research assistantships

[Virginia Valian]

Research Assistant Positions in Language and Cognition
Available at Hunter College - CUNY, New York, NY
(1 full-time or 2 part-time)

One full-time (or two part-time) research assistant positions
are available beginning 17 June 2003.  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 four 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, and with 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:  Full-time $25,000-$30,000
         Part-time 19 hours/week at $15-$20/hour

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue
until the positions are filled.  To apply, submit by e-mail
(to Virginia Valian at little.linguist at hunter.cuny.edu):

* 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.  Ask them
to e-mail their letters to Dr Valian at little.linguist@
hunter.cuny.edu

Send applications to:  little.linguist at hunter.cuny.edu
OR TO
Virginia Valian
Professor of Psychology and Linguistics
Co-Director, Gender Equity Project
Hunter College and CUNY Graduate Center
695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021 USA