Research Assistant; Maoz, U

Position Details

Position Title: Research Assistant (Maoz, U)

Position Type: Limited-Term

Job Number: SA79824

Full or Part Time: part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range: $22.00 - $25.00

Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors.

The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will provide research support to ongoing projects and grants related to cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Responsibilities include manual annotation, modification, and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems and alignment related behaviors. The Research Assistant will also conduct literature reviews on AI alignment, deception, and related topics in cognitive science.

Additional responsibilities include supporting human subjects research, including MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) studies, through participant coordination, data collection, and data organization. This position also involves maintaining research documentation and datasets; assisting with preparation of presentations, grant materials, and academic manuscripts; and assisting with mentoring undergraduate research assistants while supporting collaborative research activities within an interdisciplinary team.

• Research Activities
• Independently perform research-related activities supporting projects in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with participant recruitment, training, and behavioral assessments.
• Gather EEG, TMS, eye-tracking, and other neural and behavioral data.
• Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions, deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to AI alignment, cognitive science, and related topics.
• Perform manual modification and quality control of training datasets used to study misaligned AI systems.

• Maintain project-related documentation, datasets, and research records.
• Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant materials, and academic manuscripts.
• Compile and organize research findings for internal and external dissemination.

• Mentor undergraduate research assistants and support their training in research procedures.
• Organize and preside over undergraduate lab meetings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support ongoing research initiatives.

• 1–2 years of prior research experience, including knowledge of research methods and terminology
• Experience with research data collection and data entry
• Analytical skills including the ability to define problems through research and fact finding
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an interdisciplinary research team
• Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with minimal supervision

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience in psychology, health sciences, cognitive science, philosophy, neuroscience, computer science, or related field
• Working knowledge of Excel and experience with survey platforms such as Qualtrics, Mechanical Turk, Prolific, or similar tools
• Experience with programming or strong willingness to learn programming for research purposes
• Experience integrating psychology or cognitive neuroscience with artificial intelligence research

Chapman University is an…