Motivated Cognition and Aging Brain Lab / Dr. Greg Samanez-Larkin 

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience 

In the MCAB Lab, the long-term goal of our research is to improve health and well being in daily life, especially in older age. We aim to identify psychological and neurobiological strengths at all stages of adulthood that can be used to enhance everyday decision making. Our research is at the intersection of several subfields within psychology, neuroscience, and economics including human development, affective science, health psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral economics, and experimental finance. We use a combination of behavioral and neuroimaging techniques ranging from detailed measurement of functional brain activity (fMRI) and neuroreceptors (PET) in the laboratory to experience sampling in everyday life. 

We are seeking an Associate in Research to manage research related to motivation, memory, decision making, and aging. The Associate in Research position is available on an NIH-funded project on the psychological and neural mechanisms of motivation, memory, and decision making across adulthood. The project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Gregory Samanez-Larkin and Roberto Cabeza, both at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience of Duke University. fMRI scanning facilities (www.biac.duke.edu) are located within a short walk of the lab space. 

In the projects, neuropsychological, cognitive, structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI (fMRI) measures will be collected from a large sample of young, middle-age, and older adults from the local community. The projects both focus in part on recruitment of Black and Hispanic members of the local community for participation in research, so past experience with and a desire to engage with these communities is essential. 

The Associate in Research position involves supervising the recruitment and neuropsychological testing of these participants, MRI scanning and analysis, and the supervision and training of undergraduate students. The position includes opportunities for research and co-authorship of abstracts and papers. The position also includes participation in many intellectual activities (talks, seminars, courses, etc.) and eligibility for a post-baccalaureate fellowship in functional neuroimaging (www.biac.duke.edu/fellowship) 

Desired Qualifications: B.A. or equivalent with a background in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or a related field. All candidates should have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, good computer skills, and research experience. The ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and attention to detail are essential. Experience in computer programming and familiarity with statistics are desirable but not required. 

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online and include their CV, a cover letter and contact information for at least 2 references. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you are not able to upload your application materials or if letter writers would prefer to upload their letters directly, please complete your application and email those materials to Meghann Koffi at meghann.koffi@duke.edu to be uploaded manually.