Research Assistant

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Research Assistant (Summer only)

Position Type

Limited-Term

Job Number

SA80724

Full or Part Time

part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

$20.00-$22.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will provide research support to ongoing projects and grants related to cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Responsibilities include manual annotation, modification, and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems and alignment related behaviors. The Research Assistant will also conduct literature reviews on AI alignment, deception, and related topics in cognitive science. Additional responsibilities include supporting human subjects research through participant coordination, data collection, and data organization. This position also involves maintaining research documentation and datasets; possibly assisting with preparation of presentations, grant materials, and academic manuscripts; and supporting collaborative research activities within an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Independently perform research-related activities supporting projects in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with participant recruitment, training, and behavioral assessments.
• Gather EEG and other neural and behavioral data.
• Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions, deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to AI alignment, cognitive science, and related topics.
• Perform manual modification and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems.

Research Documentation and Dissemination

• Maintain project-related documentation, datasets, and research records.
• Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant materials, and academic manuscripts when needed.
• Compile and organize research findings for internal and external dissemination.

Collaboration

• Organize and preside over undergraduate lab meetings when needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support ongoing research initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Minimal level of prior research experience, including knowledge of research methods and terminology
• Experience with research data collection and data entry
• Analytical skills including the ability to define problems through research and fact finding
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an interdisciplinary research team
• Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with minimal supervision

Desired Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience in psychology, health sciences, cognitive science, philosophy, neuroscience, computer science, or related field
• Working knowledge of Excel and experience with survey platforms such as Qualtrics
• Experience with programming or strong willingness to learn programming for research purposes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate

Minimum Number of References

Maximum Number of References