A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. 

The Food and Addiction Science and Treatment (FAST) lab in the University of Michigan Department of Psychology is seeking a full-time research assistant for a NIDA-funded research project. The aim of this research is to understand how ultra-processed foods impact reward-functioning, mood, and well-being using cutting-edge technology (e.g., neuroimaging, continuous glucose monitoring, ecological momentary assessment) and experimental designs with human subjects.  Employees will receive training on these scientific methods.

The research assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Ashley Gearhardt. They will join a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers and have opportunities to collaborate on numerous research projects focused on the impact of ultra-processed foods on mental health and well-being.

The research assistant will participate in various research-related activities, running participants, and collecting and organizing neuroimaging and mobile technology data. This position is suitable for candidates interested in growing a competitive research record for preparation for graduate school in psychology or in related fields of neuroscience, public health, or social work. The research assistant will have opportunities to develop methodological, statistical, and writing skills.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, LSA offers:

• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

• Running human participants through protocols (including neuroimaging, mobile technology, and experimental designs in simulated fast-food restaurant)
• Participant scheduling and recruitment and visit management (e.g., scheduling visits, ordering supplies for visits)
• Train incoming research staff and students in the lab and be a resource throughout their employment
• Screening participants for eligibility
• Working with the research coordinator on evaluating research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives 
• Partnering with graduate students and undergraduates on research projects
• Basic data management procedures

NOTE: The amount of time in some of these activities (e.g., participant screening, training incoming research staff & students) will vary somewhat based on experience, time of the year, and lab needs). You will be expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards across all tasks and responsibilities. 

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 1-2 years of experience in a research environment, particularly with human subjects
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, and interest in clinical psychology or neuroscience
• Experience carrying a research project through from conceptualization to reporting
• Knowledge of survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap)
• Willingness to travel to various on and off-campus locations for purposes of the research study

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The salary range is $33,000-$37,800. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is April - May 2026.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.