Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Research Assistant (Maoz, U)
Position Type
Limited-Term
Job Number
SA93624
Full or Part Time
part-time 0-19 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$22.00 - $25.00
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of
the compensation range for this position. This range takes into
account a variety of factors that are considered in making
compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge,
abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other
business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined
based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as
well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated
pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator,
the Research Assistant will provide research support to ongoing
projects and grants related to cognitive neuroscience and
artificial intelligence. Responsibilities include manual
annotation, modification, and quality control of training datasets
used to study misaligned AI systems and alignment related
behaviors. The Research Assistant will also conduct literature
reviews on AI alignment, deception, and related topics in cognitive
science. Additional responsibilities include supporting human
subjects research, including MRI and transcranial magnetic
stimulation ( TBS ) studies, through participant coordination, data
collection, and data organization. This position also involves
maintaining research documentation and datasets; assisting with
preparation of presentations, grant materials, and academic
manuscripts; and assisting with mentoring undergraduate research
assistants while supporting collaborative research activities
within an interdisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Research Activities
- Independently perform research-related activities supporting
projects in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial
intelligence.
Assist with participant recruitment, training, and behavioral
assessments.
Gather EEG, TMS, eye-tracking, and other neural and behavioral
data.
Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions,
deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to
AI alignment, cognitive science, and related topics.
Perform manual modification and quality control of training
datasets used to study misaligned AI systems.
Research Documentation and Dissemination
- Maintain project-related documentation, datasets, and research
records.
- Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant
materials, and academic manuscripts.
- Compile and organize research findings for internal and
external dissemination.
Collaboration and Mentorship
- Mentor undergraduate research assistants and support their
training in research procedures.
- Organize and preside over undergraduate lab meetings.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support
ongoing research initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- 1–2 years of prior research experience, including knowledge of
research methods and terminology
- Experience with research data collection and data entry
- Analytical skills including the ability to define problems
through research and fact finding
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally
and in writing
- Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an
interdisciplinary research team
- Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with
minimal supervision
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education
and work experience in psychology, health sciences, cognitive
science, philosophy, neuroscience, computer science, or related
field.
- Working knowledge of Excel and experience with survey platforms
such as Qualtrics, Mechanical Turk, Prolific, or similar tools
- Experience with programming or strong willingness to learn
programming for research purposes.
- Experience integrating psychology or cognitive neuroscience
with artificial intelligence research
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through
in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and
employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff
each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides
equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of
their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and
employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national
origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental
disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital
status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic
protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently
authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion
and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to
the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the
Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References
2
Maximum Number of References
3
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation 1
- Curriculum Vitae
- Other Document