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PROSPECTIVE POSTDOCS
We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral research fellow to investigate the role of sleep on emotional memory formation, with a focus on middle age. The lab’s main goal is to understand human memory, with an emphasis on memory consolidation and transformation. We use two powerful tools to probe memory consolidation in humans - sleep and stress - combining behavioral, pharmacological, and cognitive neuroscientific (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI] and electroencephalographic [EEG]) approaches. We conduct research on the separate and interactive contributions of sleep and stress to memory formation, and connect these pursuits in theoretical treatments of dreaming and the etiology and maintenance of affective disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The ideal candidate will have a background in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related fields, a record of scientific publications, and good oral and written communication skills. Previous experience with sleep polysomnography, EEG, quantitative data analysis, and computer programming in Matlab/Python are all preferred. Successful candidates would be highly motivated, learn quickly, and have a good degree of independence. To apply, please send: 1) your CV, 2) a 1-page statement describing your research plan/interests, relevant background, and career goals, and 3) the contact information for 2-3 reference letters to Jessica Payne at jpayne7@nd.edu
PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS
Dr. Payne mentors students in the Clinical and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior graduate program areas. You can find more information about the department and program areas on the Department of Psychology website.
If you are interested in joining the Sleep, Stress, and Memory lab as a graduate student, please email Dr. Payne directly. You are also welcome to contact postdoctoral fellow Kristin Sanders for more information, who would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
We are looking for bright and motivated undergraduates who are interested in learning more about sleep, stress, and memory!
Undergraduate RAs in our lab work closely with the graduate students, post docs, and other RAs on one or more of our ongoing studies. Responsibilities include preparing for experiments, running participants in both daytime and overnight studies, and attending a weekly project team meeting. There are also opportunities to receive training in polysomnography, stress tasks, and data analysis. Advanced students are encouraged to pursue senior theses, which may include additional training opportunities like sleep scoring and salivary analyses. Because of the training involved in our lab's research, we ask that students work approximately 10 hours per week (3 credits) and commit to the lab for at least two semesters. We hope to provide you with an enjoyable research experience that will support your post-graduation goals.
If you are interested in joining the Sleep, Stress, and Memory lab as an undergraduate research assistant, please apply using the appropriate linked application, below. At the end of your application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your CV or resume, most recent unofficial transcript, and tentative schedule for the upcoming semester including all major obligations. Once the application period has closed, we will send interview invites via Google Calendar to selected applicants.
Applications for upcoming Fall semesters are posted around late March or early April. Applications for upcoming Spring semesters are posted around late October or early November.
- Apply here by April 21st at 5 PM for Fall 2024 acceptance.
**Please note that due to department restrictions, psychology labs are not permitted to admit first-year students.**
If you have any questions, please email our lab manager Mia Utayde for more information. We look forward to reviewing your application!
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Our lab denounces racism and all other forms of discrimination. Dr. Payne is personally committed to helping to achieve a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive science. In both research and teaching, Dr. Payne welcomes and seeks to foster relationships with students and colleagues of all races, ages, disability statuses, ethnicities, family or marital statuses, gender identities or expressions, languages, national origins, political affiliations, religions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses. At times when Dr. Payne is prepared to accept new graduate students, individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.