Postdoctoral Scholar - Aphasia Lab

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University’s Aphasia Lab in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on neural and cognitive mechanisms of aphasia and rehabilitation approaches. The role emphasizes neuromodulation (tDCS) and language recovery in individuals with aphasia, with hands-on data collection and analysis.

The successful candidate will design, implement, and analyze behavioral and neuromodulation-based studies, collaborate across

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a related field.
• Strong background in aphasia research, language processing, or neurocognitive disorders.
• Proficiency in behavioral experimental design and statistical analysis (R, SPSS , MATLAB , Python).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on tDCS applications for aphasia rehabilitation, including study design, participant recruitment, and experimental execution.
• Develop and refine research methodologies, including language assessment and intervention protocols combined with tDCS.
• Apply neuromodulation techniques (tDCS) in clinical and research settings, ensuring safety and compliance with research protocols.
• Analyze behavioral data using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
• Author and co-author scientific publications and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including speech-language pathologists, cognitive neuroscientists, and neurologists.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects.
• Contribute to grant writing and securing research funding.

Skills

Aphasia research background

Statistical analysis tools (R SPSS M A

Education

Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology or related field

Tools

R

SPSS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $62,500 - $64,272

Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Determined by Supervisor

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Rank

Rank Post Doc

Unionized Position Code PD

Job Description

The Aphasia Lab in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Arts & Sciences at Syracuse University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The Aphasia Lab focuses on understanding the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying aphasia and developing innovative rehabilitation approaches.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to investigations on neuromodulation (specifically transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) and its effects on language recovery in individuals with aphasia. The Postdoctoral Scholar will play a key role in designing, implementing, and analyzing data from behavioral and neuromodulation-based studies aimed at improving aphasia treatment

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a related field.
• Strong background in aphasia research, language processing, or neurocognitive disorders.
• Proficiency in behavioral experimental design and statistical analysis (e.g., R,
• SPSS , MATLAB , Python).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology ( CCC - SLP ) from ASHA .
• Experience working with individuals with aphasia or other neurogenic communication disorders.
• Knowledge of speech/language assessment tools and rehabilitation approaches.
• Experience with neuromodulation techniques, particularly tDCS.
• Familiarity with tDCS stimulation parameters, safety protocols, and data analysis.
• Prior experience with clinical trials or intervention-based research.
• Prior experience with grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on tDCS applications for aphasia rehabilitation, including study design, participant recruitment, and experimental execution.
• Develop and refine research methodologies, including language assessment and intervention protocols combined with tDCS.
• Apply neuromodulation techniques (tDCS) in clinical and research settings, ensuring safety and compliance with research protocols.
• Analyze behavioral data using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
• Author and co-author scientific publications and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including speech-language pathologists, cognitive neuroscientists, and neurologists.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects.
• Contribute to grant writing and securing research funding.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000.

The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues.

Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.