Below is a list of post-doctoral job opportunities. If you are interested in Undergraduate Research Assistant opportunities, please visit our Undergraduate Research Assistant positions webpage.
Please note, some positions are time-sensitive, so be sure to check regularly for new postings!
Post-Doctoral Job Opportunities
Postdoctoral Position in Cognitive Science at the University of Waterloo
The cognition group at the University of Waterloo Department of Psychology is inviting applications for one or more post-doctoral fellows. The position will provide significant autonomy for the fellow(s) to develop an independent research program that intersects with the interests of one or more scholars in the Waterloo cognitive and behavioural science community, which may include but need not be limited to Dr. Clara Colombatto, Dr. Jonathan Fugelsang, Dr. Sam Johnson, Dr. Derek Koehler, and Dr. Evan Risko. We are considering candidates with existing funding (e.g., SSHRC or NSERC fellowships) as well as those who would require funding directly from their Waterloo PI.
The fellow(s) will join an exciting departmental community of cognitive and behavioural scientists working in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Researchers in our group are especially focused on decision-making, reasoning, learning, memory, attention, perception, metacognition, and how these processes interface with other parts of the mind. We are seeking qualified individuals to collaborate on the development of new and exciting projects in any (or all) of these areas as well as applications into topics such as education, human-AI interaction, and misinformation. Research tools available in the labs include eye tracking, psychophysiological recording, video recording, and virtual reality. The fellow will have the opportunity to forge ties not only with other Psychology faculty but with researchers across the University with shared interests in cognitive and behavioural sciences, such as scholars in economics, management sciences, philosophy, or our world-leading computer science and engineering departments. In addition to conducting and disseminating research, the successful candidate will also have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in a field of cognitive or behavioural science (e.g., Psychology, Philosophy, Computer Science, Economics, Marketing), a strong record of research productivity, strong technical skills (e.g., statistics, programming), and a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member. We aim to build a team with diverse expertise; thus, applicants from the full range of methodological backgrounds are encouraged, including lab or field experiments, computational modelling, eye tracking, psychophysiological recording, virtual reality, econometrics, natural language processing, or ethnography. For more information on postdoctoral studies and on the University of Waterloo, see the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Website.
This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning no later than May 1, 2024, and until the position is filled (i.e., if this ad is still live). Start date is flexible, with September 2024 as an ideal. For inquiries, please email Sam Johnson (samuel.johnson@uwaterloo.ca).To apply, please send your CV, the expected date of availability, a short statement of research interests and experience, and contact information for three referees to dicelab@uwaterloo.ca.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Sam Johnson.
Join a groundbreaking research team at the University of Waterloo:
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Computational Social Science and Judgment Across Cultures
Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow
Location: University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid work arrangement possible)
Start Date: Winter 2025
Salary: $62,000 per annum (negotiable based on experience) and standard benefits as per University of Waterloo policies (see University of Waterloo Benefits).
Duration: One-year contract with a strong expectation of renewal pending satisfactory performance
Project Overview: We invite applications for a post-doctoral fellow to join an exciting and transformative research project exploring wisdom and judgment across cultures. Under the supervision of Professors Igor Grossmann and Sam Johnson, and in collaboration with the multinational Wise Judgment Consortium, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with leading scholars from universities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas (incl. Thomas Hills, Cendri Hutcherson, and Falk Lieder).
About the Project: Our interdisciplinary research integrates insights from psychology, linguistics, computer science, and cultural studies to address a critical gap in understanding cultural influences on decision-making.
Key Objectives:
- Cross-Cultural Analysis: Systematically examine how individuals across various cultures and religions use a range of wisdom-related decision-making strategies.
- Model Development: Create a comprehensive model of wise decision-making that reflects the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.
Our project aims to use cutting-edge Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to analyze rich text data and psychometrics tools to survey responses from a diverse range of cultures. By understanding the adaptive wisdom applied in everyday life, our research aims to develop culturally-grounded decision-making models that can enhance societal flourishing.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and data analysis on rich texts from diverse cultures, focusing on life challenges and judgment.
- Collaborate on developing comprehensive models of wise decision-making that reflect the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.
- We provide rich opportunities for collaboration and exploration of additional questions with the present data and pursue related projects with team leaders.
Who We’re Looking For:
- A PhD in social sciences, linguistics, psychology, computer science, or a related computational discipline.
- Experience in computational social science, particularly NLP.
- A passion for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in exploring cultural dimensions of decision-making.
Why Join Us:
- Top Team: Work with renowned experts from top universities worldwide.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Engage with state-of-the-art methodologies and tools.
- Global Impact: Contribute to research with aiming to shed light on cultural diversity in decision-making.
- Professional Growth: Access opportunities for publishing, presenting at international conferences, and networking with leading researchers.
- Flexible Work Environment: Benefit from a hybrid work arrangement in Canada, allowing for a balance of on-campus and remote work.
- Vibrant Community: Enjoy the dynamic academic environment at the University of Waterloo and the supportive resources available for professional development.
Equity Statement: "All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements and the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) mandates."
Federal Law Compliance: Applicants must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada” OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada.”
Application Process: All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of December 1, 2024 (rolling basis thereafter).
To Apply: Please submit your application, including a cover letter, CV, and references, to the Wisdom and Culture Lab.
Join us in pioneering a new understanding of wise decision-making that transcends cultural boundaries. Apply today