Postdoctoral Associate position in computational collective behavior. We are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar for an interdisciplinary NSF-funded research project. The goal of the research is to discover how collectives can be made more creative, intelligent and when they can select the rules governing their interactions. The focus of the position is on designing and running large-scale online behavioral experiments. The postdoctoral associate will work collaboratively with PIs and other postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis, Princeton, and CUNY.
The postdoctoral associate will design and implement large-scale online, behavioral experiments using the PsyNet platform (www.psynet.dev) and the Unity engine to create interactive social environments for testing hypotheses about collective action. The postdoctoral researcher will recruit and engage large samples of participants, often in the hundreds or thousands, to interact within these environments and with one another in artificial social networks.
Some experiments will employ a human-in-the-loop approach (Harrison et al., 2020) to optimize environment parameters dynamically. The postdoctoral associate will utilize computational techniques, including modeling, simulations, and machine learning, to analyze the collected data. They will also be expected to synthesize findings into high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature, Nature Human Behaviour, Science Advances, and PNAS.
We are seeking candidates with strong quantitative and computational training in behavioral, cognitive, or social science. Computer/information scientists with interest in human behavior are also welcome to apply.
The successful applicant will have:
- Excellent research track record.
- Excellent programming skills
- Experience in computational methods and statistical analysis.
- A track record of both independent initiative and effective teamwork.
- Clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals.
Additional qualities that will be valued if available, or on offer during training
- Experience in the area of massive online behavioral experiments.
- Formal social/behavioral/cognitive modeling.
- Familiarity with relevant literatures: collective behavior, cultural evolution, computational social science, mathematical psychology, network science, collective intelligence, HCI, or the sciences of institutions, organizations, and governance.
- Experience in AI/ML.
- Experience in designing computer games.
- Taking risks in research
The position will remain open until filled, starting likely in Fall 2024. We will begin reviewing applications after October 21st. Potential applications should feel comfortable contacting Nori Jacoby at kj338@cornell.edu with questions about the call, including its current status.
Please submit the following application materials to Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28959:
a) CV with list of publications,
b) cover letter with clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals, and
c) two sample publications.
d) We ask applicants for all positions to share their approach to fostering learning, research, service and outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.
Pay Range: Salary will be at least $61,008.
Pay Range:
$61,008.00 – $87,000.00
