[CogSci] Two Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Computational Social Science - Judgment & Decision-making across cultures

[Igor Grossmann]

We invite applications for two post-doctoral fellows to join a transformative research project exploring wisdom and judgment across cultures. Under the supervision of Professors Igor Grossmann<https://igorgrossmann.com/> and Sam Johnson<https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/profiles/sam-johnson>, and in collaboration with the multinational Wise Judgment Consortium<https://wiseminds.uwaterloo.ca/>, these positions offer unique opportunities to work with leading scholars from universities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas (incl. Thomas Hills, Cendri Hutcherson, and Falk Lieder).

There are two Post-Doctoral Fellowships:


  1.  Social psychology-cognitive science (with Agent-Based Modeling interests)
  2.  Natural Language Processing (NLP) and computational social science focus

Location: University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid work arrangement possible)

Start Date: Spring 2025

Salary: $62,000 per annum (negotiable based on experience) and standard benefits as per University of Waterloo policies (see University of Waterloo Benefits<https://uwaterloo.ca/human-resources/support-employees/benefits/benefit-eligibility-and-eligible-dependents>).
Duration: One-year contract with a strong expectation of renewal pending satisfactory performance

Project Overview

About the Project
Our interdisciplinary research integrates insights from psychology, linguistics, computer science, and cultural studies to address a critical gap in understanding cultural influences on decision-making.

Key Objectives:


  *   Cross-cultural analysis: Systematically examine how individuals across various cultures and religions use a range of wisdom-related decision-making strategies.
  *   Model development: Create a comprehensive model of wise decision-making that reflects the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.

Our project employs cutting-edge Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to analyze rich text data and psychometrics tools to survey responses from a diverse range of cultures. By understanding the adaptive wisdom applied in everyday life, our research aims to develop culturally grounded decision-making models that can enhance societal flourishing.

What You'll Do
For the Social-cognitive (+ABM) position:

  *   Help develop and run Agent-Based Models (ABMs) to capture decision-making processes and simulate cultural variations in wisdom and judgment.
  *   Collaborate closely with the broader research team to integrate ABM insights into our comprehensive models of wise decision-making.
  *   Note: Prior experience with ABMs is a plus, but we welcome candidates with strong quantitative and programming skills who are eager to learn and apply ABM techniques.

For the NLP/Computational Social Science position:

  *   Conduct advanced NLP and data analysis on rich texts from diverse cultures, focusing on life challenges and judgment.
  *   Collaborate on developing comprehensive models of wise decision-making that reflect the complexity and cultural diversity of real-world scenarios.

All post-doctoral fellows will have rich opportunities for collaboration and can explore additional research questions with the existing data, as well as pursue related projects with team leaders.

Who We're Looking For

  *   A PhD in social sciences, linguistics, psychology, computer science, or a related computational discipline.
  *   Position-Specific Requirements:
     *   ABM Position: Strong quantitative and programming skills. Prior ABM experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
     *   NLP Position: Experience in computational social science, particularly NLP, and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
  *   A keen interest in exploring cultural dimensions of decision-making and wisdom.

Why Join Us?

  *   Work with renowned experts from top universities worldwide.
  *   Engage with state-of-the-art methodologies and tools.
  *   Contribute to research that aims to shed light on cultural diversity in decision-making across the globe.
  *   Access opportunities for publishing, presenting at international conferences, and networking with leading researchers.
  *   Benefit from a flexible, hybrid work arrangement in Canada, allowing for a balance of on-campus and remote work.
  *   Enjoy the vibrant academic environment at the University of Waterloo and the supportive resources available for professional development.

Application Process
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Applicants must include one of the following statements:

  *   "I am a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada."
  *   "I am not a Canadian citizen/permanent resident of Canada."
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

How to Apply
Please submit the following to waclab at uwaterloo.ca with the subject line: "Post-Doctoral Fellowship Application"

  *   Cover letter (indicating which position you are applying for)
  *   Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  *   Contact information for references

Igor Grossmann, Ph.D. | IgorGrossmann.com<https://www.igorgrossmann.com>
Professor of Psychology | University of Waterloo
Director, Wisdom and Culture Laboratory<https://uwaterloo.ca/wisdom-and-culture-lab/>

Founder, World After COVID<https://worldaftercovid.info/> | Futurescape<https://futurescape.uwaterloo.ca/> | Wise Judgment Consortium<https://wiseminds.uwaterloo.ca/>
Editor, Psychological Inquiry<https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/hpli20>
Co-host, On Wisdom Podcast<http://onwisdompodcast.com/>
Member, College of the Royal Society of Canada<https://rsc-src.ca/en/fellows-members/college-members>

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