Research, Technician

Department

SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

This position is in the department of Psychology, the University of Chicago. Specifically for research labs under director Dr. Xuechunzi Bai and Dr. Yuan Chang Leong.

Job Summary

The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Drs. Xuechunzi Bai and Yuan Chang Leong at the University of Chicago, Department of Psychology, is recruiting a full-time research assistant to begin in July, 2025. Their labs study decision-making in social contexts. Example topics include but not limited to social representation, large-scale data analysis and computational cognitive modeling. The research assistant is essential to the smooth and productive functioning of the lab. There are opportunities to develop independent projects, attend conferences, and co-author manuscripts, therefore, this position is ideal for highly motivated individuals planning to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology, cognitive science, computational social science, and related fields. The position can be renewed to multiple years, depending on the performance and career plan of the individual.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research under the supervision of Drs. Bai and Leong, including

• Collecting data

• Creating computational models

• Designing experimental stimuli

• Coding experiments (in Qualtrics, JavaScript)

• Analyzing data (in R, Python)

• Preparing research manuscripts and reports

• Manage daily and long-term operations within the lab

• Handling IRBs and other research documentation

• Managing lab websites and newsletters

• Setting up/maintaining lab equipment

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents

• Performs other related work as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, statistics, computer science, or a related field

Preferred Competencies

• Have strong data analysis, programming, and web design skills
• Be enthusiastic about computational social science research
• Have strong, self-directed initiative, excellent organizational and communication skills

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

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$19.05 - $24.66

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

Yes

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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