News

2/13: Post-doc positions

Susan Levine is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work at the University of Chicago Department of Psychology. The position involves work that sits at the interface of developmental and educational science. Specifically, it involves research on early math learning and the development of evidence-based math resources to enhance math learning home, childcare, and school settings with a focus on children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The postdoctoral researcher will work directly with the PI (Susan Levine) and collaborate with other postdocs, students, and faculty at the University of Chicago and other institutions through the DREME network (https://dreme.stanford.edu).

The postdoctoral researcher will participate in all aspects of research management, development, and implementation. They will supervise several full-time employees as well as part-time student employees working on a number of separate projects. They will also serve as the main liaison with parents, caregivers, and preschool teachers, working to develop home-based and school-based mathematics activities.

A doctoral degree is required in psychology, cognitive science, educational psychology or a related field with research interests in child development, preferably mathematical development. Experience supervising and coordinating the work of others and strong project management skills are preferred. Must be able to represent the project to diverse audiences.

Start date is flexible; preferred date is as early as May 1. Interested candidates should send a CV, a research statement, preprints/reprints of papers (1 – 2), and two letters of recommendation to:

Susan Levine, Ph.D.

Department of Psychology

University of Chicago

5848 S. University Ave.

Chicago, IL 60637 s-levine@uchicago.edu

All application materials should be submitted via email. Please ask recommenders to submit letters directly to Susan Levine.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer. Individuals requiring accommodation call 773-834-7573.

2/1: Post-doc opportunities

The TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health (TMW Center) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Chicago that develops and scales evidence-based interventions designed to support parents and caregivers in their efforts to optimize the foundational brain development of children, birth to three years, through talk and interaction. TMW curricula integrate neuroscience, early childhood development research, adult learning strategies and stakeholder feedback on a multimedia platform. Our approach harnesses technology, works across systems, and informs how to bring best practices and interventions that work to scale.


Job Summary

The Managing Director of Research & Innovation will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and oversee strategic development of TMW Center’s suite of tools, technologies, and programs aligned with the TMW Center mission and vision.

 

Please visit https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Hyde-Park-Campus/Director-of-Research—Innovation_JR10075 to apply.

CogSci Colloquium: Joseph Henrich & Barbara Rogoff on 2/26

WEIRD problems and potential solutions 

 

Since its inception, psychology’s Western-centric bias has been an impediment to a deeper understanding of human cognition. Our speakers argue that it is time for a radical transformation of social scientific research, and our understanding of human nature as a whole. 

 

The Cognitive Science Colloquium Series is proud to jointly present Joseph Henrich and Barbara Rogoff 

 

Friday, February 26th, from 2pm – 4:30pm, virtually via Zoom  

 

https://zoom.us/j/4361587368?pwd=NGova2g2RGlKUC9iRXRLQkxoOW1Mdz09 

Meeting ID: 436 158 7368 

Passcode: CogSci 

2.00 pm 

W.E.I.R.D. Minds 

Joseph Henrich, Professor and Chair of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard 

 

Over the last few decades, a growing body of research has revealed not only substantial global variation along several important psychological dimensions, but also that people from societies that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) are particularly unusual, often anchoring the ends of global psychological distributions. To explain these patterns, I’ll first show how the most fundamental of human institutions—those governing marriage and the family—influence our motivations, perceptions, intuitions and emotions. Then, to explain the peculiar trajectory of European societies over the last two millennia, I lay out how one particular branch of Christianity systematically dismantled the intensive kin-based institutions in much of Latin Christendom, thereby altering people’s psychology and opening the door to the proliferation of new institutional forms, including voluntary associations (charter towns, universities and guilds), impersonal markets, individualistic religions and representative governments. In light of these findings, I close by arguing that the anthropological, psychological and economic sciences should transform into a unified evolutionary approach that considers not only how human nature influences our behavior and societies but also how the resulting institutions, technologies and languages subsequently shape our minds.  

 

3.15 pm 

What is learning? Cultural perspectives 

Barbara Rogoff, UCSC Foundation Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California in Santa Cruz 

 

Many people who have spent decades in Western schools take for granted a particular way of thinking of learning — as either receiving transmitted bits of information or acquiring it from an external world. In this presentation, I will argue for a paradigm shift, to seeing learning as a process of growth, as people transform their ways of participating in ongoing endeavors to become more competent and helpful contributors to the collective good of all, across time. My perspective is inspired and informed by research observations of a prevalent way of learning in many Indigenous-heritage communities of the Americas — Learning by Observing and Pitching In to family and community endeavors (LOPI). I will discuss some implications of these ways of conceiving of learning, based in studies of how Indigenous American communities often organize children’s learning, with associated distinctions in children’s helpfulness, ways of collaborating, and ways of learning. 

Both speakers will join us in a GatherTown social following the event. Spots are limited to 10 graduate students and 10 faculty on a first come, first serve basis. Please email Dimitris Xygalatas, xygalatas@uconn.edu, if you are interested. 

If you’d like to meet individually with Dr. Henrich during the day on 2/26, please email Dimitris Xygalatas, xygalatas@uconn.edu. If you’d like to meet with Dr. Rogoff, please email Letty Naigles, letitia.naigles@uconn.edu

Responses for both GatherTown and one-on-ones are needed by Friday, 2/19

Post-doctoral opportunity

The Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT) seeks a highly qualified post-doctoral
associate to participate in cutting-edge clinical research on autism spectrum disorder at the Yale Child
Study Center. The ABC-CT is a network of leading scientists at five sites (Boston Children’s
Hospital/Harvard University, University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Duke
University, University of California – Los Angeles, and Yale University). The goal of this consortium is
to generate a set of reliable behavioral and psychophysiological tools for use in clinical trials with
children with ASD. Specifically, we will be working to integrate diagnostic, behavioral, EEG, and eye
tracking methods to create biomarkers that can be used to reduce the heterogeneity of autism and
indicate efficacy of treatments.

The ABC-CT at Yale is hiring a post-doctoral associate for clinical training in the context of this multi-
site, longitudinal research project examining biomarkers in autism. Responsibilities will include

conducting diagnostic and clinical assessments of children with ASD, providing oral and written
clinical feedback to families, and providing clinical oversight for families’ participation in the ABC-CT,
as well as other research studies within the Yale Autism Program. Applicants should have experience
in the clinical and diagnostic assessment of children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
As part of the broader study, the post-doctoral associate will be part of an interdisciplinary research

team conducting a wide range of longitudinal assessments, including diagnostic, observational, eye-
tracking, and EEG measures. As part of the appointment, there will be opportunities for supervising

post-graduate associates with clinical training, as well as potential for participation in research
dissemination through publication or conference presentations. The appointment will be for one
year, with the potential for renewal.
Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its
students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities,
protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.
Eligibility Requirements
(1) Excellent interpersonal and clinical skills; (2) Doctoral degree in clinical, developmental, or school
psychology, with emphasis in developmental disabilities; (3) Clinical assessment experience with
children with autism, including cognitive and diagnostic assessment; (4) Preferable research reliability
in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised
(ADI-R).
Application Information
A complete application includes the following items (please include your full name on every page of
your application):
1. Letter of interest
2. Resume or CV

3. Names and contact information for three references
4. Written work sample (de-identified) of an ASD assessment
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please submit applications via email to mcp.lab@yale.edu.

Submit your application with the subject line: LAST NAME_Position Title (e.g., SMITH_Clinical Post-
Doc). For additional questions, interested applicants should contact mcp.lab@yale.edu or call (203)

737-4586.
Direct applications to:
James McPartland, Ph.D.
Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology
Director, Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic
Principal Investigator, Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials
http://www.asdbiomarkers.org
http://www.autism.fm
http://www.mcp-lab.org

3-year Postdoc positions – Speech and Language Disorders

Dear colleagues,

The Research Group on Cognition and Language (GRECIL) at the Open University of Catalonia in Barcelona (Spain) invites researchers working in any field of speech and language disorders, with special interest in advances on technological applications for these populations, to apply to one of the following call for post-doctoral grants that is now open:

  • Beatriu de Pinós post-doctoral grants (3 years, funded by the regional government; at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience outside Spain)

  • UOC post-doctoral  grants (3 years, funded by the Open University of Catalonia)

Applicants must hold a PhD. Knowledge of Catalan or Spanish is not required. Applicants need the approval of the host research group prior to the submission of their proposal at the call. Both grants are highly competitive and they are more suitable for candidates that are applying for their second postdoc. More information can be found here: 

  • Beatriu de Pinós post-doctoral grants (call for applications coming soon): Candidates of any nationality who have obtained a doctorate qualification between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017 (understood as the date of obtaining the doctorate as the date of the reading and approval of the thesis).

  • UOC post-doctoral  grants (deadline for applications, March 1st): Candidates of any nationality who have obtained a doctorate qualification after 1 January 2014

Located at the Open University of Catalonia in Barcelona (Spain), the Research Group on Cognition and Language (GRECIL) is part of the Department of Psychology and Education Sciences. Our group studies any aspect of human language and cognition, with a specific interest in speech, language, and cognitive impairments (more info on the group here). Our lines of research include:

  • Creation, implementation and evaluation of digital solutions to improve the detection, diagnosis and intervention of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

  • Acquisition of phonetic and phonological abilities in typical populations and populations with special educational needs (e.g., children exposed to non-native languages and children with NDDs)

  • Interaction between phonology, gesture, and pragmatics in language acquisition

  • Early intervention and evidence-based practice of language and communication disorders in childhood.

  • Gender differences in neurodevelopmental disorders

Applicants are invited to contact the research group by February 15, sending a CV and a statement of research interests to labgrecil@gmail.com with the subject “POSTDOC”,.

Decisions on whether support is granted will be taken by February 22.

postdoc position open at Vanderbilt

The Stress and Early Adversity Laboratory (PI: Kathryn ([Kate] Humphreys) at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a postdoctoral position. The position has a flexible start date and could begin immediately (ideal start summer 2021). This position is for 2-4 years.

There are several ongoing projects examining the transition to parenthood, infant brain development, early environment/caregiving, and emerging psychopathology (read more at VUsealab.com/projects). The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the dissemination of science and participating in intellectual discussions in and outside the lab. Postdoctoral fellows play a vital role in the lab, working closely with the PI to steer scientific direction, assist in grant writing, as well as planning/managing projects, and mentoring graduate students, staff, and undergraduate research assistants.

Applicants with a PhD in psychology, human development, or neuroscience are likely to be the best fits for our research program. Ideal candidates should possess a background in advanced statistics, strong experimental and scientific writing skills, ability to work independently and in a team environment, interest/strengths in leadership, and be self-motivated. Experience working with children in a research setting is also desired. Additional strengths include competence in MRI data acquisition/analysis and/or clinical interviewing and assessment training. 

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/postdoc/position-detail/?id=525

If you are interested in the position, please email Kate (k.humphreys@vanderbilt.edu) a CV, a brief statement of research interests (1 page), and the contact information for 2 references.

 

postdoc position in L2 learning is available for two years

A postdoc position in L2 learning is available for two years:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/postspec/20102303.pdf
 
The candidate’s experience in L2 studies is more important than experiences in neuroimaging or VR. The successful candidate will join the PI’s team (https://blclab.org/) in a vibrant university community (https://www.polyu.edu.hk/) and a dynamic international city.
 
For inquiries please email pingpsu@gmail.com or pauline.tai@polyu.edu.hk; for non-Chinese speaking candidates, consult with other non-Chinese members in the lab (https://blclab.org/ourlab/).
 
Kind regards,
Ping
 

Job announcement: 1 position for 1 year to work on the Multimind project

Job announcement: 1 position for 1 year to work on the Multimind project
(https://www.multilingualmind.eu/) is advertised at the following link:
 
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/599639
 
The project will be carried out at the University of Milano Bicocca
 
Application deadline is 20 February 2021
 
For more information please contact mariateresa.guasti@unimib.it

Post-doctoral position / tenure-track potential / neuroimaging

postdoc in developmental cognitive neuroscience

Dr. Lauren Emberson is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join her lab at Princeton University and University of British Columbia. Start time flexible but ideally as soon as possible.

Position Summary

This Gates foundation grant-funded position will focus on the analysis of existing developmental neuroimaging datasets (fNIRS/fMRI) to predict developmental outcomes. The focus of this project is on dynamic changes during experience (i.e., learning), the emergence of large-scale neural networks (i.e., functional connectivity) and distributed representational patterns across the cortex (i.e., decoding or use of machine learning methods) in these fNIRS datasets.

Preferred Qualifications

Researchers with interests in early neural and cognitive development with prior experience with developmental neuroimaging (fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, other) are encouraged to apply.  Ideally, candidates will have knowledge of relevant statistical software & programming tools (e.g. MATLAB, R).

Essential Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. and show evidence of publication-quality dissertation research. Candidates must have research experience with developmental populations and/or neuroimaging (with adults OR developmental populations, any modality).

Please submit a CV, a cover letter describing academic and research goals, as well as relevant research experience directly to Dr. Emberson. In addition, include 2 papers or posters of your research.  Applicants are required to include contact information for at least 2 references but letters are not required at this time.  References will be contacted for a short-list of candidates only.  Contact Dr. Lauren Emberson (lauren.emberson@gmail.com) for additional questions.