Research Specialist - Social & Health Psychology Lab

Job Description The Research Specialist will work as part of a team to refine research protocols, supervise undergraduate research assistants, and help establish foundational processes for research in the lab. They may also contribute to scientific writing and perform statistical analyses under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and other members of the team to establish and maintain data integrity and to test various hypotheses. The laboratory runs several studies related to social and psychological determinants of health and well-being among racial and sexual minoritized groups, as well as research on racial essentialism. This position is ideal for a college graduate interested in counseling, social and health psychology research who wants to grow their career and professional development related to research. The successful applicant will join an active laboratory with a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers addressing a broad array of questions of interest to counseling psychology. They will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques, publish scientific papers, and attend conferences. The research professional will be primarily supervised by Professor James but will also work closely with Professor Ajayi and take work direction from him, as appropriate. The start date of this position is around mid‑July 2026, with an initial end date (or contingent extension) of mid‑July 2027 (any extension or continuation is contingent upon available funding and acceptable performance). Job Responsibilities Establish foundational lab practices, including creating and implementing a lab manual for the standardization of training and implementation of open science practices (30%) Literature reviewing and scientific writing (30%) Study design, data collection, and statistical analysis (20%) Co‑supervise and mentor undergraduate research assistants, if desired (10%) Assist in the management of institutional review board, federal, and other regulatory compliance correspondence (10%) Note: This position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program. Required Qualifications BA/BS in Psychology or a related area or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years; Proficiency in common computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets; Research experience working with underserved populations; Demonstrated capacity for quantitative analyses, including statistical software or statistical databases. Preferred Qualifications Coursework in counseling psychology, health psychology, public health, or gender and women's studies; Experience in the conduct of psychological research, including data collection, analysis, and scientific writing; Capacity for performing structured research‑related work assignments following established procedures and guidelines under supervision, such as statistical analyses using SPSS statistical software or equivalent; Strong organizational capacities with great attention to detail and emphasis on timeliness; Experience with web‑based applications, including website management. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $23.81 - $25.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Time Appointment: 75% appointment. Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff. 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 Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area EEO Statement The University of Minnesota 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. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Minnesota