info for graduate students | info for undergraduates | part-time positions | honours thesis students
If interested in joining the lab as a doctoral student, feel free to contact Dr. Grossmann. If interested in joining the lab as an undergraduate research assistant, please fill out this application.
Available Positions
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Computational Social Science and Judgment Across Cultures
Positions: Two Post-Doctoral Fellowships
- Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) focus
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) and computational social science focus
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 two post-doctoral fellows to join a 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, these positions offer unique opportunities 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:
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Cross-cultural analysis: Systematically examine how individuals across various cultures and religions use a range of wisdom-related decision-making strategies.
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Model development: Create a comprehensive model of wise decision-making that reflects the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.
Our project employs 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
For the ABM position:
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Develop and run Agent-Based Models (ABMs) to capture decision-making processes and simulate cultural variations in wisdom and judgment.
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Collaborate closely with the broader research team to integrate ABM insights into our comprehensive models of wise decision-making.
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Note: Prior experience with ABMs is a plus, but we welcome candidates with strong quantitative and programming skills who are eager to learn and apply ABM techniques.
For the NLP/Computational Social Science position:
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Conduct advanced NLP and data analysis on rich texts from diverse cultures, focusing on life challenges and judgment.
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Collaborate on developing comprehensive models of wise decision-making that reflect the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.
All post-doctoral fellows will have rich opportunities for collaboration and can explore additional research questions with the existing data, as well as pursue related projects with team leaders.
Who We’re Looking For
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A PhD in social sciences, linguistics, psychology, computer science, or a related computational discipline.
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Position-Specific Requirements:
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ABM Position: Strong quantitative and programming skills. Prior ABM experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
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NLP Position: Experience in computational social science, particularly NLP, and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
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- A keen interest in exploring cultural dimensions of decision-making and wisdom.
Why Join Us?
- Work with renowned experts from top universities worldwide.
- Engage with state-of-the-art methodologies and tools.
- Contribute to research that aims to shed light on cultural diversity in decision-making across the globe.
- Access opportunities for publishing, presenting at international conferences, and networking with leading researchers.
- Benefit from a flexible, hybrid work arrangement in Canada, allowing for a balance of on-campus and remote work.
- Enjoy the vibrant academic environment at the University of Waterloo and the supportive resources available for professional development.
Application Process & Federal Law Compliance
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Applicants must include one of the following statements:
- “I am a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada.”
- “I am not a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada.”
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
Please submit the following to waclab@uwaterloo.ca with the subject line: “Post-Doctoral Fellowship Application”
- Cover letter (indicating which position you are applying for)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact information for references
Graduate students
You can learn more about research in the lab under Research. To apply, check out the University of Waterloo's Social Psychology program and admission and application procedures.
Undergraduate students
Responsibilities for research assistants usually include: conducting experiments, coding data, analyzing data, and participating in laboratory discussions.
We ask for a minimum 10 hr/wk commitment, for at least two semesters. This arrangement allows you and the lab group to benefit from your training and skills.
Part-time volunteer and paid positions
Undergraduates can get involved in our lab in a number of ways. Every term, there are a number of volunteer research assistants who work in the lab. Paid research assistant positions are also sometimes available, typically after at least one term as a volunteer. If you are interested in working in the lab, please submit:
- The lab application form
- A letter of intent indicating your interests, what kind of research experience you are seeking, what capacity you would like to work in (work study, academic credit, etc.), and when you would be available to start.
- Your resume
- Your transcript (unofficial transcripts OK)
- Two or three names of reference (professors, bosses, TAs, etc.)
Send this information to: igrossma@uwaterloo.ca
Honours thesis students
If you are interested in doing your honours thesis in the lab, please contact Professor Grossmann to set up a time to discuss your research interests. Currently, the first available openings are for students beginning their thesis in the fall of 2022. Interested students should contact Professor Grossmann at least one term in advance of their thesis start date.