Technical Assistant I

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The incumbent will function as the Lab Manager for Dr. Dixon-Gordon's Lab in the department of Psychology and Brain Sciences. They will assist with multiple projects related to a federally-funded study on ecological momentary assessment of responses to gain/loss and emotions. Duties include recruiting and scheduling participants, administering questionnaires, organizing data and helping with project management.

Essential Functions

• Independently execute job functions related to research protocols including implementing and following informed consent procedures, serving as a contact person for potential participants, conducting brief screening interviews, maintaining participant records and overseeing participant recruitment, scheduling and compensation.
• Develop research materials for studies in survey software. Collect and monitor the integrity of questionnaire-based data. Assist in data analysis and help write manuscripts to report research results. Enter and maintain data files.
• Monitor research project progress and assist in revising, renewing, and maintaining Internal Review Board (IRB) approval, protocols and consent forms.
• Perform administrative tasks including compiling survey information, implementing protocol changes, summarizing, entering and spellchecking survey items into survey software.
• Coordinate with other researchers in the lab to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Help ensure that the laboratory continues to function properly by regularly monitoring computer equipment and software and study supplies. Report any issues with computer equipment or software and restock supplies as needed.
• Maintain a professional and collegial work environment with colleagues, supervisors, and study participants.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Knowledge of psychological research methods.
• Basic computer skills with programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other laboratory members and participants.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field preferred.
• Experience building, managing and collecting data in survey software (e.g., Redcap, Qualtrics, mEMA).
• Experience with ecological momentary assessment research.
• Experience working with high-risk clinical populations.
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS).
• Familiarity with clinical screening interviews.
• Experience working with psychophysiological data.

Additional Details

The selected individual will gain experience with:

• Conducting research on psychology and health.
• Grant management, data analysis, and academic writing skills.

Work Schedule

• Requires flexible schedule with some evening availability.
• Grant funded: One year initial appointment. Reappointment contingent upon funding.

Salary Information

Grade: 12

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with application, please submit resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. ()

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.