Department
SSD Psychology: Staff and Temporary Employees - Bian
About the Department
The EArly Social Thinkers (EAST) Lab is a research unit within the Psychology Department at the University of Chicago. The lab’s work focuses on children’s understanding of the social world. It includes faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students and research staff who collaborate on projects related to how children form stereotypes about social categories and how these stereotypes influence their aspirations. Our work focuses on understanding how children make sense of intergroup interactions
Job Summary
The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
The Early Social Thinkers (EAST) Lab (directed under Dr. Lin Bian) at the University of Chicago is looking for a full-time lab manager to begin June 2026. We study social cognitive development in early childhood. Ongoing projects investigate stereotype transmission, concepts of competence, explanations for social inequality, and interventions designed to enhance children’s learning and engagement. The lab manager is essential to the smooth and productive functioning of the lab.
This position offers opportunities to develop independent studies, attend conferences, and co-author manuscripts. It is therefore ideal for highly motivated individuals planning to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology or related fields. The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for additional years depending on performance and the individual’s career plans. For best consideration, please apply by March 31, 2026.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily and long-term operations within the lab.
- Coordinate off-site, in-lab and online recruitment efforts.
- Hire and train research assistants.
- Manage IRB submission and other research documentation.
- Set up and maintain lab equipment.
- Coordinate lab meetings and other lab-related events.
- Assist with and conduct data collection with children and families
- Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
- Familiarity with statistical software including R, SPSS, etc.
Preferred Competencies
- Comfortable working with young children and families.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Excellent organizational, management, and problem-solving skills.
- Enthusiasm for social cognitive development research.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Contact information of 2 references (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$21.79 - $28.20
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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