Postdoctoral Researcher, Memory for Events Lab

Competition 1005

This position offers a benefits package found at Postdoctoral Fellows Benefits.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Memory for Events (ME) Lab

The ME Lab investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support our ability to retrieve memories for naturalistic events, including autobiographical experiences from our personal past. We are particularly interested in understanding the constructive processes that enable us to edit memories—updating, enhancing, and sometimes distorting our memories.

The ME Lab combines behavioral, patient-based and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approaches in young and older adults, and uses novel paradigms, virtual reality, and wearable camera technologies that allow for investigations of memory in real-world environments- thus, maintaining the ecological validity of memories while exerting control over their properties.

Position 

The appointment will initially be for one year with a salary starting at $40,000 (CAD) per year with annual increase and benefits, one-time moving expense, and $2000 per year for professional development. This post is renewable subject to satisfactory performance. Starting date is negotiable but preferred start dates are between September 2024 to January 2025. Funding is available from the Canadian Tri-Council research grant agencies, and potentially other sources. Successful candidates will be expected to apply for external funding with the help of the PI, those candidates invited to interview will be asked outline postdoctoral funding opportunities to which they can apply (including deadlines and evidence that they meet eligibility requirements) from their home countries. International applicants are welcome and encouraged.

Duties 

• Design and implement projects related to the aims of the Memory for Events Lab, in consultation with the PI and other research collaborators
• Assist in oversight of research projects of graduate and undergraduate students, and other personnel, to achieve targeted research objectives within timelines, in consultation with the PI
• Manage day-to-day operation of research laboratory, including maintaining equipment and supplies, overseeing troubleshooting of problems, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols
• Analyze, interpret, and report research results; assist in preparation of publications and grant applications; present results in meetings, seminars, and conferences
• Engage in public outreach with diverse audiences

Qualifications

• PhD in psychology and/or neuroscience and a record of potential for publishing fMRI research.  
• A strong quantitative background and competency in programming environments such as Matlab, SPM, Python, R, and Psychtoolbox is preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Record of publications, conference presentations, and public outreach
• Ability to work on a team, lead a team, and also to work independently
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in work practices
• Candidates must have completed their PhD within the past five years. These time limits may be extended due to circumstances requiring an interruption in the candidate’s research career
• Open to candidates from all countries
• Familiarity with Unity/C# and/or immersive virtual reality methodologies (e.g. Oculus Rift, 360-3D video stimuli) is highly desirable but not required. 

How to Apply:

Please read application instructions carefully; incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please submit the following documents online:

(1)   A cover letter (attached under “Cover Letter”).

(2)   CV (attached under “Curriculum Vitae”).

(3)   Names and contact information for three references (attached under “References”).

The review of applications will begin on June 17, 2024 and the position will remain open until filled.