Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College is seeking a full-time, fixed-term **Research Associate** to join the Health and Human Performance Laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, research-driven environment.

In this role, you will support mindfulness meditation intervention studies exploring stress and physical challenge-task outcomes. Working closely with Principal Investigator Dr. David Creswell and a multidisciplinary lab team, you will combine day-to-day project management of active research studies with broader operational and staff leadership responsibilities.

The initial appointment is for **one year** , with renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability.

Our lab operates at the intersection of health psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and health neuroscience. We study stress and coping, with a focus on stress management strategies (such as self-affirmation, cognitive reappraisal, and social connection) and interventions (like mindfulness meditation) to better understand stress resilience. Learn more about our team and current work at healthandhumanperformancelab.com .

**_Core responsibilities include:_**

+ Oversee daily study operations, including participant recruitment, execution, compensation, and data management.

+ Manage research pipelines across all phases, from initial project design through analysis, publication, and data sharing.

+ Develop SOPs, monitor study progress, and proactively resolve operational bottlenecks.

+ Supervise, mentor, and foster an inclusive, collaborative lab environment for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research assistants.

+ Partner with the PI on hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

+ Ensure compliance with IRB, federal, and university policies, managing all protocol submissions and audit documentation.

+ Track project budgets across grant awards and collaborate with department grant administrators on new proposals.

+ Maintain secure data management systems and facilitate data-sharing agreements with research collaborators.

+ Advance open science and reproducibility initiatives.

+ Perform other related research and administrative duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

**_You should demonstrate:_**

+ Proven leadership skills with the ability to self-manage multiple research projects independently.

+ Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively collaborate with and coordinate teams.

+ Highly self-sufficient, with a proactive approach to managing lab operations and leading personnel.

**Qualifications:**

+ B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology, statistics, neuroscience, decision science, or other related field required

+ 1-3 years of prior research, data, and/or management experience required

**A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.**

**Requirements:**

+ Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

**Additional Information:**

+ This is a full **-** time (37.5 hours), non-exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.

+ **Fixed Term:** This is a fixed-term position with an estimated duration of 12 months.

+ **Work Posture:** This position is fully in person

**Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.**

**Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html)** **as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.**

**Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities)** **,** **and much more!**

**For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html)** **.**

**At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.**

**Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!**

**Location**

Pittsburgh, PA

**Job Function**

Researchers

**Position Type**

Staff - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

**Full Time/Part time**

Full time

**Pay Basis**

Hourly

**More Information:**

+ Please visit **"Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) "** to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

+ Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

+ **Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity** **Employer/Disability/Veteran** .

+ Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Effective August 24, the URL for the CMU Careers site will change to https://cmu.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/CMU .

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.

**If your heart is in your work, come work with us.** Carnegie Mellon University isn't just one of the world's most renowned educational institutions - it's also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you'll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you'll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues - and you'll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you'll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what's next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services (hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-4600.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu or by phone at 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)