Cornell University, CHE-Psychology

Position ID:Cornell-HD-PDALIFEHIST [#22154, wdr-00032631]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate - Life History Lab
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map]
Subject Areas: Psychology
Neuroscience
Appl Deadline:none
Position Description:    

Postdoctoral Associate - Psychology Department
Cornell University

The Life History Lab is hiring a Postdoctoral Associate to work on the lab’s behavioral and MRI projects starting in summer/ fall 2022. This individual will also help with activities of the Community Neuroscience Initiative run from the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Science. Individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM are highly encouraged to apply.  This is a one year position with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

The Life History Lab is led by Dr. Marlen Z Gonzalez. Our research looks at how physical and social affordances during development and contemporaneously calibrate neural systems and behaviors especially as they relate to social and affective processes in adolescence and adulthood. These include looking at neighborhood affordances, use of space, nutrition behavior, social networks, relationships and relationship quality, among others. The lab collects behavioral, survey, psychophysiological, peripheral tissue, geographic information system, and MRI data. Newer projects will include data collection using MRI-safe gustometer to understand bioenergetic and gustatory processes related to social phenomena.  

The Community Neuroscience Initiative (CNI) is a program directed by Dr. Gonzalez which seeks to democratize neuroscience towards community empowerment. The initiative focuses on providing neuroeducation to educators and students, providing consultations for community-serving organizations, and promoting community using art and neuroscience. Our programming predominantly focuses on Syracuse NY and some traveling is possible. 

Postdoctoral Associate: The post-doctoral associate will predominantly work on data analysis and manuscript preparation for already collected multi-echo fMRI and behavioral data as well as help establish newer projects. They will also help in the training of RAs and graduate students in data collection and analysis and grant preparation as needed. There will be some opportunity to develop new projects based on data already collected or which will be in the process of data collection. New data collection may be possible given careful consideration and feasibility. The post-doctoral scholar must have a start-up mindset ready to tackle different technical challenges as they arise. This includes feeling comfortable troubleshooting MRI-safe data collection apparatuses (with some supervision) and setting up documentation for other trainees. CNI duties will be generally less common but include developing dissemination materials and engaging with community members on neuroscience topics relevant to the community. 

Required qualifications: 

  • PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or other related field
  • Strong quantitative analytical skills especially in structural equation and bayesian modeling or computational models
  • Structural and functional MRI data analysis 
  • Scripting in BASH, Python, and/ or Matlab
  • 2 year commitment pending good review after year 1

Preferred experience: 

  • Working with non-student/ community populations
  • Citizen science or community based participatory research experience
  • Experience with acquiring and analyzing ABCD data

To apply:

Please apply through Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22154) and submit:

  • Cover letter describing research experience, fit for the position, and future interests (2 pages max)
  • CV (including full publication list)
  • Statement of contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Provide names and email addresses of three references as part of the application process. 




As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing primary vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://psychology.cornell.edu
 
G201 MVR Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853