IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher

Position Summary

The Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) is seeking Predoctoral Researchers to participate in our 2026-2027 cohort. The Predoctoral Researchers will work under general supervision of individual faculty in one of the following social science departments: communication, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology.

This is a 100% FTE 1-year fixed-term non-exempt position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The start date is September 14, 2026. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

Project Description

Brian Knutson & Jeanne L. Tsai: Affective and Neural Contributions to the Spread of News on Social Media

The predoctoral researcher will be involved in the full neuroimaging study pipeline, including contributing to study design, coordinating participant recruitment, implementing experimental tasks in PsychoPy, performing behavioral data cleaning and analysis in R/Python, running fMRI preprocessing and analyses, conducting neuroforecasting analyses, and preparing figures and manuscripts.

CORE DUTIES

• Participating in the planning and performing research tasks
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments
• Review and audit case report forms
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data
• Conduct literature searches and write literature summaries
• Build and organize data
• Adapt new methods in designing research projects
• Assist with development and communication of research findings

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science, or similar specific discipline. Degree must be received or expected no later than June 2026.