The Motivation, Instruction and Reading lab is directed by Dr. Jan Frijters, Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Brock University.

What do we study?

The ability to read is a fundamental skill that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. One’s overall reading achievement is effected by a complex interplay of factors experienced over time. The MIR Lab studies a range of areas that have been shown in research to have a relationship with reading.  Some of these areas include:

• Motivation
• Intervention methods
• Genetics
• Bilingualism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Rhythmic ability
• Cultural and parental impact

The MIR lab is currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in reading disability (dyslexia) risk, identification and intervention.

This position is within a collaborative multi-disciplinary laboratory, with close collaborative ties to Dr. Jeffrey R. Gruen’s lab at Yale University. Our current study focuses on the risk of reading disability conferred by genetic factors in a large multi-site case/control sample of English-speaking and bilingual school-age children. Subjects have a rich set of reading/language assessments, structural/functional/connectivity MRI assessments, DNA, and family, socioeconomic, and demographic variables. The program extended in 2015 to include intervention and longitudinal tracking.

Responsibilities: The successful applicant will have the opportunity to prepare research publications and presentations based on data from the ongoing study. The role will include collaboration with local and international researchers in addition to mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students from the lab. A minimum 0.5 dedicated research assistant will support the position within the lab.

Candidates should have a PhD in educational, developmental, or neuro-psychology. Candidates with a strong interest in learning disabilities including reading disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and language disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Strong quantitative skills are an essential requirement for this position, with preference given to candidates with growth modeling skills and experience.