NIH-funded postdoc, and Research assistant / Lab manager position available in the O-Lab at Duke

We are looking for highly motivated early-career researchers to join the O-Lab, led by Prof. Tobias Overath, in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at Duke University. Work in our lab investigates how sounds, from simple sinusoids to complex speech signals, are processed in the human brain, using a combination of behavioral (psychoacoustics) and neuroimaging methods (fMRI, EEG, ECoG) to track the underlying neural processes. Current projects investigate the transformation from acoustic to linguistic analysis of temporal speech structure, online measures of statistical learning, and optimization of cochlear implant coding strategies.

Postdoc applicants should have recently completed a graduate degree in auditory neuroscience (broadly construed) or a related field, ideally using neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, M/EEG, ECoG). Strong computational skills are essential (Matlab, Python), as are good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a research team. Interested candidates should have established a track record of publications from their graduate studies and demonstrated the motivation to pursue a successful career in science and academia.

Applicants for the Research Assistant / Lab manager position should have received an undergraduate degree in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field by summer 2018. A strong interest in how the brain processes sound is a plus, as is excellent knowledge of at least one programing language (preferably Matlab). Familiarity with fMRI, EEG, and/or a related experimental technique would also be beneficial.

The main emphasis of the position will be on being involved with, and taking the lead on research projects, thereby gaining valuable research experience in preparation for future graduate school applications. Bureaucratic aspects of the position (such as scheduling and reimbursement of participants, help with IRB reviews, etc.) are projected to be comparatively limited.

Duke University provides a vibrant, highly connected scientific environment, with many relevant departments and interdisciplinary initiatives (e.g. Departments of Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Brain Imaging and Analysis Center). In addition, the Research Triangle area (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) boasts a wealth of research initiatives.

Prospective start date is August or September, 2018. Applications will be reviewed until the end of April, or until the position is filled. Interested candidates should contact Tobias Overath via email: t.overath@duke.edu