How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume/curriculum vitae. The cover letter should address reasons for your interest in this position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. In addition, please include a resume or curriculum vitae with contact information for two references (at least one relevant to prior lab experience). Lastly, please include your most recent academic transcript (college transcript if available; unofficial transcript acceptable). Note that all of your application materials must be combined into a single document.

• If you experience difficulties uploading your document due to size limitations, please upload your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae and email additional documents directly to [email protected].

Job Summary

The Evolutionary Social Psychology and Psychology of Inequality Labs at the University of Michigan are recruiting a full time (40 hours/week) Research Technician Associate (i.e., lab manager) to work jointly in both labs.

The Evolutionary Social Psychology Lab, directed by Professor Joshua Ackerman, investigates a variety of psychological topics by asking not only what people do, but why and how our ancestral histories might have influenced such behaviors. Current work considers the impact of infectious disease and physiological immune system factors on decision-making and interpersonal behavior, as well as the influence of child and adult social settings on social cognition, romantic relationships, and time perception.

The Psychology of Inequality Lab, directed by Professor Arnold Ho, uses survey and experimental methods to examine the psychological underpinnings of intergroup conflict and inequality. Current research in the lab examines: 1) how sociopolitical motives influence racial categorization and 2) how individuals’ preferences for hierarchy (v. equality) affect intergroup attitudes, perception, and behavior.

The Research Technician Associate (lab manager) will be responsible for working with Professors Ackerman and Ho, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduates in both administrative and research capacities. This opportunity involves more than (but includes) typical research assistant capabilities, and thus will be most suited to applicants who have had prior experience conducting social psychological research and who have a strong interest in pursuing graduate school in social psychology, organizational behavior, or a related field.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:

• Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.
• Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.

Who We Are

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA.

• To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.html
• To learn more about LSA’s Guiding Principles visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/faculty-staff/human-resources/lsa-staff-guiding-principles.html

Responsibilities*

• Scheduling of study sessions, meetings, etc.
• General project management
• Data collection in the lab and elsewhere
• Programming using research and recruitment software (Medialab, DirectRT, Qualtrics, MTurk)
• Creating study materials
• Training and supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Managing online databases and lab supplies, maintaining experimental records
• Instituting creative methods of recruiting research participants and advertising participation opportunities
• Writing and amending IRB proposals
• Statistical analysis
• Assisting with manuscript preparation
• Maintaining reliable and regular contact with faculty
• Developing new study designs in collaboration with the labs

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma or Associate’s degree
• Experience with experimental human research (at least one-year preferred)
• Good knowledge of experimental design
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and managerial abilities
• Experience with both PC and Mac platforms
• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic workplace (tasks will vary frequently)
• Ability to work independently

Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, organizational behavior or related field.

Applicants should be extremely conscientious, have excellent organizational skills and enjoy the challenges of a demanding work load involving simultaneous involvement in multiple research projects with multiple research assistants conducted in multiple locations (laboratory, online, public areas).

Additional Information

This 1-year position will begin in late summer (exact start date negotiable). Continuation for a second year is a possibility pending availability of funding and successful review at the end of the first year.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.