New

Postdoctoral Associate Researcher- Taylor Lab

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 20, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Associate Researcher- Taylor Lab
Department	Psychology
Salary Details	$66,000 - $69,000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Posting Summary	Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Valerie Jones Taylor (PI, Stereotyping and Social Interactions Virtual Reality ( SSI-VR) Lab) is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research team between June and August 2026. The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to empirical research in the lab, focusing on how social identity threat affects people's interracial interactions, performance, and perception and evaluation of others. Likewise, they will also contribute to SSI-VR Lab projects that examine ways to reduce social identity threat to improve cross-race interactions, performance, and social justice/collective action using traditional research methodologies and virtual reality (VR). Recent lab projects also examine how VR can be used as an antiracism tool. Mentorship will be tailored to an individual's research and professional interests. For more information about the lab, please visit our website: https://ssivrlab.wixsite.com/ssivrlab. The Postdoctoral Researcher will support the PI (Dr. Valerie Jones Taylor) in work related to VR interracial interactions in academic and social contexts. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experimental work, conducting data analyses, and working on activities including background research and literature reviews, mixed-methods research designs (including using VR technology), data collection and analyses, and writing papers, reports, and dissemination pieces. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also assist the Lab Manager in coordinating the general progress of SSI-VR Lab research activities. Eligibility * Successful candidates will have demonstrable skills in advancing psychological research from conceptualization to publication. This is a full-time 1-year appointment. The position is salaried, includes benefits, and up to $1,000 for relocation (if applicable). Should I Apply?! Studies show that women, persons of color, and persons from other less socially privileged backgrounds are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. You are encouraged to apply if you (1) believe that you have the skills for this position, (2) meet some of the criteria outlined above, and (3) are passionate about social psychology and studying intergroup interactions (e.g., interracial interactions) within the social sciences.
Position Status	Full Time
Posting Number	26FA0352
Posting Open Date
Posting Close Date	08/01/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field with significant training in quantitative, experimental social psychology. If the Ph.D. is incomplete, candidates must complete their dissertation, with graduation expected by the end of Summer 2026.
Certifications/Licenses	NA
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	NA
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized	NA
Physical Demands and Work Environment	NA
Overview
Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting	https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/272827
Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Livingston (RU-New Brunswick)
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details	The is located on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers University in suburban Piscataway, NJ, on the Northeast Corridor, with commuting access to New York City, Princeton, and Philadelphia.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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