Postdoctoral Research Associate

JOB SUMMARY

Dr. Ido Davidesco at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Department of Educational Psychology, seeks to hire a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate for a new NSF-funded project.

This project focuses on the role of internal attention in undergraduate science learning. Currently, very little is known about how opportunities to focus attention internally (e.g., asking students to quietly think about a problem as part of a “think-pair-share”) impact student learning. This project will manipulate the frequency and duration of “thinking” periods during a lecture and examine the impact on students’ conceptual understanding of science concepts. This research will also explore and validate neural indicators of attention, measured with electroencephalography (EEG). Finally, the project team will develop an innovative Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience, where students will investigate their own attentional states and associated brain activity.

The interdisciplinary nature of this project will provide a unique setting for the professional development of the Postdoctoral Research Associate. The combined exposure to cognitive neuroscience and discipline-based education research will provide the postdoc with a unique mentoring experience and excellent preparation for their future career.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be involved in all aspects of the project, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and development of conference presentations and manuscripts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, biology, science education, learning sciences, or a related field
• Previous experience with lab-based or classroom-based research
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully on teams and communicate effectively through writing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience in discipline-based education research and/or cognitive neuroscience research
• Programming and/or advanced statistical skills

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

The start date for this position is anticipated for Spring 2022. The position is for an initial one-year appointment and is potentially renewable for additional years dependent on performance and funding. Salary for this position will be determined by federal guidelines.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY 

https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/cw/en-us/job/496010/postdoctoral-research-associate

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496010 to upload a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please direct inquiries to ido.davidesco@uconn.edu. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 18, 2022. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. 

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.