Job Summary
The Skill, Learning, and Performance Laboratory (SLAP Lab) at Purdue University (https://hhs.purdue.edu/skill-learning-and-performance-lab) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar beginning summer 2025 (flexible start date) to work with Assoc. Prof. Brooke Macnamara.
Work in the SLAP Lab primarily focuses on investigating predictors of complex human performance variance. Performance variance is examined within persons (e.g., skill acquisition, skill decay) and between persons (e.g., expertise, achievement). Example projects currently in the lab include examining 1) cognitive abilities as predictors of skill acquisition and performance differences depending on task characteristics, 2) emotion-cognition traits and physiological stress responses as predictors of skill acquisition and performance differences depending on task characteristics, 3) how artificial intelligence assistance predicts skill hindrance and skill decay, 4) strategy shifts as predictors of dynamic spatial skill acquisition, 5) experiential predictors of expert performance, 6) growth mindset on academic achievement, and 7) beliefs about achievement. In addition to topics in these areas, potential future lines of research could include examining how various societal structures predict skill acquisition, expertise, or achievement and methods to improve internal validity of intervention studies.
Job Responsibilities
The PI and postdoc will meet regularly, co-develop a mentoring plan based on the postdoc’s research and career goals and the PI’s skill set and resources, and aim to collaborate on multiple projects. The postdoc should be the lead investigator on at least one new project/line of research in collaboration with the PI and be heavily involved (and potentially the lead) in at least one other. The postdoctoral scholar will also be expected to become familiar with and potentially assist with current projects in the SLAP Lab.
It is expected that most of the postdoc’s work time will be dedicated to study design, analysis, and writing of new research. Other time will be spent in professional development, lab meetings, project management, and training/mentoring junior scientists. It is expected that a relatively small amount of time will be dedicated to administrative tasks and data collection.
Qualifications
The postdoc candidate will have completed their PhD in Psychology or related field by the time of appointment. The candidate’s area of expertise is flexible (e.g., cognitive psychology, I-O psychology, social psychology), provided the candidate can contribute to new work that fits within the SLAP Lab. The candidate should also
- have strong analytical skills, including independent proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R, Jasp, SAS);
- be very attentive to detail and have strong organizational skills;
- be motivated to produce high-quality work adhering to open science practices;
- have excellent time management skills and be able to meet deadlines;
- be committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse lab environment;
- be responsible and take initiative;
- have exceptional communication skills;
- be a collegial and supportive member of the lab; and
- be eligible to work or receive educational training in the U.S. through summer 2027.
Additional Information
The position is 40 hours per week for two years contingent on performance at Purdue University’s main West Lafayette, IN campus. Long-term funding may be available pending additional funding support. Dr. Macnamara’s research is currently supported by the Army Research Institute and the National Science Foundation. The postdoc will be part of a vibrant community of scholars at Purdue University. The Department of Psychological Science at Purdue University includes the following research areas: Cognitive, I-O, Social, Mathematical and Computational, Neuroscience, and Clinical. Most areas have open weekly colloquia.
The salary is $61,008. Review of applications will begin on February 10, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter (approximately 2 pages)
- C.V.
- The names, contact information, and relationship of three references
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Benefits Eligibility
Yes.