Junior Specialist, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% is $56,300 to $72,500 annually.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: July 1, 2026 or later

Position duration: This will be a one-year position with a comprehensive benefits package with the possibility of renewal. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: April 13, 2026

Next review date: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The FOLK Lab (directed by Brandon Woo) and the Child Studies Lab (directed by Zoe Liberman) are seeking applications for an open, full-time position for a Junior Specialist at University of California, Santa Barbara. The junior specialist will participate fully in developmental research regarding testing infants, toddlers, and children in behavioral experiments online and in person. They will report directly to the PIs, and they will be responsible for managing and overseeing the team of undergraduate research assistants, the lab spaces, the running of studies (in-person and online), the labs' data, IRB protocols, and open science practices. Additionally, they will support literature reviews, study design, stimulus creation, participant recruitment, data collection and management, data analysis, presentations, paper writing, and grant writing. The position will include opportunities for developing independent research projects, learning new skills, and mentoring undergraduate research assistants. We hope that this position will prepare someone well for graduate studies.

Lab: https://folk.psych.ucsb.edu/

Lab: https://liberman.psych.ucsb.edu/

Department: https://psych.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a BA or BS program in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or a related field at the time of application

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Applicants currently enrolled in a BA or BS program, must have a bachelor's degree conferred by the start date of the position.
• At least 6 months of experience working in a research setting
• At least 6 months of experience working with children

Preferred qualifications

• Previous work with young children, aged 6 months to 5 years old, in a research setting is preferred.
• Should be comfortable working with MS Office and Google Drive, and should have basic familiarity with statistical software, such as R Studio or SPSS.
• Strong references and cover letter.
• Experience managing others and building community.
• Candidates must be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others and have strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Undergraduate Transcripts - Unofficial is acceptable

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are chosen for an interview will have their references contacted after the interview

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03106

Help contact: pamelawilks@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA