Pre-Doctoral Research Associate - Non-Technical

Description

The Research Support team at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, is seeking a Behavioral Research Associate, informally, a 'Pre-Doctoral Research Associate,' to begin in Fall 2026.

This is a full-time, one-year position with the option to renew for a second year based on performance and funding availability. It is designed for individuals who have completed an undergraduate or master's degree and are considering future doctoral study. The position is paid via stipend through the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars at a competitive rate ($50,000/year).

This role is oriented toward candidates with strong organizational, interpersonal, and research coordination skills. The Research Associate works directly in support of the Behavioral Lab Manager, assisting with the day-to-day operational activities of the Behavioral Lab. A critical aspect of this role is running participants and providing backup coverage and operational continuity, ensuring that lab sessions, participant coordination, and study logistics continue running smoothly when the Behavioral Lab Manager is unavailable. Candidates should be comfortable managing complex logistics across multiple concurrent studies while maintaining a high standard of participant experience and research integrity.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Behavioral Lab Manager in the daily operations of the Behavioral Lab, including scheduling, logistics, participant coordination, and running participants in studies
• Serving as the primary backup for the Behavioral Lab Manager to ensure continuity of lab operations across all active studies
• Managing in-person and online research session scheduling, participant check-in, and session flow
• Assisting with data collection, entry, and documentation for laboratory and field studies
• Contributing to the preparation and maintenance of research documentation, consent forms, and study materials
• Serving as a liaison between faculty researchers and participants, maintaining clear and organized communication

This position is well-suited for candidates interested in pursuing future PhD study in fields such as cognitive/behavioral/industrial-organizational psychology, neuropsychology, marketing, organizational behavior, information technology/systems, analytics, or a related discipline. Candidates will develop a strong foundation in research design, lab operations, and execution, and work alongside world-class faculty at a top-ranked business school.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Business, Sociology, Communications, or a related field, completed or near completion at the time of appointment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent study protocols.
• Previous experience in a behavioral lab environment is preferred.
• Experience or coursework in research methods, behavioral science, or social science research is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with study participants, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with IRB protocols or human-subjects research compliance is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, scheduling tools, and general research administrative software.
• Interest in pursuing doctoral studies in a related field is preferred.