Lab Manager
Psychology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26003256)
The Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Lab Manager.
This Lab Manager position is necessary to support the active and expanding research program led by Dr. Andrea Medrano in the Department of Psychology, which encompasses multiple complex, mixed-methods studies on trauma, violence, and mental health among Latino/a/x populations in the U.S. and Latin America. The lab's portfolio has recently expanded with the addition of new longitudinal and mixed-methods studies at both the domestic and international levels, including funded projects in Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. These studies involve large-scale primary data collection, ongoing IRB compliance across multiple protocols, community-based partnerships with non-profit organizations and schools, and the coordination of qualitative interviews, focus groups, and quantitative surveys conducted in both English and Spanish. In addition to research activities, Dr. Medrano mentors a team of more than 15 undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students who require structured onboarding, training, and day-to-day coordination. A dedicated Lab Manager is needed to provide consistent technical and administrative support for these research and mentorship activities, with particular emphasis on in-person support for data collection, participant recruitment, IRB protocol management, and community partnership maintenance.
Job Summary
Assists with and adheres to Institutional Review Board (IRB) renewal, modification, and approved protocols. Recruits research subjects and conducts interviews and research assessments.
Essential Functions
Coordinate and schedule primary data collection, construct and administer in-person and paper surveys, coordinate pilot testing, conduct in-depth, qualitative interviews, and maintain systems for secure data management. Review and apply regulations governing human subjects research and prepare protocols, amendments, and modifications for research involving human subjects, including vulnerable populations such as children.
Communicate with a diverse array of prospective participants, organizational staff and leaders, and community stakeholders.
Use appropriate databases and other tools to securely manage sensitive data.
Execute participant payments and securely and appropriately document and track payments.
Translate research plans and project materials into accessible information for a lay professional and general audience of community residents, stakeholders, and leaders.
Disseminate promotional, recruitment, and other written materials to advertise studies and communicate findings.
The ideal candidate will be flexible and adaptable and demonstrate the willingness and initiative to take on other lab tasks as necessary.
Occasionally work limited nonstandard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends) to perform required research activities (e.g., participant recruitment, community stakeholder engagement, and data collection).
Physical Effort
This position is primarily sedentary and involves significant periods of sitting (or standing based on the incumbent’s preferences) while using a computer, audiovisual, telephone, and other office equipment. The role involves some movement between lab spaces, offices, and conference rooms within the (wheelchair-accessible) workplace as well as some on-campus and off-campus (i.e., within the community at large) travel for recruitment, data collection, meetings, and other purposes. The incumbent may have to transport and carry recruitment and study materials and documents to different on-campus and off-campus locations, but no heavy lifting is required.
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Clinical Research Coordinator I
Job Family: Research
Job Sub Family: Clinical Research
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required: No experience required
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00; Occasionally work limited nonstandard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends) to perform required research activities
Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
Hiring Range: $17.74 to $22.17 per hour
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter
Optional Documents: Not Applicable
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