Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Department of Kinesiology, the SITLess4Brain Health Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Technician/Research Coordinator for an NIH/NIA-funded research project. This position will coordinate research project activities funded by the National Institute on Aging for the SITLess4Brain Lab. Primarily, the project coordinator will oversee the day-to-day operations of an exercise-based clinical trial for older adults under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Essential Functions

• Plan and conduct advertising campaigns for the research project (20%).
• Recruit, screen, and schedule participants for data collection, including tasks of purchasing and handling subject payments (30%).
• Organization of research activities, allocating appropriate research space and equipment, meeting with participants, and preparing a manual of procedures (15%).
• Manage data collection and review, enter gathered data into the database, and manage the database, including reviewing the data in REDCap and those recorded through other instruments for completeness (10%).
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of IRB protocols (5%).
• Coordinate procedures and policies, ensure that standard protocols are followed, update the manual of procedures, and keep track of certifications of team members (5%).
• Assist with the preparation of semi-annual data safety and management reports for the research study (5%).
• Assist with organization of research-related events (such as with community organizations) (5%).
• Communicate with the funder and the investigators and research staff at collaborating sites (5%).
• Other related duties as assigned to carry out the proposed work, including but not limited to hiring other project staff (undergraduate/graduate staff, RNs, MDs, phlebotomist).

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Undergraduate degree in the following: Kinesiology (including Exercise Science, Physical Activity, and Sports), Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or any other broadly related field.
• Experience working with human subjects or patients, experience working with diverse groups of people, experience working on team-based projects
• Data and database management using RedCap, Qualtrics, or similar software.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Dependable and a team player.
• Knowledge of the IRB procedures and the ability to submit paperwork independently,
• Knowledge of documentation and procedures involved in trial administration according to the NIH procedures and processes,
• Knowledge of departmental and University procedures involved in trial coordination, IRB and trial protocol paperwork, reporting of adverse events, etc. 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience working in a research setting/laboratory.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical Office Environment.

Work Schedule

• Up to 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

• $25-35 per hour. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, please provide a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references by August 14^th, 2025. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.