Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cognitive Aging, Minority Health, and Multimodal Data Integration

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting

Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cognitive Aging, Minority Health, and Multimodal Data Integration

Department:
Institute for Health, Health C

Accreditation:
Full Time

Posting Number: 26FA0582

Posting Open Date: 06/08/2026

Posting Close Date: 07/07/2026

$70,000 maximum salary budgeted for this position. Final salary offer may be adjusted based on qualifications, experience, and available funding.

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with Dr. Luciana Mascarenhas Fonseca, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers University, focusing on cognitive aging and dementia research. The role involves longitudinal studies of cognitive trajectories and mechanisms underlying dementia risk, particularly in adults with Down syndrome and other high‑risk populations. Responsibilities include contributing to research design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, grant application support, and participation in lab meetings, seminars, and national/international conferences.

The candidate is encouraged to pursue independent research projects and external funding opportunities.

Minimum on‑site presence: 60% (ideally three days per week in New Brunswick). Appointment is initially for one year with potential for renewal.

• PhD or MD in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Public Health, or related discipline with experience in multimodal data integration and statistical analysis.
• Proven experience working with human subject research.
• At least one first‑author publication in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• PhD and/or MD must be obtained by August 2026.

• Proficiency in statistical programming (R, Python) for data analysis and visualization.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey research findings to academic and non‑academic audiences.
• Proficiency with standard office and data tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, reference managers).
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

• Experience with individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities.
• Experience with neuroimaging.
• Spanish proficiency.

Pre‑employment screening and successful completion are required for all offers of employment. Proof of required immunizations may be requested during flu season.

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law.

As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./non‑discrimination‑statement

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy, Rutgers may require prospective employees to provide proof of vaccination against Seasonal Influenza for the current flu season, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. Failure to provide proof of vaccination may result in rescission of an offer or disciplinary action up to and including termination.