Research Specialist - HIES & iWell

The Research Specialist will work as part of a team to refine research protocols, supervise undergraduate research assistants, and help establish foundational processes for research in the lab. The Research Specialist may also contribute to scientific writing and perform statistical analyses under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and other members of the team to establish and maintain data integrity and to test various hypotheses. The laboratory is running several studies related to social and psychological determinants of health and well-being among racial and sexual minoritized groups, as well as research on racial essentialism. This position is ideal for a college graduate interested in counseling, social and health psychology research who wants to grow their career and professional development related to research. The successful applicant will join an active laboratory with a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers addressing a broad array of questions of interest to counseling psychology. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques, publish scientific papers, and attend conferences. The research professional will be primarily supervised by Professor James but will also work closely with Professor Ajayi and take work direction from him, as appropriate.

The Start Date of this position is around mid-July, 2026, with an initial End Date (or contingent extension) of mid-July, 2027 (any extension or continuation is contingent upon available funding and acceptable performance).

Job Responsibilities:

• Establishing foundational lab practices, including creating and implementing a lab manual for the standardization of training and implementation of open science practices (30%)
• Literature reviewing and scientific writing (30%)
• Study design, data collection, and statistical analysis (20%)
• Co-supervising and mentoring undergraduate research assistants, if desired (10%)
• Assisting in the management of institutional review board, federal, and other regulatory compliance correspondence (10%)

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Psychology or a related area or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years;
• Proficiency in common computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets;
• Research experience working with underserved populations;
• A demonstrated capacity for quantitative analyses, including statistical software or statistical databases.

Prefered Qualifications:

• Coursework in counseling psychology, health psychology, public health, or gender and women's studies;
• Experience in the conduct of psychological research, including data collection, analysis, and scientific writing;
• Capacity for performing structured research-related work assignments following established procedures and guidelines under supervision, such as statistical analyses using SPSS statistical software or equivalent;
• Strong organizational capacities with great attention to detail and emphasis on timeliness;
• Experience with web-based applications, including website management.

Pay Range: $23.81 - $25.00 per hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.