Essential Qualifications:
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BA/BS in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or a related area, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 4 years.
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Proficiency in common computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets;
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Experience in applying skills and attention to recurring tasks with an emphasis on precision and timeliness;
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Capacity for performing structured research-related work assignments following established procedures and guidelines under supervision, such as statistical analyses using SPSS/R or equivalent;
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Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated capacity for quantitative analyses, including statistical software or statistical databases;
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Capacity to engage respectfully with clients presenting with behavioral or mental health concerns.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Coursework in Cognitive or Psychopathology;
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Experience administering clinical and cognitive assessments with participants;
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Ideal candidates will have research experience working with psychiatric populations;
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Experience in electroencephalographic (EEG) recording systems and/or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI);
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Experience with social media and other web-based applications.
The Translational Research in Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms (TRiCAM) laboratory in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychology seeks to hire a Research Specialist (8351SM: Research Professional 1-Social Science-Multidisciplinary) responsible for conducting human psychological research and coordinating scholars (to include students and other scientists) affiliated with the laboratory. The Research Specialist will work as part of a team to refine experimental protocols, and then to recruit, test and train research participants in completing the protocols. The Research Specialist may also perform statistical analyses under the guidance of the PI and other members of the team to establish and maintain data integrity and to test various hypotheses. The laboratory is running a number of studies that involve patients with psychosis and other serious mental illnesses. This position is ideal for a college graduate interested in psychological or psychophysiological research who wants to grow their career by engaging in experimental psychopathology, including patient interactions and data collection. The successful applicant will join an active laboratory with a team of full-time staff, graduate students and undergraduate researchers addressing a broad array of questions of interest to clinical psychology. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques, publish scientific papers, attend conferences and build your network with collaborators across the U.S.
We especially encourage applicants from under-represented minorities to apply.
Major Responsibilities
Participant recruitment (35%)
Participant assessment (35%)
Lab administration (20%)
Data analysis (10%)
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Conduct quantitative analyses of relevant raw data and database queries, including participating in inter-rater reliability meetings, and maintaining and analyzing demographic data on the sample as it is being recruited to ensure research control alignment with the participant sample.
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Flag issues in need of further attention by the PI or other research personnel.
Prepare relevant reports, such as for internal and external scientific meetings and regulatory requirements, such as making tables of sample demographic information, or statistical tests of group differences or relationship between symptom measures and cognitive functions.
Appointment:
Research Specialists directly report to doctoral-level research staff; the PI of the TRiCAM Laboratory will also regularly meet with research specialists. Each position is a 100%-time, 12-month civil-service position with possibility of reappointment annually until project aims are completed. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This document is available in alternative formats upon request.
TRiCAM Laboratory
Dr. MacDonald's Translational Research in Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms (TRiCAM) laboratory is a research laboratory within the Department of Psychology, a division of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. We explore the numerous problems that come from this simple question, including basic cognitive and affective studies, clinical studies, and studies that develop new scientific methods.
We explore cognitive and affective processes in healthy populations to determine how these mechanisms work. For example, how does the prefrontal cortex control behavior? What emotions are associated with social decisions such as whether to trust someone? Work in the TRiCAM laboratory also explores the neural and genetic basis of these processes. For example, what brain regions are associated with controlling an emotional response? Is a particular gene relevant to inhibiting an automatic action?
Research in the TRiCAM laboratory also examines what happens when cognitive and affective processes break-down in mental illnesses, with an emphasis on psychosis and schizophrenia. For example, what causes a reduction in prefrontal cortex activity in schizophrenia? Are impairments in cognitive and affective processes associated with the genetic liability to schizophrenia?
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Required application materials: resume and cover letter.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
