Francys Subiaul
Social Cognition Lab
Primate Studies
Child Studies
Autism Studies
Ape Mind Initiative
Research
Education
Students
National Zoological park, Smithsonian Institution Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Primate Cognition
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (SI/NZP) in collaboration with The George Washington University (GWU), Ape Mind Initiate (AMI) is soliciting applications from qualified candidates with a doctoral degree and a specialization in Primate Cognition. The primary focus of the research is to support a National Science Foundation funded program, “The Evolution of Cultural Learning” directed by Dr. Francys Subiaul. This comparative research program focuses on studying different types of imitation learning (e.g., motor-spatial and cognitive imitation) in human children and apes (subiaul.com/ami.html). This position is part of the Think Tank and Great Ape House research program, which are home to 6 orangutans and 6 gorillas. Emphasis will be placed on a new education/research direction that will involve the public as well as high school and university students in the AMI, SI/NZP research program.
The position is for 2 years with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be competitive but limited by NSF funding constraints. Applications should be sent electronically and include: a letter of interest and a letter of research stating how the applicant’s own interests and experiences are compatible with the funded research program, a CV, and the names of three referees including emails and current affiliation. Applicants should submit all application materials to Dr. F. Subiaul subiaul@gwu.edu. Questions about the zoo program may be directed to Lisa Stevens, Curator, Primates and Giant Pandas (stevenslm@si.edu). Only complete applications and candidates with doctoral degrees (or those who anticipate a Ph.D. by the start of the appointment) will be considered. The review of applications will begin on July 1 and continue until the position has been filled.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Evolutionary Origins of the Human Mind
Mind, Brain & Evolution Center, The George Washington University
Applications are invited for a full-time, benefited position as Postdoctoral Scientist to participate in the Mind, Brain & Evolution Center (MBEC) at The George Washington University. The MBEC is a new collaborative group of cognitive and neural scientists, comprised of Drs. Tad Zawidzki (Philosophy), Francys Subiaul (Speech & Hearing Science) and Chet Sherwood (Anthropology). The goal of MBEC is to foster interdisciplinary research and collaboration on the evolution of the brain, language and cognition. We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to interact within this dynamic framework to develop his or her own research program in the area of social cognition, with support from MBEC. In addition, we expect the postdoctoral scientist to participate in extramural research grant writing, to be involved in some collaborative teaching, and to assist with administration of the Center. Because of the interdisciplinary design of the MBEC, we invite applications from diverse fields including, but not limited to: philosophy, anthropology, psychology, robotics, neuroanatomy, and cognitive neuroscience. The minimum degree required for this position is a PhD.
For more information on current research by MBEC members, please visit the following websites:
The Social Cognition Lab – www.subiaul.com
Laboratory for Evolutionary Neuroanatomy – www.evolneuro.org
The position will start January 1, 2009 and it is funded by The George Washington University’s Research Enhancement Fund for 24 months. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and the position will stay open until it is filled.
Please email applications to Dr. Tad Zawidzki at zawidzki@gwu.edu. The application should include a cover letter with a brief proposal describing the research you intend to perform while funded by MBEC. The cover letter should clearly state how the applicant’s proposal and past research relate to the goals and interests of MBEC. Please note that we are seeking researchers with an explicit focus on applying the principles of evolutionary theory to understanding the emergence of the human mind and brain. The application should also include a CV and names of three people who can be contacted for letters of reference.
The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.