Human Research and Engineering Directorate Research Areas

Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience

Advisor: McDowell, Kaleb X.  (kaleb.mcdowel@us.army.mil   410.278.1453)

Location: Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425

Key words: Cognition, Affect, Cognitive modeling, Functional neuroimaging, Individual differences

The Army Research Laboratory has a research opportunity available in cognitive and affective neuroscience at the human level of analysis. ARL is looking for an outstanding Cognitive Neuroscientist to further the development of a theoretical framework for neurocognitive processes in complex, operational environments. A primary research goal is to better understand the cognitive and neural processes that underlie performance in operationally-relevant settings. Measures of interest include, but are not limited to, EEG, autonomic physiology, visual scanning, and pupilometry, as well as behavioral measures. The potential to work with fMRI exists. A multidisciplinary vision is needed; research will be based on the incorporation of biological and medical sciences with the cognitive, social, and emotional factors and environmental phenomena that influence the functioning of the nervous system. The Associate should a strong background in cognitive neuroscience and an interest in applying neuroscience theory and methodology in applied settings. A high affinity for quantitative analysis and extensive experience with biosignal data collection and analysis is preferred. Experience with computational cognitive modeling is ideal but not required. Potential areas of focus include characterizing individual differences in neural, physiological, and behavioral activity in dynamic operational environments, including under military-relevant stressors. Another area of interest is the characterization of the way in which the brain naturally processes and categorizes sensory and cognitive information in complex environments. The Associate will design and conduct human experiments, and will integrate ideas and techniques across different aspects of the rapidly growing field of cognitive and affective neuroscience.