The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a highly motivated professional to join its Office of Research Services team. The Behavioral Research Specialist will work closely with faculty and the ORS Team to support social science research at Darden. This role is intended to ensure that logistical and administrative barriers to research are minimized to the greatest extent possible, which in turn allows faculty to focus on generating insights and advancing scientific knowledge. Responsibilities include managing administrative activities associated with research projects, supporting faculty throughout various stages of research, including in-person data collection and analysis and other special projects. The purpose of this role is to support faculty research productivity.
This position is located in-person in Charlottesville, VA and may require evening and weekend work.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience with IRB protocols and experimental social psychology environment preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in social science research preferred (including experience gained enrolled in school).
• Ability to work productively with a diverse team with varying levels of experience with academic research and to lead cross-functionally as appropriate.
• Highly self-motivated to deliver both independently and with strong team collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work on a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong skills in data management and analysis preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of at least one statistical language required (R, Stata, SPSS, and/or Python).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Preferred knowledge of data collection software such as Qualtrics or SONA.
• Ability to solve problems independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate regular meetings with Darden faculty to determine research support needs.
• Under faculty direction, assist with the running of research studies.
• Manage the execution of online and in-lab/offsite data collection.
• Prepare and manage materials necessary for human participants data collection, including (but not limited to) Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, maintaining Prolific accounts, and online surveys.
• Use Qualtrics, or other survey platforms, to input and manage surveys.
• Prepare and manage infrastructure necessary for human participants data collection, including SONA, payment systems, behavioral lab spaces, physical study material, and equipment.
• Develop, revise and assist with protocol development and execution used to train research assistants to conduct experimental studies.
• Schedule interviews and other components of data collection, as needed.
• Track expenses and prepare financial records for each study run. Report these financial records to faculty at the conclusion of each study.
• Recruit participants from UVA and the local community that meets the needs of individual studies.
• Under faculty direction, prepare datasets and conduct statistical analysis
• Help with other forms of data collection including interview questionnaires, sampling frames, and archival and public source datasets
• Train and supervise student research assistants who staff individual studies.
• Maintain records and create reports of the lab’s research and expenses. Report these financial records to ORS at the conclusion of each semester.
• Securely maintain data and adhere to research protocols according to the highest ethical standards.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise during the execution of research related tasks and projects.
• As appropriate, communicate and work with faculty to envision and develop efficient solutions for particular studies and the lab in general; work toward implementing those goals.
• Complete other special projects as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS INTO THE CV/RESUME BOX, INTO WHICH MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS CAN BE UPLOADED. APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION.

For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks prior to the start date of the position.
This position will remain open until filled.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter, at hjv5vm@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment