Postdoctoral Scholar
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: March 11, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
RFA for Postdoctoral Scholar in Neuroethics: Participant Engagement
Dr. Feinsinger is in search of a Postdoctoral Scholar to join her neuroethics lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the Department of Neurosurgery. This fellow will work on an NIH-funded project developing an ethical framework for participant engagement in long-term implanted brain computer interface trials, have the opportunity to collaborate with neural engineers and community advocacy groups, and participate fully in the lab’s activities across campus. This includes joining the UCLA-CDU Dana Center for Neuroscience and Society, a community of interdisciplinary trainees and faculty spanning philosophy, neuroscience, disability studies, and community engagement.
This position requires a doctoral-level degree in a relevant field, such as philosophy, bioethics, sociology, anthropology, science and technology studies, or neuroscience. PhD's are preferred but JDs and MDs with relevant experience and training will be considered. Degree requirements must be met prior to the effective date of hire.
The candidate should have prior experience, expertise, or familiarity in one or more of these areas:
• Philosophical analysis in ethics, philosophy of science, STS, disability studies, or neuroscience
• Working with emerging neurotechnologies and neural devices, such as implanted or non-invasive interventions
• Conducting qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research (i.e., interviews and/or surveys)
• Community participatory research methods
Start Date: As soon as possible
Specific Responsibilities: leading research (including conceptual analysis, literature reviews, qualitative research), designing and leading interdisciplinary workshops, manuscript preparation for scientific journals, and preparing conference presentations, posters, and other dissemination materials.
Additional expectations:
• Supervision of undergraduates, graduate students, and new postdoctoral trainees in the lab
• Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively
• Ability to work independently on ethics and interdisciplinary projects
• Ability to communicate well across disciplines
• Aptitude for collaboration and cross disciplinary projects
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
To Apply: Interested applicants should submit an online application or send an email to AFeinsinger@mednet.ucla.edu with the following materials:
• CV
• Personal statement (two pages maximum)
• Writing sample (for which the applicant was lead or sole author; 20 pages maximum)
• The names and email addresses of 2-3 individuals who would be willing to provide a recommendation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
Qualifications
PhD
Ph.D. in Philosophy, bioethics, sociology, anthropology, science and technology studies, or neuroscience.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
Writing Sample - Please upload a paper where you were the lead or sole author; 20 pages maximum.
Personal Statement - 2 pages maximum.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
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Help contact: shall@mednet.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment