Postdoctoral Research Associate - Human Data Interaction/Data Visualization - The Roux Institute, Portland, Maine

Northeastern University • Portland, ME

189d

About The Position

We are currently seeking two postdoctoral research fellows with an interest in data visualization and statistical graphics to complement our multidisciplinary Human-Data Interaction research team. The primary focus of our work will be information visualization, data ethics, and statistical communication. We are also interested in investigating the rhetorical and communicative aspects of data communication. The candidate will lead projects around designing and evaluating data visualization techniques for communicating statistical information, especially uncertainty information, to wide audiences. Candidates will draw on expertise in data visualization and HCI, and employ skills in graphic design, mixed methods research, and scientific communication. Northeastern's Roux Institute offers an academic research environment combined with access to end-users who bring real-world problems in the fields of Biology, Health, and Engineering. An effective research program will execute use-inspired discovery with an entrepreneurial mindset that develops science and solutions that matter to society and impact the Maine economy. Postdocs will receive formal and structured mentoring on topics including mentor/mentee research relationship, technology transfer, and proposal development. This fully funded position is renewable for up to two years pending satisfactory performance. Starting date is negotiable, beginning as early as December 2024. Compensation is competitive and includes benefits. This position is in Portland, Maine.

Requirements

• The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field, including computer science, human-centered computing, information or data science, or psychology by the appointment start date.
• Candidates must demonstrate prior research experience in data visualization, graphical perception, or human-centered design.
• Successful candidates should be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship and work under the supervision of a senior scholar.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in HCI research methodology, as well as quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaborations or a demonstrated potential for such collaborations.
• Strong computational and analytical skills.
• Experience in designing and implementing interactive data visualizations using common libraries like D3.js, ggplot, or vega.
• Expertise in languages and libraries for data analysis such as R or Python.
• Experience performing human subjects experiments.

Responsibilities

• Developing or contributing to a research program focused on aspects of data visualization pertinent to Roux Institute partners.
• Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments.
• Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, and other research related activity.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative environment.
• Building strong ties with interdisciplinary collaborators and industry, nonprofit, or government partners and actively engaging these individuals in the research program.
• Potential additional responsibilities, depending on position seniority, include assisting in laboratory management, graduate student training/advising, and co-op/intern student mentoring.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness & life benefits
• Retirement plans
• Commuting & transportation benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree