Lab Manager Position @ Harvard University

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Developmental Studies in Harvard’s Psychology department has an open position for a full-time Research Assistant (Lab Manager) in my newly forming lab (PI: Ashley Thomas). 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 remote testing, open science policies, and data management. The position will provide ample opportunities for learning, professional development, mentoring and could be a springboard for applying to PhD positions. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Responsibilities include hiring and supervising undergraduate research assistants, coordinating testing spaces and study schedules, assisting with preparation of grant applications and progress reports, executing specific research experiments, and assisting in the collection of data. The candidate will be heavily involved in the creation of the lab’s open science policies, data management system, and recruitment efforts. The candidate will also 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 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 setting up 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, will have an interest in open science, community outreach, and will embrace the challenges of a demanding workload involving multiple research projects.  Experience with infants and toddlers preferred (including informal experience!), because the candidate will be called upon to work with families confidently and professionally daily. 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 be confident working both independently as well as with others in a high-paced, research environment. 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 highly preferred.

Lab Values

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

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

Additional Information

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

Interested candidates should send a 1-2 page cover letter and CV to athomas@g.harvard.edu with LAB MANAGER in the subject line. Review of applications will begin March 10^th. Position will Start July 1st, 2023