Lab Tech/Research Assistant

University of Texas at Dallas; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

Paid time off

Retirement Plan

Job summary

UT Dallas Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences seeks a Laboratory Technician to join Dr Kathryn Smith's lab. The role supports an NIH-funded project on biobehavioral mechanisms of loss of control eating in children and adolescents, located at the UTD Psychology Department and BHIC.

The candidate will oversee the fMRI protocol and serve as the lab's daily BHIC presence. Prior hands-on neuroimaging experience is highly preferred; training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with minimum two years hands-on experience or equivalent
• Experience collecting neuroimaging data in a research setting preferred
• Ability to engage warmly with children and families in a developmentally appropriate way
• Familiarity with neuroimaging analysis software and task presentation tools is a plus

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lab's primary on-site presence at BHIC, running study visits from screening to MRI safety checks
• Develop and implement the neuroimaging protocol with Principal Investigators and BHIC physicist
• Prepare participants and caregivers for scanning, including mock-scanner practice
• Manage scanning schedule and coordinate with BHIC staff
• Supervise other study staff and students at BHIC
• Assist with data collection and processing of neuroimaging data
• Maintain documentation of procedures and data management plans
• Meet regularly with the research team on study progress

Skills

Neuroimaging data collection

Communication with children/families

Imaging center independence

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

AFNI

FSL

SPM

E-Prime

PsychoPy

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S07274P
• Position Title: Lab Tech/Research Assistant
• Functional Title:
• Department: Psychology
• Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000
• Pay Basis: Monthly
• Position Status: Regular full-time
• Location: Richardson
• Desired Start Date: 11/02/2026
• Posting Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Open Until Filled: No

Job Summary

The Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas has an opening for a Laboratory Technician to join the lab of Dr Kathryn Smith.

This position will support an NIH-funded research project investigating biobehavioral mechanisms of loss of control eating and related eating-disorder psychopathology in children and adolescents. The position will be based at both the UTD Department of Psychology and the UTD Brain Health Imaging Center (BHIC). The candidate will oversee the implementation of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol and will serve as the lab's day-to-day presence at BHIC.

Prior hands-on experience collecting neuroimaging data is highly preferred; training on study-specific protocols will be provided. Because participants are children and adolescents accompanied by a caregiver, the applicant must also be comfortable and skilled at engaging warmly and professionally with children and families, and at explaining study procedures in a developmentally appropriate way.

This position is grant funded. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate degree with a minimum of two years hands on experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Prior hands-on experience collecting neuroimaging data in a research setting
• Prior research experience with children, adolescents, or families
• Familiarity with neuroimaging analysis software (e.g., AFNI, FSL, SPM) and task presentation software (e.g., E-Prime, PsychoPy)
• Experience with mobile technology or ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methodology

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the lab's primary on-site presence at BHIC, running study visits for the project start to finish, including participant screening/MRI safety checks, scanner set-up, task administration, and troubleshooting
• Work with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators and the BHIC physicist on the development and implementation of the neuroimaging protocol
• Prepare child and adolescent participants and caregivers for the scanning environment, including mock-scanner practice and addressing scan-related anxiety
• Manage the lab's scanning schedule and coordinate with BHIC staff
• Oversee and supervise other study staff and students working at BHIC
• Support other study data collection as needed (in-person and virtual visits, ecological momentary assessment/accelerometer set-up, recruitment)
• Assist with processing and analysis of neuroimaging data
• Meet regularly with the Principal Investigators and research team on study progress
• Maintain documentation of study procedures, imaging data, and data management plan components
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques
• Able to work independently at an imaging center, managing a scanning schedule and troubleshooting scanner-related issues in real time
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff
• Ability to work effectively, patiently, and compassionately with children, adolescents, and their families
• Ability to record and report results with clarity

Additional Information

Work Notice

Work will be performed on-site and in person.

Travel

This position will require local travel between the UTD BHIC and the UTD Psychology Department as needed. The position may also be subject to occasional travel such as for training/development, conferences, etc.

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Optional Long and Short-term Disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH

Important Message

• 1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.
• 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.