New

Research Specialist Lead - Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

University of Missouri-Columbia
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, retirement plan
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Oct 31, 2026
Hiring Department RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEAD Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences College of Health Sciences University of Missouri - Columbia Job Description Caroline Larson's Language and Cognition (LLC) Lab in the College of Health Sciences Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Specialist Lead. This position will support the SHAPE project, part of the European Research Council Synergy Grant SHAPE, a large-scale international collaboration investigating how shape is encoded across different spoken and signed languages. At MU, SHAPE examines mechanisms of word learning in toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism and in late talking toddlers, to better understand how the shape of objects relates to early difficulties in language development. The Research Specialist Lead will conduct object representation and word learning experiments, informal measures of language and play, and standardized developmental assessments with toddlers and their families. The position also supports the day-to-day running of the lab, including participant recruitment and scheduling, IRB documentation, data management, and training undergraduate research assistants. The position works under the direction of the PI and the SHAPE project team. Depending on experience, there may be opportunities to collaborate on dissemination of research findings. Job Responsibilities (70%) Support and implement research Administer object representation and word learning experiments Conduct informal measures of language and play Administer standardized developmental assessments and write brief reports of the results Recruit participants, schedule testing sessions, and communicate with families Enter, organize, and manage participant and project data in REDCap and Excel Create and manage surveys and questionnaires through REDCap (30%) Lab management Maintain IRB regulatory compliance (prepare consent forms, attend to project amendments, document reportable events) Train and oversee undergraduate and/or graduate student hourly employees on data collection procedures Coordinate with the College of Health Sciences centralized Administrative Operations Office and Grants Office to manage lab finances, order materials, etc. Keep detailed records and track research-related supplies Maintain lab documentation and website content Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Shift 40 hours per week, including occasional evening and weekend availability when needed. Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or a related discipline (e.g., psychology, linguistics, child development, neuroscience) Certificate of clinical competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association" Experience working with young children, families, or individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions Familiarity with standardized developmental, language, or cognitive assessment Familiarity with data collection and management tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics, Excel) Strong organizational and communication skills, including comfort engaging with toddlers and their families Experience training or mentoring students or volunteers No prior experience with the study procedures is required; training is provided on the job. Anticipated Hiring Range This position is grant funded with 4 years guaranteed funding. Employment is contingent upon available grant funding. Anticipated Hiring Range: $53,976 - $76,024 Grade: 10 University Title: Research Specialist Lead Internal applicants can determine their current grade and university title by accessing the Job Information page through the Additional Employee Info tile in myHR. Application Materials Completed online application, cover letter, and resume are required. Applications must be submitted on-line through the University of Missouri website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (search for Job Opening 61585). Application Deadline Applications will be reviewed until well-qualified applicants are identified to advance to the interview process. Sponsorship Information Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Other Information At the Mizzou College of Health Sciences https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/about/, we work every day to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. As the home of the most popular major on campus, we teach Mizzou students who care about health and are dedicated to serving others. In addition to learning in the classroom, our students spend more than 80,150 hours helping patients every year. Our faculty are driven to solve real-world problems. They lead the way by conducting research that has power and purpose. From expanding the use of technology in health care to improving mental health and learning in schools, we are discovering ways to make life better for everyone. Through clinics and community outreach programs, we provide vital services to members of our community and training for our students. We are proud to serve Missourians today while preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Community Information Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be! Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement Equal Employment Opportunity* The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.