Research Specialist, Penn Psychology

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Research Specialist, Penn Psychology

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

The Jenkins Lab at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a full-time Research Specialist to begin in late Summer or early Fall 2025 (start date flexible). The Research Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other lab personnel to contribute to the lab's research, including [i] running human participants in fMRI experiments, [ii] analyzing behavioral and fMRI data, [iii] designing and programming behavioral and fMRI experiments, [iv] providing technical support to other lab personnel, and [v] advancing the lab’s efforts toward open, reproducible science. The ideal candidate(s) will contribute creatively to the lab’s research program, resulting in opportunities to present research at conferences and co-author manuscripts resulting from the research.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

The Jenkins Lab at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a full-time Research Specialist to begin in Summer or Fall 2025 (start date flexible). Competitive applicants will have strong technical skills as well as experience with fMRI data collection and an interest in applying those skills and experience to questions about the mind and brain in an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment. 

The lab studies the cognitive and neural bases of social and economic behavior using a range of approaches including functional brain imaging (fMRI), computational modeling, natural language processing, and laboratory and online experiments. The Research Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other lab personnel to contribute to all aspects of the research process, including [i] designing and programming behavioral and fMRI experiments, [ii] collecting behavioral and fMRI data, [iii] using computational modeling and other approaches for data analysis, and [iv] assisting in recruiting, training, and mentoring students in the lab. The Research Specialist will also have ongoing opportunities to engage with the Psychology Department and the broader intellectual community at the University of Pennsylvania. 
 

Qualifications

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree or higher in cognitive science, computer science, economics, linguistics, mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, statistics, or a related field. Competence in at least one programming environment is essential; proficiency in Python, R, javascript, and/or Matlab is especially desirable. Previous research experience with fMRI data collection and analysis is highly desirable. Competitive applicants will be highly motivated, have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, and show a high level of attention to detail. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. 

The ideal candidate(s) will contribute creatively to the lab’s research program, resulting in opportunities to present research at conferences and co-author manuscripts resulting from the research. This position is especially well suited to individuals interested in pursuing an academic or industry career in one of the fields mentioned above. Visit https://jenkins-lab.weebly.com/ for more information. 

Special Requirements 
No contraindications to working in and around the MRI (e.g., implanted electrical devices, etc.).
 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $45,500.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay