Lab Manager
The University of Chicago

Department
SSD: Psychology-Staff/Temporary Employees-Yang

About the Department
The lab manager will manage the Human Nature and Potentials Lab (https://voices.uchicago.edu/potentialslab/), at Department of Psychology in Social Science Division at the University of Chicago. It is a research-based staff position.

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 Human Nature and Potentials Lab (https://voices.uchicago.edu/potentialslab) at the University of Chicago, directed by Dr. Fan Yang, is recruiting a lab manager to begin in August 2026. Our lab studies the social and moral nature and potentials of children and adults, in relation to fundamental life questions such as perceived happiness and meaning. The lab manager will play a crucial role in setting up and running the lab, as well as be actively involved in the lab's research on purpose and meaning. The position can be renewed to multiple years, depending on the performance and career plan of the individual. There may also be opportunities to develop independent projects, attend conferences, and co-author manuscripts. This position is ideal for highly motivated individuals planning to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting participants and building connections with museums, schools and families.
• Scheduling and testing child and adult participants.
• Designing and creating studies and experimental stimuli.
• Coding, organizing and analyzing data.
• Preparing research manuscripts and reports.
• Assisting with training and mentoring undergraduate and master student RAs.
• Providing administrative support and overseeing day-to-day lab operations (e.g., managing IRB protocols, reviews maintaining lab supplies, scheduling lab events and meetings).
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Is developing skills in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• 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:

• Major in psychology.

Experience:

• Relevant research experience in related fields (e.g., developmental psychology, social psychology).
• Prior experience working with children and parents.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with and desire to learn statistical analysis skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Being responsive in communications.
• Willingness to work in flexible hours and some evening hours.
• Attention to details.
• Basic knowledge in psychology.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Organizational and management skills.
• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Resume/ CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (name and contact information for at least two 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
$73,000.00 - $95,000.00
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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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