Lab Manager

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
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.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to coordinate cross-site collaborations.
Responsiveness and attention to detail.
Organizational and lab management skills.

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.