Ph.D. Candidate Position, Fall 2019

The Institute is looking for a PhD candidate to join starting next fall (2019). Note that you must also apply to the Cognitive Neuroscience graduate program (https://www.programs.gwu.edu/psychology-phd-cognitive-neuroscience). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. The first review of applications will be in the beginning in December 2018. Starting date is September, 1, 2019.

Research:

Candidates will investigate adolescent development of social decision-making and learning processes and how developmental trajectories differ in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The research projects rely on a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches including computational modeling of behavioral data, model-based and multivariate analyses of fMRI data, pupillometry, and testing of populations with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or learning disabilities.

The lab is based in the Psychology department and is part of the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute at the George Washington University. You can find more information here: https://autism.gwu.edu/gabriela-rosenblau

What is offered:

  • Hands-on supervision and training in various data acquisition and analysis techniques.

  • Dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.

  • Infrastructure for behavioral and neuroimaging experiments.
  • Multiple training opportunities within the institute and graduate program.
  • Training in the interdisciplinary cognitive neuroscience program at GWU (https://psychology.columbian.gwu.edu/cognitive-neuroscience).
  • Possibility of research stays with collaboration partners at various institutions, including Yale University and in Germany.

Desired Qualities

  • Interest in investigating how cooperation, decision-making, and learning relate to human brain activity and how they go awry in neurodevelopmental / psychiatric disorders.
  • Interest in designing experiments, devising models, and analyzing various types of data.
  • Experience in conducting and analyzing behavioral experiments with human participants.
  • Fluency in English, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to meet deadlines / manage multiple concurrent activities.

Requirements for the PhD positions:

  • A BA with a major in: neuroscience, cognitive (neuro)science, psychology, economics, or a related discipline.

  • Experience in programming and in conducting or analyzing neuroimaging experiments is a big plus.

If you are interested, please send one pdf-document including your CV, the contact details of two academic referees, and a brief statement of research interest to [email protected]. Informal inquiries are welcome.