RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science

The Family & Child Development Lab at the University of Missouri, directed by Dr. Ashley Groh, is recruiting a full-time Research Specialist I to begin in summer 2026. The Research Specialist I will work on NSF- and NIH-funded research on the human maternal brain over the transition to motherhood. The Research Specialist I will be responsible for lab and study management as detailed below.

The Research Specialist I will ensure daily functioning of the lab including maintaining a clean workspace and communicating with IT and maintenance to ensure lab equipment and environment is maintained. The position includes creating and maintaining IRB protocols, and communication with other study sites involved in multi-site study. The Research Specialist I will aid the PI in overseeing the personnel in the lab, including recruitment, interviewing, hiring, setting schedules, ensuring timely and successful completion of work. The position includes supervision of data processing teams and reliability checks. The Research Specialist I will also support other tasks related to the team's research, such as manuscript preparation, grant writing, presentations at conferences, design of future studies, and other such duties. This is an ideal position for a highly motivated, organized, independent, and detail-oriented individual looking to gain more research experience on topics related to parent-child relationships, neural processes (EEG/ERP), and development before pursuing a PhD in a related field (e.g., development psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, HDFS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with all aspects of the research process: recruit and schedule participants; conduct lab visits; create and program stimuli; write protocols; assist with grant reports; manuscript preparations, and conference presentations
• Assist with EEG/ERP and Observational Data Collection/Reduction: collect EEG/ERP and observational data; code, process, and analyze EEG/ERP and observational data
• Assist with daily lab operations: purchase lab supplies and equipment; manage budgets, IRB protocols, participant database, website, social media, newsletters; establish and coordinate recruitment events (e.g., Baby Expos, Hospital Education Classes)
• Lead a team of undergraduate research assistants: recruit and interview undergraduate research assistants; develop training manuals and provide training; assign daily and long-term tasks; supervise research assistant progress
• Communicate with other sites of multi-site study to support study efficiency, data sharing, staff training, and data quality checks

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Completion of the Collaborative Institute Training Initiative (CITI Program) within first few weeks after hire date.

• Experience working with parents and infants/children
• Experience with EEG/ERP
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional project management skills, including good attention to detail
• The ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
• Preferred degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Human Development and Family Studies, or a related field

Salary Range: $17.40 - $23.85 per hour

Grade: GGS 007

University Title: Research Specialist I

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Candidates must live in the state of Missouri or be willing to relocate prior to the hire date. Candidates must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.