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Wisdom in the News

We are hiring! Postdoctoral Researcher – Psychology

APEX lab

The Attention, Perception, and EXperience (APEX lab) as part of the Center for Practical Wisdom in the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago seeks applicants for a post-doctoral position to support psychological research in the area of language impact.  This research is part of an on-going project funded by the Lily Endowment and in partnership with the Catholic Theological Union. This project aims to develop the scientific understanding of how experience with language can direct and shape our connections to others and institutions and how we perceive, understand and care about the world. Language is the cultural tool that is the foundation for much of our social interactions, so it is one main area of focus. This position has specific studies conducted in English and Spanish. We also study the processes by which we make decisions and develop social connections, and how beliefs and experience affect these. Thus, we study a wide range of psychological activities, from communication to practical decision-making in social context. (see apexlab.uchicago.edu)

Candidates are expected to have their PhD in hand by the appointment start date and have demonstrated a strong early record of conducting rigorous quantitative research, basic or applied, that has potential relevance for scientific psychology. Candidates are expected to have published psychological research, have experience with statistical analysis and modeling, and some familiarity with some form of physiological measurement such as EEG, fMRI, or peripheral physiology.  Experience in computational analysis and modeling as well as fluency in English and Spanish is desirable.

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a CV, a writing sample consisting of a publication or manuscript, and have two letters of recommendation. The cover letter should discuss which faculty member(s) the applicant is interested in working with. Materials should be sent to the following email address: apexlabapps@uchicago.edu 

Review of applications will begin on January 1th, 2025 and continue until the positions are filled or the search has closed.

The initial postdoctoral researcher appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year conditional on evaluation. Normally, individuals cease to be eligible for Postdoctoral Researcher positions seven years after the award of the degree. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral experience may not exceed seven years, including postdoctoral work at other institutions.

Qualifications

PhD in relevant field required (neuroscience, psychology)

Experienced in advanced statistical analyses required

Advanced knowledge in relevant scientific field required

Advanced knowledge of research techniques or methods required

Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures required

Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organizational skills required

Ability to work independently and as part of a team required

Knowledge of Microsoft Office and analytical skills required

Experienced in EEG, fMRI datasets preferred

Experience with peripheral physiology such as heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, or pupillary dilation preferred

English and Spanish fluency preferred

About the department:

The Department of Psychology has a longstanding tradition of producing research that results in real-world impact. From local initiatives in neighborhoods surrounding the University campus to tools used by teachers in classrooms and parents at home around the world, Department faculty and students are constantly making innovations that change the lives of people everywhere.  Consistently ranked among the top ten social science research universities in the world, the Division of Social Sciences is at the vanguard of inquiry and impact. Whether through the field-defining scholarship of the Chicago Schools in Sociology, Political Science, and Economics, the path-breaking impact of the first graduate international affairs program in the U.S., the creation of interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Comparative Human Development and the John U. Nef Committee on Social Thought, or many other pivotal milestones, the Division has repeatedly transformed the social sciences since its founding in 1930.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.