Research Assistant

Job Department/School Derner School of Psychology

FT/PT/Temp Full time

Location Garden City, N.Y.

Lempert Lab

Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology

JOB SUMMARY:

Dr. Karolina Lempert in the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University is seeking a full-time research assistant for a one-year position, starting in summer 2026 (exact date is flexible). The research assistant will take the lead on developing, programming, and validating novel behavioral paradigms focused on the mechanisms of impulsive choice. They will have the option to work from home a few days a week, provided that project milestones and in-person lab requirements are met. The possibility to extend the position beyond one year is contingent on grant funding and is not guaranteed.

SALARY INFORMATION:

In compliance with New York’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $41,600. Adelphi University considers factors such as departmental budgets, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. An annual base salary higher than the range may be warranted in circumstances where a candidate has demonstrable equivalent prior higher education experience at another University.

Adelphi University provides a comprehensive benefit package for faculty and staff employees. For a list of benefits provided to employees, please click here.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and programming experimental paradigms
• Recruiting and testing participants for behavioral studies (both online and in-person)
• Managing and analyzing behavioral data
• Preparing a functional MRI study protocol and collecting fMRI data for a pilot study
• Doing occasional administrative tasks, including: managing IRB protocols, organizing lab meetings, maintaining and ordering lab equipment, and training other lab members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• This is an ideal position for a recent college graduate who would like to gain research experience before applying to graduate school in psychology or neuroscience.
• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field is required.
• The ideal candidate will have: excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, an interest in conducting cognitive neuroscience research, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Additional highly desired qualifications include: previous research experience and strong statistical and programming skills.

APPLICATION:

• To apply, please upload the following documents: your CV, a cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your research interests, your skills, your past research experience (if any), your future career plans, and why this position is right for you.
• Contact information for two professional references (e.g., past research mentors, professors). There is no need to submit recommendation letters at this stage.
• Application review will begin on June 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT ADELPHI:

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students’ lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four—Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university, serving more than 7,300 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, at learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online. The University offers students 72 undergraduate programs and 92 master’s degree and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and professional training. With powerful partnerships throughout the New York area, more than 123,000 graduates across the country, a growing enrollment of students from 44 states and 63 countries, and rising rankings from top pu…