Technical Research Assistant - Human Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Data Systems (Research Professional 2)

About the Job

The Herman/Darrow Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Technical Research Assistant (Research Professional 2) to join our group. The Technical Research Assistant will be a hands-on member of an interdisciplinary human neuroscience team, providing long-term technical continuity for experimental systems, research data infrastructure, and participant/patient studies. Working under the direction of senior lab staff, the successful candidate will set up and troubleshoot equipment; verify trigger timing and synchronization; support stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral experiments; and curate, document, and integrate complex datasets. This is an execution-focused role rather than an independent investigator position. It is well suited to a detail-oriented, persistent problem solver who enjoys connecting hardware, software, data, and people and who wants to build deep expertise over a sustained period. Opportunities to contribute to analysis, presentations, and publications may be available based on interest and project needs.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

35% - Experimental Systems and Equipment Operations

Configure, test, maintain, and troubleshoot electrophysiology, stimulation, behavioral, and data-acquisition systems used across lab studies.

Verify trigger/TTL routing, timing, synchronization, signal quality, cables, interfaces, and software settings; coordinate maintenance, repairs, and inventory.

30% - Data Curation and Research Infrastructure

Organize, standardize, quality-check, document, and transfer multimodal research data; maintain file structures, metadata, data dictionaries, and issue logs.

Develop and maintain scripts and repeatable workflows that support ongoing datasets, repository integration, and handoff of routine data operations from senior staff.

20% - Study Execution and Participant/Patient Support

Prepare equipment and research spaces; set up and run stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral sessions under approved protocols.

Support participant and patient visits, coordinate with clinical and research teams, monitor data collection, and resolve technical problems in real time.

10% - Documentation, Training, and Collaboration

Create SOPs, checklists, troubleshooting guides, and training materials; train lab members in equipment setup, data handling, and quality-control procedures.

Communicate technical status and risks clearly and collaborate with investigators, engineers, clinicians, coordinators, and trainees across studies.

5% - Laboratory Operations and Compliance

Maintain equipment and data records, assist with purchasing and inventory, support IRB, safety, and quality requirements, and contribute to lab meetings and process improvement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot research hardware, software, or integrated technical systems using a systematic and persistent approach.
• Experience working with scientific data files and basic programming or scripting in Python, MATLAB, R, or a similar language.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow, document, and improve standard operating procedures.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with research participants, clinical staff, investigators, and trainees.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment, including occasional evenings or weekends when participant or patient studies require it.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree or at least one year of relevant experience in a neuroscience, engineering, clinical research, or laboratory setting.
• Experience setting up or operating EEG, ECoG/stereo-EEG, neural stimulation, behavioral testing, or physiological recording systems.
• Familiarity with digital triggers and TTL signals, data-acquisition hardware, event timing, synchronization, or experimental control software.
• Experience with Linux, Git, REDCap or other databases, BIDS or other research data standards, and reproducible data organization.
• Experience curating, quality-checking, documenting, transferring, or integrating multimodal human research datasets and external repositories.
• Familiarity with human-subjects research, clinical environments, electronics or instrumentation, or hands-on equipment maintenance.

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Salary range is $59,000 - $62,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.