Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

Postdoctoral Position in Developmental Neuroscience

Department Psychology & Human Development
Full Description

The Learning And NeuroDevelopment Lab (LAND) Lab works to understand how the interplay between action and perception is related to human learning and, more specifically, how the brain mediates that relationship throughout the lifespan. The lab employs a variety of methods, including several MRI-based neuroimaging techniques, training paradigms, behavioral assessments, and eye tracking to uncover the neural mechanisms by which the action-perception process facilitates the learning of foundational literacy skills in early childhood and affects longer-term educational outcomes. More about the lab can be found here: https://www.vanderbiltlandlab.io.

Postdoctoral Responsibilities: This postdoctoral position is funded through an NIH R01 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and will have primary responsibilities that are geared towards fulfilling the project aims. The project employs a dense-longitudinal MRI scanning approach to evaluate brain changes that occur throughout the first grade, a foundational year of learning. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for guiding the data collection effort, analyzing data, presenting at conferences, publishing scientific manuscripts, and submitting mentored grant applications. The postdoctoral scholar will receive support from a full-time lab manager and graduate/undergraduate research assistants. The postdoctoral scholar will receive primary mentorship from Dr. Sophia Vinci-Booher at Vanderbilt University and additional mentorship from Dr. James Booth at Vanderbilt University and Dr. Kendrick Kay at the University of Minnesota, and may also collaborate with Drs. Chen Yu and Franco Pestilli at The University of Texas at Austin. This is an ideal position for a postdoctoral scholar seeking a highly collaborative and productive postdoctoral position in preparation for a position as an independent academic researcher.

Desired Skills: PhD in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive sciences, or a related field is required. Experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collection and advanced analysis is also required. Strong applicants will have demonstrated skill in scientific writing, and preferably have prior experience working with children in MRI environments.

Additional Information: The appointment start date is negotiable. The appointment has a possible duration of three years, contingent upon successful performance in the first year. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Details

Please address questions or send curriculum vitae and cover letter with research interests to Dr. Sophia Vinci-Booher at sophia.vinci-booher@vanderbilt.edu. Additional materials and contact information for letters of recommendation will be requested from finalists. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Sophia Vinci-Booher
sophia.vinci-booher@vanderbilt.edu
Posted 2023-10-06 17:28:57

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