Lab Manager

Research Lab Manager

The Human Nature and Potentials Lab at the University of Chicago, directed by Dr. Fan Yang, is recruiting a full-time Research Lab Manager (research-intensive role). Our lab studies how individuals engage with life's big questions, reflected in diverse topics such as meaning, happiness, morality, and the self.

The Research Lab Manager will not only support the lab's operations but also play a central role in advancing and shaping our lab's research. Given the small size of our lab, the role is primarily research-focused, with the majority of time devoted to research activities, including study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. This position is ideal for highly motivated individuals planning to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling and testing child and adult participants.
• Building and maintaining relations with participants, testing sites, and collaborating labs.
• Training and mentoring research assistants.
• Supporting lab operations (e.g., IRB submissions, scheduling lab events, reimbursements).
• Designing studies and creating research materials.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Coding, organizing and analyzing data.
• Developing research manuscripts and presentations.
• Providing research support and guidance to students' projects in the lab.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience and strong interest in working with children and parents.
• Interest in learning a wide range of research methods from classic experimental designs to machine learning and design-based interventions.
• Demonstrated interest in theoretical and conceptual questions.
• Familiarity with basic psychology research tools (e.g., R, Qualtrics).
• Strong interest in research and deep engagement with our lab's research questions.
• Basic quantitative research training and strong willingness to learn advanced statistical methods.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate cross-site collaborations.
• Responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Organizational and lab management skills.

Working Conditions

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• The position is renewable for up to four years, depending on performance and funding availability. The start date is flexible.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (name and contact information for at least two references) (required)

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.