Casual Research Assistant-Shen

Casual Research Assistant for Shen Neurolaw Lab

Duration: until 12/31/2026, with the possibility of extension.

Preferred Start: ___ (flexible).

Salary range: $25/hour.

Commitment:
This position will be part-time, no more than 14 hrs / week.

Location:

The work for this position is hybrid.

Primary Supervisor: Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

A Casual Research Assistant position is open within the Shen Neurolaw Lab, based at the University of Minnesota Law School. This position will support multiple projects within the Lab, including: core legal research projects related to law and neuroscience; the NIH funded project:
Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for BRAIN Next-Generation Human Neuroimaging Research and Beyond (REACH for BRAIN); the Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience & Society; and the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at MGB (NJAM). Tasks will include attending meetings with Professor Shen; database management and curation; logistical support for research community events; and information synthesis to advance project aims.

This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.

Open communication, innovation, and collaboration are valued. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PI Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth. Other training includes:
Participation in regular lab meetings, opportunities to present work at professional conferences, community outreach, and preparation and submission of manuscripts for publication.

• Synthesize and disseminate research findings by drafting accessible summaries, newsletters, and briefing memos; translate complex neuroscience and legal concepts for diverse audiences, including community partners, policymakers, and the general public.
• Engage in database management and curation, with responsibility for building and maintaining a comprehensive database of community organizations, leaders, and key stakeholders. This involves gathering and verifying contact information, noting areas of interest, and ensuring all data is accurate and up-to-date.
• Providing logistical support for outreach, including invitations, manage RSVP lists for events and meetings, and prepare logistical materials such as sign-in sheets and information packets.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the research at the intersection of neuroscience and society in collaboration with Dr. Shen.
• Support neurolaw legal research led by Dr. Shen, including reviewing legal case materials, analyze statutes, and review manuscripts.
• Work with internal and external colleagues on development of research manuscripts at the intersection of neuroscience, law, ethics, and society. Take the lead on drafting full manuscripts and contribute to other manuscripts by drafting sections and providing revisions. Submits manuscripts to peer reviewed journals and works toward publication with journal editors and reviewers.
• Assist and lead in preparation of IRB protocols related to law and neuroscience, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, data records, and maintain project personnel IRB compliance documents

• Draft, edit, and process a wide variety of written materials related to grant-supported research activities, including reports, statements of work, and email correspondence
• Assist in establishing timelines, evaluate and revise project plans, and advise on project issues
• Own the process of preparation of presentations to disseminate the project's research in local, national, and international meetings
• Support preparation of grant applications, budgets, and progress reports
• Perform other duties based on project needs

• Bachelor's Degree or a combination of education and work experience in relevant fields such as science communication, neurolaw, neuroethics, neuroscience, political science, community engagement, bioethics, law, and so forth.
• Candidates should have a background or potential for research including strong community engagement skills.
• Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• A background in neurolaw, neuroethics, neuroscience or law is preferred but not a requirement.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a…