Research Assistant (Maoz, U)

Chapman University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, CA invites applications for a part-time Research Assistant (Maoz, U) to support cognitive neuroscience and AI projects on campus.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, you will assist with data annotation, literature reviews, participant coordination for MRI/TMS studies, and mentoring of undergraduates while contributing to presentations, grants, and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of prior research experience, including knowledge of research methods and terminology.
• Experience with research data collection and data entry.
• Analytical skills including the ability to define problems through research and fact finding.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform research-related activities supporting projects in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with participant recruitment, training, and behavioral assessments.
• Gather EEG, TMS, eye-tracking, and other neural and behavioral data.
• Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions, deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to AI alignment, cognitive science.
• Perform manual modification and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems.
• Maintain project-related documentation, datasets, and research records.
• Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant materials, and academic manuscripts.
• Mentor undergraduate research assistants and organize lab meetings.

Skills

Research methods

Data collection

Data entry

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Qualtrics

Mechanical Turk

Prolific

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Research Assistant (Maoz, U)

Position Type

Position Type Limited-Term

Job Number

Job Number SA93624

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $22.00 - $25.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will provide research support to ongoing projects and grants related to cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Responsibilities include manual annotation, modification, and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems and alignment related behaviors. The Research Assistant will also conduct literature reviews on AI alignment, deception, and related topics in cognitive science. Additional responsibilities include supporting human subjects research, including MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TBS ) studies, through participant coordination, data collection, and data organization. This position also involves maintaining research documentation and datasets; assisting with preparation of presentations, grant materials, and academic manuscripts; and assisting with mentoring undergraduate research assistants while supporting collaborative research activities within an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Independently perform research-related activities supporting projects in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with participant recruitment, training, and behavioral assessments.
• Gather EEG , TMS , eye-tracking, and other neural and behavioral data.
• Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions, deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to AI alignment, cognitive science, and related topics.
• Perform manual modification and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems.

Research Documentation and Dissemination

• Maintain project-related documentation, datasets, and research records.
• Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant materials, and academic manuscripts.
• Compile and organize research findings for internal and external dissemination.

Collaboration and Mentorship

• Mentor undergraduate research assistants and support their training in research procedures.
• Organize and preside over undergraduate lab meetings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support ongoing research initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 1–2 years of prior research experience, including knowledge of research methods and terminology
• Experience with research data collection and data entry
• Analytical skills including the ability to define problems through research and fact finding
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an interdisciplinary research team
• Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with minimal supervision

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience in psychology, health sciences, cognitive science, philosophy, neuroscience, computer science, or related field.
• Working knowledge of Excel and experience with survey platforms such as Qualtrics, Mechanical Turk, Prolific, or similar tools
• Experience with programming or strong willingness to learn programming for research purposes.
• Experience integrating psychology or cognitive neuroscience with artificial intelligence research

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

2

Maximum Number of References

3

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Curriculum Vitae
• Other Document

MAIN CAMPUS

One University Drive

Orange, CA 92866

[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS

9401 Jeronimo Road

Irvine, CA 92618

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.