Lab Manager

Department

SSD:
Psychology:
Staff and Temporary Employees-Woodward Lab

In the Woodward Lab, we study social cognition and social learning in infants and young children. Current projects investigate the origins of social categories and social bias, infants' understanding of moral and conventional behavior, and the ways in which infants' experiences in social environments (families, neighborhoods) relates to their social cognitive development.

The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings, data analysis and project reports. The Lab Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the Infant Learning & Development Lab. This position requires a very organized individual with excellent leadership, time management, and communication skills.

They must be comfortable budgeting and working with grant funds. The hired individual will work closely with the lab PI, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students, and supervise research assistants.

• Oversee communication with interested families and schedule participants for in-lab and online studies; interact with families and children in-lab or via Zoom, conduct informed consent and debriefing procedures, and maintain laboratory human subject, hygiene and safety procedures.
• Handle all Institutional Review Board business including creating and amending protocols and submitting continuing reviews.
• Manage lab funds, including participant payments; order supplies; coordinate weekly lab meetings; make travel arrangements for lab members; and complete other managerial or administrative tasks as needed.
• Hire and supervise undergraduate and MAPSS research assistants, approve and submit payroll for lab employees, and handle all lab related issues to ensure smooth functioning of the lab and sufficient coverage for study needs.
• Assist in grant management including application processes, annual reports, subaward payouts, and budget preparation.
• Provide technical and administrative support for the Laboratory's research projects.
• Collect, enter, and assist in analyzing data. Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four‑year degree).

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2‑5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Experience in psychological and/or developmental research preferred. Recent college graduates with RA experience encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with infants and children.
• Experience working with research grants and IRBs.
• Experience working with budgets and supervising RAs.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team comprised of research assistants, post‑docs, graduate students, administrators, and faculty.
• Strong Microsoft Office and Google Drive skills and ability to troubleshoot technology related problems.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Contact information for three professional references (required)

Research

Individual Contributor

37.5

No

No

No

Hourly

Non‑Exempt

$21.79 - $28.20

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit…