New

Associate Research Scientist

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Feb 25, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Associate Research Scientist
Posting Number	26TM0071
Department	Institute for Health, Health C
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is distinguished in its many efforts to advance health and wellness, and its broad reach, diversity, and expertise provides opportunities to address a wide array of health challenges. The Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research ( IFH) facilitates collaboration among the social and behavioral sciences, clinical disciplines, basic sciences and related fields to promote research on critical population health issues. Tobias Gerhard serves as the director of IFHand brings together scholars across and beyond Rutgers into a vibrant interdisciplinary network that advances high quality research in core areas: Behavioral Health Health Economics Social and Cultural Determinants of Health Pharmacoepidemiology Violence Prevention Health Disparities Aging Research State Health Policy Health Services Research
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Associate Research Scientist for the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. The Associate Research Scientist independently leads defined neuroimaging research portfolios within the Willette Lab. This position is responsible for end-to-end execution of secondary data research across large-scale biomedical cohorts, including analytic strategy development, data harmonization, statistical modeling, interpretation of findings, and preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations (i.e., posters/talks). The Associate Research Scientist reports directly to the Principal Investigator and is accountable for project timelines, scientific deliverables, and quality assurance within assigned research initiatives. The role provides functional leadership and technical direction to research assistants, student trainees, and volunteer staff to ensure methodological rigor and timely completion of research objectives. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Leads a defined neuroimaging research portfolio, including development of analytic aims, statistical modeling plans, and interpretation of findings. Exercises independent judgment in analytic design, statistical approach selection, and interpretation of results within established research objectives. Manages project timelines and ensures completion of key deliverables, including manuscript submission, conference abstracts, and grant deliverables. Serves as first author or co-author on peer-reviewed publications arising from assigned projects. Provides technical direction, task assignment, and methodological oversight to research assistants, temporary staff, and student trainees. Reviews analytic outputs for accuracy and compliance with established protocols. Coordinates project workflows to maintain continuity and productivity across lab personnel. Oversees preprocessing, harmonization, and quality control of neuroimaging datasets. Establishes and enforces standardized preprocessing and quality control procedures across research projects. Contributes scientific sections to grant proposals, including analytic design and methodological justification.
FLSA	Exempt
Salary Details	$90,000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours	40
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement	Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Terms of Appointment	Temporary Staff Appointment - Salaried 12 Month

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Master's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Biostatistics, Biomedical Engineering, or related field. Minimum five (5) years of experience, including demonstrated responsibility for independent project execution and scientific decision-making, conducting advanced biomedical or neuroimaging research in an academic or research-intensive environment.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Demonstrated experience leading independent research projects to publication, managing complex datasets and analytic workflows, providing technical direction and mentorship to junior researchers, and conducting advanced statistical modeling and neuroimaging analyses. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent research timelines.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Open Date	02/25/2026
Posting Close Date	03/05/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement