Postdoctoral Fellow in Noisy Cognition and Decision-Making - Department of Economics

Ghent University, a leading institution in Belgium, is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Economics, specifically within the RISLab. The position is part of a project funded by the Research Foundation Flanders, titled “Noisy Cognition as a Unified Driver of Decisions,” in collaboration with Ryan Oprea (UC Berkeley). The research focuses on the cognitive drivers of individual decision-making across various contexts, including risk, uncertainty, time, gains, losses, and mixed domain choices. A major deliverable is a large-scale empirical study examining common elements in decisions across these contexts. The successful candidate will apply Bayesian techniques to develop stochastic models of decision-making and will be involved in the collection and analysis of both field and laboratory data to test these models. The project is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on economics, quantitative psychology, neuroscience, applied mathematics, and statistics. The position offers opportunities to finish prior work and to develop new independent research ideas, with the precise allocation of time subject to discussion. Applicants must hold a thesis-based doctorate in a quantitative discipline such as economics, quantitative/mathematical psychology, quantitative neuroscience, or a related field. Exceptional scientific merit may substitute for a doctorate in rare cases. Candidates must meet international scientific mobility requirements, including having resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the fellowship start date and not having worked or studied in Belgium during that period. Familiarity with statistical coding and Bayesian statistics is highly desirable. Previous experience with theoretical modeling and/or empirical work on individual choice data is an asset. A good understanding of decision-making literature is mandatory. The working language is English. The fellowship is full-time for three years, with the grant amount equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5), and possible adjustments based on experience and competences. Additional benefits include travel and computer equipment resources, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and access to a wide range of training and education opportunities. The postdoc will join a vibrant research group and an active international research network at Ghent University. Applications should be sent as a single PDF to Prof. Ferdinand Vieider ([email protected]) with reference “Postdoc Noisy Cognition”. The application must include a motivation letter detailing your interest and suitability for the project, a CV, and indicate two potential letter-writers for references. Applications are reviewed as received until the position is filled, and the starting date is flexible. For more information, visit Prof. Vieider's academic page or use the application link provided.