How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.
Job Summary
The Bilingual Brain Development project requires a Research Assistant to help conduct neuroimaging research with young bilingual Spanish-English and Chinese-English children's language and literacy competence. There are two primary responsibilities. The first is the use of optical brain imaging, functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to study child language and brain development as well as student training and oversight in the use of the method. The second is the use of language and literacy assessments with children who have typical language development, children who are bilingual, and children with language-based learning impairments. The second responsibility also includes knowing how to use the methods with young children and training as well as overseeing others on the team. Proficiency with fNIRS imaging and experience of administering child language assessments are thus highly preferred. The project involves working with school-age children who are only available for testing during the evening and weekend hours, so general availability to work during those hours is necessary.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
In addition, LSA offers:
- Strong commitment to work/life balance
- Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
- Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
- Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Responsibilities*
- Participant testing using language and literacy assessments 20%
- Participant testing using fNIRS brain imaging 20%
- Scheduling participant testing sessions 20%
- Training student research assistants in the use of fNIRS and child language testing 20%
- Help in organizing and scoring experimental data 20%
Required Qualifications*
- High school diploma or Associate's degree
- 1 year of research experience
- Available to work during evening and weekend hours
Desired Qualifications*
- Background in psychology, linguistics, or neuroscience
- Proficiency with fNIRS neuroimaging
- Ability to work well with young children and their families
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $31,200 - $33,900. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is September 2025.
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
