Research Lab Manager - Coordinated Science Lab

Research Lab Manager - Coordinated Science LabCoordinated Science Lab

Job Summary Managing The Data Annotation Pipeline

• Recruit, interview, and lead the hiring process for annotators from the undergraduate student population.
• Ensure that all annotators complete the required IRB/CITI training and remain up-to-date
• Manage and maintain annotation workstations, lab spaces, and software tools, ensuring proper setup and functionality.
• Coordinate the preparation and upload of datasets requiring annotation, ensuring accurate data handling and organization.
• Provide comprehensive training to annotators on the use of annotation software and tools, ensuring a deep understanding of task requirements.
• Develop and implement training protocols to ensure annotators achieve consistency and reliability in their work across all tasks.
• Monitor and track annotator progress, ensuring timely completion of assignments and maintaining detailed records of completed work.
• Oversee the extraction, uploading, and backup of annotation data from workstations to centralized storage systems, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Maintain and update documentation on experimental protocols, annotation guidelines, workstation usage, and software tools to ensure consistency and compliance with research standards.
• Prepare visualizations of annotation data for communication with researchers
• Conduct regular quality control checks to ensure data accuracy, including inter-annotator agreement assessments and feedback loops for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with research teams to align annotation efforts with project goals, adjusting workflows and timelines as necessary to meet deadlines.
  
  

Coordinating Research Studies

• Manage the recruitment and scheduling of human subjects, including advertising, screening, and ensuring compliance with IRB protocols.
• Ensure the proper execution of experimental protocols, including understanding and adhering to established procedures. May assist in the design and refinement of experimental protocols.
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain all experimental equipment, including VR/AR glasses, cameras, and other devices. Ensure proper storage and functionality of equipment before and after each experiment.
• Record detailed observations, process notes, and outcomes of experiments, ensuring thorough and organized documentation for future analysis and reporting.
• Coordinate logistics for experiments conducted outside the lab, including transporting and setting up equipment, and collaborating with external staff to ensure successful execution of experiments.
• Ensure all experiments, particularly those involving human subjects, comply with ethical guidelines, including obtaining informed consent and protecting participant confidentiality.
  
  

Managing IRBs

• Prepare and submit IRB protocols for review, including initial applications, amendments, and continuing reviews.
• Ensure compliance with IRB regulations and research ethics guidelines, including human subject protection policies.
• Communicate with IRB committee members to address questions, concerns, and revisions regarding research protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of IRB submissions, approvals, and communications for auditing and compliance purposes.
• Train and support research staff in preparing IRB applications and understanding IRB processes and compliance requirements.
• Monitor ongoing studies for compliance with approved IRB protocols, including timely submission of required reports.
• Coordinate the renewal of IRB approvals for ongoing studies, ensuring timely submission to avoid research interruptions.
• Liaise with IRB offices and researchers to resolve any compliance issues or protocol deviations during the research process.
• Develop and update research protocol documentation to ensure it aligns with changing regulations and best practices.
• Assist in the preparation of informed consent forms and other participant materials in compliance with IRB standards.
  
  

Administrative And Other Responsibilities

• Provide regular status updates to researchers regarding the progress of data annotation processes and experiments.
• Ensure proper and organized documentation for all pending and ongoing research projects.
• Coordinate and arrange meetings to facilitate the timely achievement of research objectives.
• Maintain an updated inventory of lab equipment and ensure proper storage and upkeep.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of publications resulting from research activities and findings.
• Managing and organizing datasets to support the research activities.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, education, biology, chemistry, engineering, or related discipline. 2-3 years of direct research experience, as well as demonstrated proficiency in project management, including planning, execution, delivery, quality assurance, and reporting.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in a relevant related area
  
  

Experience working with tools such as Python and R for basic data analysis and visualization.

Experience in working in a computer science research environment.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and an effective communicator
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and eager to learn unfamiliar tools or software as needed.
• Possess a strong understanding of the ethical requirements of conducting human subjects research, including experience working with the IRB offices.
• Solid foundation in data management is essential, with an appreciation for the critical role data plays in advancing AI research.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency.
• Familiarity with IRB processes and protocols. Demonstrated experience with human subject research.
  
  

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/16/2025. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000. Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 25, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Drennan at jldrenna@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1029493

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu