College of Liberal Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Postdoctoral Scholar — CAMP Lab (PI: Debbie Yee, Ph.D.)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Computational Affective Motivational Psychiatry (CAMP) Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa (Director: Dr. Debbie Yee) is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to our research on the neural and computational mechanisms of motivation, affect, and cognitive control — and how disruptions in these processes underlie psychiatric disorders. We use a multimodal approach combining fMRI, pharmacological manipulations, computational modeling, and neuromodulation to address these questions in both healthy adults across the developmental lifespan and clinical populations.

This position is ideal for researchers with a strong background in computational cognitive neuroscience, affective neuroscience, computational psychiatry, or a closely related field. The postdoctoral scholar will lead and contribute to original research projects, mentor junior lab members, assist with grant preparation, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including dedicated 3T and 7T MRI systems.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an initial appointment of one year, renewable annually based on performance and available funding. For more information about the lab, visit: yeelabneuro.github.io.

Work authorization sponsorship is available in J-1 status.

RESEARCH AREAS

The postdoctoral scholar may contribute to one or more of the following active research programs in the areas of 1) Motivation, Affect, and Cognitive Control Across the Lifespan, 2) Stress, Pharmacology, and Neuromodulation, and 3) Computational Psychiatry and Digital Mental Health. Our research team leverages task-based functional MRI, computational cognitive modeling, pharmacology, physiological measures, and digital mental health techniques to investigate the neural circuits and computations that underlie how motivational and affective processes (e.g., stress) impact decision-making and mental effort allocation in humans — and how disruptions in these processes give rise to psychiatric and neurological disorders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and conduct original research projects in collaboration with the PI and lab members.


• Design, implement, and analyze behavioral and neuroimaging (fMRI) experiments.


• Develop and apply computational models (e.g., reinforcement learning, drift-diffusion, Bayesian methods) to behavioral and neural data.


• Assist with pharmacological and neuromodulation study protocols.


• Prepare and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.


• Contribute to grant writing and research proposals.


• Present research findings at national and international conferences.


• Mentor postbaccalaureate interns, graduate students, and research assistants.


• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to the broader scientific community.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience and meets or exceeds NIH/NRSA minimum guidelines, as required by the University of Iowa.

The employing department may pay beyond the NIH minimum if the budget allows. For full wage details, see: grad.uiowa.edu/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoctoral-employment-standards/wages.

• Comprehensive health insurance (UIGRADCare or SHIP) and dental plan.


• Mandatory retirement plan participation.


• University Workers’ Compensation coverage.


• Fifteen days paid leave and 18 days of sick time per 12-month appointment period, plus time off on University holidays.


• Opportunities for co-authorships on publications and conference presentations.


• Access to professional development resources and career mentoring through the UI Graduate College.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AND DEPARTMENT

The University of Iowa is a leading public research university located in Iowa City, a vibrant community recognized for its high quality of life. The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences hosts a thriving neuroscience community. The CAMP Lab is a member of the Cognitive Control Collaborative and affiliated with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Psychiatry. The University offers access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure including dedicated 3T and 7T MRI systems.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The initial appointment will be for one year beginning August 2026 (or later), with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and available funding.

To apply, please upload the following materials on the following postdoctoral application https://yeelabneuro.github.io/postdoc_application.html:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)


• Brief description of your research interests, relevant experience, and fit with the CAMP Lab’s research


• Two to three representative publications, preprints, or presentations (bundled as a single attachment).


• Contact information for 2 references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.


• Experience with fMRI data acquisition and/or analysis (e.g., FSL, SPM, AFNI, fMRIPrep, nilearn).


• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R).


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

• Experience with computational modeling (e.g., reinforcement learning, drift-diffusion models, Bayesian inference).


• Background in affective neuroscience, cognitive control, or computational psychiatry.


• Familiarity with pharmacological or neuromodulation research methods.


• Experience with wearable device data or digital mental health approaches.


• Experience with statistical analysis using linear mixed-effects models, Bayesian inference, or multivariate methods.


• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate or postbaccalaureate researchers.


• Interest in translational or clinical applications of cognitive neuroscience.