Casual Research Assistant for Shen Neurolaw Lab

Apply for Job Job ID372256 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilySupplemental Employee Full/Part TimePart-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code0001 Employee ClassCivil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Casual Research Assistant for Shen Neurolaw Lab Duration: until 12/31/2026, with the possibility of extension Preferred Start: ___ (flexible) Salary range: $25/hour Commitment: This position will be part-time, no more than 14 hrs / week Location: The work for this position is hybrid. Primary Supervisor: Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD Opening: A Casual Research Assistant 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 re ise 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 Qualifications Required 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. About the Department Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $25.00 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. How To Apply 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

Created: 2026-02-16