Research Senior Technician

The Research Senior Technician provides advanced research support by independently conducting standard laboratory and field research activities and supporting broader research projects. This role collects and processes data, conducts basic experiments, assists with the design and implementation of research projects, and performs preliminary statistical analysis.

This position serves as a full-time lab manager supporting two research labs—the Social Problems and Action Lab (PI: Riana Brown) and the Motivation and Cognitive Science Lab (PI: Kentaro Fujita)—with responsibilities split across both labs. The former explores how people respond to evidence of social problems, understanding the ways people seek to (or not to) address them. The latter examines how motivation and cognition interact to influence decision-making and behavior in domains such as self-control, dealing with adversity, life transitions, and social change. The two labs share weekly lab meetings and there is extensive overlap between current personnel.

The role oversees day-to-day research and administrative operations, including coordinating research activities, supporting participant recruitment, managing IRB submissions and maintenance, tracking expenses, and ensuring efficient lab operations.

The Research Senior Technician works with a high level of autonomy on routine work, applies established procedures and precedent to resolve issues, and may provide guidance or training to less experienced colleagues. This position may also contribute to research activities such as literature reviews, survey programming, data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts. This is an ideal position for individuals seeking to gain research experience in preparation for graduate study in psychology or a related field.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.

Required Qualifications

Relevant experience as demonstrated by one of the following:

• No prior experience required with a Bachelors degree
• Two (2) years of relevant experience with an Associates degree
• Four (4) years of relevant experience with a High School diploma

Working knowledge of behavioral or social science research processes and tools, which may include participant-based research, survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics), basic data analysis, and research documentation.

Ability to independently complete routine research and administrative tasks, manage multiple priorities, and support lab operations using established procedures and protocols.

Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate research activities, support participant recruitment efforts, and assist with data analysis, literature reviews, and preparation of research outputs.

The pay range for this job profile is $19.28 - $25.19. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

This is a term position for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funds.

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A one-page cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience for the position (such as experience conducting psychological research, project coordination, research presentations in both written and oral formats, working collaboratively in teams, leadership).
2. A CV or resume highlighting relevant work and research experience.
3. 2 references

Review of applications will begin on May 4, 2026, on a rolling basis. All applications received by that date will receive full consideration.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provide extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The Department of Psychology is a central department on campus, with the third largest undergraduate major at OSU, almost 140 graduate students, and approximately 50 tenure-stream faculty. Our department aims to produce exceptional, innovative research to advance knowledge about mind, brain, and behavior, with the goal of understanding and improving the human condition.