Postdoc: Cognitive Analytics & Modeling Specialist

Tufts University; Medford (MA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Tufts University in Medford, MA seeks a Post-Doctoral Scholar to advance data analysis and quantitative modeling of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data. You will apply multilevel modeling, Bayesian methods, and data visualization to support cognitive science research.

You will mentor junior researchers, develop analysis pipelines in R and Python, and contribute to publications and presentations at professional meetings.

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Statistics, or related field (recently completed or soon to be completed).
• Strong foundational expertise in statistical methods including: regression (linear/logistic/lasso/ridge/elastic net), mixed models, PCA/FA, non-parametric methods, and simulation-based inference.
• High proficiency in R and/or Python for data analysis, including statistical modeling, visualization, and diagnostics.
• Demonstrated experience with or foundational knowledge of Bayesian modeling, including model comparison, posterior estimation, and priors (e.g., using brms or pymc).
• 1-2 years of research experience involving meta-analysis and systematic reviews (can be acquired during graduate studies).
• Experience conducting power analyses (frequentist and/or Bayesian), effect size estimation, assumption testing, and data imputation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an interest in cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Strong publication/presentation record involving statistical analysis of cognitive or behavioral data.

Responsibilities

• Provide statistical support across ongoing research projects using frequentist and Bayesian methods.
• Conduct statistical modeling with mixed effects and regression frameworks.
• Develop code and pipelines in R (metafor, tidyverse, brms) and Python (scikit-learn, pymc, pandas).
• Mentor junior researchers in rigorous data preprocessing and analysis.
• Conduct data-driven research to support CABCS objectives in cognitive domains.
• Analyze cognitive and physiological data; write papers and create presentations.
• Assist in managing laboratory resources and equipment.
• Support collaborations with internal and external researchers.
• Deliver presentations at professional meetings and author publications.

Skills

Statistical methods

Regression analysis

Mixed models

Bayesian methods

Power analysis

Data visualization

Data cleaning

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Statistics, or related field

Tools

R

Python

brms

pymc

scikit-learn

pandas

Job description

The Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Tufts University in Medford, MA seeks a Post-Doctoral Scholar to advance data analysis and quantitative modeling of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data. You will apply multilevel modeling, Bayesian methods, and data visualization to support cognitive science research.

You will mentor junior researchers, develop analysis pipelines in R and Python, and contribute to publications and presentations at professional meetings.