Research Specialist I

Requisition #
2026-21679

Date Posted
2 days ago(4/6/2026 2:19 PM)

Department: Princeton Neuroscience Inst

Category: Research and Laboratory

Job Type: Full-Time

Name of Lab: Cohen Lab

Overview

A full-time research specialist position is available in the Neuroscience of Cognitive Control Laboratory led by Jonathan Cohen at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Psychology at Princeton University. Research in the lab focuses on the cognitive, computational and neural bases of cognitive control, using a combination of behavioral, neuroimaging, and AI modeling methods.

The position provides an excellent opportunity to further develop research skills in computational modeling, cognitive psychology and human neuroscience. The successful applicant will be an energetic learner with strong programming abilities and an interest in the lab's research. For more information about the lab and its research interests, please see the website at https://ncclab.princeton.edu.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon continued grant funding and successful performance.

Responsibilities

• assisting with human behavioral experiments (in-person and online) and neuroimaging experiments ( including but not necessarily limited to fMRI and OPM-MEG methodologies). Must be willing and able to work within a large magnetic field in an MRI scanning environment (e.g., not have metal implants or other MRI safety preclusions)
• programming (depending on prior skills, this could include: modeling, data analysis, experimental protocols)
• general lab assistance (planning meetings, maintaining IRB protocols, assisting PI, etc.)
• maintenance of lab website, including database of publications

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science or a closely related discipline
• At least 1 year experience with human neuroscience research, using behavioral or neuroimaing methods
• Current fluency with computer programming (ideally using Python)

Candidate must be willing and safely able to work within the large magnetic fields in our MRI facilities, as determined by Princeton's standard MRI safety screening criteria (e.g., must have no MR-unsafe metal implants in body, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• website design, creation, and management
• IRB protocol creation and management
• statistical analysis
• machine learning or AI programming

This position is subject to the University's background policy

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
36.25

Eligible for Overtime
Yes

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required
No

Valid Driver's License Required
No