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Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College is seeking a full-time, fixed-term Research Associate to join the Health and Human Performance Laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, research-driven environment.

In this role, you will support mindfulness meditation intervention studies exploring stress and physical challenge-task outcomes. Working closely with Principal Investigator Dr. David Creswell and a multidisciplinary lab team, you will combine day-to-day project management of active research studies with broader operational and staff leadership responsibilities.

The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability.

Our lab operates at the intersection of health psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and health neuroscience. We study stress and coping, with a focus on stress management strategies (such as self-affirmation, cognitive reappraisal, and social connection) and interventions (like mindfulness meditation) to better understand stress resilience. Learn more about our team and current work at healthandhumanperformancelab.com.

Core responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily study operations, including participant recruitment, execution, compensation, and data management.

• Manage research pipelines across all phases, from initial project design through analysis, publication, and data sharing.

• Develop SOPs, monitor study progress, and proactively resolve operational bottlenecks.

• Supervise, mentor, and foster an inclusive, collaborative lab environment for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research assistants.

• Partner with the PI on hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

• Ensure compliance with IRB, federal, and university policies, managing all protocol submissions and audit documentation.

• Track project budgets across grant awards and collaborate with department grant administrators on new proposals.

• Maintain secure data management systems and facilitate data-sharing agreements with research collaborators.

• Advance open science and reproducibility initiatives.

• Perform other related research and administrative 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.

You should demonstrate:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to self-manage multiple research projects independently.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively collaborate with and coordinate teams.

• Highly self-sufficient, with a proactive approach to managing lab operations and leading personnel.

Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology, statistics, neuroscience, decision science, or other related field required

• 1-3 years of prior research, data, and/or management experience required

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

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time (37.5 hours), non-exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.

• Fixed Term: This is a fixed-term position with an estimated duration of 12 months.

• Work Posture: This position is fully in person

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, 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 to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

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!

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