Position Summary

Postdoctoral position to understand the function of long range connectivity in human cognition.

We are seeking a new colleague to work on a collaborative project studying human cognition between the laboratories of Professor Linda Richards at Washington University in St. Louis and Professor Peter Dayan at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tubingen. The position will be based at Washington University in St. Louis.

We are studying how people with corpus callosum dysgenesis, a major change in their global brain wiring connectivity, are able to process and integrate information during tasks involving decision making, social intelligence and memory.

We are seeking a creative scientist with a background in cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience to develop analysis tools and pipelines and new models of cognitive function that will help guide our experimental approaches.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The fellow will train under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manage their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develop expertise in brain connectivity underlying cognitive processes, such as decision making, social intelligence, persuadability and memory.
• Develop proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Present scientific work both internal and external to the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assist with grant preparation and reporting. Prepare and submit papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Design research experiments. Evaluate research findings and reports results.
• Conscientiously discharge their research responsibilities.
• Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintain their compliance with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engage in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Conduct themselves in a collegial manner towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter explaining their background and interest in the position and working in both laboratories with their application.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.