A fulltime Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in Dr. Catharine Fairbairn’s research laboratory in the department of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The candidate will have the opportunity to gain experience with cutting-edge research methods in the field of addiction science, including alcohol biosensor development, big data analysis, image-capture methods for assessing use contexts, and laboratory alcohol-administration trials featuring EEG hyperscanning. This position may be particularly well suited to an individual seeking to build a career in addiction or alcohol science. Students interested in careers in health informatics or applied data science might also represent a good fit. Responsibilities will include cleaning and processing data, analyzing data, publishing scientific manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and submitting mentored grant applications. The postdoc will also supervise undergraduate students and contribute to the design and execution of funded studies. This is an ideal position for candidates interested in preparing for a tenure-track job or role as a research scientist. Mentorship and career development support will be provided towards the development of candidates’ CVs and qualifications as an independent researcher.

 

Our laboratory explores a variety of facets of addictive behaviors, ranging from psycho-social to biological. Currently, projects of primary focus include those examining the development and validation of a continuous alcohol biosensor through machine learning and large-scale data analysis (see ongoing trial) as well as projects integrating social neuroscience and featuring hyperscanning (see neuroscience sub-trial here). Those with experience in more complex forms of data analysis, computational modelling, or (separate) EEG/ERP methods might represent a particularly strong fit. However, projects covered by our laboratory are varied, and candidates from a range of backgrounds and diverse interests under the broad umbrella of addiction science are encouraged to apply.

 

Interested applicants should send a CV and brief message of interest Dr. Catharine Fairbairn (cfairbai@illinois.edu) with subject line “UIUC Addictions Post-Doc.” Those selected as finalists will be asked to submit additional materials, including a brief letter of interest, list of professional references, and example publications. Salary is based on University of Illinois and NIAAA post-doctoral scales, and funding is available for up to three-years (appointments are for one year, but renewable for two years, based on progress/merit). The ideal start date would be June 1st, although strong applicants might be considered for start dates as late as 2024.

 

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.