Lab Assistant

Position Information Dr. M. Alejandra Arce is seeking a part‑time Lab Assistant to begin in September 2026 with the IMPACTO research team in the Department of Psychology at UC Riverside. This is a one‑year position with the potential for renewal based on funding, lab needs, and performance. At IMPACTO (impacto.ucr.edu), we use science to advocate for and advance the well‑being of immigrant and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth and families.

Our research identifies and promotes factors that foster resilience and resistance against oppression using strengths‑based, community‑engaged approaches to directly benefit these communities. The Lab Assistant will support research and community projects focused on immigrant and BIPOC youth development and well‑being. Key administrative responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, and managing undergraduate research assistants; handling IRB submissions, material transfer agreements, data user agreements, and security protocols;

maintaining data storage systems; managing scheduling and ordering; and fostering an inclusive lab culture. Research responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, managing data entry and coding, preparing data for analysis, ensuring rigor and reproducibility, and co‑authoring conference posters and manuscripts. This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual planning to pursue an advanced degree in psychology or a related field with a commitment to immigrant and BIPOC well‑being and justice.

The full salary range for the Lab Assistant is $27.04 - 32.31 per hour. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $28.13 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position.

Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience or two years of college courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Undergraduate level statistics course and experience with statistical analysis packages (e.g. Matlab, SPSS, R, etc.).
• Experience with qualitative data coding software (e.g. Dedoose, NVivo).
• Experience managing teams of research assistants.
• Experience with maintaining data security and IRB protocols.
• Experience conducting independent research in psychology.
• Experience with managing sensitive datasets.
• Experience working with community partners, participating in community service, or supporting community‑engaged initiatives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated background and passion for research experience in psychology or related fields
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills

In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park‑like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant…