Pamphlet

A team of researchers at the University of Sterling, with partners at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Germany) and McMaster University (Canada), is working on a project funded by the Human Border Sciences program to investigate mechanisms that support the expression of emotional body smell, such as the smell of fear.

Many species, including humans, produce a distinctive smell when discomfort, but the mechanisms are hardly understood. First, the relevant chemical compounds remain unidentified in most species, including humans. Second, the source and mechanisms participating in launching the scent scents are unknown. The most likely source is the skin microflora, which mediates many other social smells. The project aims to clarify the chemical and microbial mechanisms that support the rapid communication of acute emotion in humans (and possibly other types).

As part of this project, Psychology, College of Natural Sciences, offers the position of full -time post -PhD research (36 months). You will work closely with Professor Roberts to design and implement psychological experiences that stimulate emotional states in the participants, and to help other team members in their work to measure changes in the chemistry of body odor and microbial activity as a result of emotional change.

Description of duties

• Designing psychological experiences that stimulate emotional states in human participants
• Make experiments that include human participants, from employment to collection of data from mood changes and psychological physiological indicators of excitement
• Ensure that work with rigor is completed and observed the obligatory ethical standards
• Analyze the resulting data sets
• Control of regular meetings with team members to track progress, solve any theoretical, technical or analytical issues, and discuss publishing strategies
• Publishing the results through publications, conference offers and general participation

Basic standards

• Doctorate in psychology or biology
• Research experience in designing experiments involved in human participants, including the experience of applying for an ethical permission for this research and obtaining it
• Clear experience in analyzing quantitative data sets (in SPSS and/OR)
• The desire to work in a multidisciplinary team
• The ability to create a relationship and interact effectively with colleagues has been proven

For more information, including the full description of the basic duties, standards and details on how to apply, please see Vacancies details Sterling University