected by September 1, 2026) in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Neuroscience, Education, Sociology, Biology), with an interest in studying adolescent development and/or wellbeing.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with others (e.g., adult and child participants, families, other researchers).
Detail-oriented, motivated, efficient, and able to work independently.
Experience working with children and adolescents (e.g., data collection or clinical experience) is preferred
Preferred proficiency with statistical and programming languages/software (e.g., SPSS, R, Matlab, java, python), as well as prior experience conducting empirical research in psychological science or related topics
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
This position will be integral in running an intensive, longitudinal NIMH-funded study. The research technician responsibilities include:
Data collection (e.g., enroll children / adolescent / and adult study participants, run participants on multiple modes of data streams – includes behavioral, neuroimaging, digital phenotyping / mobile phone, wearable, and online data)
Data cleaning, preprocessing and analyses, with possibility of disseminating results via conference posters, talks, and first-author manuscripts.
Outreach and recruitment events.
Collaborating with undergraduate research assistants and research staff to run the study.
Potential to gain experience with advanced quantitative methods, neuroimaging data, or complete an independent research project.
The Research Technician will assist in running a multi-model, longitudinal NIH-funded study on social experiences, behavior, and processing in adolescents with and without history of various social stressors (e.g., peer victimization) and risk for mental health problems. This project will include computerized task data, online assessments, clinical interviews (e.g., diagnostics, risk
assessment), EMA survey data, mobile phone data (i.e., digital phenotyping), neuroimaging, and data from wearables (i.e., fitbit or related device). Due to our developmental focus and working with families, research staff may at times be expected to run participant sessions during evenings and weekends (with compensatory time off from normal work hours).
Candidates can apply online at NU Careers. They must submit a CV and Cover Letter, along with the name and contact information of two referees who have worked with the applicant in a supervisory research role or related position. The Cover Letter should include the applicants’ research interests (i.e., core research questions and projects completed, future interests and how they relate to the current position) and academic/technical training, including current skills and training goals. Please contact Dr. Rodman at a.rodman@northeastern.edu if you have further questions. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to submissions received before February 23, 2026. We especially encourage those from underrepresented groups in science to apply.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
105H
Expected Hiring Range:
$20.77 - $28.56
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
