#ucmerced

The Center for Early Cognition and Language at the University of California, Merced, directed by Dr. Rose Scott, is seeking a research specialist for an NSF-funded research study on the development of social cognition. This research will examine the influence of cultural, social, and economic factors on children’s early false-belief understanding. The research specialist will (a) assist with the design and development of research protocols and materials, (b) oversee participant recruitment and scheduling and the maintenance of participant records, (c) train and supervise undergraduate research assistants, (d) conduct study visits with families, and (e) assist with data entry, coding, and analysis. The specialist will also have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of publications, presentations, and reports using data affiliated with the project.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or related field

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Excellent attention to detail

Computer literacy and a willingness to learn new technical/computer skills

Ability to work independently as well as with other team members

Experience working with young children

Ability to interact with families from a diverse range of backgrounds in a respectful and courteous fashion

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency in Spanish

At least 1 year of research experience

Experience with data management software (e.g., FilemakerPro)

Experience with PsychoPy, Python, R, SPSS

Interested applicants should apply at https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01152.

Salary is based on University of California Academic Salary Pay Scales. This is a benefits-eligible appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension for additional years based on satisfactory performance. Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2021. Position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2021.

“A penguin huddle looks like organized chaos,” said François Blanchette, a mathematician at the University of California, Merced. “Every penguin acts individually, but the end result is an equitable heat distribution for the whole community.”

Penguins seem to know what mathematicians learned long ago: The densest packing of shapes on a plane is a hexagonal grid. According to Blanchette’s model, the birds arrange themselves as if they were each standing on their own hexagon in a grid.