Postdoctoral Researcher

Competition 1280

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

Location - The successful candidate is expected to be in Edmonton for this in-person position on the North Campus of the University of Alberta.

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 FirstPeoples 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 over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 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 Intercultural Communication Lab

The research of the Intercultural Communication Lab broadly concerns the social and psychological dynamics that take place when people from different ethnolinguistic backgrounds interact.  Programs of research include language learning and use across diverse social and cultural contexts, including educational contexts; the interrelations between language development and the psychological acculturation of ethnolinguistic identity; and the role of gender in language education engagement and achievement. Our research informs both educational and immigration programming and policy.

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 airfare, and $2000 per year for professional development. This post is renewable and subject to satisfactory performance. Starting date is negotiable but preferred start dates are between October 2024 to January 2025.

Additional 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 Principal Investigator. International applicants are welcome and encouraged. Those candidates invited to interview will be asked to outline postdoctoral funding opportunities to which they can apply (including deadlines and evidence that they meet eligibility requirements) from their home countries. 

Duties

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kimberly Noels, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have the following responsibilities:

• Undertake literature reviews of fields such as the social psychology of language and communication; motivation and second language acquisition; immigration and acculturation; gender and language
• Research design, including questionnaire surveys, interviews and focus groups, experiments
• Participant recruitment, on and off-campus
• Primary data collection (including travel, if necessary)
• Statistical analysis and qualitative data analysis using professional software programs (e.g. NVivo, Mplus, SPSS, R)
• Presenting research at international conferences and other events
• Writing up research for publication in leading international journals (e.g. Modern Language Journal, Journal of Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Research, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, etc.)
• Creation of knowledge translation/mobilization documents and activities for media, policy and stakeholder audiences
• Developing and maintaining a project website and social media presence (e.g. Twitter)

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in psychology and/or related field (e.g., linguistics, education) and a record of potential for publishing research in the topic area.
• Skill in advanced statistical techniques, such as meta-analysis, structural equation model of longitudinal data, multi-level modelling, latent profile analysis, etc.
• 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
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Record of scholarly publications and conference presentations, and public outreach/knowledge translation in the topic area
• Ability to work on a team, lead a team, and also to work independently
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in work practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Mandarin

How to Apply:

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

Please submit the following documents online:

(1)      A cover letter (attached under “Cover Letter”), including a list of publications.

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

(3)      Contact information for three references (referees will be contacted and asked to supply letters only if a candidate makes the long list; please alert potential references in advance, as the reference letter collection phase will be limited in duration) (attached under “References”).

(4)      A maximum 750-word document about the applicant’s engagement in and reflections on equity, diversity and inclusion activities in research, teaching, and/or service. Also include plans for future knowledge translation and mobilization activities for the communities with whom we conduct research (e.g., language learners and teachers; ethnolinguistic communities; university students, etc.).

The review of applications will begin on September 30, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled.