Lab Manager

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

23d • $73,000 - $95,000

About The Position

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. It is a research-based staff 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 lab manager to begin in August 2026. Our lab studies the social and moral nature and potentials of children and adults, in relation to fundamental life questions such as perceived happiness and meaning. The lab manager will play a crucial role in setting up and running the lab, as well as be actively involved in the lab’s research on purpose and meaning. The position can be renewed to multiple years, depending on the performance and career plan of the individual. There may also be opportunities to develop independent projects, attend conferences, and co-author manuscripts. 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

• Major in psychology.
• Relevant research experience in related fields (e.g., developmental psychology, social psychology).
• Prior experience working with children and parents.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with and desire to learn statistical analysis skills.
• Being responsive in communications.
• Willingness to work in flexible hours and some evening hours.
• Attention to details.
• Basic knowledge in psychology.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Organizational and management skills.
• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting participants and building connections with museums, schools and families.
• Scheduling and testing child and adult participants.
• Designing and creating studies and experimental stimuli.
• Coding, organizing and analyzing data.
• Preparing research manuscripts and reports.
• Assisting with training and mentoring undergraduate and master student RAs.
• Providing administrative support and overseeing day-to-day lab operations (e.g., managing IRB protocols, reviews maintaining lab supplies, scheduling lab events and meetings).
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support.
• Is developing skills in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• 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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees