Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Susanne Jaeggi and Aaron Seitz are seeking to hire interdisciplinary post-doctoral researchers to join the SoundMind Collaboratory and Brain Game Center for Mental Fitness and Well-being at Northeastern University. Together Seitz and Jaeggi have a broad research program that takes a lifespan approach using a variety of cognitive and cognitive neuroscience approaches (e.g. behavioral, psychophysical, neuropsychological, physiological, imaging, pharmacological, genetic, and computational methods) to understand and address the needs of cognitively diverse populations, ranging from individuals with cognitive deficits (due to disease, injury, or development) to neurotypical individuals across the lifespan (e.g. children, young adults, older adults), to specialists (e.g., radiologists, athletes). Our research uses a mixture of in-lab and ambulatory tools (e.g., apps that run on mobile phones and tablets) to reach larger and traditionally underserved/understudied populations. We aim to understand cognitive diversity (broadly defined), to create tools to measure function and to implement training based upon individualized needs, and to share these tools with various stakeholders, including educational and research communities. As part of the larger Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, we interact and collaborate closely with other researchers who use a broad set of interventionist approaches to benefit cognitive and brain health and promote well-being across the lifespan. With a mixture of federally funded projects and internal seed funds, we can provide unique opportunities to engage in a variety of currently funded projects as well as to promote ideas for new projects that can advance the broad aims of our research group. 

We are particularly targeting candidates whose interests and expertise intersect with the following project areas:

Topic 1 - Perceptual Learning-based interventions focused on improving hearing and vision with a target of addressing perceptual and cognitive declines associated with aging.

Topic 2 - Lifestyle interventions (including, but not limited to art-based interventions, mindfulness-meditation, motivational interviewing, meta-cognitive coaching, and multi-modal interventions).

The applicants should have the relevant methodological expertise to investigate individual differences (that might predict learning and outcomes), underlying cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms, and intervention outcomes using tools including, but not limited to brain imaging (broadly defined), electrophysiology, genotyping, brain stimulation (tES, TMS), computational modeling and/or machine learning.

For all our projects, we seek post-doctoral researchers who aim to take leading roles in projects, including setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, training, and supervising graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, dissemination of results at conferences and in research publications, as well as grant writing. Successful candidates should have strong technical skills, including experiment design and data analysis, along with excellent management and communication skills, creativity, and a high level of conscientiousness, as these are required to play a lead role in our many sizeable projects. Researchers must possess a doctoral degree in Psychology, Education, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, or a related field. We especially encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods. Assists the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants.  Maintains the laboratory and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff.  Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete.  The appointment generally does not extend beyond two years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments (40%)

• Prepare and write research papers and presentations (25%)

• Perform various laboratory management duties (10%)

• Train students and other personnel (10%)

• Participate in professional development activities such as grant writing, teaching, design, and user experience training (15%)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar. 

Candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, relevant publications, and the names of three references with email addresses and phone numbers. We will fill positions on a rolling basis with the aim to have candidates start in 2024 or early 2025. Review of materials will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.  Salary is based on research experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of extension. 

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.