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Postdoctoral Employee - Neuroeconomics Laboratory - Social Science Matrix

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Position description

Position: Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee
Location: Berkeley, CA
Salary: Commensurate with experience within the UC Postdoctoral Salary Scale
Full-Time Effort: 100%
Targeted Start Date: Flexible, but before November 1, 2020

An understanding of the biological basis of consumer choice is important not only scientifically, but also clinically due to disruptions of decision-making processes in neuropsychiatric disorders. The Neuroeconomics Laboratory studies these questions by combining ideas and tools from neuroscience, economics, psychology, and marketing. The goals of our research involves characterizing the underlying neural systems as well as molecular and genetic mechanisms. Our lab is part of the Social Science Matrix at UC Berkeley. In partnership with the Haas School of Business and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, the Social Science Matrix supports cross-disciplinary projects pursued by more than 500 social scientists across the Berkeley campus research landscape and beyond. With Matrix as a catalyst, UC Berkeley social scientists have unique potential to generate effective solutions to global challenges like mobility, behavior change, social resilience, and governance.

Position Overview:
The Neuroeconomics Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Neural Basis of Economic Decision-Making. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to contribute research using a sophisticated combination of economic modeling to study the neural basis of economic decision-making. The selected Postdoctoral Scholar candidate will work with the principal investigator, UCSF faculty (Robert Knight and Andrew Kayser), and the rest of the research team to help achieve the laboratory’s goals. The initial appointment is for one year, full-time with the possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding. The total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.

Responsibilities:
During the appointment period, the successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Integrate computational models of economic decision-making with neural measurement and manipulation, including fMRI, ECoG, and pharmacological manipulation.
  • Design and carry out behavioral and neuroscientific experiments.
  • Conduct data analysis connecting model and experimental observations.
  • Prepare manuscripts, write reports, and give presentations as part of the research team.
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

Basic Qualifications (required at the time of application):

  • PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program

Additional Qualifications (required by the start date):

  • PhD (or equivalent international degree)
  • No more than five years of post-degree research experience by start date

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in one of a variety of fields, including but not limited to, Neuroscience, Economics, Psychology, Decision Sciences or a related discipline.
  • Experience in computational modeling and experimental cognitive neuroscience in either human or model organisms (fMRI, ECoG, single-unit recordings) are highly desirable.
  • Strong programming skills (e.g., Matlab, R, Python) and deep understanding of statistical methods are a must.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Interest and willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

To apply, please go to the following link: http://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF02574.

The position will remain open until filled.

Please address inquiries to Ming Hsu, Principal Investigator, at mhsu@haas.berkeley.edu.

UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package and a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at UC Berkeley. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our academic positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Cover Letter addressed to Dr. Ming Hsu

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA