The Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) seeks a full-time Research Coordinator (acting lab manager) to help launch and coordinate the Minds, Experiences, and Language (MEL) Lab (mellab.stanford.edu). The MEL Lab will investigate children’s language experiences and brain development in the context of societal inequity, and the ways both children and their caregivers adapt to different structural constraints. The position is a 1-year fixed term appointment based on Stanford University’s main campus, with the opportunity for renewal. It is ideal for someone with a Bachelor’s degree who would like to gain more research experience before potentially pursuing a PhD or other nonprofit or education-related work.
Interested candidates should include a resume or CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should answer the following questions.
What interests you about the position/how might it serve your long-term goals?
What is your research experience to date? Please describe the research questions and your role in the projects you worked on.
Please describe any tangible research skills you have. This could include but is not limited to: computer/analysis software you are comfortable with, experience working with participants, grant writing, etc.
Have you worked with any child or family-serving organizations, including nonprofits, schools, religious groups, etc.? If so, briefly describe.
Do you have experience managing people (i.e., overseeing their day-to-day activities)? If so, briefly describe.
Do you have experience managing complex projects? If so, briefly describe.
How would you describe your preferred working environment? In other words, in what kinds of environments do you feel like you thrive?
Are you willing to be based in the Bay Area?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until October 1, 2025.
ABOUT US
The Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) is dedicated to solving education's greatest challenges. Through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, we're pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all. The GSE is a top-ranked school of education, known for its prestigious faculty, rigorous graduate degree programs, and its impact on the quality of education across the world. The GSE is committed to developing leaders in education research, practice and policy. Our community includes over 60 faculty, 400 students, 230 staff, 14,000 alumni and countless individuals from the local and global communities that we work with and impact.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to MEL Faculty Director, at the GSE, this is an exciting opportunity to be on the forefront of launching a brand new lab! You will be responsible for all the day-to-day tasks that go on behind the scenes to get research started and keep it running smoothly, including setting up IRBs, keeping careful documentation on all activities, mastering new research technologies, designing and carrying out studies with families and young children, recruiting and managing undergraduate research assistants, and coordinating with our partner organizations and nonprofits. You will have the opportunity to gain experience with the range of methods our lab uses, spanning day-long recordings of family environments, functional and structural MRI, eye-tracking, experience sampling approaches, and natural experiment designs. Our lab aims to be grounded in our local community, so connections to Bay Area organizations are a plus.
CORE DUTIES:
Prepare and submit IRB applications and renewals, and monitor and ensure human subjects compliance.
Keep detailed documentation of research protocols, data collection, and study procedures.
Set up and maintain research technologies (MRI, eye-tracking, audio recording, experience sampling apps).
Assist with the screening, recruiting, and obtaining consent of study participants. Perform telephone or in-person interviews to gather data, as needed. Schedule and/or call subjects for appointments.
Prepare, distribute, administer and process questionnaires and other measures, securely save and manage participant data, and perform qualitative and quantitative review of forms, tests, and other measurements for completeness and accuracy.
Prepare data for input into statistical databases by typing, editing, coding and/or organizing data.
Recruit, train, and manage undergraduate research assistants.
Work with and visit our partner organizations around the Bay Area (including the East Bay and the South Bay).
Process study compensation payments and thank you letters to subjects upon completion of trial activities.
Manage lab email accounts, website updates, newsletters, or social media.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Two year college degree and one year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Organizational/Project Management Skills: Can juggle IRBs, scheduling, study logistics, and RA supervision without dropping details.
Research Skills: Experience with data collection (e.g., behavioral, MRI, eye-tracking, audio), data entry/management, and careful documentation.
Tech Learning Agility: Comfortable picking up new research technologies/software.
Interpersonal Skills: Warm, patient, and clear communicator when working with families, children, undergraduates, and community partners.
Leadership/Team Coordination: Prior experience training, mentoring, or managing people, even in informal settings.
Entrepreneurial & Systems-Building Mindset: Thrives in creating structure where none yet exists; comfortable designing workflows, processes, and lab infrastructure from the ground up.
Cultural/Community Awareness: Sensitivity to issues of societal inequity and a commitment to inclusive, respectful research with diverse families.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree (Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Education, Human Biology, or related fields).
Experience as a research assistant, ideally in developmental, cognitive, neuroscience, or education research labs.
Experience working with families and young children, in formal or informal settings.
This position is perfect for a highly organized, people-oriented, early-career researcher who enjoys both the science and the logistics of making research happen.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Frequently stand/walk/otherwise move (e.g., via wheelchair), sit, use a telephone, write by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
Sometimes twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, reach/work above shoulders, and operate foot and/or hand controls.
Sometimes travel around the Bay Area, either via driving or public transportation.
* - 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 exposed to blood borne pathogens.
May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.
PLEASE NOTE:
We are not able to provide sponsorship for this position.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The expected pay range for this position is $29.94 per hour - $33.00 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
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
WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU
Stanford’s dedicated 16,000+ staff, who come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global scale. We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you:
Freedom to grow. As one of the greatest intellectual hubs in the world, take advantage of development programs, tuition reimbursement plus $800 you receive annually towards skill-building classes, or audit a Stanford course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Create an avatar and participate in virtual reality adventures or join one with fellow staff on Stanford vacations!
Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computing, cell phones, outdoor recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.
We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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My Submissions Graduate School of Education, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Research
Post Date: Jun 13, 2025
I love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.
Nora Cata
School of Engineering
I get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I've been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.
Phillip Cheng
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Besides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.
Denisha Clark
School of Medicine
I like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.
Laura Lind
Office of the President and Provost
Join Stanford in shaping a better tomorrow for your community, humanity and the planet we call home.