The Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation (CNS) Lab and Dr. Thomas D. Parsons, PhD invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow focused on research in social neuroscience, computer science, clinical education, simulation science, and immersive technologies. The Postdoctoral Researcher will design, organize, and conduct specialized and advanced research projects in simulation science and learning technologies. The CNS’s ongoing projects focus on virtual humans and advancing simulation science-based theories and concepts in social and clinical education. Interests in extended reality (virtual reality, augmented reality), wearable sensors (EDA, ECG, EEG, fNIRS) as well as psychological science are highly valued for this position. Established immersive technologies will be used along with scientific protocols and procedures. Responsibilities will include designing new protocols, summarizing findings, publishing results in research journals; and applying for internal and external funding opportunities. The CNS lab has funded projects using virtual humans (e.g., conversational agents, virtual standardized patients) and virtual reality environments. The lab was recently awarded (Parsons is PI) a $5.2 million dollar grant “Virtual Insomnia Patients (VIPs) to Automate and Accelerate Dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).” Dr. Parsons is also Co-I on a recently funded NIH award for a $5.8 million dollar “Roybal Center for Older Adults Living Alone with Cognitive Decline: Testing Technology-Enabled Interventions Driven by Mechanisms of Behavior Change to Prevent AD/ADRD and Improve Quality of Life.”
The CNS lab is part of a vibrant and varied research, education, and practice community at ASU, which was named this year by U.S. News and World Report for the eighth year in a row as #1 in Innovation among all universities in the United States. The CNS lab offers a rich interprofessional research, mentoring, and teaching environment with unique and growing transdisciplinary programs and several centers that encompass education in social science, health equity; health promotion and disease prevention; mindfulness, compassion, and resilience; and healthy and resilient aging. The CNS lab is housed in Edson College where faculty collaborate across professions, other colleges, and universities and have current or recent funding from NIH, PCORI, the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, HRSA, Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, and several other local, regional, and national organizations. The CNS lab also collaborates with a wide-ranging group of community and healthcare organizations to improve the economic, social, and cultural health and vitality of shared local, state, national, and global communities. Examples of these organizations include Mayo Clinic (satellite CNS Lab), Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
About Arizona State University
ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.
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This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Downtown Phoenix campus. This postdoctoral fellowship position is a fiscal-year, term-limited 1-year position, which may be renewable for a second year, contingent upon the fellow’s successful progress as outlined in their IDP.
Application materials should include a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest regarding the CNS Lab and describing how you meet the qualifications noted above; and contact information for 3 references including email addresses.
Review of applications begins 10/18/2024. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Inquiries can be directed to the Director of the CNS Lab—Thomas D. Parsons, PhD (Thomas.Parsons@ASU.edu), Grace Center Professor for Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science, & Immersive Technology.
A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
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