Cornell University, Psychology
Position Description
Postdoctoral Associate,
Psychology
Cornell University
Cornell Human Ecology
and The College of Arts and Sciences
The Cross-College Department of Psychology spans the College of Arts and Sciences and Cornell Human Ecology and is recognized for excellence in advancing knowledge of psychological science. The department comprises 43 full-time faculty whose research spans the study of behavior and its cognitive, hormonal, neural, and social underpinnings across diverse environmental contexts. Our faculty conduct theoretical and empirical work in developmental, cognitive, neuroscience, and social and personality psychology. Our department is internationally recognized for its ecological perspective and embraces interdisciplinary and translational research.
The Department of Psychology at Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in social psychology to begin on August 1, 2026 (though the start date is flexible). The one-year term position has the possibility of renewal for up to three years.
The successful candidate will work closely with a primary faculty mentor (Dr. Jessica Salerno) to conduct and publish research on moral and legal decision-making at the individual and group level. Primary tasks will include analyzing and publishing data from several federally funded projects that have been recently completed. The Postdoctoral Associate will have the opportunity to lead efforts to analyze several large, rich corpuses collected/built via these grants (e.g., videos of hundreds of large groups trying to reach consensus, real-world court data on racial composition of juries and videos of jury selection, databases of real 911 calls, psychophysiological data during large-group decision making) on topics that could include (but are not limited to) intergroup biases and dynamics, social influence, group decision-making, emotion, moral psychology, or legal judgment. There will also be opportunities and resources for conducting original independent research (in collaboration with Dr. Salerno). The Postdoctoral Associate will be a member of the Department of Psychology, will receive professional mentorship from department faculty, and will be invited to participate in all department activities and events. This position is fully onsite in Ithaca, New York. No teaching is required.
Applicants must have a Ph.D.
in Psychology or in a closely related field (e.g., Organizational Behavior,
Criminology) by the start date of employment.
Some interest in testing and applying psychological theory in legal
contexts is important, but prior experience doing so is not required. Additional beneficial but optional experience
and skills include multi-level modeling, LLM and/or NLP, behavioral coding, and/or
psychophysiological monitoring.
For consideration,
please click the link below to apply and submit all required application
materials (see list below):
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31185
Review of applicants will begin as soon as December 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance
are provided for this position.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in U.S.
without sponsorship. Employment will end upon the expiration of work
authorization in the U.S. Continued employment in this position is subject to
eligibility to work in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.
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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@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:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter that includes a brief statement of research interests and mentoring interests;
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info: