MORPHEUS Postdoctoral Research Fellow

IHMC; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Florida is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the MORPHEUS project focused on optimizing sleep and cognitive performance. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in relevant fields and possess expertise in neurophysiological data analysis and programming. This two-year position offers opportunities for advancement to a Research Scientist role.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in neurophysiological data acquisition and processing.
• Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience with statistical modeling.
• Strong quantitative/analytical skills; experience with experimental design and statistics.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong written/verbal communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in advancing healthspan, resilience, and performance research.

Responsibilities

• Curation, processing, and analysis of multimodal datasets.
• Interpretation of results in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• Contribute to project management and mentoring of junior researchers.
• Develop a research program trajectory and guidance toward independent funding.

Skills

Neurophysiological data acquisition

Programming languages (Python, R, MATLAB)

Quantitative and analytical skills

Excellent scientific writing

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, biomedical engineering, or related field

Tools

EEG

PSG

MRI

Wearables

Job description

The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (internally classified as Senior Research Associate) in the Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance research area. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research program that spans neuroscience, cognitive psychology, sleep science, and applied human performance and health optimization.

The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in the MORPHEUS project, a Department of Defense-funded initiative investigating integrated interventions to optimize sleep efficiency, resilience, and cognitive performance under severe sleep restriction (3-hr per day for 7 days). Specifically, the project evaluates the combined use of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), binaural beat stimulation, and photomodulation as a novel intervention platform. Additional opportunities will be available to contribute to related projects in neuromodulation, neurophysiological sensor-based assessment of state and trait, and cognitive performance enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Curation, processing, and analysis of multimodal datasets including neurophysiological recordings (EEG, PSG, MRI), cognitive task performance, self-report measures, and wearables (Oura ring, CGM).
• Interpretation of results in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Contribution to project management and mentoring of junior researchers.
• Engagement in professional development, including opportunities for guidance on applying for independent funding, developing one’s own research program, and building a trajectory toward PI/research scientist/faculty-level positions.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in neurophysiological data acquisition and processing, with emphasis on EEG (experience with multimodal integration such as EMG, ECG, or eye-tracking is desirable).
• Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis and visualization (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB).
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with experimental design and statistical modeling.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive, inclusive research environment.
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex datasets and experimental protocols.
• Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to advancing human performance, resilience, and healthspan research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in sleep research, EEG data analysis, and/or experience with multimodal sensor and performance data integration (EEG, PSG, MRI, wearables, cognitive task performance).
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience managing or curating large-scale longitudinal datasets.
• Knowledge of signal processing and EEG data analysis techniques (artifact detection, ICA, connectivity measures, time-frequency analyses).

Appointment Details: The initial appointment is for two years anticipated to start on January 5, 2025, with the potential for renewal. Strong performance in the role may open opportunities for advancement to a Research Scientist (PI-level) position within IHMC.

Questions

If you have questions about the application process or opportunities, please email: [e-mail] .