Postdoctoral Fellow

Emerson College; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 57,132 - 69,828; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding health plans

Dental plans

Generous time‑off programs

403(b) retirement with 9% employer

Commuter offers

Job summary

Emerson College in Boston invites applications for a two‑year Postdoctoral Fellow position in the FACE Lab, partnering with CHOP. The Fellow will lead data processing and analysis, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present findings at conferences. Mentorship by Dr.

Ruth Grossman will support the transition to independence and grant-writing opportunities. The role emphasizes coding and analyzing facial and non-verbal expressions in social contexts, with opportunities to integrate into the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Science, Communication Disorders, or a related field required, preferably with a focus on non‑verbal aspects of communication.
• Experience using statistical and other research software, such as R/R Studio, Redcap, and Qualtrics or QuestionPro required.
• 1-3 years of previous experience working with autistic individuals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to refining all aspects of data processing and analysis via regular meetings with Lab Directors and postdoctoral fellow(s) at Emerson and CHOP
• Provide feedback and input to Lab Director on implementation of methods, identifying both successes and areas for improvement
• Oversee the cleaning, processing, and statistical analysis of complex datasets in collaboration with Lab Director, including creation and implementation of data analysis pipelines and associated documentation
• Oversee/conduct data collection with autistic and non‑autistic individuals and their families
• Ensure data processing methods, priorities, and timelines are maintained by RA and student researchers via training and supervision
• Ensure all lab staff and protocols adhere to research regulations, including IRB protocols
• Develop and lead independent research projects within the scope and capabilities of the FACE Lab to establish own career trajectory
• Participate in and lead preparation and submission of conferences presentations and peer‑reviewed manuscripts
• Identify and pursue opportunities to write grant proposals toward establishing a funding pipeline for independent academic career after completion of the fellowship

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology or related field

Tools

R/R Studio

RedCap

Qualtrics or QuestionPro

Job description

Join our community and experience Emerson College! We are hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow for an exciting, newly NIH-funded project at the FACE Lab at Emerson College. The project's aims are to identify facial expressions and other non‑verbal behavior that can predict conversational success and satisfaction among autistic and non‑autistic adolescents. The primary research focus at the FACE Lab will be coding and analyzing facial and other non‑verbal expressions within social context, while our partners at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will focus on computer‑driven analyses of the same expressions. The Postdoctoral Fellow will report to the FACE Lab Director and will collaborate on all aspects of the project at the FACE Lab and CHOP, taking primary leadership in data processing and analysis approaches at the FACE Lab, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation. The Lab Director, Dr. Ruth Grossman, will provide active, structured mentorship and opportunities to integrate into the Boston autism research and post‑doctoral communities. The position is designed to serve as a stepping stone to a future career as an independent scientist and scholar and the Lab Director will encourage and support the Fellow to apply for independent or mentored grants to further their academic trajectory and independence. The position is for two years, with the possibility of additional years if mutually agreed upon by the Lab Director and Fellow. The FACE Lab is a small, collegial environment dedicated to engaging in high quality, relevant, and ecologically valid research on social communication through respectful, honest, and open communication. We also aim to collaborate with and be informed by the autism and autism research communities and remain accountable to all stakeholders, including providing active mentorship and growth opportunities to all lab members.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Contribute to refining all aspects of data processing and analysis via regular meetings with Lab Directors and postdoctoral fellow(s) at Emerson and CHOP
• Provide feedback and input to Lab Director on implementation of methods, identifying both successes and areas for improvement
• Oversee the cleaning, processing, and statistical analysis of complex datasets in collaboration with Lab Director, including creation and implementation of data analysis pipelines and associated documentation
• Oversee/conduct data collection with autistic and non‑autistic individuals and their families
• Ensure data processing methods, priorities, and timelines are maintained by RA and student researchers via training and supervision
• Ensure all lab staff and protocols adhere to research regulations, including IRB protocols
• Develop and lead independent research projects within the scope and capabilities of the FACE Lab to establish own career trajectory
• Participate in and lead preparation and submission of conferences presentations and peer‑reviewed manuscripts
• Identify and pursue opportunities to write grant proposals toward establishing a funding pipeline for independent academic career after completion of the fellowship

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Science, Communication Disorders, or a related field required, preferably with a focus on non‑verbal aspects of communication.

Experience using statistical and other research software, such as R/R Studio, Redcap, and Qualtrics or QuestionPro required.

1-3 years of previous experience working with autistic individuals preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Self‑starter with excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills aiming for an independent research trajectory and position in academia
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, as well as strong written and oral communication skills required

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

This position is generally sedentary in nature, movement throughout the area is required from time to time. Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co‑workers and supervisors is essential. Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color‑coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels.

IN‑OFFICE EXPECTATIONS

This position requires an in‑person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Minimum salary for this position is $63,480. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-07E

Employment Category: Grant Funded (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Benefits

• Outstanding health plans with limited out‑of‑pocket expenses
• Dental plans
• Generous time‑off programs
• 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible

Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

About Us

Emerson College is the nation’s only four‑year institution dedicated exclusively to majors in communication and the arts in a liberal arts context. It is located in the dynamic multi‑cultural city of Boston in close proximity to major arts institutions, performing art venues, and research centers. The college enrolls over 5,800 graduate and undergraduate students from more than 70 countries and all 50 states. Emerson College has campuses in Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

At Emerson College, we seek individuals who bring innovation, creativity, and impact to our campuses to increase our depth, breadth, and diversity in our educational offerings.

Emerson’s commitment to inclusive excellence is supported by a range of resources.

Commitment to Inclusion

Emerson College believes the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence is fostering a campus climate where everyone can thrive. As a community of scholars and storytellers, we continually strive to cultivate a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent, characterized by the intentional inclusion of individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Annual Clery Report

In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, Emerson College commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual campus security reports for each of our campuses. This report may be accessed from the Emerson College Police Department website.

Contact

Emerson College has designated the Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Title IX Coordinator to respond to inquiries regarding the College's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Violence. The Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Title IX Coordinator is located in the Ansin Building, 180 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111, Suite 409, and may be reached by calling [phone] or by emailing [e-mail].