We seek a postdoctoral research associate to work with Professor Christopher Kuzawa at Harvard University on a study that will validate and implement imaging-based proxies for brain energy expenditure, to be used to characterize the energetic costs of the brain across human development (recently shown to account for 66% of resting expenditure in childhood). Eventual uses include characterizing individual and population variation in brain energy use, the experiential drivers of that variation, and possible impacts on downstream traits including growth patterns, body composition and critical periods in cognitive development. The associate will work with and liaise between collaborators in the Departments of Human Evolutionary Biology (Harvard/Cambridge), the Department of Neuroscience (Harvard/Cambridge) and the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging (Harvard/MIT/Mass General). In parallel, there will be opportunities to analyze and publish existing data upon identifying areas of mutual interest.

The appointment is for one year with a possibility of renewal based on performance. The appointment will be funded by non-federal sources.

Candidates must have a PhD with background in human neuroimaging or related field with interest in novel approaches to estimate brain metabolism.

Candidates should upload the following materials:

1. A curriculum vitae

2. A 2–3 page cover letter outlining their research interests and experience

3. Names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on May 15 2025, with an earliest start date of July 1st 2025.

Professor Christopher Kuzawa

$67,600-$80,000