Open Postdoctoral Positions in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience (Pittsburgh or London)
We are seeking a creative, energetic postdoctoral
auditory cognitive (neuro)scientist to join our research team
We have several opportunities for postdoctoral research among a vibrant, international mentoring team that weds the joint expertise of Lori Holt and Barbara Shinn-Cunningham (Carnegie Mellon University), Taylor Abel (University of Pittsburgh) and Frederic Dick and Adam Tierney (UCL and Birkbeck College, University of London).
Our ongoing research projects span MRI/fMRI, scalp electrophysiology, intracerebral cortical recordings in human neurosurgical contexts and behavioral learning paradigms including incidental training embedded in videogames. We welcome applications from energetic early career researchers with an ambition to think hard about how auditory perception intersects with attention, learning and memory across environmental sounds, speech, and voice. Among our funded projects from NIH, NSF, and ESRC, we have ongoing work investigating the impact of learning on selective attention to acoustic dimensions, the role of statistical learning in voice and speech perception and production, general learning mechanisms in dyslexia, learning across continuous second language speech input, and the cortical representation of speech and auditory categories.
The position also will involve many opportunities for professional development and cross-lab international training. Based in London or Pittsburgh (with many opportunities for research stays in both locations) candidates will join some of the most vibrant and interactive auditory and language research communities in the world. In Pittsburgh, there is a growing and highly interactive Pittsburgh Cognitive Auditory Neuroscience (PCAN) collective committed to understanding the behavioral, psychological and biological bases of human audition. The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is also a major hub of interdisciplinary neuroscience research that joins Carnegie Mellon and the immediately adjacent University of Pittsburgh. In London, there is a flourishing auditory cognitive neuroscience community at Birkbeck and UCL, with a wide range of weekly talks, seminars, and a highly collaborative atmosphere. There are also dynamic links with researchers across London universities, and in nearby Oxford and Cambridge. The psychology and neurosciences community in London is one of the world's largest; it is also a major international center for MRI, EEG, and MEG methods development.
Together, these institutions boast research strengths in human, nonhuman animal, and clinical approaches to understanding auditory behavior. The successful candidate will be welcomed into a thriving, interdisciplinary intellectual community. Researchers in this highly supportive environment seek to span disciplines and employ multiple methodologies in their research. Facilities in both locations include state-of-the-art MRI facilities, EEG, NIRS, and MEG systems, and large-scale, high-performance computing clusters situated in a highly collaborative environment.
Pittsburgh, home to Carnegie Mellon University, is consistently rated among the most livable cities in America. With low cost-of-living, a thriving restaurant scene, a wealth of outdoor activities, and an accessible cultural district, there are ample opportunities to cultivate good work-life balance while advancing your scientific goals. The Bloomsbury campus of Birkbeck and UCL in central London has long been a hub of European intellectual life, and is within a few minutes' walking distance to cultural centers and landmarks in London's West End, Soho, Southbank, and many other areas.
We believe that equity and diversity make for better science.
We especially encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Qualifications:
• A passion for thinking big about the auditory system
• A fundamental curiosity about how the brain coordinates auditory behavior, and a willingness to engage in collaborative research in a workplace that values intellectual playfulness
• A PhD in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, or related
• Broad experience with neuroscience or cognitive science literature; previous expertise with auditory cognitive neuroscience research is advantageous
• A computational mindset is highly desirable. Statistical and programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, R); One or more years of experience with coding, data analysis, or computational modeling
• Enjoyment of working with and teaching others; willingness to play a role in mentoring more junior researchers in the group
• Fluency in speaking and writing in English
• Demonstrated ability to write results for publication in the scientific literature
• Flexibility, ability to learn quickly
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a scientific team
In the US, compensation will be aligned to the National Institutes of Health salary pay scale, according to experience. In the UK, salaries will be set by the UKRI pay scale. Initial appointments will be for one year, with further funding possible for additional years upon satisfactory performance.
Please apply with a cover letter expressing your research expertise, qualifications, interests, long-term research/career goals and short-term goals for the postdoctoral period. Please also include a CV and the names of at least two references in an email to Christi Gomez (
cladams@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx). You may direct questions and/or applications to Lori Holt (
loriholt@xxxxxxx) and Fred Dick (
f.dick@xxxxxxxxx). The positions are open immediately and candidates will be sought until the positions are filled.
Institutions do not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.