Lab Manager

Research Assistant Position

The Food and Addiction Science and Treatment (FAST) lab in the University of Michigan Department of Psychology is seeking a full-time research assistant for a NIDA-funded research project. The aim of this research is to understand how ultra-processed foods impact reward-functioning, mood, and well-being using cutting-edge technology (e.g., neuroimaging, continuous glucose monitoring, ecological momentary assessment) and experimental designs with human subjects. Employees will receive training on these scientific methods.

The research assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Ashley Gearhardt. They will join a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers and have opportunities to collaborate on numerous research projects focused on the impact of ultra-processed foods on mental health and well-being.

The research assistant will participate in various research-related activities, running participants, and collecting and organizing neuroimaging and mobile technology data. This position is suitable for candidates interested in growing a competitive research record for preparation for graduate school in psychology or in related fields of neuroscience, public health, or social work. The research assistant will have opportunities to develop methodological, statistical, and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Running human participants through research protocols: Conduct human participant research visits across multiple study protocols, including neuroimaging, mobile technology, and experimental designs conducted in a simulated fast-food restaurant.
• Participant scheduling, recruitment, and visit management: Assist with participant recruitment; coordinate and schedule research visits; communicate with participants; and support visit logistics, including preparing and ordering necessary study supplies.
• Participant screening: Screen potential participants to determine eligibility for research studies according to established inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Training research staff and students: Train incoming research staff and students on study protocols, laboratory procedures, and research practices, and serve as an ongoing resource throughout their time in the lab.
• Research methods and procedures: Work with the research coordinator to evaluate and implement research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established study objectives.
• Collaborative research support: Partner with graduate students and undergraduate research assistants on research projects and support the implementation of study procedures.
• Basic data management: Conduct basic research data management procedures, including data organization, quality checks, maintenance of study records, and other procedures necessary to support data quality and integrity.

Additional Note: The amount of time devoted to individual responsibilities, particularly participant screening and training of incoming research staff and students, may vary based on study enrollment, staff experience, time of year, and laboratory needs. The employee will be expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards across all research activities and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 1-2 years of experience in a research environment, particularly with human subjects
• Be able to travel to different sites, including off campus for research study purposes
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, writing, and time-management skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, and interest in clinical psychology or neuroscience
• Experience carrying a research project through from conceptualization to reporting
• Knowledge of survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap)
• Willingness to travel to various on-campus and off-campus locations for purposes of the research study

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, LSA offers:

• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The salary range is $33,000 to $39,500. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is September 2026 - August 2027.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.