Postdoctoral Associate Researcher- Taylor Lab

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Researcher
- Taylor Lab Department Psychology Salary Details $66,000 - $69,000 Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

* 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

Posting Summary

Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Valerie Jones Taylor (PI, Stereotyping and Social

Interactions Virtual Reality (SSI-VR) Lab) is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral

Researcher to join the research team between June and August 2026. The

Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to empirical research in the lab,

focusing on how social identity threat affects people's interracial interactions,

performance, and perception and evaluation of others. Likewise, they will

also contribute to SSI-VR Lab projects that examine ways to reduce social

identity threat to improve cross-race interactions, performance, and social

justice/collective action using traditional research methodologies and virtual

reality (VR). Recent lab projects also examine how VR can be used as an

antiracism tool. Mentorship will be tailored to an individual's research and

professional interests. For more information about the lab, please visit our

website:  The Postdoctoral Researcher

will support the PI (Dr. Valerie Jones Taylor) in work related to VR interracial

interactions in academic and social contexts.

Responsibilities include designing and conducting experimental work, conducting data analyses, and working on activities including background research and literature reviews, mixed-methods research designs (including using VR technology), data collection and analyses, and writing papers, reports, and dissemination pieces. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also assist the Lab Manager in coordinating the general progress of SSI-VR Lab research activities. Eligibility
● Successful candidates will have demonstrable skills in advancing psychological research from conceptualization to publication.

This is a full-time 1-year appointment. The position is salaried, includes

benefits, and up to $1,000 for relocation (if applicable). Should I Apply?!

Studies show that women, persons of color, and persons from other less

socially privileged backgrounds are less likely to apply for positions unless

they meet every one of the qualifications listed. You are encouraged to

apply if you (1) believe that you have the skills for this position, (2) meet

some of the criteria outlined above, and (3) are passionate about social

psychology and studying intergroup interactions (e.g., interracial interactions)

within the social sciences.

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0352 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date 08/01/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field with significant training in quantitative, experimental social psychology. If the Ph.D. is incomplete, candidates must complete their dissertation, with graduation expected by the end of Summer 2026.

Certifications/Licenses

NA

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

NA

Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized

NA

Physical Demands and Work Environment

NA

Overview Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link to Posting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Livingston (RU-New Brunswick) City Piscataway State NJ Location Details

The is located on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers University in suburban Piscataway, NJ, on the Northeast Corridor, with commuting access to New York City, Princeton, and Philadelphia.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional…