Postdoctoral Research Associate
Wellesley College

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to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative
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our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence,
uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as
crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower
individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom
in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!

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details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
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Job Posting Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description Summary

Job Description
Erin Teich's computational soft matter lab within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Wellesley College is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and creative postdoctoral researcher to join our team! This position is fully funded by a new project, The Emergence of Collective Intelligence: Understanding Human Behavior through AI Agents , which is an international collaborative effort that will combine machine learning, neuroscience, physics and complex systems to explore how collective intelligence emerges in human groups and AI agents. The postdoctoral researcher who joins this group will develop models informed by network science, information theory, and statistical physics to analyze patterns of interaction among human and AI agents during cooperative gameplay, in order to elucidate underlying mechanisms of communication which give rise to successful cooperation and group intelligence. Work on this project will give the postdoc access to an international and interdisciplinary collaboration consisting of scholars in Madrid, Halle, and London, and will feature monthly or biweekly Zoom meetings with these collaborators, as well as yearly in-person meetings. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to work on other projects in the lab that are focused on predicting and designing mechanical response and self-assembly behaviors in granular and colloidal materials, using simulation and analytical tools from network science, statistical mechanics, and control theory. This position is renewable for up to 3 years, and is ideal for young scientists who are interested in developing an independent research program while working closely with highly-motivated undergraduate researchers within in a culture of excellence and inclusion. To apply, please upload a CV, a brief statement of interest, and a list of three possible references.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Development of network models for the collaboration of agents (human and AI) as they play online task-oriented games
• Analysis of online experiments in which humans and AI agents play task-oriented games
• Coordination and collaboration with other members on the grant (biweekly Zoom meetings, yearly in-person meetings)
• Simulations and analysis related to additional projects in soft matter, to be developed in coordination with E. Teich
• Mentorship of Wellesley undergraduates

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Research mentorship and guidance of the undergraduates who work in Erin Teich's lab.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in physics or a closely related field

Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Fluency in Python
• Well-versed in statistical physics and soft matter theory and computation
• Research Independence
• Enthusiasm for collaboration with researchers at other institutions

Preferred:

• Curiosity about and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring at a small liberal arts college
• Demonstrated track record for or interest in mentoring undergraduates
• Well-versed in aspects of network science and/or complex systems

Company Description

Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, free onsite and virtual fitness classes and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Worker Sub-Type
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type
Full time

EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum . Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.

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