Cognitive Science Research Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Scripps College invites applications to a Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant position in the Solomon-Lane Laboratory in the Neuroscience Discipline of the Department of Natural Sciences. Research in the lab focuses on the development of social behavior and its regulation by behavioral, endocrine, and neural mechanisms using a fish model system. The NSF-funded project will specifically investigate early-life social experiences and how they shape behavioral phenotype long-term via developmental plasticity in underlying neural mechanisms, including vasopressin and stress axis signaling. This research may involve behavior testing, hormone sample collection and measurement, tissue collection, analysis of neural tissue, data processing, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. While the overall goal is to collect, interpret, and communicate data, a Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant's work can be broken down into several, specific duties.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a description of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. The Postbaccalaureate Research Assistant will be expected to perform other duties, as assigned.

• Carries out research, develops and implements new laboratory methods and technologies to advance this research project.

• Manages data collected as part of this research project to ensure compliance with federal data management and reporting guidelines.

• Strict compliance with lab protocols, including relevant safety regulations and guidelines, ethical guidelines, and quality control measures.

• Effectively communicate with project PI and other team members using excellent and clear written and verbal communication.

• Represent the college and department by presenting research at scientific meetings, if given the opportunity.

• Collaborates in a leadership role to train, oversee, and coordinate relevant work by undergraduate researchers, together with the project PI.

• Research scientific literature.

• Write scientific manuscripts.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Excellent organizational skills

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Experience working with Microsoft Office or Google Suite

• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and perform work with minimal errors

• Ability to work independently and in teams

• Prior experience with one or more relevant scientific techniques (e.g., behavior testing, RNAscope or other histological technique, microscopy, ELISA or LCMS, transcriptomics) is preferred, but not required.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job.

At least one year of relevant research experience is required.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

None.

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a temporary status, full time (40 hours per week), non-benefits eligible, non-exempt position. The position is available as of August 2026, and is scheduled to end on or around September 4, 2026. This position may be extended based upon mutual agreement by both parties.

The regular hours for this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the Lab.

Hourly rate range: $20.00-$21.88. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.