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Post Doctoral Fellow
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Position Number: 3067829
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Science - Statistics

JOB TITLE
Post Doctoral Fellow

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Social Science & Policy Studies -NFR

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Social Neuroscience of Affective Processes (SNAP) Lab at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (PI: Richard Lopez, PhD) invites applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship position to begin in late Summer / early Fall 2022 (exact start date negotiable). Initial commitment is for 2 years, with a possible extension pending additional funding. Compensation is competitive and includes full benefits, and applications received by August 1, 2022 will receive equal consideration.

In the SNAP Lab, we utilize tools in modern neuroscience (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging; fMRI) and advanced longitudinal modeling of human behavior to better understand how human beings align their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with whatever goals they may be pursuing-with an eye toward improving health and wellbeing in various populations of interest. Current and forthcoming research projects in the lab tackle questions such as: how can we identify problematic aspects of social media use in young adults and break links between problematic use and poor mental health? How does real world exposure to appetitive cues (e.g., living near fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and bodegas) impact neural food cue reactivity and subsequent regulation of eating behaviors? And: which kinds of interventions can be developed to alter a person's sense of self-worth so it is less affected by the praise and esteem of others (especially in online/virtual contexts), and which brain regions and networks help support these changes?

JOB DESCRIPTION

The postdoc will have the opportunity to contribute to these projects, as well as develop their own independent lines of research. They will also be a member of the first cohort of SNAP Lab personnel, so they are not only expected to make significant scientific contributions, but also have a leadership role in helping shape the culture and values of the lab through mentorship of other trainees. Because WPI is passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community for all, we are looking for candidates who will support this commitment by being thoughtful, communicative, and collaborative team players.

Successful applicants must have earned a PhD in psychology or neuroscience by the start of their employment. Demonstrated aptitude and productivity in the fields of social, cognitive, or affective neuroscience (or related field) are expected. Significant experience with running human participants and employing multiple fMRI methodologies (univariate/GLM and multivariate analyses) is highly desirable, as well as programming proficiency in neuroimaging software (e.g., SPM, FSL, AFNI, etc.) as well as advanced modeling and plotting using statistical software (e.g., R, jamovi, etc.).

WPI is home to the newly established Practice Point healthcare development and testing hub which houses our state-of-the-art Neurotech suite. This collaborative space contains various imaging equipment including for fMRI, EEG, eye tracking, fNIRS, and VR. The suite facilitates effective collaboration to accelerate experimental design and data collection, analysis, and interpretation, enhancing our understanding of neural mechanisms, biomarkers, pathologies, and interventions.

Founded in 1865, WPI is one of the nation's first technological universities. A highly selective private university located within an hour of Boston, WPI is consistently ranked among the top 70 research institutions by US News & World Report. The university is home to an innovative and intensive project-based curriculum that empowers students with the knowledge and skills to address real-world problems around the globe. WPI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community for faculty, staff, and students, where all community members feel a connected sense of belonging.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials: a cover letter detailing previous training and accomplishments as well as current research interests and goals, current CV, and contact information for three references. Inquiries can be submitted to Professor Richard Lopez, incoming Assistant Professor in Neuroscience, Department of Social Science & Policy Studies email: wpi.snap.lab@gmail.com

WPI requires employees to be fully-vaccinated for COVID-19. For additional information on WPI's response to COVID-19, refer to https://www.wpi.edu/we-are-wpi

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Post-Doctoral-Fellow_R0001903

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.