Post-Doctoral Associate

Join Rutgers University as a Post-Doctoral Associate and lead innovative research on early childhood learning and cognitive development in Newark, Essex County. This is a full-time position where you'll contribute to a National Science Foundation-funded investigation that combines experimental methods and computational modeling to advance our understanding of how young children learn.

About the Role

You will serve as a research investigator on an NSF-supported project examining expectation-driven learning mechanisms in early childhood. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Kimele Persaud, you'll take intellectual ownership of research activities, from study design through data analysis and publication, advancing knowledge in developmental science and cognitive modeling.

What You'll Do

• Design and execute empirical studies investigating how young children form and update expectations about the world
• Develop and implement computational models to explain observed patterns in early learning behavior
• Conduct experimental work with human subjects, including recruitment, testing protocols, and behavioral assessment
• Manage project timelines, coordinate with collaborators, and oversee day-to-day research operations
• Analyze data using statistical and computational methods; visualize and interpret findings
• Contribute to grant reports, manuscript preparation, and presentation of results at conferences and seminars
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate research assistants as appropriate

What We're Looking For

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field
• Strong background in experimental design, developmental psychology, or computational modeling
• Experience with statistical analysis, data visualization, and programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting research findings
• Commitment to ethical research practices and working with diverse participant populations

About Rutgers University

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading research institution committed to excellence in education and discovery. Our Newark campus drives innovation across science, engineering, and the social sciences while serving vibrant communities in the New York metropolitan region.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through this listing, including a resume, cover letter, and names of three references.