Postdoctoral Researcher

The Laboratory of Affective Sensory Research (LASR) at the University of Kansas is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to support its multidisciplinary research program focused on sensory processing and its impact on behavioral features of autism. Our work is guided by a developmental framework emphasizing how early sensory and emotional processing systems may cascade over time to influence communication, social interaction, behavioral flexibility, and emotional regulation. LASR is part of the KU Life Span Institute and uses behavioral and human neuroscience methods-including fMRI, DTI, EEG, psychophysics, and observational measures-alongside psychophysiology and computational approaches to understand sensory and affective processes across the lifespan. This position provides intensive research training and professional development to prepare the successful candidate for an academic research career.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to and lead aspects of ongoing projects, including 1) cardiac interoception and its neural basis using combined EEG and ECG as it relates to sensory hypersensitivity and emotion regulation, 2) facial sensorimotor processing and the neurosensory basis of facial expression production, and 3) oral sensory determinants of food selectivity and associated GI difficulty in autism. Alongside these new data collection protocols, there is also opportunity to analyze existing structural and functional MRI, EEG, psychophysiological, and behavioral data from previous projects.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will receive direct mentorship from Dr. Carissa Cascio, whose research centers on sensory-affective brain systems and their role in shaping autism characteristics.

This position is located at the University of Kansas, Lawrence campus and will be fully in-person.

40% - Research Development, Analysis, and Dissemination:

• Author and co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, leveraging existing datasets and ongoing data collection to generate novel contributions to the field.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to new grant proposals by leveraging existing datasets and ongoing data collection to produce preliminary data.
• Develop a novel line of research aligned with LASR's mission.

25 % - Research Project Implementation and Supervision:

• Co-lead implementation of research protocols across funded projects.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants.
• Train team members in laboratory procedures, assessment tools, or analytic pipelines.
• Help oversee data management and quality assurance procedures.
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation for publications and progress reports.

1. Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or child development completed before the start date or obtained within 6 months after the start date.
2. Minimum two years of research experience relevant to cognitive and/or perceptual neuroscience, neuroimaging, and/or neurophysiology.
3. Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following methods: MRI, EEG, psychophysiology, psychophysics, computational modeling, Bayesian statistics, or multivariate statistics.
4. Record of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

To be considered, applicants should submit:

• A cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and fit with LASR and addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning Friday, 5/15/2026, and continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, with earliest availability in August 2026 and latest in January 2027.

Dr. Carissa Cascio, carissa.cascio@ku.edu

$64,000

Friday May 15, 2026

Saturday August 1, 2026