The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work.  

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Research Lab Technician I in the Psychology.The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Social Connection Lab (PI: Elisa Baek) and Social Learning & Choice Lab (PI: Leor Hackel) at USC are accepting applications for a full-time lab manager/research assistant to begin August 2025. The lab manager will spend 80% of their effort in the Social Connection Lab (Dr. Baek’s lab) and 20% of their effort in the Social Learning & Choice Lab (Dr. Hackel’s lab).

The Social Connection Lab (https://socolab.org) studies various facets of social connection (e.g., loneliness) using neuroimaging (fMRI, fNIRS), eyetracking, naturalistic paradigms (e.g., conversation studies), and behavioral experiments. The Social Learning & Choice Lab (https://www.hackellab.org) studies social learning and decision-making using behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, and computational modeling. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and will be reviewed until the position is filled.

About the position:
This position is for a minimum of one year and can be extended to two; a two-year commitment is preferred. The position is ideal for individuals hoping to gain research experience prior to applying to graduate programs in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. The lab manager will split their time between the two labs (80%/20%), working closely with Dr. Baek and Dr. Hackel on research projects and gaining experience in all aspects of research. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day lab activities and assisting with behavioral, social network, and neuroimaging research. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related field;Research experience in psychology or neuroscience;Undergraduate coursework in statistical analysis and experience with statistical analysis software;Strong organizational skillsAbility to work well with othersExperience with one or more programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, JavaScript, etc). Experience with fMRI and/or fNIRS is preferred but not required.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $21.61 - $24.14. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is funded on gifts.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Applicants should compose answers to the application questions available here.Resume, cover letter required and answers to application questions (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Ability to follow detailed instructions, oral and written