Participating in team meetings focused on designing and executing research projects
Implementing large-scale data collection using online survey tools (e.g., MTurk, Prolific)
Designing and programming experimental stimuli (using Qualtrics, PsychoPy, etc.)
Recruiting, testing, and debriefing human subjects for both neuroimaging (fMRI and fNIRS) and behavioral experiments
Preprocessing and analyzing experimental brain and behavioral data (using R, MATLAB, Python, etc.)
Preparing manuscripts for publication
Providing support for lab personnel
Organizing lab meetings and events
Managing IRB approvals and amendments
Writing grant updates
Reporting on the lab's use of computational resources
Preparing and submitting expense reports
Onboarding new hires
Purchasing equipment
Maintaining the lab website and social media accounts
Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project
Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator
Performs other related work as needed
Requirements
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through
Certifications:
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A bachelor's degree (or higher) in neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, psychology, sociology, biology, physics, math, or other related fields
Research experience in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or another social science is ideal
Preferred Competencies
Strong computer programming skills (e.g., R, MATLAB, and/or Python) are expected, though we will help to improve candidate's computational skills through lab training and collaborative research projects
Must be self-motivated, independent, and reliable
Strong organizational and communication skills are essential
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover letter (required)
References (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
N
Benefits
Health insurance
Additional Information
Department
SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Berman
About the Department
As environmental neuroscientists, we study the influence of natural and built environments on neural processing, affect, cognition, health, and collective behaviors. We use neuroimaging methods such as fMRI and fNIRS, to examine the influence of environmental factors on brain activity. We also use computational methods, including machine learning, natural language processing, and spatial analysis, to analyze large datasets with the goal of better understanding how places impact people.
Job Summary
The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
A lab manager position in the Environmental Neuroscience Lab (ENL) at the University of Chicago will be available starting in the Summer of 2026.
We define environmental neuroscience as the scientific study of brain-mediated, bidirectional relationships between organisms and their social and physical environments. As environmental neuroscientists, we explore the influence of natural and built environments on neural processing, affect, cognition, health, and collective behaviors. We use neuroimaging methods such as fMRI and fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), to examine the influence of environmental factors on brain activity. We also use computational methods, including machine-learning, natural language processing, and spatial analysis, to analyze large datasets with the goal of better understanding how places impact people. We develop machine-learning algorithms and non-linear measures of brain dynamics to quantify more vs. less effortful brain states.
This is an excellent position for someone who is interested in: (1) investigating how environmental factors affect brain processes and behavior, (2) obtaining additional research experience in cognitive neuroscience, and (3) developing their computational skills before applying to graduate school.
The ENL has successfully aided lab managers in their search for and acceptance into Ph.D. programs at institutions such as the University of Chicago and Yale University. Lab managers have the opportunity to co-author 1 to 2 publications a year and develop research skills which help them earn acceptance into top graduate programs in Psychology or Neuroscience.