Senior Scientist, Psychology (Part Time)

The Department of Psychology within the University of Arizona’s College of Science invites applications for a Senior Scientist to join the Naiadel Lab.

In this role, the Senior Scientist will support the laboratory’s computational and neurophysiological research by developing and maintaining research software and experimental infrastructure for cognitive studies conducted in both laboratory and online environments. This includes integrating EEG, eye-tracking, and other physiological measures to support innovative approaches to cognitive research.

The Senior Scientist will develop and implement reproducible pipelines for behavioral and physiological data processing, signal analysis, computational modeling, and machine-learning analyses, while also supporting back-end data workflows for game-based research environments. The position will configure and maintain research computing resources and contribute specialized scientific and technical expertise to study implementation, methodological development, data interpretation, and the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations. Work is performed independently within research objectives established in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other research team members.

The Naiadel Lab’s research focuses on adaptive intelligence and agency across biological and artificial systems, integrating cognitive experimentation, computational modeling, neurophysiology, and interactive digital environments. The successful candidate will contribute to research at this interdisciplinary intersection, bringing expertise that helps advance both the laboratory’s research methods and scientific objectives. Experience developing or analyzing game-based or serious-game research environments to investigate cognitive or neuroscientific mechanisms is highly desirable.

This position is eligible for remote work, subject to University policies and approval. Periodic in-person participation at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, is expected approximately every 6–8 weeks to support collaborative research activities, experimental and technical integration, and engagement with the laboratory team.

Candidates working anywhere in the U.S. may be considered for a remote assignment. If you are selected for this position and are employed to work remotely from outside of Arizona, your overtime exemption status will depend on the laws of the state where you perform your work. For employees working outside of Arizona, you may be hired as an hourly employee in accordance with state laws. A comparable hourly rate range would be: $28.56 - $35.70. These changes would not affect the position duties as outlined.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Research Software and Experimental Infrastructure Development:

• Develop, implement, test, and maintain specialized research software and experimental infrastructure for cognitive and behavioral studies conducted in laboratory and online environments.
• Develop and adapt TestEnv-based cognitive tasks and integrate experimental software with EEG, eye-tracking, and other physiological recording systems, including synchronization, event logging, timing validation, and data acquisition workflows.
• Develop technical solutions that allow research paradigms to be deployed reliably across laboratory and online study environments.

Computational Data Analysis, Modeling, and Machine Learning:

• Develop and implement reproducible analytical pipelines for processing and analyzing experimental neurocognitive data.
• Conduct advanced statistical and computational analyses, including sequential sampling models and other computational models of cognition and behavior, and apply appropriate machine learning methods to research datasets.
• Evaluate analytical methods, troubleshoot computational issues, interpret model outputs, and contribute to the development or adaptation

Neurophysiological Signal Processing and Multimodal Data Integration:

• Develop and implement signal-processing and analysis workflows for EEG and other physiological data, including preprocessing, quality control, feature extraction, synchronization, and integration with behavioral and experimental data.
• Evaluate data quality and methodological performance and develop or adapt processing approaches as required by specific research questions.
• Support multimodal analyses linking physiological measures with behavioral and computational measures.

Research Computing, Data, and Backend Infrastructure:

• Configure, maintain, and optimize research computing resources and data-processing infrastructure used by the laboratory, including computational clusters and reproducible computing environments.
• Develop and maintain backend processing and data workflows for online studies and game-based research environments, including structured data ingestion, transformation, quality control, and preparation of research datasets for analysis.
• Troubleshoot technical and computational infrastructure necessary for ongoing research projects.

Scientific Interpretation, Documentation, and Dissemination:

• Contribute scientific and technical expertise to research design, methodological development, interpretation of research findings, and evaluation of study results.
• Prepare methodological documentation and contribute to scientific manuscripts, presentations, reports, and other research products, including co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and other research team members on the implementation and analysis of research projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of cognitive and behavioral research methods, experimental design, and quantitative approaches used in cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific programming and research software development, including proficiency with Python and C++ and experience with specialized experimental software environments such as TestEnv and jsPsych platforms.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning in engineering, computer science, cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, or a related quantitative or technical field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional or research experience involving cognitive, behavioral, computational, or neurophysiological research and associated research technology.
• The position requires extensive professional experience with cognitive and behavioral research methods, scientific programming, computational data analysis, and technical research infrastructure, including demonstrated experience developing, implementing, or maintaining experimental software

• Two or more years of experience using experimental psychology software, TestEnv, for research, assessment, and/or data collection purposes.

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

The grade range for this position is $59,404 – $89,105. Each unit typically sets starting pay between the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Pay field above.