Ithaca-Based Postdoctoral Associate in Computational Behavioral Modeling

Job Summary: The Group and Interpersonal Communication Research Lab and the Virtual Embodiment Lab (PIs: Poppy McLeod and Andrea Stevenson Won) at Cornell University are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to work on an interdisciplinary research project to examine critical inflection points in team dynamics at the neural, cognitive, and behavioral levels. As part of this initiative, our DoD-funded project aims to identify patterns associated with decision making in both human-human and human-agent teams. An important feature of individualized team technologies is the ability to predict future behavior quickly and accurately in dynamic environments for individuals working together toward a common goal. We use a variety of communication measures (e.g., movement tracking, verbal behavior), surveys, and other metrics to infer individual and teaming "states" that may be related to perception, attention, decision-making, or communication at the individual and group levels. 

This is a one-year appointment beginning December 1, 2023 (start date negotiable) with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The position will be based in Ithaca, providing the scholar with opportunities to attend seminars and workshops hosted by world renowned faculty across the Cornell University Ithaca Campus; there will also be opportunities to connect with faculty on Cornell’s New York City campuses:

 and

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Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Conducting Research (80%) 
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations
• Attend research team meetings
• Assist with institutional review board application submissions 
• Conduct literature reviews, write annotated bibliographies, and use reference managers
• Collect and analyze quantitative data using various software (e.g., Qualtrics, R, Matlab, Python)
• Manage day to day operations for Ithaca-based research projects 
• Publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, policy briefs, and reports 

Professional Development (20%)

• Help to mentor and supervise Ithaca-based graduate and undergraduate research assistants 
• Assist with writing and submitting grant proposals 
• Attend and present at least one professional conference annually

Eligibility and Required Skills: Candidates must have completed the requirements for a Ph.D. in communication, social psychology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, quantitative psychology, bioengineering, or a related field at the time of the appointment. Candidates should also have excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent quantitative/analytical research skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a deep commitment to good research practices. Familiarity with relational event modeling and/or Bayesian statistics is desirable, as is proficiency with Matlab, R, and Python. Ideally, applicants should have experience with computational models of behavior. Experience with machine learning and dimensionality reduction techniques would be a valuable addition. 

Benefits: The salary for appointments in the 2023–2024 academic year will be $65,000 plus full Cornell University employee fringe benefits. Also, $5,000 will be given for discretionary research expenses (e.g., conference registration fees, travel, publication fees, etc.). 

1) Cover letter describing your research experience and interest in the position 

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 

4) 2 writing samples (e.g., published manuscript and/or dissertation chapter).

*Candidates selected for an interview will be required to submit 2–3 letters of recommendation.

Applications will be reviewed starting October 15, 2023, and will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

CALS hiring range for this position is $56,484 - $65,000.

Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Contact Information: 

Andrea Stevenson Won, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Cornell University

Director, Virtual Embodiment lab

Pay Range:

$56,484.00 - $81,000.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

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Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu .

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2023-09-13