Research Assistant, CANlab (9613C) #87221

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Departmental Overview

Research in UC Berkeley's Clinical & Affective Neuroscience Lab (CANlab) - under the direction of Professor Hedy Kober - uses state-of- the-art methods, including experimental tasks, randomized-controlled clinical trials, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), computational models, ecological momentary assessment, biological assays from urine, blood, and saliva, and meta-analyses of behavioral, clinical, and neuroimaging data. Our work organizes around a few interrelated themes: Craving, regulation of craving, substance use disorders, treatment for substance use disorders, neural mechanisms of change, emotion regulation in psychopathology, and mindfulness and meditation.

The CANlab is part of UC Berkeley's Department of Psychology, which is located in Berkeley, CA. The lab is located in the Berkeley Way West building on the western edge of Berkeley's campus. Functional imaging resources are available at Berkeley's Brain Imaging Center (BIC), housed in the Li Ka Shing Center.

Position Summary

Responsible for assisting the PI (who is a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist) and other researchers in the lab with behavioral, clinical, and neuroimaging studies that examine the mechanisms underlying crucial processes involved in human emotion, motivation, and psychopathology (with a focus on substance use and eating behaviors), including mechanisms underlying treatment for psychopathology.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is July 14, 2026

Responsibilities

Major Responsibility: Under the direction of the PI/other researchers in the lab, development, preparation, and execution of research studies in accordance with IRB protocols:

• Develop experimental materials (including stimulus generation and programming of tasks for lab and web-based studies).
• Recruit, schedule, and test participants in behavioral, fMRI, and other studies.
• Complete follow-up data collection.
• Perform data transfers, backups, and quality assurance as necessary.
• Preprocess and help to analyze data using Matlab, Python, and other analysis packages.
• Help develop and modify written protocols and best-practices documents based on discussions with the PI/post-docs surrounding ongoing experiments.
• Collaborates with other labs and universities working on joint projects.
• Assistance with training, hiring, and coordination of lab personnel:
• Train and support lab personnel in the proper execution of research protocols, including task development, participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.
• Assist in the recruitment and evaluation of potential undergraduate student research assistants.
• Coordinate undergraduate RAs' schedules to ensure appropriate participation and training.

Dissemination of research findings:

• Presentation of research in more informal scientific settings (e.g., lab meetings). Assistance with preparation of manuscripts/grants (including figure/table preparation and editing).
• There may be opportunities to prepare and present posters at scientific conferences/author manuscripts.

Management of general lab administrative needs:

• Purchase and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Obtain and oversee technical support for lab equipment (e.g., computers).
• Administer IRB protocols (including approval/amendment/renewal processes) and grants (including assistance with submission and renewal).
• Manage lab record-keeping, including purchases, relevant grant information, IRB protocols, experiment participation, and protocols for executing and analyzing individual experiments (with assistance from relevant lab personnel).
• Help maintain the lab website, wiki, and code/file sharing.
• Coordinate weekly lab meetings and other lab events.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of research experience.
• Previous research experience in a psychology or neuroscience lab.
• Experience with the collection and/or analysis of human participant data.
• Good organizational skills, good interpersonal skills, ability to work independently as well as in a team, and personal accountability.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint) required.
• Some programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, E-prime, Inquisit).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• May require work on nights and weekends, depending on participant schedules.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, or in a related field, and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis.
• Experience with collection and/or analysis of neuroimaging data (fMRI).

• Strong programming skills.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.12 (Step 1) - $35.93 (Step 9).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions of the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) agreement between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.