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Lab Manager at University of Chicago in Chicago, IL
Skills
Job Description
Department
SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Berman
About the Department
Job Summary
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.
Responsibilities
- Generating research questions and hypotheses
- Conducting literature reviews
- 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
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- A bachelor's degree (or higher) in neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, psychology, sociology, biology, physics, math, or other related fields
Experience:
- 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
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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