Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physical Therapy

About the Opportunity

About the Opportunity:

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in Dr. Gothes research lab at the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science and Center for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University. Applicants are invited to apply for a position to work on research projects focusing on the role of physical activity, specifically yoga, on physical and mental health. The anticipated start of this position is Summer 2025, with yearly renewals based upon funding and performance.

This position will be based in the Exercise Psychology Lab and will report to lab Director Dr. Neha P. Gothe. The position involves working on multiple projects in an active research laboratory. The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary research team. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Gothe and her collaborators on analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial examining yoga, aerobic and stretching-toning exercise effects on neurocognition among older adults. Other projects in the lab examine the role of yoga and mindfulness in promoting physical, mental and cognitive wellbeing among healthy adults as well as clinical populations such as persons with type 2 diabetes and cancer survivors. The Lab and offices are located in the heart of Boston, in the new, state-of-the-art ISEC building, which includes a neuroimaging center.

Responsibilities:

This postdoctoral position will involve participating in existing studies, leading independent research, as well as conducting analysis of existing data, which can range broadly from psychosocial questionnaires (e.g. standardized surveys about health, quality of life, etc.), to behavioral measures (e.g., computerized cognitive tasks) to neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI) data from studies examining exercise and yoga effects on cognition.

Specific activities may include managing/preprocessing/analyzing behavioral and neuroimaging data, collecting new data (e.g., behavioral cognitive tasks, fMRI/MRI analyses, wearables such as Actigraph data analyses), formal supervision and mentoring of lab members at earlier career stages on independent research projects, grant writing, leading independent research and disseminating results via conferences, talks, and first-author manuscripts. Experience in some of these methodologies is required.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a PhD degree (or PhD candidates in the final year of their thesis work) in Psychology, Biostatistics, Exercise Science or a related field (e.g., Public Health).

Strong candidates will have a track record of research involving young, middle aged and/or older adults and an interest in the effects of exercise on cognition, experience with behavioral or neurocognitive data, the ability to effectively manage a research team, and experience in quantitative methods and analyzing structural and functional neuroimaging data. Applicants should be highly motivated and creative, have excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated research productivity. Proficiency in statistical software (R, SPSS, or other) is required.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.