Computational Research Specialist
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How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. The application is open immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.
Who We Are
Dr. Shinobu Kitayama and theCulture and Cognition Lab (https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/kitayama/) in the Department of Psychology are seeking to hire a full-time Research Technician Intermediate (Computational Research Specialist).
The lab is currently expanding into computational cultural psychology, integrating cultural psychology with machine learning, large language models, network science, and agent-based modeling. The goal is to develop computational models that explain how cultural systems emerge, evolve, and shape cognition, motivation, and social behavior. Current projects examine cultural variation across global populations, the dynamics of cultural transmission, and the role of culture in health and well-being.
Job Summary
The person hired is expected to carry out two primary responsibilities. First, the person will contribute to computational research by developing and implementing computational models of cultural processes, including cultural transmission, social influence, network dynamics, and collective behavior, using approaches such as machine learning, large language models, network analysis, and agent-based modeling. Second, the person is also responsible for working with other lab members to organize activities of the culture and cognition lab. This current position is dedicated to an NSF-funded project on Sub-Saharan Africa, involving extensive analysis of data collected in multiple cultures, including countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and North America.
The position provides an opportunity to work closely with faculty collaborators in psychology, engineering, computer science, and related fields at the University of Michigan while helping establish a new research program in computational cultural psychology. The position is particularly well suited for individuals considering future doctoral training in computational social science, computational psychology, cognitive science, or related fields. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations arising from the research.
Responsibilities*
The main duties of this position will include the following:
Developing computational models and theory-driven simulations
Design, implement, and validate computational models of cultural transmission, social influence, and collective behavior using agent-based modeling and network-based simulation frameworks.
Develop machine learning and large language model (LLM)-based approaches to model cultural variation and predict psychological and behavioral outcomes from large-scale datasets.
Evaluate model performance through simulation experiments, parameter estimation, cross-validation, and sensitivity analyses while ensuring theoretical consistency with contemporary cultural psychological research.
Conducting computational analyses
Build and maintain reproducible computational pipelines for integrating and analyzing large, multi-national datasets.
Perform advanced statistical, network, and machine learning analyses using Python scientific computing libraries (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch, or related tools).
Develop custom scripts and visualization tools for processing, analyzing, and interpreting complex behavioral, demographic, and text-based data.
Collaborate with faculty and graduate researchers to translate theoretical questions into computational analyses suitable for publication.
Supporting laboratory research and operations
Coordinate data management, quality control, documentation, and version control for computational research projects involving multiple international collaborators.
Assist with data collection, harmonization, and preprocessing across diverse cultural datasets.
Train and assist laboratory members in computational methods, software workflows, and reproducible research practices.
Participate in laboratory meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and help coordinate collaborative research activities.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree (Science, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related fields)
Strong programming experience in Python and/or MATLAB
Strong quantitative, computational, and detail-oriented problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated appreciation for cultural diversity
Desired Qualifications*
1 - 2 years experience preferred.
Experience with agent-based modeling (e.g., Mesa, NetLogo, Repast, AnyLogic, or related frameworks)
Experience with large language models, natural language processing, or text analysis
Experience working with APIs, large datasets, and computational pipelines
Experience with Python scientific computing (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
Experience with network analysis, graph methods, simulation, and computational social science
Interested in social, cultural, or behavioral science applications
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
In addition, LSA offers:
Strong commitment to work/life balance
Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Additional Information
The salary range is $39,500 to $49,400. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
The starting date is August 2026, or as soon as the position is filled during the summer 2026.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal.
This position would give a great opportunity for someone planning a Ph.D. program in computational social science-an emerging area combining computational analysis with traditional social science research domains including cultural and social psychology.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visitlsa.umich.edu/strategicvision (https://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/about/vision-mission-values.html) .
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The application portal will be open immediately (May 2026) and will remain open until the position is filled. Qualified candidates will be invited for interviews by research team members including the PI.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
280154
Working Title
Computational Research Specialist
Job Title
Research Technician Senior
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
7/15/2026 - 7/29/2026
Salary
$39,500.00 - $49,400.00
Career Interest
Research
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