Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

2d • $44,543 - $63,697

About The Position

The Department of Psychology is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented individual to support the logistical and research operations of PI Guassi Moreira’s lab. The duties of this position include managing the lab’s daily administrative functions and assisting in all aspects of conducting research, including : Building lab infrastructure (e.g., purchasing and setting up physical infrastructure such as furniture and computers, helping create internal data storage systems and pipelines, developing lab manual and protocols) Conducting research (e.g., writing IRBs, recruiting participants in the metropolitan Madison area, maintaining a database of potential research participants, collecting behavioral/neuroimaging/developmental/online data, analyzing data, and sharing results through posters, presentations, and papers) Supporting lab research (e.g., assisting other lab members with literature searches, study design, stimuli preparation, data collection, analyses, manuscript and grant preparation) Building and supporting lab community (e.g., facilitating lab communication and organizing lab events) The initial term of this appointment is 2 years, with the possibility of being extended based on funding.

Requirements

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with others (e.g., adult and child participants, families, other researchers)
• Highly detail oriented, strongly work ethic, motivated, efficient, and able to work independently
• Willingness to occasionally work non­standard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends) contingent on participant availability
• Strong enthusiasm to learn new skills, concepts, methods, techniques will be best set up for success in this position.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, anthropology, sociology, statistics, biology, or related field is the preferred minimum.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in any of these domains is preferred, but enthusiasm and persistence are more important
• Proficiency with statistical and programming languages/software (e.g., SPSS, R, Matlab, Java, Python; preferably R or Python) strongly preferred, but not necessarily required
• Proficiency with quantitative methods and/or data management skills
• Prior experience conducting empirical research on questions related to the lab’s research focus
• Prior experience managing others and building community

Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s).
• Collects data and monitors test results
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area.
• Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level