LINGUIST List 15.717

Fri Feb 27 2004

Jobs: Lang Acquisition: Research Asst, Hunter College

Editor for this issue: Sarah Murray <sarahlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. little.linguist, English & Lang Acquisition: Research Asst, Hunter College - CUNY

University or Organization: Hunter College - CUNY
Department: Psychology
Rank of Job: Research Assistant
Specialty Areas: Language Acquisition
Required Language(s): English (Code = ENG)


Description:

One part-time research assistant position is available, with the
possibility of becoming full-time. The assistant will work on
Dr. Virginia Valian's 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. This position is open until filled.

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: 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
position is filled. To apply, submit by e-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. Ask them to e-mail their letters.

Send applications to: little.linguisthunter.cuny.edu



Address for Applications:

	Attn: Dr. Virginia Valian
	Department of Psychology
	695 Park Avenue
	New York, NY 10021
	United States of America 

	Position is open until filled.


Contact Information:
	Marisa Monteleone
	Email: little.linguisthunter.cuny.edu
	Tel: 212-772-557
	Website: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/littlelinguist/