The Cognition, Language and Plasticity Laboratory (PI Sehyr) at Chapman University, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position under the NSF grant BCS-2234786, starting Fall 2024. This a full-time position for 2 years and offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focusing on aspects of sign reduction in American Sign Language (ASL) using computational and experimental approaches. The postdoc will be encouraged to develop own line of research that aligns with the lab's research goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Experiment design, data collection and analysis.
• Video data preparation and processing from a large database of sign videos.
• Extraction and analysis of spatial coordinates from signers' joint positions.
• Data visualization.
• Preparing and writing up research for publications, and grant writing assistance.

Mentoring and Development Opportunities

• Regular guidance, mentoring plan and feedback.
• Access to high-performance computing resources and professional societies.
• Career counseling, including CV preparation, job application, and negotiation strategies.
• Opportunities for leadership by mentoring undergraduate research assistants.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational or Cognitive Linguistics, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, R) and advanced statistical analyses.
• Excellent communication skills in written English and American Sign Language (or willingness to learn ASL).
• Commitment to ethical and culture-responsive research practices.
• Demonstrable skills in preparing grant proposals and scientific manuscripts.

Desirable Attributes

• Lived experience of deafness or strong connection with the deaf community.
• Expertise or willingness to gain expertise in experimental research using EEG/ERP methods.
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and frameworks.

About Cognition, Language & Plasticity Lab

The brain has a remarkable capacity for adaptation in response to experiences and activities throughout a person's life. Central to our human experience are language and communication. Our research focuses on exploring the neuroplasticity of pathways dedicated to language and visual processing as a consequence of experiences (such as learning a new language or lifelong sign language use). Language, whether spoken or signed, is a focal point of our investigations. We place a particular emphasis on the study of sign languages and their users, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing our understanding of universal aspects of human language and communication.

Our research is at the forefront of advancing knowledge and applications in neuroscience, technology, and clinical rehabilitation. Our research contributes to neuroscience by shedding light on the intricate networks responsible for language processing. Moreover, our findings have the potential to assist the development of more intelligent machines that can interact with humans in a more human-like manner. Finally, our research findings hold promise for clinical practice, as they can inform strategies for language recovery following brain injuries.

Lab website: http://www.zedsehyr.com/

About Chapman University

Chapman University is a nationally ranked Chapman University is a nationally ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California's most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman's campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 78 countries. Our faculty include academic leaders who excel in research, publishing and world-class teaching in our 11 schools and colleges, including the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. The 11 schools and colleges of Chapman, including Schmid College of Science and Technology, offer 65 bachelors, 53 master, and six doctoral programs, along with nearly 60 minors and 17 accelerated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by the more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners.

The vision of Crean College of Health and Behavior Sciences is to engage diverse faculty, students, and staff in community outreach, learning, research, and evidence-based practice. We emphasize an ethical, interdisciplinary approach to understanding health across the lifespan.

Commitment to Diversity

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, including deaf individuals.

More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University is available at https://www.chapman.edu/diversity.

Interested candidates should submit via Interfolio:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter outlining their research experience and interests as relevant to the position
• Reprints of publications or other examples of scholarly work
• Contact information for three references.

Please send any questions to PI Zed Sehyr at sehyr@chapman.edu, and cc Administrative Coordinator, Erika Orejola at orejola@chapman.edu, with the subject line "NSF Postdoctoral Researcher Application."

Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. Accepting applications until the position is filled.