SocialAI Research Group

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GRADUATE STUDIES

We are looking to accept one or two graduate students for next year. We are particularly interested in modelling emergent social cognition and behaviour using neural networks, especially category models, deep reinforcement learning, and agent based models. An ideal candidate will use these methods to develop hypotheses that can be tested with behavioural cognitive and/or neuroscience methods. 

We highly recommend you read, or at least skim, these two books to better understand the research methods that we are now using to understand social cognition:

  1. Computational Cognitive Neuroscience (Fourth Edition) 
  2. Deep Reinforcement Learning in Action 
It is important that you indicate that you want to work with Dr. Cunningham in your application forms and research statement to be considered. Furthermore, in your research statement, if possible, discuss the types of research projects that you are interested in working on in the lab. It is not necessary to have these fully articulated, but if you have specific ideas it is helpful to get credit for them in the selection process.

We at the Social Cognitive Sciences lab strongly believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive space for students from all walks of life. We encourage those from diverse and under-represented (broadly defined) backgrounds to apply for positions within the lab because we encourage representation in the field of psychology. We want everyone applying to feel comfortable and think of our lab as a safe environment to freely express themselves. We hold equity, diversity and inclusivity as strong values and are motivated to ensure they are practiced.

For more information about the graduate program in psychology at the University of Toronto, click here.

VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Research Assistant in the lab, please send an email containing your résumé, cover letter and unofficial transcript to our Lab Manager at manager.cunningham@gmail.com.  Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

If you are interested in completing an independent project course in the psychology department (PSY405) with Dr. Cunningham, please contact our Lab Manager at manager.cunningham@gmail.com with your résumé, unofficial transcript, and research interests.  Please note that applications for a year-long course are due to the psychology department by early September.  For more information, click here.

WORKING WITH US

The University of Toronto and the Social-AI and Social Cognitive Science Labs are strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

We want everyone applying to feel comfortable and think of our lab as a safe environment to freely express themselves. We hold equity, diversity and inclusivity as core values and are motivated to ensure they are practiced.

We believe that excellence flourishes in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people, that helps them to achieve their full potential, that facilitates the free expression of their diverse perspectives through respectful discourse, and in which high standards are maintained for students and staff alike. An equitable and inclusive working and learning environment creates the conditions for our diverse staff and student body to maximize their creativity and their contributions, thereby supporting excellence in all dimensions of the institution. For more information on the University’s policies around Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, please see: https://people.utoronto.ca/

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

If you have worked with Dr. Cunningham or have taken his class and would like a letter of reference, please contact our lab manager (manager.cunningham@gmail.com) at least 4 weeks before your first deadline. Click here for further instructions and to fill out a form to help write your reference letter.

SocialAI Research Group 2023