LENA Research Assistant

This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. This research assistant position will report directly to Samantha Smalley, Project Coordinator in the CNS Lab. 

The candidate will assist the project coordinator in the day-to-day tasks relating to the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) Study. This study sends recording devices to families all over the country to collect home language samples. 
Responsibilities 
Data Collection and Data Management (100%)
Preparing and sending recording kits to families in the mail
Processing kits once they have been returned
Data entry
Data tracking
Audio file extraction
Assisting study coordinator with maintaining the study protocol
Acquiring familiarity with LORIS database, including tasks such as entering data, performing queries, examining quality control metrics, and extracting data for analyses
This is an in-person, casual position (up to 14 hours per week) with opportunity for remote work, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance.  

Applications must be submitted online; please upload a CV/resume. 

Review of application is ongoing, and the position will remain open until the posting is removed.

 Anticipated position start date is April 13, 2026. This research assistant position will report directly to Samantha Smalley, Project Coordinator in the CNS Lab. 
Work Location / Business Address  
MIDB – 2025 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required 
High School Diploma or GED and at least 1 year of additional education or work experience
A minimum of 1 academic year of experience in a research setting
Experience with LENA Hub/Online
Facility with basic computer software in PC and Mac (i.e., Microsoft Office)
Facility with research databases (Qualtrics, REDCap, LORIS)
Preferred 
Experience extracting audio files with Audacity
Demonstrable experience working collaboratively in a team setting
Demonstrated ability to be personable, flexible, and well-organized
Demonstrable leadership ability
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
Ability to maintain confidentiality while working with research data

 The CNS Lab is a multiple PI-led research lab with grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors, and Casey Burrows is the Director of Clinical Training. 

The lab focuses on understanding brain and behavioral development of infants and children. More specifically, our research examines the critical period of brain development in the first two years of life, which represents a time interval of dynamic development, plasticity, and potential vulnerability. Our research participants include typically developing children, autistic children, children with agenesis of the corpus callosum, infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and children with Down syndrome.

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans .

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.

Other application requirements:

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:  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 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).