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Junior Specialist, Spatial Thinking Lab, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

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Position overview

Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: August 15, 2021
Position duration: This will be a full time one-year position with the possibility of renewal. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Position description

The Spatial Thinking Lab at University of California, Santa Barbara, directed by Dr. Mary Hegarty, is seeking applications for an open, full-time position for a Junior Specialist with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2021. The salary is based on UCSB’s salary scales.
The position is ideal for recent graduates interested in pursuing graduate work in cognitive science, psychology, or human-computer interaction as a way to gain experience and make scientific and scholarly contributions to psychology. This successful candidate will enable research as part of a team and, depending on experience level, may also conduct some independent research projects. The primary research methods include psychometric studies of spatial ability, reaction time studies and studies using fully immersive virtual reality and behavioral testing.

DUTIES
Primary research responsibilities include recruiting participants for experiments, preparing stimulus presentation scripts, data collection for online, desktop and immersive virtual reality experiments, writing and editing code to process, analyze and visualize experimental data, and assisting the research team in processing and analyzing data from these experiments.
Laboratory management responsibilities include: assisting the PI with training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, tracking study progress, and some administrative duties (e .g . IRB protocol management and overseeing lab operations).

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, biomedical sciences, or a related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Six or more months of experience working in a lab environment as part of a research team.

Preferred qualifications

Experience with any of the following is highly desirable: programming (particularly Matlab python and Unity), statistical analysis software (e .g . R, SPSS), experimental software (e .g . EPrime, Unity, PaychoPy).
In addition, exceptional organizational and problem solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication, as well as a strong work ethic as evidenced by strong evaluations from references and outstanding grades in relevant courses.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Please describe your qualifications, research interests, experience and career goals.

  • Undergraduate Transcripts

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research and/or service.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

We will let the applicant know before we contact their references

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02008

Help contact: pamelawilks@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, 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.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA