Junior Laboratory Associate (Muthukrishna Lab)

Description

Professor Michael Muthukrishna is seeking a full-time Junior Laboratory Associate to begin in mid-July 2026. This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal for additional years, contingent on performance.

The Junior Laboratory Associate will work at Dr. Muthukrishna’s lab, located in the Department of Psychology in New York City. The lab’s research focuses on cultural evolution and behavioral science, with topics including the evolution of the brain and intelligence, innovation, corruption, navigating diversity and cultural differences, artificial intelligence, and how psychology, culture, and education support successful institutions.

Role Overview:

The Junior Laboratory Associate will work closely with Professor Muthukrishna and other lab members to coordinate and execute a range of research studies. They will play a key role in fostering a collaborative and inclusive lab culture, supporting day-to-day operations, and ensuring the success of complex research initiatives.

The Junior Laboratory Associate will receive close mentorship and professional development, participate in weekly lab meetings, and engage with the broader intellectual community in the New York University Department of Psychology and Social Psychology Program. They will also have access to NYU’s rich academic resources, including career development workshops, speaker events, and writing support. This position is especially desirable for someone who seeks to eventually pursue a career in psychological science or pursue graduate studies.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee administrative and research operations (e.g., grant management, IRB protocols, reimbursements, ethics and open science compliance)
• Coordinate global research collaborations across countries, institutions, and time zones
• Design, program, and run research studies (online and in-lab)
• Collect, process, and analyze data; manage large datasets
• Review and edit manuscripts, grant proposals, and public-facing materials
• Onboard, train, and supervise research assistants
• Organize lab events, meetings, and internal communications
• Coordinate engagement with non-academic collaborators and stakeholders (e.g., tech companies, policy makers)
• Maintain lab equipment, computers, and data documentation

This position is based in New York and the selected candidate will be expected to work onsite as of their effective start date.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $58,656-$60,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and project management experience.

Application Instructions

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter.

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