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Cornell University, Psychology Department

Position ID:
Cornell-Psychology Department-PDJACOBY [#28959, WDR-00049313]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate in Computational Collective Behavior
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Psychology / Cognitive
Social Sciences
Information Science
Cognitive Science
Appl Deadline:
2025/06/01 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2024/10/18, listed until 2025/06/01)
Position Description:
   

*** the listing date or deadline for this position has passed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate position in computational collective behavior. We are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar for an interdisciplinary NSF-funded research project. The goal of the research is to discover how collectives can be made more creative, intelligent and when they can select the rules governing their interactions. The focus of the position is on designing and running large-scale online behavioral experiments. The postdoctoral associate will work collaboratively with PIs and other postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis, Princeton, and CUNY. 

The postdoctoral associate will design and implement large-scale online, behavioral experiments using the PsyNet platform (www.psynet.dev) and the Unity engine to create interactive social environments for testing hypotheses about collective action.  The postdoctoral researcher will recruit and engage large samples of participants, often in the hundreds or thousands, to interact within these environments and with one another in artificial social networks. Some experiments will employ a human-in-the-loop approach (Harrison et al., 2020) to optimize environment parameters dynamically. The postdoctoral associate will utilize computational techniques, including modeling, simulations, and machine learning, to analyze the collected data. They will also be expected to synthesize findings into high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature, Nature Human Behaviour, Science Advances, and PNAS. 

We are seeking candidates with strong quantitative and computational training in behavioral, cognitive, or social science. Computer/information scientists with interest in human behavior are also welcome to apply. 

The successful applicant will have: 
  •  Excellent research track record. 
  •  Excellent programming skills
  •  Experience in computational methods and statistical analysis.
  •  A track record of both independent initiative and effective teamwork.
  •  Clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals. 
Additional qualities that will be valued if available, or on offer during training
  • Experience in the area of massive online behavioral experiments. 
  • Formal social/behavioral/cognitive modeling. 
  • Familiarity with relevant literatures: collective behavior, cultural evolution, computational social science, mathematical psychology, network science, collective intelligence, HCI, or the sciences of institutions, organizations, and governance. 
  • Experience in AI/ML. 
  • Experience in designing computer games. 
  • Taking risks in research.

The position will remain open until filled, starting likely in Fall 2025. We will begin reviewing applications after June 1. Potential applications should feel comfortable contacting Nori Jacoby at kj338@cornell.edu with questions about the call, including its current status. 

Please submit the following application materials to Academic Jobs Online:  https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28959.

a) CV with list of publications, b) cover letter with clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals, and c) two sample publications. We ask applicants for all positions to share their approach to fostering learning, research, service and outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.

Pay Range:  Salary will be at least $61,008.

We will also be recruiting an additional posdoctoral researcher at UC Davis. For more details, please see: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06705).



Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience.
  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
  • Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover Letter with clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals
  • CV with publications
  • Two sample publications
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
email address
 
G204 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
37 Forest Home Drive
Ithaca NY 14853