Laboratoire de Cognition et Neuroscience (Cognition and
Neuroscience Laboratory) of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
seeks to fill three postdoctoral positions.
1. Reasoning, emotion, and
physiological arousal
This project examines
the impact of emotion on deductive reasoning, focusing on the interface between
peripheral physiological arousal and central high level cognitive processes.
The project uses an experimental approach manipulating the emotional value of
stimuli using techniques such as evaluative conditioning. Knowledge of autonomic arousal
measures would be an asset.
Funding : NSERC,
2 years, 35 000$ per year
Supervisor :
Isabelle Blanchette (isabelle.blanchette@uqtr.ca)
2. Effect of highly emotional
experiences on cognitive function
This project examines
the impact of highly emotional events on specific cognitive processes including
reasoning, working memory, and attention. The project uses a quasi-experimental
approach comparing participants who have undergone specific events (sexual
abuse, serious car accidents, etc.) to matched control groups composed of
participants who have not. The studies will also consider post-traumatic
reactions though the focus of interest is on non-pathological reactions.
Funding : SSHRC,
2 years, 31 500$
Supervisor :
Isabelle Blanchette (isabelle.blanchette@uqtr.ca)
3. The role of learning in the measure of infant
cognition and social cognition
Within the remit of
the Canada Research Chair in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as a
SSHRC research grant, several research projects that examine the role of
learning in the study of infant (social) cognitive development are available
for postdoc involvement and leadership. One axis that examines early detection
of pervasive developmental disorders is also available to the interested
candidate. In all cases, research projects will be developed in relation with
the candidate’s interests. Experiments will combine eye tracking, pupillometry,
EEG, and measures of heart rate changes as dependent variables. Experience with
one or more of these techniques is desirable.
Funding : NSERC,
SSHRC, 2 years, 35 000$ per year
Supervisor :
Sylvain Sirois (sylvain.sirois@uqtr.ca)
For all these posts,
candidates are expected to:
- Have a PhD in a relevant discipline (psychology, neuroscience, etc.)
- Have an excellent grasp of experimental psychology, ideally in their project’s area
- Have excellent research training and skills, including statistics, scientific writing, and knowledge of the usual research software (SPSS, EPrime, MatLab, etc.)
- Have excellent oral and written English
The Psychology
department at UQTR offers a dynamic environment. There is ongoing significant
growth in the area of cognition and neuroscience. Recently built, dedicated
research laboratories provide state-of-the-art facilities that include eye
tracking, psychophysiological instruments, and EEG (including a high-density
system). Trois-Rivières is a French-speaking town of modest size offering an
excellent quality of life, a warm atmosphere, and very easy access to many
outdoors activities. It is within close proximity of Montreal and Quebec City.
Though the work environment is generally French-speaking, most individuals are
functionally bilingual (and eager to practice their English) and interactions
in the lab may be bilingual. A basic grasp of French (or a genuine interest to
acquire one) would be highly desirable for day-to-day life outside work.
To apply:
Send by email a letter
of intent, identifying the desired post/topic to the appropriate supervisor,
along with a current CV, copies of two recent papers, and the details of two
academic references. Citizens of all
countries are eligible to these posts, subject to visa requirements. The deadline for
applications is July 1st 2011, and the expected start date would be
September 2011.
