The Department of Psychology at the University of Southern California announces one or more Postdoctoral Scholar positions to study the neural mechanisms of risky decision-making (under the direction of Professor Stephen J. Read).

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to contribute to NIMH-funded research investigating the neural mechanisms of risky sexual decision making in Meth and non-Meth using men who have sex with men (MSM) at USC, as part of a team including Zhong-Lin Lu, Antoine Bechara, Lynn C. Miller, and Robert Appleby. Using behavioral testing, fMRI, and computational modeling techniques (e.g, Neural Networks), the goal of the decision making project is to develop a detailed model of the neural mechanisms involved in risky sexual decision-making.  The individual in this position will be involved in the design and conduct of behavioral experiments in the scanner, in data analysis, and in the computational modeling of the relevant neural circuits/mechanisms.  Opportunities exist for interaction with social psychology faculty and with faculty in the Dornsife Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center.

Requirements – Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, experience with fMRI, and experience with behavioral and/or computational approaches to decision-making and cognitive processing. Familiarity with computational and statistical methods (e.g. MatLab, Psychtoolbox, Neural Networks, statistical programs) is highly advantageous.

The appointment could begin as early as September 2011 for a period of one year. Renewal is based on performance and availability of grant support. Salary will be commensurate with experience, minimum salary: $40,000.

Application Procedures – Please send a cover letter (including a description of research skills), a CV, and the names/contact information of three (3) references to:

Stephen J. Read ([log in to unmask])