Lab Manager

Lab Managers needed for an NIH-funded (R01) study of dementia caregiver-care recipient dyads across rural and urban sites, involving in-person and video-based assessment visits, psychophysiological and eye-tracking measures, and questionnaires. The Lab Managers will work closely with Dr. Wells to manage daily lab operations and support the research process, including participant recruitment and scheduling, data collection, data management and quality assurance, IRB and regulatory compliance, and training and supervision of undergraduate research assistants. These positions are well suited to individuals seeking hands‑on experience in longitudinal, dyadic, and multi-method research in preparation for graduate study in psychology, gerontology, public health, or a related field. There will be opportunities to contribute to conference presentations and co-authored publications.

Dr. Jenna Wells's research examines how emotion in close relationships shapes mental and physical health across the life course, with a focus on late life and family caregiving for people with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab identifies what makes caregivers vulnerable or resilient to adverse outcomes, and studies how positive interpersonal processes support long-term health and well‑being in individuals and dyads.

Dr. Wells is seeking two full‑time Lab Managers for an NIH-funded (R01) study of dementia caregiver-care recipient dyads across rural and urban sites, involving in-person and video-based assessment visits, psychophysiological and eye‑tracking measures, and questionnaires. The Lab Managers will work closely with Dr. Wells to manage daily lab operations and support the research process, including participant recruitment and scheduling, data collection, data management and quality assurance, IRB and regulatory compliance, and training and supervision of undergraduate research assistants. These positions are well suited to individuals seeking hands‑on experience in longitudinal, dyadic, and multi‑method research in preparation for graduate study in psychology, gerontology, public health, or a related field.

Because two Lab Managers are being hired to work alongside each other, strong collaboration and communication skills, along with the ability to divide and coordinate shared responsibilities, are essential.

This is a full‑time, benefits eligible, one‑year term position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon funding, available work, and successful performance. This is an in‑person, on‑site position with the location being the Ithaca campus.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in psychology, human development, gerontology, public health, or a related field and 2 to 4 years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience conducting or assisting with psychological or behavioral research.
• Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; written, interpersonal, and oral communications skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, goal and detail‑oriented work style, meticulous and consistent follow‑through on research projects.
• Ability to sometimes work nonstandard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends), depending on participant availability.
• Ability to work sensitively and professionally with families affected by dementia, including households with children.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, gerontology, public health, or a related field.
• Experience working with older adults or clinical populations.
• Experience with eye‑tracking, psychophysiological and/or behavioral coding methods.
• Experience with Qualtrics.
• Proficiency with statistical or programming software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
• Experience training or supervising others (e.g., undergraduate research assistants).
• Interest in pursuing graduate study in clinical psychology, gerontology, or a related field.

REWARDS & BENEFITS

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award‑winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits:
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition‑free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

University Job Title

Research Aide IV

Job Family

Academic Support

Level

D

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$26.00 - $30.05

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates