Junior Specialist-Lab for Infant Learning And Cognition (LILAC), Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

The Lab for Infant Learning and Cognition (LILAC) within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for an open, full-time Junior Specialist position. We are looking for a hardworking, motivated individual who is passionate about cognitive development and evolutionary psychology. Under the direction of Dr. Annie E. Wertz, the LILAC investigates how infants and young children learn about the natural world, with an emphasis on plants. We conduct studies with infants and young children in the lab and in more naturalistic settings (e.g., gardens), and we engage in collaborative cross-cultural and comparative projects.

DUTIES

Responsibilities of the Junior Specialist will include assisting with research projects investigating infant cognition and early cognitive development. The Junior Specialist will assist with recruiting, organizing, and scheduling participants, recruiting, training, and managing a large team of student research assistants, testing participants in the lab and off-campus (e.g., gardens, preschools, children's museums), coding and analyzing behavioral data, collecting infant eye-tracking data, maintaining a participant database, stimuli creation, conducting literature reviews, facilitating presentations within the lab, and preparing results for external presentations and publications. Additional duties will include: contributing to the administrative tasks of the lab, such as preparing IRB protocols and grants, ordering and maintaining lab supplies, assisting with reimbursements, and identifying and coordinating with community partners.

* Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a BA or BS program in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or a related field at the time of application.

* If applicant is currently enrolled in a BA or BS program, they must have a bachelor's degree conferred by the start date of the position.

* Demonstrated potential for excellence in research as evidenced by previous laboratory experience or research assistant positions (at least 1 year duration).

* Experience working with infants and young children, preferably in a research setting (at least 1 year duration).

* Experience with data preparation and analysis, including familiarity with statistical languages/software (e.g., using R, Python, JASP, or SPSS). (at least 1 year duration)

* Familiarity with Google Workspace, Google Calendar, Microsoft Office, and Zoom (at least 1 year duration)

* Applicants should have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

* Prior experience assisting with recruiting, scheduling, and/or organizing work within a team.

* Experience with behavioral coding programs (e.g., Datavyu; at least 6 months duration).

* Experience with eye-tracking data collection, preferably with infants (at least 6 months duration).

* Interest in infant cognition and/or evolutionary psychology.

* A demonstrated record of academic excellence as evidenced by outstanding grades.

* Interest in conducting independent research projects.

* Experience managing a team.

* Knowledge of and/or experience with the German language (to facilitate working with data and study materials from Germany).

* Candidates must be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others, and have strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.

• 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are chosen for an interview will have their references contacted after the interview

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.