Research Associate (Post Doc)

University of Texas at Dallas, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Richardson, TEXAS
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Posting Number S05248P
Position Title Research Associate (Post Doc)
Functional Title Research Associate (Post Doc)
Department Center for Vital Longevity
Salary Range Up to $56,484 dependent on qualifications
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Dallas
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 02/12/2024
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date 03/11/2024
Job Summary
The Developmental Social Affective Neuroscience Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas (https://labs.utdallas.edu/dsanlab/ ), directed by Dr. Leehyun Yoon, is seeking a self-motivated and inquisitive postdoctoral scholar to take the lead on a project on the neural mechanisms of self-esteem updating through social comparison in social media and achievement-related contexts. The sample of this project will include emerging adults and adolescents. The desired start date is January 2024, but is flexible.
Our research uses behavioral tasks, functional and structural neuroimaging, computational modeling, and longitudinal data analysis to investigate the mechanisms of self-referential processing and social motivation/behavior in young people (ages 10 – 25) and their link to mental health outcomes and social functioning.
Dr. Yoon strives to build a collaborative and stimulating lab environment (see https://labs.utdallas.edu/dsanlab/values/ for lab values) and promote the careers of trainees. Our lab is a part of the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL), a research center where nine research labs are housed. The CVL is dedicated to understanding the brain and cognitive health across the lifespan from childhood to late adulthood. The postdoc will be able to interact with researchers at CVL and the department of psychology at UT Dallas. The CVL is located blocks away from the UTD imaging Center, where MRI equipment is housed. The lab is located in the heart of Dallas, a fun, dynamic, and affordable city.
Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience
- PhD by the start date in psychology, neuroscience, human development, or related field; an emphasis on social and affective neuroscience is desirable.
- Strong interest in human social motivation, self-esteem, and the brain’s reward, emotion, and self-processing circuitry.
- Experience with designing behavioral and/or fMRI experiments.
- Experience with fMRI data analysis using any software.
- Strong writing skills and emerging publication record.
- Skills in computational modeling (e.g., fitting a reinforcement learning model) is preferred but not necessary.
- Experience with structural MRI data analysis or advanced fMRI data analysis (e.g., MVPA, GIMME) is a plus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Designing novel behavioral/fMRI experiments
- Programming experiments with psychtoolbox, cogent 2000, or Eprime
- Supervising research assistants for data collection
- Behavioral and fMRI data analysis with newly collected data
- Behavioral and fMRI/structural MRI data analysis with the lab’s existing data related to social feedback processing
- Data interpretation
- Preparing manuscripts for publication and presenting findings at a conference
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
This position is funded for a period of 2 years. Position will work on site and in person. 
Special Instructions Summary
Interested applicants should submit their (1) CV, (2) a brief cover letter describing the fit to the project and the lab, career goals, research interest/experience, qualifications, and ideal start date, and (3) contact information for 2-3 references.
Please contact Dr. Leehyun Yoon ([email protected]) for any questions with a subject line that contains “Postdoc Position”.
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.
2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator .

Similar Positions