Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology

Details

Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Psychology

Position Description

Research on Theory-of-Mind, Pragmatics, and ‘Scripted’ Behavior

[Start date: Summer/ Fall 2025]

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship under the direction of Professor Tomer Ullman in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University.

The specific research topic would broadly be within common-sense reasoning, especially as they relate to theory-of-mind and/or pragmatics. While not strictly required, the lab has a current interest in reasoning about ‘scripted’ behaviors in other people (how and when people perceive others as being rote or “on automatic”, and why it might matter), and an interest in this topic on the part of candidates is an advantage. Activities may include training and supervising research assistants; experiment design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation and grant-writing, and collaboration with the research lab at Harvard University under the direction of Tomer Ullman, as well as other related labs.

The position is for one year, with a possibility for renewal for up to 2 subsequent years at $67,600, including health insurance and other benefits, and funding for conference travel. Applicants with potential availability for 2 years are preferred.

Review of applications will be on a rolling basis, but candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by March 30, 2025.

The Department of Psychology sits within the Division of Social Science, which is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Developmental, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications

Strong applicants will have demonstrated experience and training in empirical research, including experiment design, data collection and analysis, organizational skills, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. While not a must, a strong background in computational methods and/or statistical methods is a plus.

Special Instructions

Applicants should submit a formal application and email the following application materials to Whitney Villagran at wvillagran@fas.harvard.edu, and Prof. Tomer Ullman at. tullman@fas.harvard.edu. Please use POST DOC APPLICATION in the subject line, and include the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae

• A cover letter/research statement describing your interests, research questions you hope to pursue, areas of overlap, as well as a description of prior work.

• Up to two samples of previously published work or preprints.

• Names and contacts for three references (there is no need to provide recommendations letters; reference letters will be requested from short-listed applicants).

Contact Information

Tomer Ullman

Contact Email tullman@fas.harvard.edu

Salary Range

$67,600-$80,000

Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Minimum Number of References Required

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation_statement.pdf) policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination_and_anti-bullying_policies.pdf) . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions