Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Opportunity

The Computational Clinical Psychology Lab at Northeastern University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. The focus of the lab is using innovative statistical strategies to improve the treatment and classification of emotional disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression disorders). Specifically, the principal objective of lab’s research is to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of emotional disorders by embracing a precision medicine framework that uses computational modelling to capture the idiographic, dynamic, and multidimensional nature of emotional disorders.

Many of the statistical techniques emphasized in the lab span disciplines such as network theory, dynamical systems, and machine learning, among others. Accordingly, the objectives of the lab include 1) characterizing the temporal dynamics of symptoms and affect using self-reported ecological momentary assessments and passive sensor data, 2) understanding the network structure of emotional disorders (e.g., how are symptoms related, etc.), 3) leveraging computational and statistical advances in time-series data and machine learning to improve our ability to predict meaningful clinical outcomes in emotional disorders (e.g., response to therapy, changes in symptom severity, etc.), 4) developing personalized treatments for individual patients that are tailored using predictive models trained on idiographic symptom data, and 5) characterizing emotion regulation deficits underlying emotional disorders using innovative statistical procedures. 

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing projects, as well as develop and lead new projects in the lab and in collaboration with others at Northeastern and other institutions. This position offers mentored experience in developing an independent research program, making it an excellent fit for individuals planning to lead computational psychology, clinical psychology, or data science research in an academic or non-academic setting.

Responsibilities

Duties will include:

• Contributing to ongoing projects, as well as developing and leading new projects in the lab and in collaboration with others at Northeastern and other institutions. Projects will often involve secondary data analysis of already collected data, as well as some effort in managing original data recruitment

• Engaging in opportunities to develop original research ideas and collaborate on scientific manuscripts suitable for publication

• Mentoring of graduate students and research assistants in their progress related to study tasks, academic development, and career development.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (expected by September 2023) in Psychology, Statistics, or a related discipline.

• Track record of relevant research experience and strong project management skills (both peer-reviewed publications and preprints are considered).

• Strong quantitative skills, including familiarity with statistical programming in R.

• Familiarity with topics such as time-series data or machine learning is preferred but not essential.

How to Apply:

To apply, please upload the following as a single PDF document (1) a 1-page cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and PhD completion date (or expected), (2) an updated CV, and (3) contact information for three professional references (please include name, title, email, and relationship to you).

We offer flexibility in the start date, with a preference for Fall–Spring. This position offers a highly competitive starting salary and will be fully funded for its full duration.

For any inquiries, please reach out to Dr. Joshua Curtiss at [email protected].

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 .