Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant, Rosenberg HuMan Lab

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE:

Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant supports the research mission of the lab by providing mentorship, technical expertise, and scholarly guidance to students engaged in independent research. This role provides support in statistical analysis, coding, and research design, while contributing to lab culture through training, presentations, and active participation in lab activities. The Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant operates with a high degree of independence and, where appropriate, contributes to the broader academic goals of the lab through self-directed research under faculty supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reporting directly to Professor Rosenberg, the Research Assistant works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide conceptual, statistical, and coding support for students completing senior theses or independent research projects.
2. Attend all Lab Meetings and Lab Co-Work events, including leading at least one lab presentation per semester.
3. Conduct regular training sessions to teach junior lab members about core lab skills (e.g., writing organized codebooks, data analysis, conducting literature reviews).
4. Work independently.
5. Under some circumstances, research assistants may pursue independent research projects under the supervision of Dr. Rosenberg.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

B.A/B.S. in neuroscience or psychology is required.

Experience:

Proficiency with computer programming and statistical computing software (e.g., Python, R) is required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:

An individual in this position must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge, skills, and abilities not listed below.

1. Deploy professional skills in laboratory management, in collaboration with colleagues and students, to best promote the College's strategic interests.
   • Follow established organizational policies and procedures.
   • Demonstrate and accept overall responsibility for major work assignments, team management, and collaborations as they relate to College and departmental objectives.
   • Ability to train students in basic laboratory computational techniques, record-keeping, and communication skills.
   • Work well with a diverse group of faculty and students in the laboratory.
2. Demonstrate effective, accurate, and clear communication with excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reading, phone, customer service, and leadership skills to supervise, facilitate, motivate, and inspire a highly diverse group of student employees. Follow all written and verbal instructions, asking questions as needed for clarification of projects/tasks/duties.
3. Operate computers proficiently with basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word, Excel, Outlook), associated professional software, and statistical computing software (e.g., Python, R). Use assigned technology/devices/equipment to achieve annual goals and maintain confidentiality.
4. Handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
5. Prioritize and perform multiple projects/tasks, meet deadlines/timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the College with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the College's strategic vision and the department's annual goals.
6. Use exceptional organizational and time management skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail.
   • Must be a resourceful planner of work processes.
   • Think independently and creatively solve problems.
   • Adapt positively and proactively to changing circumstances to achieve results and to seek growth opportunities and solutions.
   • Anticipate and address changes, use available resources, and manage time.

REQUIRED HOURS:

This is a temporary, part-time, non-benefits-eligible position (5-15 hours/week) with hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to be arranged in consultation with the candidate. There is some flexibility. Weekend and evening work hours may be required periodically. Regular hours may vary based on the needs of the College or division.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:

The hourly rate for this role is $20.00 per hour. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer, Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.