San Diego State University Research Foundation
Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20518
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research/Project
ADAR at SDSU

Overview

The Social-Health and Affective Neuroscience Lab (SHAN Lab; shanlaboratory.com; Director: Dr. Tristen Inagaki) conducts research on psychosocial determinants of health with a focus on social connection and neurobiological mechanisms linking the two. The lab includes multiple PhD and Master students from SDSU’s department of psychology and the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. Current research applies advanced functional MRI alongside behavioral, pharmacological, and ecological momentary assessment measures, to investigate social connection with close others.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator, the postdoctoral scholar will engage in research related to social and health psychology that aims to understand neurobiological underpinnings of social connection.

Responsibilities

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Scholar is provided mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in the Post Doc's academic discipline. The Postdoctoral scholar is responsible for but not limited to:

Research Activities 85%:

Lead analysis of neuroimaging (fMRI), behavioral, and ecological momentary assessment data from a clinical research trial, involving a pharmacological manipulation with young adults (aged 18-25 years).

Assist with analysis of archival fMRI data focused on supportive behavior.

Prepare research reports for publication in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other members of the lab.

Assist with data cleaning and data management.

Staff Supervision 10%:

Assist with training and supervising employees on the research team (e.g., research assistants, undergraduate and graduate students). Provide feedback on employee progress and performance, training, and coaching.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned 5%

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• A doctoral degree in an appropriate field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• PhD in Psychology with a Social emphasis
• Expertise in advanced computational neuroimaging analyses such as MVPA, functional connectivity, and other multivariate analysis approaches including publication(s)
• Expertise with programming languages (Python and R)
• Expertise with both Bayesian and frequentist statistical approaches to data analysis\

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong background in neuroimaging including experience in data acquisition, preprocessing, analysis of MRI data and publication of results.
• Knowledge of statistical analyses and expertise with statistical software such as Matlab, SPM or AFNI, R.
• Ability to lead and supervise a research team by providing feedback on employee progress, coaching and counseling
• Ability to demonstrate strong organizational, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers and researchers
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.