
Research Assistant - Kid Neuro Lab - Dietrich College
Part-timePittsburgh, PAPart-time / TemporarySeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 1 day ago
See where you stand before you apply. No sign-up to start.
You apply on the posting's application page, with no Olive account needed.
Watch jobs like this. New roles like this one near Pittsburgh, PA, by email.
Don't just apply. Show up ready.
Olive works from this exact posting.
At a glance
Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.
Job overview
The Kid Neuro Lab at Carnegie Mellon University is hiring a part-time researcher for its satellite zoo research site in Rochester, New York. The team studies the origins of complex cognition through comparative research with humans and non-human primates, focusing on mathematical, spatial, and logical reasoning. The researcher conducts behavioral experiments, maintains testing equipment and software, and analyzes cognitive performance data.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Pittsburgh, PA
Part time
2025330
The Kid Neuro Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, directed by Dr. Jessica Cantlon, is hiring a part-time researcher at our satellite zoo research site in Rochester, NY. Our team studies the origins of complex cognition through comparative research across humans and non-human primates, with a focus on mathematical, spatial, and logical reasoning. The position involves conducting behavioral research with non-human primates using computerized touchscreen tasks, maintaining experimental equipment and software, and analyzing cognitive performance data.
Core responsibilities include:
-
Collect behavioral data from non-human primates participating in computerized cognitive experiments.
-
Maintain and troubleshoot touchscreen testing stations, computers, software, and electronic equipment.
-
Program, modify, and test cognitive tasks and experimental software.
-
Organize, clean, and analyze behavioral datasets and summarize research findings.
-
Coordinate research activities with zoo staff and CMU researchers, maintain experimental records, and monitor data quality.
-
Other duties as assigned
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
-
Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, biology, or a related field.
-
1-3 years of research, research methodology, and/or data collection/analysis experience required
-
Experience with animals and especially non-human primates, behavioral research, programming (Python, JavaScript, MATLAB, R, or related languages), electronics, and automated testing systems is preferred .
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Requirements: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Researchers
Position Type
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Part time
Pay Basis
Hourly
More Information:
-
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
-
Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits
-
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
-
Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)
Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.
If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.
We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.
The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.
Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .
Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)
For technical assistance, email HR Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-4600.
We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-268-5072.
Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)
How this job compares
Set against the 647 open Research Assistant jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 15, 2026.
- Pay
- This postingNot listed
- US median$47–60K/yr77 salary ranges
- Pennsylvania median$15–16/hr53 hourly ranges
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 179 open Research Assistant jobs in Pennsylvania and 647 across the US. 4% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Pennsylvania
- Penn State University149 open
- University of Pennsylvania19 open
- Carnegie Mellon University (this employer)7 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience; Research Assistant postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year at the median (153 postings).
- Education
- 189 of the 647 open Research Assistant jobs (29%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 15, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.
Prepare for this role
You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.
