Research Analyst-Shen Neurolaw Lab

Duration: Until May 31, 2027
Preferred Start: October 15, 2026 (subject to change)
Salary range: $49K-$60K annually
Commitment: This position is FT, 40 hrs/week. Hybrid.
Location: The work for this position is primarily based in Boston, MA

Primary Supervisor: Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

Opening: A Research Analyst position is open within the Shen Neurolaw Lab, based at the University of Minnesota Law School. This position will support multiple projects within the Lab, including: the NIH funded project: Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for BRAIN Next-Generation Human Neuroimaging Research and Beyond (REACH for BRAIN); the Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience & Society; the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at MGB (NJAM); and additional projects related to law and neuroscience. Tasks will include research and writing on neurolaw and neuroethics topics; supporting neuroscience and society community engagement work; facilitating communication within and across projects; disseminating project materials; and attending regular Lab and project meetings.

Supervision: This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.

Open communication, innovation, and collaboration are valued. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PI Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth. Other training includes: Participation in regular lab meetings, opportunities to present work at professional conferences, community outreach, and preparation and submission of manuscripts for publication.

The specific responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with Dr. Shen and collaborators to pursue research at the intersection of neuroscience and society
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the research objectives of the project
• Work collaboratively on manuscript writing and development
• Take leading role on manuscript development in line with career development goals
• Assist in establishing timelines, evaluate and revise project plans, and advise on project issues
• Assist and lead in preparation of IRB protocols, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, data records, and maintain project personnel IRB compliance documents
• Take the lead and assist in the preparation of presentations to disseminate the project's research in local, national, and international meetings
• Support preparation of grant applications, budgets, and progress reports
• Draft, edit, and process a wide variety of written materials related to grant-supported research activities, including budget narratives, statements of work, and email correspondence
• Perform other duties based on project needs

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years in relevant fields such as neuroscience, public health, epidemiology, environmental science, law, and so forth.
• Previous experience in neurolaw research, analysis, and/or developing and executing programs at the intersection of neuroscience and society.

Additional Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a background or potential for research including strong community engagement skills, and experience with scientific writing.
• Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively. A background in neuroscience or law is preferred but not a requirement.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay Range: $49K - $60K annually ($23.56 - $28.85/hr); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. A cover letter and resume are both required in order to be considered for the role.

Application Procedures:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter as soon as possible for full consideration.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Shen at fxshen@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.