Research Scientist

Position Overview
This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, Institute of Child Development) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. This position will support Project MAPLE: Mapping Autism with Precision in Language and Expression, a landmark $34.7M grant from Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) that will use advanced brain imaging, clinical assessment, and real-world tracking to better understand how language develops in children with autism.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

Meghan Swanson, PhD and Jed Elison, PhD are co-Directors of the CNS Lab, and Casey Burrows, PhD is the Lab Director of Clinical Training. We are seeking a research scientist to join our expanding research team of cognitive neuroscientists, developmental psychologists, and clinical psychologists. Responsibilities include generation of scientific products, research protocol contribution, developmental imaging acquisition, mentorship, and laboratory responsibilities. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience processing and analyzing MRI data, and/or applicants with strong data science skills.

This is a full-time position, prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work will primarily be conducted in person. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in a collaborative research environment. This research scientist position will work with a team including faculty researchers, psychologists, neuroscientists, psychometrists, child-family life specialists, BCBA interventionists, behavior technicians, data analytics staff, and trainees.

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. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. This research scientist position will report directly to Dr. Meghan Swanson and/or Dr. Jed Elison.

Responsibilities:

Generation of Scientific Products and Research Contribution (70%)
- Lead advanced data processing and analysis data as well as literature reviews
- Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences in first author/co-author roles
- Gain experience writing and submitting grants in end-to-end grant development processes
- Manage, oversee, and conduct research using existing large-scale neuroimaging and clinical assessment datasets with child participant populations with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs, as well as typically developing children
- Serve as key contributor to specific aims of ongoing and new research protocols

Developmental Imaging Acquisition (20%)
- Complete Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) safety training to be able to support participants through MRI scans and/or independently operate 3T & 7T scanner consoles
- Learn the CNS Lab developmental neuroimaging standard operating procedures and direct
scan assistant compliance
- Follow and assist with development of research protocols to ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity, including completing Human Subjects ethics and clinical trainings
- Serve as a lead operator and attend MRI scanning sessions to assist the PI with the collection of MRI data
- Plan to dedicate a up to 2 nights a week to night scanning (typically between 7-11pm) and occasional weekend hours to accommodate schedules of participant families

Mentorship and Laboratory Responsibilities (10%)
- Mentor and direct work of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc trainee (data entry, coding projects, image processing)
- Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the PIs, Co-Is, graduate students, staff, and trainees
- Attend and/or lead lab and project meetings
- Advise and consult on complex problems, to support the broader lab and research project teams as needed
- Lead and participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional and research development

Required Qualifications: All required qualifications must be documented on resume/CV

- PhD in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, data science, statistics, or a related field
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing neurodiversity
- Skillful with computer software and statistical analysis on PC or Mac
- Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrable strong verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Expertise in child language development, processing and analyzing structural and/or diffusion MRI data, and/or data science skills with neuroimaging data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation
- Experience working with young children with autism and related conditions with high support needs (i.e., having intellectual disability and/or being non-speaking)
- Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate family schedules
- Fluency in multiple languages

Pay Range: $80,000 - $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.