Laboratory Coordinator - 140577

The Department of Linguistics conducts research and offers in-depth instruction in the main areas of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), contributing to both theoretical and empirical/experimental approaches to language, including computational linguistics, fieldwork, language acquisition, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and sign language. The Department plays an active and integral part of the large language community at UC San Diego, together with colleagues in cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, anthropology, communication and philosophy.

The Meaning & Language Development Lab, directed by Dr. Rachel Dudley, uses behavioral, experimental, and corpus-based methods to study how children learn to build meaning with language, including how they learn word meanings, combine words to express complex ideas, use context to interpret utterances, and infer speakers' intentions.

Under supervision, the incumbent will perform standard repetitive laboratory and field experimental procedures to support data collection with children and families, both in the lab and, as needed, at local partner sites. The incumbent will arrange and maintain testing sessions, including coordinating participant schedules, interacting with families, preparing study materials, supporting participant recruitment, and collecting data data according to fixed protocols. Duties will also include keeping records of participant files and research datasets, organizing and documenting data files, organizing research data, dispensing standard supplies and materials used by undergraduate research assistants, and maintaining records according to approved IRB protocols.

The position offers opportunities to gain familiarity with, developmental research methods, data collection workflows, and laboratory operations, including potential contributions to publications and presentations. The incumbent will be an integral member of the lab community, participating in weekly lab meetings and the broader intellectual life at UCSD.

• Work Schedule: Must be able to work occasional weekends for data collection with families that cannot participate during the week.

• Please submit a cover letter describing relevant qualifications and interest in the position for consideration.

• Experience interacting with parents and working with infants or children, preferably in a research or professional setting.

• Experience assisting with behavioral or corpus-based research.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience, or two years of college including courses in Linguistics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Child Development, or a related field and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated skill interacting with colleagues and other adults in a professional setting.

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Highly self-motivated, able to solve problems independently and with initiative.

• Written communication skills needed for corresponding with families, coordinating with colleagues, and documenting research procedures.

• Ability to manage multiple schedules and coordinate participant testing independently.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance of background check.

• Duties may require direct contact with children, defined as individuals under the age of 18. Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.