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 Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. 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: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $59,423.00 - $83,934.50 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. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The systemwhich includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwideserves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The universitys residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeasterns personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectorsaligned around solving todays highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.