Technical Assistant I (Lab Manager - Aulet Lab)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Technical Assistant I will function as the Lab Manager for Dr. Lauren Aulet's lab. This individual will assist with multiple projects related to the study of numerical and spatial cognition in adults and children, using both behavioral and neural (fMRI) methods. Duties include recruiting and scheduling participants, collecting data, organizing data, analyzing data, and helping with project management (placing orders, organizing team meetings).

Essential Functions

• Assist in participant recruitment (including children/families).
• Schedule data collection sessions.
• Collect data from young children and adults (behavioral and fMRI data).
• Manage laboratory equipment, including placing orders, helping maintain lab hardware and software.
• Compose general lab manuals detailing general lab procedures, projects, and responsibilities.
• Help with IRB protocols and assist with monitoring compliance.
• Organizing and planning lab events and meetings.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• One (1) year of related experience in a research setting, preferably in an area of psychology or neuroscience. An Associate's degree or higher may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience.
• Training in research methods and statistics.
• Impeccable English communication skills, both in speaking and in writing.
• Managerial and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to manage time and data.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, writing, and organizational skills.
• Technical literacy and comfort independently diagnosing and solving computer tasks.
• Reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience recruiting and scheduling research subjects.
• Experience with at least one programming language (e.g., R or Python).
• Experience with working with children under 12 yrs of age and comfort interacting with children and families.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office/lab environment.

Work Schedule

• 9:00am - 5:00pm, with some flexibility; 37.5 hours per week.
• Position is fully on campus.
• This position is a 2-year limited duration with potential for renewal.

Salary Information

USA/MTA Grade 12.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.