University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Application Process:

Click "Apply Now" and login or create an applicant profile. Complete the application and upload the following required documents:

1. A cover letter discussing your qualifications and interest in the position.
2. Your Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for 3-4 professional references.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Timothy Nelson at tnelson3@unl.edu.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant Professor (RAP) will oversee and coordinate all aspects of active data collection projects under the direction of Dr. Timothy Nelson in the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (DCN) Lab and the Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior (CB3). This will entail supervising a team of project staff and students to ensure high-quality data collection and management on NIH-funded projects, as well as monitoring project compliance protocols and completing required reporting (e.g., IRB, NIH annual reporting). The RAP will contribute to dissemination activities, including preparing manuscripts and presentations using data from the lab. The RAP will also contribute to the preparation of external grant applications with Dr. Nelson and lab collaborators. Finally, the RAP will also have the opportunity to leverage lab resources to develop their own research program that is synergistic with Dr. Nelson's.

About Us:

The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (DCN) Lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and students conducting research broadly focused on the interplay between development and health. The lab’s work integrates developmental, neuroscience, health, and systems perspectives to better understand key health behaviors (e.g., diet, sleep, physical activity, substance use) and outcomes (e.g., obesity, psychopathology) during critical periods of development, with a particular emphasis on the role of regulation processes. Current research in the lab is funded by NIH (R01DK125651, 2R01DK116693) and involves a variety of data collection modalities including fMRI, bioimpedance, actigraphy, multiple 24-hour dietary recall, questionnaires, and environmental geocoding. The DCN Lab is affiliated with the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, a hub for interdisciplinary neuroscience research, which features a new 3 Tesla Cima.X MRI scanner.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace—it’s the place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.  When you join our team as a full-time research faculty member, you’ll enjoy a generous fringe benefit package that includes: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education.
• Generous retirement plans with a university match.
• Information on normal fringe benefits available to faculty members can be found at https://hr.unl.edu/benefits.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in psychology, neuroscience, health, or related field
• Experience working on human subjects research projects
• Evidence of strong organization and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Interests, training, and experience in research with children, adolescents, and/or families
• Interests, training, and experience with health or neuroscience research
• Experience managing human subjects data collection, including supervising staff and/or students and completing compliance requirements
• Experience with grant writing
• Experience and skills in sophisticated data analysis and/or data management 

Additional Information:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.