Postdoctoral position in Cognitive Neuroscience and Reading Disability
Haskins Laboratories (PI: Dr. Julie A. Van Dyke), New Haven, CT Application deadline: April 15, 2013
Applications are solicited for a postdoctoral fellowship in Cognitive Neuroscience at Haskins Laboratories. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in psychology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field. The selected candidate will contribute to a recently funded NIH study of the role of memory interference in comprehension ability. This exciting new study will explore the relationships between the mechanisms of memory and language processing as they contribute to (dis)ability in spoken and written language comprehension. Prior experience in language processing or memory research using fMRI is required. Responsibilities will include assistance with designing fMRI and behavioral experiments; fMRI data analysis (preferably using AFNI); formulating and participating in writing of scientific papers as part of the research team; and developing independent projects investigating memory, language, and reading. An additional focus of this project involves structural MRI analysis, using both volumetric and DTI techniques to identify the grey and white-matter brain networks that support resolution of lexical and syntactic interference during single word and whole sentence reading.
Additional desirable, but not necessary qualifications include:
- Experience with fMRI software: AFNI, FSL, SPM, Freesurfer, or Nipy - Previous research experience or interest in EEG/ERP analysis (this project also includes EEG data collection) - Strong analytical skills and demonstrated expertise in statistics such as multivariate statistics, mixed-effects modeling, SEM, or MLM/HLM - Strong computer skills using Mac OS X and UNIX/Linux - Programming Skills (Python, R, MATLAB, C/C++ and or JAVA)
The successful applicant will join Haskins Laboratories (www.haskins.yale.edu), a private, non- profit research institute located in downtown New Haven, CT. Founded in 1935, our primary focus is on speech, language, reading, and their biological bases. Haskins Laboratories has long- standing, formal affiliations with the University of Connecticut and Yale University. We are also actively engaged in research collaborations and partnerships with institutions, groups, and individuals around the world. We house facilities for conducting eye tracking, including 3 Eyelink 1000 eye-trackers, EEG/ERP (both Biosemi and EGI systems), ultrasound and NIRS technology, and a mock fMRI scanner, which exactly replicates the 3T scanner used for fMRI research at Yale University.
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Julie Van Dyke (jvandyke@haskins.yale.edu) with cover letter, statement of research interests, CV, and three letters of recommendation. The appointment will be made for two years (with the possibility of renewal for a third year), beginning in Summer/Fall 2013. Applications should be submitted by April 15, 2013, but the application process will be ongoing until the position is filled. International applicants are welcome. Haskins Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer.