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Research Associate-1

San Jose State University Research Foundation
retirement plan
United States, California, San Francisco
Feb 24, 2026

OUR STATEMENT
The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION

Do you want to help support NASA's missions, but don't want to go through astronaut training camp? Do you like making a difference in the world and want to help progress the vision of NASA?

The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service researchers from the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory within the Human Systems Integration Division at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a Research Associate to collaborate on research evaluating the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation and interventions that mitigate these effects.

Our work environment is very open, collaborative and welcoming; we are a diverse and tight-knit team that enjoys off-site team building events and activities. We believe that fostering a comfortable workplace for everyone is important! Our team values a healthy approach to our work, from providing adjustable desks to maintaining a balanced work-life schedule. You will contribute to our wide diversity of skills and incorporate new ideas into our environment. You will work with people across NASA, hear about upcoming missions and how we help support them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct literature reviews of relevant studies Search databases (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct) for relevant literature Read, analyze, extract, and organize information and data from research articles Organize and format citations/references Help coordinate scheduling and completion of tasks and deliverables Handle logistics for getting visitors access to NASA Ames Facilitate completion and tracking of document review paperwork Complete related organizational and administrative tasks Conduct experimental sessions with human participants Collect, process, and store biological, physiological, cognitive, and neurological samples (saliva, urine, temperature, performance testing, electroencephalogram) Analyze and summarize data using statistical and graphical methods Complete protocols for reviews by relevant Institutional Review Boards Engage in workspace maintenance activities, including ordering and organizing supplies, cleaning, and maintaining equipment Other duties as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Report to the Project Director. Interact with NASA Ames Civil Service and SJSU Research Foundation research staff daily.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None, though may be called upon for advice and direction by others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

  • MS/MA in Psychology or related discipline required.

  • Minimum 5 years of research experience with human participants, preferably in human factors, psychophysiological, or psychosocial studies required.

  • Experience conducting reviews of the scientific literature using a variety of scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar) required.

  • Experience writing detailed and accurate summaries of scientific articles required.

  • Experience coordinating work schedules and creating timelines for deliverables preferred.

  • Experience with various administrative tasks, including completing, routing, and tracking required forms/paperwork; investigating, learning, and following relevant policies as needed to complete assigned tasks preferred.

  • Experience working effectively in interdisciplinary research teams required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities required

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAS or other statistical software (e.g., R).

  • Strong knowledge of research design, methodology, and statistical analysis.

  • Ability to analyze experimental and correlational data using a variety of statistical procedures (e.g., ANOVA, factorial ANOVA, correlation/regression).

  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology and human physiology.

  • Knowledge of basic biology, chemistry, and physics as applied to the human body.

  • Experience collecting, processing, and storing biological samples (saliva, urine).

  • Certification in CPR, AED, first aid, and laboratory safety preferred.

  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to think critically.

  • Ability to work in teams effectively and efficiently.

  • Ability to speak and write effectively.

  • Ability to work effectively in a culturally and organizationally diverse research team.

  • Strong interpersonal skills required.

Complexity of Duties

  • Exercise independent judgment in the management and completion of a diverse set of concurrent tasks, including leading specific research and/or project management efforts.

Physical Demands

  • Working onsite at Ames is required 3-4 days per week. Telework from an approved location is permitted.

  • Physically capable of lifting up to 15 kg, sitting for long durations, and working overnight shifts.

  • Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of the more advanced clerical functions and communications.

  • Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees of the Research Foundation at all levels, San Jose State University faculty and staff, and/or vendors, with the ability to discuss and appropriately respond to inquiries and requests.

  • Work with time constraints and under pressure.

  • Periodic regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents and other related materials.

  • Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.

  • Ability to listen to verbal requests from customers, clients, and vendors, and to respond appropriately.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range:

$70,304 - $95,000 annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

  • Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

  • Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

  • 14 paid federal & state holidays.

  • Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

  • Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

  • Employee discounts.

  • Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation's continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.

If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.

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