Remote Entry Level Cognitive Science Jobs in California

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 ofUSC, 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 highly motivated fixed-term Research Coordinator I in the Brain and Creativity Institute. 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 Research Coordinator will support a large federally funded research project focused on identifying objective neurobehavioral markers of mental health risk, resilience, and well-being in young adults.

SENTINEL brings together neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital health to develop innovative approaches for the early detection and monitoring of depression, suicidality, stress, and other mental health conditions. The project integrates laboratory-based neurophysiological assessments with real-world monitoring using wearable devices, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), speech and behavioral measures, and advanced computational modeling.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of mental health, neuroscience, digital biomarkers, and precision medicine.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, screen, enroll, and retain research participants, including young adults with diverse mental health profiles.
• Coordinate participant scheduling for laboratory visits, remote assessments, and longitudinal follow-up activities.
• Explain study procedures, obtain informed consent, and maintain regular communication with participants throughout multi-year study participation.
• Administer clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial assessments.
• Collect neurophysiological and psychophysiological data, including EEG, ECG, electrodermal activity (EDA), eye-tracking, and wearable sensor data.
• Manage ecological momentary assessment (EMA), smartphone-based data collection, and remote monitoring protocols.
• Assist with participant safety monitoring and implementation of study procedures related to mental health and suicide risk assessment.
• Maintain accurate study records, databases, and regulatory documentation.
• Perform data quality assurance procedures and assist with data organization and preparation for analysis.
• Coordinate study meetings, training activities, and communication among investigators, students, clinicians, and research staff.
• Assist with IRB submissions, progress reports, and other regulatory requirements.
• Support dissemination activities, including presentations, publications, and project reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working on human subjects research studies.
• Have experience interacting with individuals with mental health conditions in research or clinical settings.
• Have experience collecting EEG, psychophysiological, or behavioral data.
• Have experience with participant recruitment and retention in longitudinal studies.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Be highly detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple study activities simultaneously.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team.
• Show initiative, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Be comfortable working with sensitive mental health information while maintaining participant confidentiality and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Public Health, Biology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of research, clinical, healthcare, or related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, REDCap, and cloud-based collaboration tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and responsibly handle sensitive information.

Preferred Areas of Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is especially desirable:

• EEG or psychophysiological data collection
• Mental health or psychiatric research
• Suicide prevention research
• Clinical trial coordination
• Human subjects research
• Ecological momentary assessment (EMA)
• Wearable sensors and digital health technologies
• Behavioral or cognitive testing
• Longitudinal cohort studies
• Data management and quality assurance
• Digital phenotyping and computational mental health

This position provides outstanding preparation for graduate study and careers in psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, medicine, public health, clinical research, data science, and related fields.

Hourly range:The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 - $32.97. 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.

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:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Fixed-term position.
• 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.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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