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

About the Opportunity

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

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.

Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral fellow will perform basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods, and they should have the ability and desire to innovate when these are insufficient. The fellow will assist the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants, maintains the laboratory research team, and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff. Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete. Key responsibilities include:

• 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

Qualifications:

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. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in interdisciplinary collaborations or a demonstrated potential for such collaborations, along with strong computational and analytical skills.

An ideal candidate should possess experience in designing and implementing interactive data visualizations using common libraries like D3.js, ggplot, or vega, as well as expertise in languages and libraries for data analysis such as R or Python. Lastly, candidates should have experience performing human subjects experiments.

Application Material:

• Curriculum Vitae with pointers to your research/expertise-related online profiles (e.g. online website or portfolio, Google Scholar, GitHub, Gitlab, Bitbucket, Kaggle, etc.)

• Cover letter outlining research background and interests and emphasizing why you believe you are a strong fit for this position (1-page).

• Research Statement that describes candidate’s research philosophy and include a clearly articulated description of past research experience and research interests (1-2 pages).

• References: Please provide the names of at least two mentors/supervisors or senior colleagues who will be able to provide (upon request) letters of recommendation.

About The Roux Institute

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are nurturing an environment for high-impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is what sets our education and research model apart. With leading companies at the table from day one, we are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high- growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that in the coming years will stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.