Technical Assistant I (Lab Manager - Cognitive Construction Lab)

Title: Technical Assistant I (Lab Manager - Cognitive Construction Lab)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Psychology and Brain Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Lab Manager will function as the Lab Manager of the Cognitive Construction Lab, directed by Dr. Benjamin Pitt's lab, which studies cognitive processes across ages, abilities, cultures, and languages. Responsibilities will include both lab-general administrative duties (e.g. computer programming and technical problem-solving, recruiting and scheduling, maintenance of equipment and data) and project-specific research duties (e.g. collecting and analyzing behavioral data).

Essential Functions

Overseeing day-to-day lab operations, including participant recruitment and scheduling.

Maintain lab manuals detailing general lab procedures, protocols, and responsibilities.

Coordinating, training, and proactively working with motivated undergraduate research assistants.

Assist writing and revising IRB protocols, monitor compliance.

Procure and maintain lab hardware and software.

Assist with lab finances, including budgeting and expenses for grants and processing reimbursements.

Securely store and maintain participant and recruitment data.

Maintain lab website.

Assisting in planning lab events, social brown bag events, invited speakers, and trainings.

Examples of research duties:

Organizing, running, and analyzing experiments with children and adults.

Traveling internationally to collaborate with teams, train research assistants, and collect data from participants outside of the United States.

Program presentation of experimental stimuli.

Construct and prepare study materials.

Draft results of completed studies.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, 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

One (1) year of related experience in a research setting. An Associate's degree or higher may substitute for the required experience.

Excellent communication skills, both in spoken and written English.

Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, and the ability to work independently.

Extremely efficient in email correspondence.

Programming and technical problem-solving skills.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Valid passport for international travel within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Psychology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and training.

Experience recruiting and scheduling research subjects.

Experience training small teams.

Fluency with at least one programming language (e.g., R or Python).

Experience and knowledge of the ethical conduct of research.

Strong interest in answering research questions in cognitive science.

Experience with working with children under 12-yrs of age and comfort interacting with children and families.

Additional Details

This is a one (1) year position. This position is grant-funded and continuation is contingent upon the availability of funding.

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. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

9:00AM - 5:00PM; with some flexibility.
Position is primarily on campus with potential for occasional remote work.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 12

Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for 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.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.