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Full-Time Postgraduate Researcher

Implicit Social Cognition (ISC) Lab & Social Perception and Communication Lab (SPCL) Department of Psychology, Yale University

The Social Perception and Communication Lab (SPCL) directed by Dr. Jennifer Richeson and the Implicit Social Cognition (ISC) Lab directed by Dr. Melissa Ferguson, both in the Department of Psychology at Yale University, are hiring a joint, full-time postgraduate researcher to begin in Summer 2026. Both labs develop, design, conduct, and publish original empirical research that advances knowledge of topics ranging from person perception, implicit attitudes, and intergroup relations. The SPCL aims to understand the processes of mind that shape how people experience, navigate, and respond to societal diversity, especially the effects of intergroup inequalities. Moreover, the Department of Psychology at Yale University, and Social Psychology area in particular, provide an excellent research and training environment to emerging and established scholars. The ISCL aims to advance the understanding of human social cognition, especially the implicit cognition underlying how people form and change their impressions about other individuals, social groups, and even robots. 

Position Details

This position is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in social psychology or a related field. The individual will work closely with Drs. Ferguson and Richeson to coordinate and execute the activities of the labs (which are co-located), as well as collaborate with post-doctoral fellows, graduate researchers, and undergraduate students to assist with all aspects of the research process for multiple projects. This position will provide mentorship and professional development, and the individual will have opportunities to collaborate on innovative research projects, present at research conferences, and, potentially, co-author empirical publications. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of an extension for an additional year. 

The ideal candidate will be interested in and passionate about psychological science, especially the content of the research examined in the ISCL and/or SPCL, and ideally (but not necessarily) have experience developing or running psychology experiments in a lab. The position also requires proficiency in the programming skills needed to create web-based psychology experiments and stimuli. Prior leadership and administrative experience is desirable, as is a record of successfully collaborating with members of diverse teams.

Specific responsibilities and training opportunities include:

• Developing skills in programming web-based psychology experiments (e.g., using JavaScript/jQuery, HTML/CSS), with opportunities to contribute to the design and implementation of novel experimental paradigms
• Gaining experience in stimuli creation, experimental design, and study administration, with increasing independence over time
• Collaborating with lab members on the design and execution of research studies, including participant recruitment and coordination for in-person experiments
• Learning best practices in data organization, management, and reproducible research methods
• Participating in the day-to-day intellectual life of the lab, including contributing to discussions of ongoing projects and research development
• Receiving mentorship in supervising and training undergraduate research assistants, with guidance on inclusive and effective leadership practices
• Developing familiarity with the operational aspects of running a research lab (e.g., study logistics, materials coordination) as part of broader research training
• Contributing to the planning of lab activities (e.g., meetings, workshops, or events) as part of professional development in academic environments

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline
• Prior research experience (e.g., through coursework, lab involvement, or independent projects), ideally related to either lab’s areas of focus
• Demonstrated interest in developing research skills and pursuing future academic or research opportunities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a learning environment
• Foundational experience with at least one relevant technical or programming tool (e.g., JavaScript/jQuery, Python, HTML, PHP), and willingness to expand these skills through training
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, with an interest in collaborative research settings

Preferred:

• Experience with tools such as Qualtrics, online participant recruitment platforms (e.g., Prolific), or website-building platforms (e.g., Squarespace)
• Exposure to data analysis in R or similar statistical software
• Prior experience supporting or mentoring students (e.g., as a teaching assistant or peer mentor), with interest in developing supervisory skills

We are committed to creating and maintaining supportive, diverse, and welcoming lab environments, where everyone’s ideas and experiences are respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Yale is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Interested individuals should apply through this form, including uploading a resume/CV and a cover letter explaining your fit for this specific position (two pages single-spaced max). Within your resume/CV, please include the contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1, 2026 until filled.