2025-06-26
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Developmental Research Coordinator
This position is at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), a multi-disciplinary center for research to advance the science of learning by bringing together leading researchers in the cognitive, social, and educational sciences.
The Developmental Research Coordinator will help coordinate the work of a developmental neuroscience lab studying how early life adversity influences positive affect and depression risk through behavioral and neural mechanisms. Our research specifically examines how early life adversity (including maltreatment and exposure to neighborhood violence) impacts brain and behavioral responses to positive affect in youth. The lab employs cutting-edge methodologies including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with advanced neuroimaging analytics, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with experimental gaming paradigms, and affective film viewing paradigms to understand how behavioral persistence and intensity of positive affect may be different in adversity-exposed youth. Duties include organizing and analyzing complex multimodal datasets using advanced statistical techniques; coordinating fMRI data collection and EMA protocols; supervising undergraduate research assistants in specialized research procedures; contributing to research reports, grant proposals and presentations; compiling and managing IRB submissions for research involving vulnerable youth populations. Administrative duties include purchase processing, IRB preparation and submission, personnel management, lab inventory, and digital organization of lab activities across multiple ongoing studies. We are looking for someone who can implement and maintain strong organizational and administrative processes for federally funded research examining sensitive topics with underserved populations. The successful candidate must be flexible and able to multitask, balancing multiple complex research protocols and lab management duties with excellent organizational skills. This person must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, skilled at working with interdisciplinary team members to collect and analyze data and advise on project decisions, while simultaneously able to make independent decisions to help move projects forward.
Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, social work, biology, computer science or related fields and a minimum of 2-3 years' experience required, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Additional qualifications include: excellent interpersonal skills especially working with low-income and underserved youth populations; strong organizational abilities for managing complex, multi-phase research protocols; understanding and experience of psychology and neuroscience concepts in order to contribute to conceptual discussions and research papers, possibly leading to authorship in resulting publications; strong proficiency using software such as Microsoft Office; knowledge of statistical procedures particularly relevant to longitudinal data; experience with Python and/or R; and critically deep experience recruiting in community settings and building trust with research participants.
Executes protocol-related research procedures, activities, outreach, and education. Manages a complex program or study or multiple programs and studies. Collects and analyzes data and complies with all policies and regulations. Recommends improvements to policy and procedure.
Primarily mental and inter-relational activity. Ability to use telephone, clear verbal communication, use of computer keyboard and screen, mobility for conducting offsite data collection
While the physical effort will not be great, the individual must be able to move about between several offices and floors which are wheel-chair accessible, and to walk across campus to interact with other investigators and staff, deliver research-related documents and materials, etc. No heavy lifting or extended standing will be required.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
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