Casual Researcher for Shen Neurolaw Lab

Casual Researcher for Shen Neurolaw Lab (0005)

Duration: Until 12/31/2026, with the possibility of extension
Salary range: $20/hour
Commitment: This position will be part-time.
Location: The work for this position is hybrid.
Primary Supervisor: Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

Opening:

A casual research position is open within the Shen Neurolaw Lab, based at the University of Minnesota Law School. This position will support multiple projects within the Lab, including: core legal research projects related to law and neuroscience; the NIH funded project: Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for BRAIN Next-Generation Human Neuroimaging Research and Beyond (REACH for BRAIN); the Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience & Society; and the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at MGB (NJAM). Tasks will include attending meetings with Professor Shen; database management and curation; logistical support for research community events; and information synthesis to advance project aims.

Supervision:

This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.

Open communication, innovation, and collaboration are valued. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PI Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth. Other training includes: Participation in regular lab meetings, opportunities to present work at professional conferences, community outreach, and preparation and submission of manuscripts for publication.

The specific responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 60% Research Communication and Analysis
  • Synthesize and disseminate research findings by drafting accessible summaries, newsletters, and briefing memos; translate complex neuroscience and legal concepts for diverse audiences, including community partners, policymakers, and the general public.
  • Engage in database management and curation, with responsibility for building and maintaining a comprehensive database of community organizations, leaders, and key stakeholders. This involves gathering and verifying contact information, noting areas of interest, and ensuring all data is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Providing logistical support for outreach, including invitations, manage RSVP lists for events and meetings, and prepare logistical materials such as sign-in sheets and information packets.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the research at the intersection of neuroscience and society in collaboration with Dr. Shen.
  • Support neurolaw legal research led by Dr. Shen, including reviewing legal case materials, analyze statutes, and review manuscripts.
  • Work with internal and external colleagues on development of research manuscripts at the intersection of neuroscience, law, ethics, and society. Take the lead on drafting full manuscripts and contribute to other manuscripts by drafting sections and providing revisions. Submits manuscripts to peer reviewed journals and works toward publication with journal editors and reviewers.
  • Assist and lead in preparation of IRB protocols related to law and neuroscience, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, data records, and maintain project personnel IRB compliance documents
    
• 40% Administrative
  • Draft, edit, and process a wide variety of written materials related to grant-supported research activities, including reports, statements of work, and email correspondence
  • Assist in establishing timelines, evaluate and revise project plans, and advise on project issues
  • Own the process of preparation of presentations to disseminate the project's research in local, national, and international meetings
  • Support preparation of grant applications, budgets, and progress reports
  • Perform other duties based on project needs

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or a combination of education and work experience in relevant fields such as science communication, neurolaw, neuroethics, neuroscience, political science, community engagement, bioethics, law, and so forth.
• Candidates should have a background or potential for research including strong community engagement skills.
• Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A background in neurolaw, neuroethics, neuroscience or law is preferred but not a requirement.

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible for full consideration.

If you have questions about this position, please contact shenlab@umn.edu

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.

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