Carnegie Mellon University
False Pass, AK
Aug 12, 2026
1 research assistant health and human performance lab department of psychology dietrich college jobs found
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Research Assistant - Health and Human Performance Lab - Department of Psychology, Dietrich College
Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College is seeking a full-time, fixed-term **Research Associate** to join the Health and Human Performance Laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, research-driven environment.
In this role, you will support mindfulness meditation intervention studies exploring stress and physical challenge-task outcomes. Working closely with Principal Investigator Dr. David Creswell and a multidisciplinary lab team, you will combine day-to-day project management of active research studies with broader operational and staff leadership responsibilities.
The initial appointment is for **one year** , with renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability.
Our lab operates at the intersection of health psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and health neuroscience. We study stress and coping, with a focus on stress management strategies (such as self-affirmation, cognitive reappraisal, and social connection) and interventions (like mindfulness meditation) to better understand stress resilience. Learn more about our team and current work at healthandhumanperformancelab.com .
**_Core responsibilities include:_**
+ Oversee daily study operations, including participant recruitment, execution, compensation, and data management.
+ Manage research pipelines across all phases, from initial project design through analysis, publication, and data sharing.
+ Develop SOPs, monitor study progress, and proactively resolve operational bottlenecks.
+ Supervise, mentor, and foster an inclusive, collaborative lab environment for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research assistants.
+ Partner with the PI on hiring, onboarding, and performance management.
+ Ensure compliance with IRB, federal, and university policies, managing all protocol submissions and audit documentation.
+ Track project budgets across grant awards and collaborate with department grant administrators on new proposals.
+ Maintain secure data management systems and facilitate data-sharing agreements with research collaborators.
+ Advance open science and reproducibility initiatives.
+ Perform other related research and administrative duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
**_You should demonstrate:_**
+ Proven leadership skills with the ability to self-manage multiple research projects independently.
+ Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively collaborate with and coordinate teams.
+ Highly self-sufficient, with a proactive approach to managing lab operations and leading personnel.
**Qualifications:**
+ B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology, statistics, neuroscience, decision science, or other related field required
+ 1-3 years of prior research, data, and/or management experience required
**A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.**
**Requirements:**
+ Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
**Additional Information:**
+ This is a full **-** time (37.5 hours), non-exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
+ **Fixed Term:** This is a fixed-term position with an estimated duration of 12 months.
+ **Work Posture:** This position is fully in person
**Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.**
**Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html)** **as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.**
**Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities)** **,** **and much more!**
**For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html)** **.**
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