Re: Hiring a post-baccalaureate researcher
The Riddle Laboratory
PI: Justin Riddle, Ph.D.
Florida State University
Job Description
The Riddle Lab in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University is seeking a post-baccalaureate researcher to oversee data collection for our NIH-funded electrophysiology and neuroimaging research. Our work investigates the neural oscillatory basis of cognitive control and how network activity is impaired in psychiatric illness. The long-term goal of the Riddle Lab is to develop novel intervention for psychiatric illness using non-invasive brain stimulation.
Research Interests
The brain is organized into large-scale networks by coherent electrical activity, called neural oscillations. Network activity can be quantified using EEG and functional MRI and is the strongest neural correlate of cognitive control in humans. Cognitive control, the ability to guide behavior toward internal goals, is fundamental to higher-order human cognition and can be investigated using computerized tasks and psychophysics. A core tenant of the Riddle Lab is that correlation analyses between neural activity and cognition require causal testing in order to firmly establish a scientific foundation. Thus, the Riddle Lab designs non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to causally drive specific patterns of neural activity. For example, we are using frequency-specific rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target neural oscillations and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to drive cross-frequency coupling and functional connectivity.
We are in the midst of an unprecedented mental health crisis. The Riddle Lab is investigating how changes in brain networks and cognitive control underlie symptom expression in mood disorders such as depression and social anxiety. We utilize a dimensional approach to understanding psychiatric illness (i.e., the Research Domain Criteria) in which we focus on uncovering the neurocognitive basis of specific symptoms of mental illness. Our research is contributing to the movement towards personalized medicine and precision intervention.
Research Environment
FSU is home to a supportive and growing cognitive neuroscience program with many faculty specialized in human neuroscience. FSU is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. Dr. Riddle is committed to effective mentorship and building an inclusive lab environment. Responsibilities include data collection and administrative support with an individual development plan that includes data analysis and experimental design.
Qualifications:
· B.A. or B.S. in psychology, neuroscience, computer science or related field
· Favor will be given to those with prior experience conducting research with human participants, running signal analysis of neurophysiology (EEG or fMRI preferred), and familiarity with brain stimulation (TMS or tACS preferred)
· Favor will be given to those with prior programming experience (MATLAB or Python)
Application Process (rolling review for a flexible start date from May 2025 to August 2025):
Email Dr. Riddle, jriddle@fsu.edu, with a CV and statement of purpose.