Recruit

This is a call for applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Morality, Emotion, and Social Hierarchy Lab directed by Dr. Paul Piff, in the Department of Psychological Science at UC Irvine. The ideal start date is between May and June of 2025 (with some flexibility) and will be one year in duration, with an option to renew for a second year. The post-doctoral scholar’s primary responsibility will be conducting empirical research. Although there is a degree of flexibility in what research is pursued, generally, the scholar’s focus will be how experiences––with an emphasis on those involving awe, but also positive emotions more generally, in nature, and while engaging in leisure––shape individual and social processes, including morality, well-being, and collective action.

Applicants should have an interest or background in at least one of these research areas: Emotion (especially prosocial emotions, like awe or compassion); Morality (including pro-sociality and cooperation); Collective action (including sustainability and climate action). Expertise in field experimentation, experience sampling, or the use of biological measures including hormones, immune markers, or sleep is also welcome.

UC Irvine has a terrific group of faculty and students in Psychology and related disciplines who study morality, emotion, social cognition, and intergroup processes. The department provides many possibilities for collaboration. Southern California, with its natural amenities and sunny climate, is a great place to live. In addition, this position will provide the scholar with unique access to conduct research in Lake Tahoe, a global destination for pristine nature and social experience.

Applicants must have received a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field by the start date of the appointment, or shortly thereafter. The successful applicant will have a record of excellence in research, high quality contributions in top-ranked journals, with interests strongly aligned with the MESH Lab. Our lab is committed to equity and diversity, and we are seeking candidates who value diversity and whose research reflects a commitment to equity.

All qualified candidates are invited to submit the following application materials:

1) A 1-2 page cover letter
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Statement of Research
4) Up to two samples of previously published work
5) Inclusive Excellence Activities Statement - Statement addressing how past and/or potential contributions to inclusive excellence will advance UCI's Commitment to Inclusive Excellence. See our guidance for writing an inclusive excellence activities statement.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.