Postdoctoral Fellow

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We are hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow for an exciting, newly NIH-funded project at the FACE Lab at Emerson College. The project’s aims are to identify facial expressions and other non-verbal behavior that can predict conversational success and satisfaction among autistic and non-autistic adolescents. The primary research focus at the FACE Lab will be coding and analyzing facial and other non-verbal expressions within social context, while our partners at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will focus on computer-driven analyses of the same expressions. The Postdoctoral Fellow will report to the FACE Lab Director and will collaborate on all aspects of the project at the FACE Lab and CHOP, taking primary leadership in data processing and analysis approaches at the FACE Lab, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation. The Lab Director, Dr. Ruth Grossman, will provide active, structured mentorship and opportunities to integrate into the Boston autism research and post-doctoral communities. The position is designed to serve as a stepping stone to a future career as an independent scientist and scholar and the Lab Director will encourage and support the Fellow to apply for independent or mentored grants to further their academic trajectory and independence. The position is for two years, with the possibility of additional years if mutually agreed upon by the Lab Director and Fellow.

The FACE Lab is a small, collegial environment dedicated to engaging in high quality, relevant, and ecologically valid research on social communication through respectful, honest, and open communication. We also aim to collaborate with and be informed by the autism and autism research communities and remain accountable to all stakeholders, including providing active mentorship and growth opportunities to all lab members.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Contribute to refining all aspects of data processing and analysis via regular meetings with Lab Directors and postdoctoral fellow(s) at Emerson and CHOP
• Provide feedback and input to Lab Director on implementation of methods, identifying both successes and areas for improvement
• Oversee the cleaning, processing, and statistical analysis of complex datasets in collaboration with Lab Director, including creation and implementation of data analysis pipelines and associated documentation
• Oversee/conduct data collection with autistic and non-autistic individuals and their families
• Ensure data processing methods, priorities, and timelines are maintained by RA and student researchers via training and supervision
• Ensure all lab staff and protocols adhere to research regulations, including IRB protocols
• Develop and lead independent research projects within the scope and capabilities of the FACE Lab to establish own career trajectory
• Participate in and lead preparation and submission of conferences presentations and peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Identify and pursue opportunities to write grant proposals toward establishing a funding pipeline for independent academic career after completion of the fellowship

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Science, Communication Disorders, or a related field required, preferably with a focus on non-verbal aspects of communication.
• Experience using statistical and other research software, such as R/R Studio, Redcap, and Qualtrics or QuestionPro required
• 1-3 years of previous experience working with autistic individuals preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills aiming for an independent research trajectory and position in academia
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, as well as strong written and oral communication skills required

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is generally sedentary in nature, movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels

IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS
This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Minimum salary for this position is $63,480. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions: Applications must include a cover letter and a resume.

Grade of Position: 23-07E

Employment Category: Grant Funded (Fixed Term)

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Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.