Research Assistant I

04-Feb-2025

Research Assistant I

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

67793BR

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Developmental Studies in the Psychology department has a position open for a full-time Research Assistant (Lab Manager). Research in the lab is focused on exploring the cognitive development of infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on perception and knowledge of social relationships. The candidate will report directly to the P.I., a Professor of Developmental Psychology, and will be responsible for managing and overseeing the daily activities of lab spaces dedicated to running research studies with infants, toddlers, and children, and coordinating lab-wide testing. The position will provide ample opportunities for learning, professional development, and mentoring and could be a springboard for applying to PhD positions.

Position Description

Responsibilities include hiring and supervising undergraduate research assistants, coordinating testing spaces and study schedules, assisting with preparation of grant applications and progress reports, maintaining lab data management procedures, updating the lab manual, executing specific research experiments, and assisting in the collection of data. The candidate will also coordinate with other lab managers in the Harvard Laboratory for Developmental Studies for a shared participant database and joint recruitment events.

Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the design, data collection, and engage in other research-related activities for projects examining aspects of intuitive sociology in both infants and children.

In addition, the candidate will act as a liaison between the lab, Psychology administration, and the Harvard IRB, coordinating lab purchases as well as applications for human subjects research approval. Further, the candidate will work actively on updating and incorporating feedback on lab-wide policies for open science practices.

Basic Qualifications

At least one year of experience in psychology, biology, cognitive science or related field is required.

Relevant coursework or in a lab setting may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in psychology, biology, or cognitive science and will embrace the challenges of a demanding workload involving multiple research projects. The lab you will be joining is relatively new, so experience with data management, and open science practices are highly preferable. Experience with infants and toddlers preferred, because the candidate will be called upon to work with families confidently and professionally. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Proficiency with Zoom, Word, Excel, and Google Docs/Calendar is necessary for day-to-day functioning of the lab, as is familiarity with online research tools (e.g. Qualtrics, Lookit) and search databases (e.g. FileMaker). Familiarity with other tools and languages like HTML, JavaScript, R, and Blender is highly desirable. Must demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and should possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must also be confident working both independently as well as with others in a high-paced research environment. Experience working in diverse communities and communicating effectively with individuals from many different cultures and backgrounds is an asset. 

Additional Information

Equity, inclusion, and justice are core values of the lab. Everyone in the lab is expected to contribute to a welcoming, supportive environment for all members of the lab and larger community at Harvard. 
 

The lab values open science that is freely available and transparent.
 

More about the P.I. can be found here:  ashleyjthomas.com
 

More about the lab can be found here: https://www.harvardlds.org/our-labs/thomas-lab/
 

This is a one-year, position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding. All formal offers are made by FAS Human Resources.


We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.


All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

052

Department

Psychology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.