research assistantships available beginning 1 June 2002

[Virginia Valian]

Dear Colleagues,

I have appended a job description for two full-time
(or one full-time and two part-time) research assistantships
in my laboratory.  Forgive the formal language,
which is necessary for our posting at CUNY.

Please bring these positions to the attention of students
and former students who might be interested.

Inquiries can be sent to me at a different email address:
psyhc at cunyvm.cuny.edu [NOT psych]

Please do not send attachments.

Sincerely,

Virginia Valian
Professor of Psychology and Linguistics
Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10021
email:  psyhc at cunyvm.cuny.edu [NOT psych]
fax:  212/ 650-3247


Research Assistants in Language Acquisition and Cognitive
  Psychology (2 full-time or 1 full-time and 2 part-time)
Department:  Psychology
Location:  Hunter College
Director:  Dr Virginia Valian

Duties and Responsibilities:

Two full-time (or one full-time and two part-time) research
assistant positions are available beginning June 2002.
Assistants will work on the Language Acquisition Research Project
and the Cognition and Gender Project.  LARP investigates first
and second language acquisition in young children and adults, as
well as artificial language learning, concept learning, and
language use.  We use a wide variety of techniques and materials
to answer basic questions about syntactic competence and
performance.  CGP investigates sex differences in cognitive
processes, including mathematics and mental rotation.  A minimum
of one year is expected; funding is anticipated for five years.

Assistants on the project:
*  record, transcribe, and analyze learners' spontaneous speech
*  develop materials for use in production and comprehension
     tasks
*  perform experiments with child and adult participants
*  analyze spontaneous speech data and experimental data
*  recruit child and adult participants
*  supervise students and interns working on the projects
*  keep the laboratory running smoothly

The project involves constant contact with children, parents and
other caregivers, adolescent and adult participants; it also
requires the coordination of many different activities.
Assistants' patience, courtesy, and maturity are thus important.
Assistants must work well with children, adolescents, and adults;
understand and accommodate the concerns and needs of children and
caregivers; and be highly organized, reliable, and punctual.

Qualifications:
*  BA required
*  preferred major:  psychology or cognitive science
*  preferred course background:  cognitive psychology,
    experimental psychology, statistics, developmental
    psychology, basic syntax, cognitive science, language
    acquisition
*  preferred research experience:  previous laboratory research,
    if possible including transcribing speech; work with two-
    year-olds
*  preferred computer skills:  basic word-processing skills,
    database management, graph and slide presentation
*  preferred statistical skills:  knowledge of computer packages
    such as SPSS

Salary:  $22,500 - $27,500 for full-time; 19 hours per week at
    $12-16/hour for part-time

Description and instructions on how to apply for the vacancy:

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until
    the positions are filled.
To apply, submit by mail:  a cover letter which summarizes your
    qualifications; a transcript (unofficial is acceptable); a
    summary list of relevant courses; a description of previous
    work with young children; a description of computer skills
    and research experience; SAT or GRE scores.  Ask two faculty
    for a letter of recommendation that will address your
    research skills or promise.  Include those letters in sealed
    envelopes along with your application.

Address: Dr. Virginia Valian, Department of Psychology,
Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Voice:  212/ 772-5557          Fax:  212/ 650-3247