The Language, Experience, and Development (LEAD) lab at the University of Maryland, College Park, directed by Dr. Rachel Romeo (she/her/hers), is seeking a lab manager. Expected start date is early summer 2024 (to allow for overlap with current lab manager), though there is some flexibility.
The LEAD lab investigates how children’s early experiences influence their neural and cognitive development, with a strong focus on language, literacy, and communicative development.
We combine methods from developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, communication sciences, and education to study how developing brains adapt to varying environments and lead to unique developmental paths. A primary focus is to better understand both the causes and consequences of socioeconomic disparities in learning and development, and how translational science may better support educational equity.
The lab manager will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the lab, including recruiting families and community partners, implementing behavioral and neuroimaging studies (primarily MRI and fNIRS), managing data storage and processing, teaching and supervising undergraduate research assistants to implement studies and process data, coordinating IRBs and other research documentation, and managing lab equipment and the lab website. Primary duties involve recruiting and running participants across several research studies, including ones that are lab based and community-engaged research projects that are primarily off site. The lab manager will also have the opportunity to develop their own research projects, co-author manuscripts, and attend conferences. This position is ideal for an individual interested in gaining additional research experience before applying to graduate programs or research-related careers.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, human development, communication sciences, computer science, or related field. Previous research experience, programming knowledge, and/or experience working with children and families is desirable, but not required. Individuals who are adaptable, creative, detail-oriented, friendly, and dedicated to inclusion will be well-suited for this role. Job responsibilities take place in College Park, MD and surrounding areas with a primarily in-person commitment and some flexibility for hybrid work.
Interested individuals should submit a cover letter; curriculum vitae; brief statement of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; and the names of two references at https://go.umd.edu/LEADlabmanager2024. For best consideration, please apply by March 1, 2024. Please send any questions to ektaylor@umd.edu AND romeo@umd.edu.
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. UMD is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected status in all aspects of employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities; minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.