Lab Assistant (Research Lab Tech I)

We’re recruiting a full-time lab tech to join the Shared Minds Lab at the University of Southern California! This is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on research experience before pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, or a related field.

The Shared Minds Lab, led by PI Sam Nastase at USC (https://shared-minds.github.io/), is accepting applications for a full-time lab tech/research assistant to begin in Fall 2026.

This will be an fMRI-forward position centered on intensive, naturalistic neuroimaging paradigms for language, conversation, and social-narrative videogame play. The lab manager will play a central role in coordinating with participants and leading fMRI data collection across multiple related projects.

Beyond data collection, there will be opportunities to get involved in fMRI data analysis and computational modeling, particularly using large language models (LLMs) to study naturalistic language and social interaction. This position is well suited to someone interested in gaining experience with human neuroscience research while developing the computational skills that will make you a strong candidate for graduate school.

The lab assistant will:

Coordinate participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and study logistics

Lead fMRI data collection for multiple related naturalistic neuroimaging studies

Maintain research documentation, participant records, and data organization

Contribute to data analysis and modeling depending on experience and interests

We’re looking for someone who is organized, reliable, communicative, and excited about research.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, or a related field
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with careful attention to detail
• Experience with fMRI and/or programming (e.g. Python) is a plus, but is not required

The Shared Minds Lab studies how we communicate our thoughts to one another in real-world settings, with an emphasis on natural language, narrative, and social interaction. Our work combines neuroimaging with computational approaches for modeling rich, real-world stimuli and behavior. The lab manager will work closely with collaborators in the Phonetics and Phonology group, the Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory (SAIL), and the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC, as well as collaborators in industry.

To apply, please upload:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Anticipated start date: Fall 2026

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Position: Full-time

The hourly rate range for this position is $22 - $25.64. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is grant-funded.

Work Arrangement: This is a 100% full-time, on-site/on-campus position.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.

• To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise: Ability to follow detaile