Lab Manager, Social Origins Lab; Part-time

Position Summary

This role serves as a key coordinator for the Social Origins Lab led by Professor Jan Engelmann, managing research personnel (post‑docs, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants) while organizing lab meetings and supporting the lab’s general administrative and social needs. The position provides essential support for laboratory research by conducting experiments, interpreting data, and assisting with scientific writing and grant protocols.

The first review date for this job is June 10, 2026. Please apply by that date for full consideration.

• Research Assistance
  • Under close supervision, the Staff Research Associate (SRA) will provide research assistance.
  • Assist in overseeing research experiments from start to finish, including recruitment, scheduling subjects, preparing and running experiments, and accurately collecting and recording data.
  • Gather experimental data by running behavioral and EEG experiments.
  • Assist with data analysis.
  • Maintain and organize the collected data (both digital and paper) in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Research and Administrative Duties
  • Organize lab meetings and other occasional lab social events.
  • Provide assistance with training undergraduate research assistants on laboratory tasks and techniques, such as EEG and data analyses.
  • Assist with coordinating undergraduate research assistants’ lab tasks.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance regarding safety in small to medium or single facilities; provide staff training on equipment use and safety protocols.
  • Collaboratively write and/or edit IRB protocols, grants, and other scientific reports as needed.
  • May contribute towards articles for publication in scientific journals or for presentations at conferences or symposiums.
  • Consult with academic supervisors or professional researchers on the nature and objectives of the research project or instructional design goals.
• Laboratory Maintenance
  • Ensure proper operation and maintenance of the laboratory, including purchase, receipt, storage, organization, and distribution of supplies, as well as software maintenance (installation and upgrades); maintain inventory records.
  • Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment; perform simple equipment repair and maintenance.
  • Laboratory maintenance also includes clean‑ups and set‑ups.
  • Ensure that specimen collections and equipment are maintained properly.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Focus of knowledge and skills dependent on the area of running behavioral and EEG experiments, organizing human data, writing experimental code, and data analysis.
• Solid interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a diverse community.
• Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis techniques.
• Solid written and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related area (Cognitive science, Cognitive neuroscience, Neuroscience, Psychology) and/or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• At least one year of demonstrated research experience and/or equivalent combination of training/experience.

• Familiarity with cognitive science or cognitive neuroscience literature.
• Advanced and highly specific knowledge and expertise associated with conducting and reporting on scientific research experiments and findings.
• Strong abilities to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.
• Advanced knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.

This is a part‑time (20 hours per week) career position. The hourly range is $28.69 – $34.22 (stepped rates). The position is eligible for full UC benefits, which can be viewed on the University of California Compensation & Benefits website.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.