Research Assistant (Maoz, U)

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

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, CA seeks a Research Assistant (Maoz, U) to support cognitive neuroscience and AI research. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will annotate data, assist with literature reviews, coordinate human subjects studies including MRI and TMS, and help prepare presentations and manuscripts.

You will mentor undergraduates, maintain documentation, and contribute to grants and collaborative projects within an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of prior research experience and familiarity with research methods and terminology.
• Experience with data collection and data entry.
• Strong analytical skills to define problems through research and fact finding.
• Clear written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support neuroscience, psychology, and AI research projects.
• Recruit participants and conduct behavioral assessments.
• Collect EEG, TMS, eye-tracking, and other data.
• Analyze AI systems for intentions, deception, alignment.
• Conduct literature reviews on AI alignment and cognitive science.
• Prepare presentations, grant materials, and manuscripts.
• Mentor undergraduates and co-lead lab meetings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members.

Skills

Research methods

Data collection

Data entry

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (psychology / neuroscience / CS)

Tools

Excel

Qualtrics

Mechanical Turk

Prolific

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Research Assistant (Maoz, U)

Position Type

Limited-Term

Job Number

SA93624

Full or Part Time

part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

$22.00 - $25.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate ofthe compensation range for this position. This range takes intoaccount a variety of factors that are considered in makingcompensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and otherbusiness and organizational needs. Salary offers are determinedbased on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, aswell as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipatedpay 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 ongoingprojects and grants related to cognitive neuroscience andartificial intelligence. Responsibilities include manualannotation, modification, and quality control of training datasetsused to study misaligned AI systems and alignment relatedbehaviors. The Research Assistant will also conduct literaturereviews on AI alignment, deception, and related topics in cognitivescience. Additional responsibilities include supporting humansubjects research, including MRI and transcranial magneticstimulation ( TBS ) studies, through participant coordination, datacollection, and data organization. This position also involvesmaintaining research documentation and datasets; assisting withpreparation of presentations, grant materials, and academicmanuscripts; and assisting with mentoring undergraduate researchassistants while supporting collaborative research activitieswithin 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