Harvard University Biology Research Scientist Vacancy – Apply Online
The Laboratory for Developmental Studies in the Psychology department has a position open for a full-time Research Assistant (Lab Manager). Research in the lab focuses on exploring the cognitive development of infants and toddlers, emphasizing perception and knowledge of social relationships. The candidate will report directly to the P.I., a Professor of Developmental Psychology, and will be responsible for managing and overseeing the daily activities of lab spaces dedicated to running research studies with infants, toddlers, and children, and coordinating lab-wide remote testing. The position will provide ample opportunities for learning, professional development, and mentoring and could be a springboard for applying to PhD positions.
Job Title: Research Assistant I
Id: 61504BR
Location USA – MA – Cambridge
Position Description
Responsibilities include hiring and supervising undergraduate research assistants, coordinating testing spaces and study schedules, assisting with preparation of grant applications and progress reports, creating and maintaining the lab manual, executing specific research experiments, and assisting in the collection of data. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the design, data collection, and engage in other research-related activities for projects examining aspects of intuitive sociology in both infants and children.
In addition, the candidate will act as liaison between the lab, Psychology administration, and the Harvard IRB, assisting with lab purchases as well as applications for human subjects research approval. Further, the candidate will work actively on setting up lab-wide policies for open science practices. The candidate will perform other related duties as well, depending on the needs of the lab.
Basic Qualifications
At least one year of experience in psychology, biology, cognitive science or related field is required.
Relevant coursework in a lab setting may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, or cognitive science and will embrace the challenges of a demanding workload involving multiple research projects. The lab you will be joining will be new, so experience with data management, and open science practices are highly preferable.
- Experience with infants and toddlers preferred, because the candidate will be called upon to work with families confidently and professionally daily. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Proficiency with Zoom, Word, Excel, and Google docs/calendar is necessary for day-to-day functioning of the lab, as is familiarity with online research tools (e.g. Qualtrics, Lookit) and search databases (e.g. FileMaker). Familiarity with other tools and languages like HTML, JavaScript, R, and Blender is highly desirable.
- Must be confident working both independently as well as with others in a fast-paced research environment.
- Must demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and should possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Must also be confident working both independently as well as with others in a high-paced research environment. Experience working in diverse communities and communicating effectively with individuals from many different cultures and backgrounds preferred.
Working Conditions
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.
Additional Information
Equity, inclusion, and justice are core values of the lab. Everyone in the lab is expected to contribute to a welcoming, supportive environment for all members of the community. The lab values open science that is freely available and transparent. More about the P.I. can be found here: ashleyjthomas.com
This is a one-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding.
All formal offers are made by FAS Human Resources.
Harvard University Biology Research
