Senior Psychometrist

Position Overview
This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors of the CNS Lab, Casey Burrows is the Lab Director of Clinical Training, and Shanna Mliner is the Program Director. Amy Esler, PhD, LP serves as the Clinical Core lead for this work. We are seeking a Psychometrist to join our expanding clinical research team specializing in the characterization of neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Responsibilities for this psychometrist role include assessment administration, supporting senior staff during testing, research study coordination, training and supervision, and general laboratory support.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work will primarily be conducted in person, engaging directly with families and participants. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in developmental and behavioral assessment and intervention within a collaborative research environment. This Psychometrist position will work with a team including psychologists, child-family life specialists, BCBA interventionists, behavior technicians, and trainees. Child participants also may have psychiatrists and other medical providers within the MIDB who will consult with the study team.

Applications must be submitted online; please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. Ideal start date is June 1, 2026. This position will report directly to Dr. Amy Esler.

Job Responsibilities

Assessment Administration (70%)
Lead reliable administration of participant assessments (e.g., semi-structured parent interviews, developmental testing with children, Mullen, etc.) with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs, as well as typically developing children
Provide and review other team members' written summaries of testing results as appropriate
Manage participant engagement supports during testing through positive behavior strategies and advanced interpersonal, analytical, technical, and child interaction skills
Train and lead team members to ensure adherence to standardized administration, scoring, and data management procedures
Complete CMRR safety training to be able to support participants through MRI scans
Provide positive behavior supports to facilitate successful collection of MRI data and clinical assessment data (may require occasional night or weekend sessions)
Develop protocols to ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity, including completing Human Subjects ethics and clinical trainings

Research Study Coordination (15%)
Manage compliance and adherence to the established research assessment protocols and study procedures
Direct project coordinators on the logistics of scheduling assessment research appointments with participants, preparing testing materials, and organization of assessment data
Lead team members with advanced expertise on the day-to-day research operations related to clinical assessments

Training and Supervision (10%)
Work closely with other clinical core team members to maintain assessment fidelity and reliability
Train research staff and trainees to reliability on standardized assessment measures
Manage regular performance reviews and professional development opportunities for project staff and trainees

Laboratory Support (5%)
Lead and attend project meetings
Advise and consult on complex problems, to support the broader lab and assessment team as needed
Collaborate regularly with study PIs, Program Director, and Clinical Lead
Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development
Option to lead and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications)

Required
BA/BS degree in Special Education, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, Speech Language, Social Work, or a related field plus at least six years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.
Demonstrable experience administering assessments and expertise working with young children and their families
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing neurodiversity
Proficiency with computer software on PC or Mac (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Suite)
Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State of Minnesota

Preferred
4+ years of relevant experience administering standardized assessments in research, clinical, or educational settings
Advanced degree in Education, Psychology, Human Development, or a related field
Experience working with children with autism and related conditions with high support needs (i.e., having intellectual disability and/or being non-speaking)
Effective ability to work well both independently and within a team structure and demonstrable effective verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills
Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants
Interest in gaining additional training in developmental assessment and behavioral measurement
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate family schedules
Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, Ripple Science, MEFS, SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools)
Fluency in multiple languages

Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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

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.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.