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
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:
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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 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:
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Conduct advanced Natural Language Processing (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.
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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:
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A PhD in social sciences, linguistics, psychology, computer science, or a related computational discipline.
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Experience in computational social science, particularly NLP.
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A passion for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in exploring cultural dimensions of decision-making.
Why Join Us:
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Work with renowned experts from top universities worldwide.
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Engage with state-of-the-art methodologies and tools.
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Contribute to research with aiming to shed light on cultural diversity in decision-making across the globe.
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Access opportunities for publishing, presenting at international conferences, and networking with leading researchers.
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Benefit from a flexible, hybrid work arrangement in Canada, allowing for a balance of on-campus and remote work.
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Enjoy the vibrant academic environment at the University of Waterloo and the supportive resources available for professional development.
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 waclab@uwaterloo.ca (Subject line: PDF position).
Join us in pioneering a new understanding of wise decision-making that transcends cultural boundaries. Apply today
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.