"Lab Manager - Development of Social Cognition Lab (Dr. Chernyak)"

Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this is $55,000-$194,800. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Specialist Salary Scale. Starting salary is commensurate with experience and begins at $55,000 for an entry level position (Jr. Specialist, Step 1).

Application Window
Open date: January 27, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Mar 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Development of Social Cognition Lab (directed under Dr. Nadia Chernyak) at the University of California, Irvine is searching for a lab manager to begin July 2026.

Interested candidates are encouraged to check out the lab's research focus here to assess potential fit.

The ideal candidate will have:

• prior experience conducting research in a cognitive development lab;
• strong administrative, organizational, and leadership skills;
• prior experience working with young children and families;
• have completed coursework consistent with competence and enthusiasm about cognitive development research;
• have strong, self-directed initiative and ability to take on challenges;
• be detail-oriented and willing to take on administrative tasks;
• have some programming (e.g., R, Inquisit), data analysis, and/or web design skills (not required, but always a plus).

To qualify, applicants must possess a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Psychology or a related field by date of employment.

Essential job responsibilities include:

• conducting research in socio-cognitive development: data collection in lab and at local parks, preschools, and children's museums; creating/programming stimuli; data coding and analysis (with training); and recruitment of participants.
• supervising and training research assistants: coordinating off-site and in-lab recruitment efforts; hiring and training research assistants; assigning daily tasks; coordinating fingerprinting/orientation/training; mentorship of undergraduates; establishing of a summer research program for undergraduates
• managing daily and long-term operations within the lab: handling IRBs and other research documentation; building a database of subject and local child care facilities; coordinating lab meetings; managing lab websites and newsletters; and setting up/maintaining lab equipment and software

Note that the job will involve some travel to local area data collection sites. Finally, the lab manager may have opportunities to co-author manuscripts, develop own research projects, and attend conferences.

Lab: https://www.dosclab.com/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Psychology or a related field by date of employment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter - Please summarize a) your prior research experience, b) your research interests and potential fit with the lab, c) any specific technical or language skills (e.g., programming, specialized software; foreign language knowledge)
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume - Your most recently updated C.V. or Resume

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

The contact information of 2 people who may be contacted for a letter of reference at a later time (ideally, at least one should be a research supervisor)