We are looking for a highly motivated early-career scientist to join the O-Lab, led by Prof. Tobias Overath, in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at Duke University. Work in the lab investigates how sounds, from simple sinusoids to complex speech signals, are processed in the human brain, using a combination of behavioral and neuroimaging methods (fMRI, EEG, ECoG). Current projects investigate the transformation from acoustic to linguistic analysis of temporal speech structure in human auditory cortex, online measures of statistical learning, and optimization of cochlear implant coding strategies.
Applicants should have received an undergraduate degree in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field by summer 2021. A strong interest in how the brain processes sound is a plus, as is excellent knowledge of at least one programing language (e.g. Matlab, Python). Familiarity with fMRI, EEG, and/or a related experimental technique is also very welcome.
The main emphasis of the position is on being involved with, and taking the lead on research projects, thereby gaining valuable research experience for future applications to graduate school. Bureaucratic aspects of the position (such as scheduling and reimbursement of participants, lab equipment purchases, IRB protocols, etc.) are projected to be comparatively limited.
Prospective start date is August or September 2021. Applicants will be reviewed until the position is filled. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are expressly encouraged to apply.
Duke University provides a vibrant, highly connected scientific environment, with many relevant departments and interdisciplinary initiatives (e.g. Departments of Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Brain Imaging and Analysis Center). In addition, the Research Triangle area (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) boasts a wealth of research initiatives.