About the Opportunity

Summary 

The Subjectivity Laboratory, directed by Jorge Morales, and located in the Department of Psychology at Northeastern University is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral Research Associate to work on-site in Boston, Massachusetts. This research position is for research on a neuroimaging (fMRI), psychophysics, modeling, and machine learning project to arbitrate among competing higher order theories of consciousness. 

The project is listed here as Project 6 (https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/accelerating-research-consciousness-our-structured-adversarial-collaboration-projects). A brief description follows: 

Project Description  

Accelerating research on consciousness: An adversarial collaboration to empirically evaluate higher-order theories of consciousness 

Summary: The overarching goal of the study is to arbitrate between two axes of disagreement within Higher Order Theories of consciousness (HOTs). These hypotheses cross-cut a number of different theories, with different theorists placing greater or lesser weight on the two axes. We seek to devise experiments that can identify whether the data are more consistent with one or other pole of the two axes.  

The postdoctoral research associate will work under the supervision of PI Morales in conjunction with PI Peters to design, implement, and interpret Experiment 2 of this study series. The complete team will include project personnel as well as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at other sites including Boston University, UC Irvine, University College London, and other institutions.  

The postdoctoral research associate will receive direct mentorship from PI Morales and the other members of the team, and will have opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and conference attendance as they arise.  

Ideal starting date is January 2024 but there is some flexibility. PhD must be already awarded by the time the position begins. Application deadline for preferential consideration is October 31, 2023; the position will remain open until the position is filled. 

Qualifications  

Required : Must possess a Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Philosophy or similar disciplines at the time of appointment. Candidates should have a record of published work (including preprints). Proficiency in advanced neuroimaging (fMRI preferred) and statistical analyses as well as programing skills is required. Strong analytic skills for designing experiments and for analyzing empirical and theoretical results is required.  

Preferred : Familiarity with psychophysical methods, signal detection theory and theories of consciousness is a plus. An interest in studying metacognition and consciousness from neuroimaging, behavioral, and computational modeling perspectives is preferred.  

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities 

Research and develop experimental and theoretical ideas. 60%

Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc. 20%

Participate in the academic life of the laboratory and the department (including helping graduate and undergraduate students, attending lab meetings, talks, etc.)  20%

This position doesn’t require supervision of any personnel.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .