Post Doc Research Fellow - Psychology

Position Information:

Description

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university founded with a strong liberal arts foundation. UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university, classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. UND was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. Currently, the University boasts 200+ fields of study with nearly 15,000 students. UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 50,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Grand Forks boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, and annual events throughout the year. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America's Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

The University of North Dakota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on Cognitive Neuroscience to begin Summer/Fall of 2023. The postdoctoral associate will be supervised by Drs. Poltavski and Petros. The goal of the postdoctoral experience will be to integrate the postdoctoral associate into our independent and collaborative research programs. This will include training and mentoring in all aspects of psychophysiological measurement, data processing and interpretations. The physiological measures currently used in our studies include wireless electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (EKG) and electrooculography (EOG) and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). They are used to monitor individuals' performance during learning tasks related to specialized training of pilots and air-traffic controllers, neuro-visual training of healthy individuals and athletes, neuro-visual rehabilitation of individuals with a history of mTBI. In a number of our studies training, learning and rehabilitation protocols are coupled with the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

A specific component of the data processing will involve training in R, and Matlab along with experience with machine learning. A special emphasis will be placed on the preparation of grant submissions. The postdoctoral associate is required to develop their own research projects in Cognitive Neuroscience in collaboration with other research partners and submit external grant proposals for their support in each year of this two-year appointment. The initial appointment is made for one year, renewable for a second year, and that renewal is subject to availability of continued funding and on adequate performance.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), basic life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, and 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful applicant will help advance UND's capacity to conduct research in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience with a focus on the pursuit of external funding. While receiving formal mentorship, the postdoctoral researcher will be engaged in the following three interrelated tasks:

Develop and submit collaborative external grant proposals focused on Cognitive Neuroscience.

Contribute to ongoing projects as well as develop ideas for new collaborations and research initiatives in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Collect and analyze data related to Cognitive Neuroscience, leading to publications and presentations.

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:

• Management, coordination, and implementation of ongoing and new research studies
• Grant preparation and grant report writing
• Dissemination of research findings (e.g., manuscript preparation)
• Data management and analysis of quantitative and qualitative experimental data
• Supervision and mentorship of research staff
• Manage IRB submissions
• Review and maintain study protocols and data collection surveys
• Assist with other research and administrative responsibilities to support the lab's activities

Required Competencies

• Strong foundation in Biological Bases of Behavior
• Quantitative data analysis skills using SPSS or similar programs
• APA style manuscript writing
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with strong interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Minimum Requirements

• A doctoral degree conferred by time of appointment in experimental psychology
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research and evaluation experience
• Evidence of research and scholarship potential (publications, professional conference participation)
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Official transcripts from the highest awarding educational institution must be provided upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with psychophysiological research
• Strong Data analytic experience and knowledge of R
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience developing grant funding proposals
• Experience with obtaining human subject's approvals

Minimum Hiring Salary

$45,000+ / year

Contract Period/Start Date

Start date is flexible with beginning date before August 16th, 2023

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must be received by April 15, 2023 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Sample publication or manuscript under review/ in preparation
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Questions about the position can be directed to either: Dr. Dmitri Poltavski at dmitri.poltavski@und.edu or Dr. Joelle Ruthig at joelle.ruthig@und.edu.

Position is open until filled.

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran's status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran's Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.