Lab Manager

Dr. Jenna Wells' research examines how emotion in close relationships shapes mental and physical health across the life course, with a focus on late life and family caregiving for people with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab identifies what makes caregivers vulnerable or resilient to adverse outcomes, and studies how positive interpersonal processes support long-term health and well-being in individuals and dyads.

Dr. Wells is seeking two full-time Lab Managers for an NIH-funded (R01) study of dementia caregiver-care recipient dyads across rural and urban sites, involving in-person and video-based assessment visits, psychophysiological and eye-tracking measures, and questionnaires. The Lab Managers will work closely with Dr. Wells to manage daily lab operations and support the research process, including participant recruitment and scheduling, data collection, data management and quality assurance, IRB and regulatory compliance, and training and supervision of undergraduate research assistants. These positions are well suited to individuals seeking hands-on experience in longitudinal, dyadic, and multi-method research in preparation for graduate study in psychology, gerontology, public health, or a related field. There will be opportunities to contribute to conference presentations and co-authored publications.

Because two Lab Managers are being hired to work alongside each other, strong collaboration and communication skills, along with the ability to divide and coordinate shared responsibilities, are essential.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week), contract college benefits eligible, one-year term position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon funding, available work, and successful performance. This is an in-person, on-site position based in Ithaca, NY.

To be considered, each applicant must attach a cover letter expressing their interest and relevant experience as well as a resume/CV.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in psychology, human development, gerontology, public health, or a related field and 2 to 4 years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience conducting or assisting with psychological or behavioral research.
• Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills; written, interpersonal, and oral communications skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, goal and detail-oriented work style, meticulous and consistent follow-through on research projects.
• Ability to sometimes work nonstandard hours (e.g., evenings, weekends), depending on participant availability.
• Ability to work sensitively and professionally with families affected by dementia, including households with children.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human development, gerontology, public health, or a related field.
• Experience working with older adults or clinical populations.
• Experience with eye-tracking, psychophysiological, and/or behavioral coding methods.
• Experience with Qualtrics.
• Proficiency with statistical or programming software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
• Experience training or supervising others (e.g., undergraduate research assistants).
• Interest in pursuing graduate study in clinical psychology, gerontology, or a related field.

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University Job Title: Research Aide IV Job Family: Academic Support Level: D Pay Rate Type: Hourly Pay Range: $26.00 - $30.05 Remote Option Availability: Onsite Company:

Contact Name: Sheri Spencer-Chrisjohn Contact Email: [email protected]

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2026-10-05