Research Programs Specialist, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

The Graduate Center, City University of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) seeks a Lab Technician to support SLHS faculty and students with hardware, software, and computing resources across research laboratories.

You will maintain equipment, assist with demonstrations, aid in experimental design using Python and MATLAB, and help manage inventory and procurement. This role requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience, with a strong emphasis on technical troubleshooting and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
• Technical expertise in computer hardware and programming.
• Proficiency with laboratory hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with PsychoPy or E-Prime and data analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for laboratory equipment, hardware, software, and computing resources.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and ensure safe operation of lab equipment and research systems.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Support instructional activities by assisting demonstrations and training students and staff.
• Assist with experimental design and data analysis using Python and MATLAB.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in computing, engineering, or related technical field

Four years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

PsychoPy

E-Prime

Sound editing

Signal processing

Neurophysiological data acquisition

Job description

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at CUNY, the nation's largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a 200,000 square-foot facility in upper Manhattan, designed to promote collaboration among scientists in five areas of global research and innovation: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences.

The Graduate Center (GC) benefits from highly ambitious and diverse students and alumni-who in turn teach hundreds of thousands of undergraduates every year. Through its public programs, the Graduate Center enhances New York City's intellectual and cultural life.

The Ph.D. Program in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences (SLHS) at the Graduate Center conducts state-of-the-art research using a broad range of experimental methods across six dynamic research laboratories. SLHS’ research involves using various technologies including sound recording and presentation, eye tracking, electroencephalography (EEG), ultrasound, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and other computer-based methods. The program includes faculty and students with diverse backgrounds, research interests, and technical expertise. For more information visit:https://www.gc.cuny.edu/speech-language-hearing-sciences.

The SLHS Program seeks a Lab Technician to support faculty members and students in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and procurement of specialized hardware and software used in its research laboratories, as well as general computing. Reporting to the Executive Officer, this individual also provides support services for lectures, laboratory, or other instructional activities as needed to help maintain the technological infrastructure that supports the program's research and educational mission.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Work directly with faculty, staff, and students to provide technical support for laboratory equipment, hardware, software, and computing resources.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and ensure the safe operation of laboratory equipment, instruments, computers, research systems, tools, and other electronic and mechanical devices.
• Manage laboratory and program inventory, including checking tools and equipment in and out, monitoring stock levels, ordering supplies and equipment, processing purchases, and maintaining inventory, procurement, and service records.
• Provide instructional support for laboratory courses and research activities by assisting with demonstrations and training students, staff, and other users in laboratory procedures, equipment operation, software use, and safety practices.
• Aid students and faculty in experimental design and analysis using current programming tools, such as Python and MATLAB.
• Support research operations, in configuring, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting research hardware and software;
• Responsible for maintenance of technical documentation, user manuals, standard operating procedures, and maintenance records for laboratory hardware and software.
• Assist with research administration, including, compliance documentation, and navigating institutional electronic systems (e.g., Workday, Cayuse).
• Evaluate, learn, and implement emerging technologies and software to improve laboratory operations and support instructional and research objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

All full-time and part-time CUNY staff are expected to work in-person 80% of their work time. This hybrid work schedule is subject to change.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and four years' related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computing, engineering, or a related technical field (e.g., computer science, information technology, applied engineering, engineering technology, sound or music technology, or another field that provides the knowledge and skills required to perform the described duties).
• Technical expertise in computer hardware and programming.
• Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting computer hardware, laboratory equipment, and software.
• Proficiency with computer software such as Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis, including experience with PsychoPy, E-Prime, or similar experiment control platforms.
• Experience with sound editing, signal processing, and/or neurophysiological data acquisition and analysis.
• Basic mathematical and statistical skills.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Assists in the administration of College research programs.

• Organizes and manages the requirements of existing funded projects and prepares preliminary materials for grant submission
• Collects information for, and assists in preparing reports, manuscripts for publication, newsletters, web sites, and other communications
• Plans, designs and coordinates interdisciplinary information and research planning sessions and professional development activities for faculty and staff
• May oversee one or more facilities, participating in budgeting, planning, and monitoring, and assuring availability of needed tools and equipment
• Serves as a consultant and resource to faculty and staff on planning and administering research projects
• Performs related activities as assigned.

Job Title Name: Research Programs Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$77,097-$85,556/year. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled with review of applications to begin November 4, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.