Research Scientist

About the Job

Position Overview

This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and
Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of
Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on
brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities
with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple
departments (Pediatrics, Institute of Child Development) housed at
the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. This position will
support Project MAPLE: Mapping Autism with Precision in Language
and Expression, a landmark $34.7M grant from Aligning Research to
Impact Autism (ARIA) that will use advanced brain imaging, clinical
assessment, and real-world tracking to better understand how
language develops in children with autism.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated
to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through
early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative
targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate
child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB’s mission of
basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral
development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty
clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics,
Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development,
Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach,
Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research
Integration.

Meghan Swanson, PhD and Jed Elison, PhD are co-Directors of the CNS
Lab, and Casey Burrows, PhD is the Lab Director of Clinical
Training. We are seeking a research scientist to join our expanding
research team of cognitive neuroscientists, developmental
psychologists, and clinical psychologists. Responsibilities include
generation of scientific products, research protocol contribution,
developmental imaging acquisition, mentorship, and laboratory
responsibilities. We are particularly interested in applicants with
experience processing and analyzing MRI data, and/or applicants
with strong data science skills.

This is a full-time position, prefers a minimum 2-year commitment,
and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work
will primarily be conducted in person. Some tasks may be completed
remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent
opportunity for professional growth and training in a collaborative
research environment. This research scientist position will work
with a team including faculty researchers, psychologists,
neuroscientists, psychometrists, child-family life specialists,
BCBA interventionists, behavior technicians, data analytics staff,
and trainees.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume. Your application will not be considered until all
components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the
position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. This
research scientist position will report directly to Dr. Meghan
Swanson and/or Dr. Jed Elison.

Responsibilities:

Generation of Scientific Products and Research Contribution
(70%)

• Lead advanced data processing and analysis data as well as

literature reviews

• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals

and present at scientific conferences in first author/co-author
roles

• Gain experience writing and submitting grants in end-to-end grant

development processes

• Manage, oversee, and conduct research using existing large-scale

neuroimaging and clinical assessment datasets with child
participant populations with neurodevelopmental disabilities,
including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other
behavioral and mental health needs, as well as typically developing
children

• Serve as key contributor to specific aims of ongoing and new

research protocols

Developmental Imaging Acquisition (20%)

• Complete Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) safety

training to be able to support participants through MRI scans
and/or independently operate 3T & 7T scanner consoles

• Learn the CNS Lab developmental neuroimaging standard operating

procedures and direct

scan assistant compliance

• Follow and assist with development of research protocols to

ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and
procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data
integrity, including completing Human Subjects ethics and clinical
trainings

• Serve as a lead operator and attend MRI scanning sessions to

assist the PI with the collection of MRI data

• Plan to dedicate a up to 2 nights a week to night scanning

(typically between 7-11pm) and occasional weekend hours to
accommodate schedules of participant families

Mentorship and Laboratory Responsibilities (10%)

• Mentor and direct work of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc

trainee (data entry, coding projects, image processing)

• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the

PIs, Co-Is, graduate students, staff, and trainees

• Attend and/or lead lab and project meetings
• Advise and consult on complex problems, to support the broader

lab and research project teams as needed

• Lead and participate in the broader intellectual environment to

augment professional and research development

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: All required qualifications must be
documented on resume/CV

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, data science,

statistics, or a related field

• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of

communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity,
diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing
neurodiversity

• Skillful with computer software and statistical analysis on PC or

Mac

• Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State

of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrable strong verbal and written communication as well as

organizational skills

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Expertise in child language development, processing and analyzing

structural and/or diffusion MRI data, and/or data science skills
with neuroimaging data acquisition, analysis, and
interpretation

• Experience working with young children with autism and related

conditions with high support needs (i.e., having intellectual
disability and/or being non-speaking)

• Experience with university regulations, policies, and best

practices involved in clinical research projects with child
participants

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and

weekends, to accommodate family schedules

• Fluency in multiple languages

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000 - $100,000 ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that
includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training

and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit
Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

opportunity

• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling

at no cost

• Employee Transit

Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro
area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to
note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This
approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of
each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our
commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to
incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume
or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.