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Posted July 24, 2026

Research Specialist II

Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey, United States 08544 Full Time
Reference: 286029455

Job Type Full-Time

Overview

A full-time research specialist position is available in the Neuroscience of Cognitive Control Laboratory led by Jonathan Cohen at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Psychology at Princeton University. Research in the lab focuses on the cognitive, computational and neural bases of cognitive control, learning, and intelligence using a combination of behavioral, neuroimaging, and AI modeling methods.

The position provides an excellent opportunity to further develop research skills in computational modeling, AI, machine learning, cognitive psychology and human neuroscience. The successful applicant will be an energetic learner with strong programming abilities and an interest in assisting lab members in conducting research using all of these methods. For more information about the lab and its research interests, please see the website at https://ncclab.princeton.edu.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon successful performance.



Responsibilities

- programming, primarily in python, for tasks which may include: computational modeling of human cognitive function, data analysis of behavioral or neuroscientific data recordings, or experimental protocols.

- conducting empirical studies, including human behavioral experiments (in-person and online) and neuroimaging experiments (using MRI and OPM-MEG technologies). Must be willing and able to work within a large magnetic field in an MRI scanning environment (e.g., not have metal implants or other MRI safety preclusions).

- general lab assistance (planning meetings, maintaining IRB protocols and lab website, assisting PI, etc.)


Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science or a closely related discipline
- At least 4 years experience with human neuroscience research, using behavioral or neuroimaging (EEG, MEG, MRI) methods, as well as computational/mathematical modeling
- At least 2 years post-baccalaureate experience in these domains
- Current fluency with computer programming (especially using Python)

Candidate must be willing and safely able to work within the large magnetic fields in our MRI facilities, as determined by Princeton's standard MRI safety screening criteria (e.g., must have no MR-unsafe metal implants in body, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

- website design, creation, and management
- IRB protocol creation and management
- statistical analysis
- machine learning / deep learning AI

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.


Standard Weekly Hours
36.25

Eligible for Overtime
Yes

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
..

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required
No

Valid Drivers License Required
No

..

Salary Range
$41,000 to $61,000



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286029455

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