Post Doctoral Research Associate - Somneuro Lab

Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate - Somneuro Lab

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Psychology and Brain Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

The Somneuro Lab (directed by Dr. Rebecca Spencer) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is seeking a full-time postdoctoral scholar for research on sleep, cognition, and brain dynamics. The lab and program environment is rich and based in new research facilities. The Somneuro Lab broadly focuses on sleep's role in memory across development and aging. We are particularly interested in neural mechanisms underlying sleep benefits to cognition and apply multiple tools to address these questions (MRI, EEG/polysomnography, behavioral assessments). See somneurolab.com for more details. A 2-year commitment is preferred with the possibility of additional reappointment.

Essential Functions

Develop and implement novel analysis pipelines for human EEG data, including spectral and time-frequency analysis, parameterization of aperiodic activity, and characterization of spatiotemporal dynamics.

Analyze and interpret EEG data in the context of cognitive and sleep functions.

Contribute to study design, data collection, and preprocessing workflows.

Collaborate with other lab staff.

Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and support grant development.

Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees as appropriate.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field.

Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience in neural data analysis.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.

Experience with EEG (or similar) data analysis, including preprocessing, artifact rejection, and spectral methods.

Familiarity with signal processing techniques and statistical modeling.

Evidence of scholarly productivity (e.g., publications, preprints) in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Experience with machine learning or advanced statistical modeling approaches.

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

Keen attention to detail (including documentation), organization, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in sleep or cognitive neuroscience research.

Experience analyzing oscillatory activity and aperiodic components.

Familiarity with advanced methods for characterizing spatiotemporal dynamics.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. As needed to complete assigned tasks and experiments, with some flexibility.

Salary Information

Salary minimum is determined by collective bargaining agreement based on years of experience. Salary may exceed the floor and will be determined by the PI (final salary will be stated in offer letter).

Current floors based on 100% time, 40 hours/week:
0-2 years $62,838
3-4 years $66,287
5+ years $71,033

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a CV, a cover letter describing your research interest and experience, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.