The interActive Language Processing Lab at Stanford (ALPS), based in the Linguistics Department at Stanford under the direction of Judith Degen, seeks candidates for the position of Lab Manager for a start date of Sep 1, 2018. Please apply here.
JOB PURPOSE:
The interActive Language Processing Lab at Stanford (ALPS) studies the inference processes involved in language production and comprehension. We study both sides of the communicative coin: how speakers choose an utterance to convey an intended meaning and how listeners arrive at interpretations that are often much richer and more detailed than the utterance’s literal meaning. To develop and test explicit theories of these processes, we employ linguistic analysis, behavioral experiments (both lab-based and web-based), corpus methods, and computational modeling.
The Lab Manager will help with various aspects of creating and maintaining the lab: keeping the lab homepage and lab wiki up to date, creating templates for running online experiments, submitting and renewing IRB protocols, purchasing and maintaining research equipment and supplies, recruiting, training, and supervising undergraduate research assistants, collecting, managing, and analyzing data, running eye-tracking experiments, preparing conference presentations and manuscripts, managing lab calendars and schedules, and reading relevant literature. The position will allow authorship on research presentations and articles. The position also includes a limited teaching assistantship for LINGUIST 245 (Methods in Psycholinguistics).
This position is fixed term for one year with possible extension. Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position, background and goals. In addition, please provide 2-3 references. Applicant review and interview process will begin week of July 2, 2018.
CORE DUTIES*:
Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planned and coordinating experimental protocols.
Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing only general guidance and suggestions.
Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
Solve problems, and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.
Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.
* – Other duties may also be assigned
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science
Preferred Education & Experience:
Bachelors degree in cognitive science, linguistics, psychology, computer science, or a related field OR two year college degree and one year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods.
General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with human study participants.
Developing supervisory skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Some background in statistical methods for analyzing experimental data.
Programming skills in R, Python, JavaScript/HTML/CSS.
Experience with open science best practices (e.g., version control and data sharing with git/github, study pre-registration on Open Science Framework).
Experience with or interest in running eye-tracking experiments, and analyzing eye-tracking data.
Excellent interpersonal skills required for working with human study participants.
Ability to get tasks done efficiently and independently, and to show initiative in doing so.
Some experience with academic writing.
Organized and detail-oriented.
Experience with or interest in corpus methods (e.g., searching syntactically parsed corpora) a plus.
Experience with or interest in cognitive modeling using probabilistic programming languages (e.g., WebPPL) a plus.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.
* – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
