Job Opportunity: Post‐doctoral Researcher in Cognitive Ageing, Functional Neuroimaging Lab, University of Newcastle, Australia
The Functional Neuroimaging Lab has an opening for a 2‐yr postdoctoral research position to work on two externally funded projects that focus on promoting healthy ageing.
The ACTIVate Study is a 5‐yr longitudinal study that seeks to empower older adults to make their lifestyle choices that will optimise their cognitive outcomes and reduce dementia risk. This multi‐site study (440 adults 60‐70yrs) is run in Newcastle and Adelaide in collaboration with Dr Ashleigh Smith, University of South Australia. Phase 1 data have been collected and Phase 2 (18‐mo follow‐up) is underway.
The ABC Study is a 3‐yr study that seeks to establish a direct link between regional cerebral arterial elasticity, brain structure/function and cognitive control ability in mid‐late life. We map regional cerebral arterial health using innovative optical imaging technology developed by our collaborators Drs Monica Fabiani and Gabriele Gratton from the Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. Data collection is currently underway.
Both studies are multi‐disciplinary, and include clinical, behavioural, EEG, structural and functional MRI and optical imaging measures.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to focus on various aspects of these projects, work collaboratively on papers arising from existing data and new data being collected, use existing and develop new analysis approaches, cosupervise research students, and develop independent funding applications for affiliated projects and fellowships.
The position offers opportunities for teaching in the School of Psychological Sciences.
Duties:
- Supervise data management, processing and analyses
- Lead and contribute to dissemination through journal article submissions and conference presentations
- Mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Apply for internal/external project and fellowship grants
Essential Criteria:
- PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or a related field
- Demonstrated research excellence and productivity
- Demonstrated excellence in publication record and writing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and with others
Desirable Skills:
- Experience managing and conducting behavioural and neuroimaging studies
- Experience analysing behavioural and neuroimaging data (eg., EEG, structural/ functional MRI)
- Programming experience and knowledge of advanced statistical methods
- Knowledge of relevant research areas (cognitive control, cognitive ageing, brain regions supporting cognitive control)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preferred start date between July and September 2022.
For additional information contact Professor Frini Karayanidis [+61 2 4921 5457] or Frini.Karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au
Interested applicants should send a cover letter (addressing the above criteria, relevant expertise and career goals), current CV, and contact information for three referees to Frini.Karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au.
Please include all documents in a single pdf file and include your last name in the file name (i.e., “LASTNAME.pdf”).