Research Technician II

001 University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rochester is seeking a regular full-time laboratory technician to support brain and cognitive sciences research. You will assist with experiments, recruit participants, manage equipment, and help maintain lab infrastructure and IRB protocols.

The role involves coordinating day-to-day lab activities, training new members, and contributing to data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. A strong foundation in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• Min 1-year research experience OR undergraduate honors thesis.
• Proficiency in Matlab or Python; familiarity with the other.

Responsibilities

• Help write and update lab IRB protocols.
• Keep track of equipment needs, help order essential supplies.
• Maintain lab calendars, schedule lab meetings/events.
• Design and/or maintain lab websites across URMC, BCS, external platforms.
• Set up and manage psychophysics machines, remote links, and rooms.
• Help set up and run human fMRI scanning experiments.
• Help recruit, schedule, and run participants for behavioral experiments on human visual/semantic cognition and audition/communication.
• Manage Amazon Mechanical Turk/Prolific online experiment overhead (up to 10,000 participants per study).
• Manage lab computer backups, ensure scanner data transfer, perform data curation.
• Help train lab members in use of lab equipment, running experiments, coding and annotating data.

Skills

Lab experience

Matlab

Python

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Git

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 435 Alumni Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 210631 Brain and Cognitive Sciences Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 105 H

Compensation Range: $20.34 - $28.51. The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Regularly provides routine technical support for research activities and/or laboratory support. Applies full range of experience and previous job knowledge; frequently adapts procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet specialized needs. Assists with the design of new experiments, multimedia sampling, maintenance, operation and calibration of scientific monitoring equipment for research projects. Responsible for general data collection and assisting with analysis, recruiting participants, and may support and assist other technicians. The employee will be responsible for managing day-to-day research activities for the laboratories of Drs. Elise Piazza and Marius C┐t┐lin Iordan, including helping to run experiments with human participants and training new lab members in use of lab techniques and equipment. The employee will also have the opportunity to engage in directed research under the supervision of Dr. Piazza and/or Dr. Iordan.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help write and update lab IRB protocols
• Keep track of equipment needs, help order essential supplies
• Maintain lab calendars, schedule lab meetings/events
• Design and/or maintain lab websites across URMC, BCS, external platforms
• Set up and manage psychophysics machines, remote links, and rooms
• Help set up and run human fMRI scanning experiments
• Help recruit, schedule, and run participants for behavioral experiments on human visual/semantic cognition and audition/communication
• Manage Amazon Mechanical Turk/Prolific online experiment overhead (up to 10,000 participants per study)
• Manage lab computer backups, ensure scanner data transfer, perform data curation
• Help train lab members in use of lab equipment, running experiments, coding and annotating data

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (BS/BA) in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• Min 1-year research experience OR undergraduate honors thesis
• Proficiency in Matlab or Python; familiarity with the other

Preferred:

• 2+ yrs research experience with human subjects.
• Experience with shell/scripting languages (e.g., bash, JavaScript) and data management tools (e.g., Git)
• Experience with human psychophysics and/or fMRI
• Experience with web design

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals. At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.