Research Coordinator, Sequeira Lab, Psychology

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brains, Emotions, and Adolescent Relationships (BEAR) Lab at the University of Virginia seeks a full-time Research Coordinator to assist with a project involving lab- and mobile-based data collection, including AI-powered chatbots studying youth mental health. The role offers opportunities to co-author papers and to conduct independent research with guidance from senior investigators.

Under Stefanie Sequeira, Ph.D., you will manage data, coordinate IRB applications, recruit participants, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Preferred background in behavioral sciences or psychology, and/or programming or data analysis beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating lab- and mobile-based data collections.
• Database management and data cleaning.
• Coordinate IRB applications and approvals.
• Assist with participant recruitment and protocol implementation.
• Prepare study materials and manage administrative tasks.
• Engage with adolescent and emerging adult participants during interviews and assessments.
• Train research assistants and provide lab support.

Skills

Data management

IRB coordination

Participant recruitment

Interviewing

Lab coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University Of Virginia Department Of Psychology Strives To Advance The Science, Methodology And The Application Of Psychology Through Research, Teaching, Graduate Training, And Engagement In Our Community. Specifically, We Are Committed To

• Conducting rigorous collaborative research aimed at understanding the human condition, solving societal problems, and generating breakthrough discoveries;
• Using our scholarship to guide practice, policy, education, and future research;
• Teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychological scientists and psychologically-literate citizens and leaders

Position Summary

The Brains, Emotions, and Adolescent Relationships (BEAR) Lab at the University of Virginia (UVA), under the direction of Stefanie Sequeira, Ph.D., seeks applicants for a full-time Research Coordinator to assist with a project led by the BEAR Lab.

This project is in collaboration with the Sensing, Observing, aNd unDerstanding human ExpeRience (SONDER) Lab, under the direction of Subigya Nepal, Ph.D at UVA, and the Adolescent Emotions, Relationships, Attention, and Suicide (ERAS) Lab, under the direction of Kiera James, Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh.

The team uses ambulatory assessment methods to investigate how social processes confer risk for anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in young people. This position will involve coordination of lab- and mobile-based data collections, with a focus on using mixed methods and co-design processes to develop and test a new research protocol to study how the use of chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI) confers risk for, and protection against, STBs in emerging adults.

The Research Coordinator will also have opportunities to co-author scientific papers and conduct independent research. This is an excellent position for a college graduate who is interested in gaining additional research experience before going on to graduate study in psychology or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Helping to manage data collections and cleaning
• Database management
• Coordinating IRB applications
• Assisting with participant recruitment and study protocol implementation
• Preparation of study materials
• Working with adolescent and emerging adult participants (e.g., conducting interviews, monitoring ecological momentary assessment protocols)
• Training research assistants
• General administrative and lab project support

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: BA/BS in the Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology), Computer Science, Engineering or related field prior to starting the position
• Experience: Strong background in research, ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously, excellent communication skills, and a conscientious work style
• Experience with data management, clinical research with youth (e.g., tied to anxiety and/or digital mental health), and/or computer programming

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $22.00 - $23.00 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability
• This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site

About UVA And The Community

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Applications must be received by September 1, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship at this time.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For questions about the position, please contact Stefanie Sequeira, Assistant Professor, at [e-mail]
• For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, [e-mail]

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.