Position Overview
The Elison Laboratory (E-Lab) at the Institute of Child Development and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota, is currently conducting a series of studies on developmental social neuroscience, including NIH/NIMH funded research studies examining brain and behavioral development in young children between birth and 5 years of age. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator by working with the University of Minnesota Office of Information Technology (OIT), the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and information technology specialists in M-Health Fairview to implement, customize, and manage/maintain various instances of the Longitudinal Online Research and Imaging System (LORIS database). The candidate will also assist the Principal Investigator in writing and modifying existing Python/R scripts/processing pipelines and will apply computational analytic techniques for data analyses. The position is for 40 hours a week, prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Implement, Customize, and Manage/Maintain LORIS Database (70%)

* Work with PI, CEHD/ICD information technology staff, and M-Health Fairview information technology staff, Health Sciences Technology (HST) staff, and Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) staff to implement LORIS database, customize LORIS to accommodate all data storage and management needs of the E-Lab, and manage ongoing LORIS use
* Interface and integrate as needed with Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) data storage and data transfer systems.
* Communicate with E-Lab collaborators (internal and external to the U of M) regarding data storage access
* Maintain remote version control Git repository in GitHub
* Oversee and execute data sharing responsibilities with national collaborators including the National Data Archive for federally funded research grants
* With support from the PI, oversee and support the Institute of Child Development Infant Participant Pool or IPP informatics system.
* Customize an eye tracking module for E-Lab LORIS instance in collaboration with LORIS developers
* Train and consult with lab members and E-Lab collaborators regarding data entry and data querying
* Manage undergraduate research assistants working on data entry

Computational Analytics (20%)

* Assist with implementation of computational analytic strategies with E-Lab data
* Optimize current Python routines
* Develop/write new Python and R functions in collaboration/consultation with E-Lab PI and trainees.

Professional Development (10%)
* Attend and participate in weekly lab meetings
* Participate in MIDB professional development activities
* Generate scientific products for publication or presentation at professional meetings
* Pursue additional training in data science

Required Qualifications

* BA/BS in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, biology, neuroscience, psychology or related field, or a combination of related work experience to equal at least four years.
* Demonstrable expertise with the following programs and programming languages: Python, Java, MySQL, R, PHP, Bash
* Experience with Unix/Linux operating systems and running scripts via shell commands
* Experience with front-end development (e.g., JavaScript, HTML/CSS3, etc.)
* Experience with version control systems (Git) and repository hosting platforms (GitHub)
* Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, data science or related field
* Strong familiarity with Windows and/or Mac OS X operating systems
* Minimum of two semesters of experience in a university-based research laboratory, or a combination of education and work experience to equal one year
* Previous experience with management and customization of a LORIS database
* Familiarity with measures and assessments used in developmental psychology research
* Strong attention to detail
* Familiarity/experience with medical imaging
* Strong written skills and excellent verbal communication skills
* Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in a group setting
* Interest in database management
* Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends

Department Overview:

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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:

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.

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 nation's 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).