Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

General Summary:  Performs basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing methods and theories. Assists the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and assists in reporting related to grants.  Maintains the laboratory and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff.  Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete.  The appointment generally does not extend beyond two years.

Major Responsibilities

• Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments (60%)
• Prepare and write research papers and presentations (25%)
• Laboratory management (5%)
• Train students and other personnel (5%)
• Professional Development Activities (grant writing, teaching, designer and user experience training) (5%)

Qualifications.  Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar. 

Please use the space below to identify specific requirements for this position.

Seeking Postdoc to lead fMRI data analyses related to aging, Locus Coeruleus and cognition

We seek to hire an interdisciplinary post-doctoral researcher in a joint project focused to understand fMRI of Aging with a focus on the Locus Coeruleus. This project involves a collaboration between Aaron Seitz at Northeastern University, Xiaoping Hu, Ilana Bennett, and Weiwei Zhang at the University of California Riverside and Megan Peters at the University of California Irvine. This opportunity will involve working on an NIA-funded project to understand how individual differences in the structure and function of the locus coeruleus moderate perception and memory in an older adult population. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to take a lead role in data analyses related to the project.

Successful candidates should have a strong background in fMRI data collection and analysis, advanced computational and statistical competencies, project management skills, creativity and a high-level of conscientiousness. They should also have expertise in one or more of the following areas (and knowledge of the others): cognitive aging, brain aging, psychophysics, perception or memory processes, eye-tracking, metacognition, and the role of the locus coeruleus in cognition. Researchers must possess a doctoral degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, or a related field.

We seek post-doctoral researchers who aim to take leading roles in projects, including setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, training and supervision of graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, dissemination of results at conferences and in research publications, as well as grant writing. Successful candidates should have strong technical skills, including experiment design and data analysis, along with excellent management and communication skills, creativity and a high-level of conscientiousness, as these are required to play a lead role in our many sizeable projects. We especially encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.

Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, 1-2 sample publications, statement of research interests and the names of three to five references with phone numbers and emails. Review of applications will begin Nov 1, 2025 and may continue until the position is filled. Salary is based on research experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of extension. 

Position Type

Additional Information

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

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.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.