Vacancy for a Postdoctoral fellow

YOUR TASKS

• Theoretically and empirically examining the cognitive drivers of individual decision-making across various contexts
• A key deliverable is furthermore a large-scale empirical study examining common elements in decisions across different contexts (risk, uncertainty, time; gains, losses, and mixed domain choices).
• Applying Bayesian techniques to develop stochastic models of decision making, and to the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data to test those models (see https://www.ferdinandvieider.com/ for examples of past and current projects).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a doctoral degree or a diploma or certificate recognized as equivalent by law or in application of the guidelines of the European Union or a bilateral agreement.
• In exceptional circumstances and based on detailed scientific justification, researchers who do not hold such a degree may also be considered, provided they have demonstrated exceptional scientific merit.
• Exceptional scientific merit is defined as having excelled in scientific research and publications at a level at least equivalent to a doctoral degree.
• The grant can only be awarded within the framework of international scientific mobility. This is the case if:
  • the researcher has resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship and has not worked or studied in Belgium during that period. However, short-term stays in Belgium are allowed during 24 months, such as holidays, participation in conferences or a short stay to prepare for the period as a postdoctoral researcher
  • the researcher is funded by the Marie- Sklodovska-Curie Action (MSCA) and thus meets the associated mobility conditions.
  • Only for postdoctoral researchers in international mobility
• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in a quantitative discipline, such as economics or quantitative/mathematical psychology, quantitative neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Previous experience with theoretical modelling and/or empirical work on individual choice data is an asset, and a good understanding of the decision-making literature (both historical and recent) is mandatory.
• Familiarity with statistical coding in general is a must.
• Knowledge and understanding of Bayesian statistics is highly desirable.
• The position is research focused.
• The working language is English

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full time position as a postdoctoral fellow for 3 years
• In deviation the above, an EEA national, who has previously received a postdoctoral grant in the 12 months prior to an MSCA grant, can exceed the maximum term of 36 months under this MSCA grant provided that the entire term does not exceed 48 months.
• The grant amount is equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5) with the same level of education and seniority and based on the same family situation as the doctoral assistant. The supervisor may deviate from this and assign a higher level based on acquired experience, professional career and demonstrated competences. The grant amount will not be revised in the current year except in case of indexation. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
• Beyond project work, there is room within the position to finish prior work, and to develop and drive forward new own ideas to establish an independent profile. The position is located at the department of economics, but the outlook is inter-disciplinary. The precise time allocation between project work and own ideas is subject to discussion.
• The position comes with travel and computer equipment resources, and other benefits. The postdoc will join a vibrant research group at Ghent University, and will be part of an active international research network.

INTERESTED?

Applications should be sent as one pdf-document to Prof. Ferdinand Vieider (ferdinand.vieider@ugent.be) with reference “Postdoc Noisy Cognition”, and should include a motivation letter and a CV. The motivation letter should in particular detail your interest in the project topic, as well as reasons why you think you are suitable for the position. It should also briefly outline potential future research directions you want to take on your own.

Reference letters are not required at the initial stage of the application, but candidates should indicate two letter-writers who can be contacted in case they get selected for an interview. If you do already wish to provide reference letters, these should be sent directly to ferdinand.vieider@ugent.be .

For more information, contact Prof. Ferdinand Vieider at ferdinand.vieider@ugent.be. Applications will be considered as they arrive, and until the position is filled. The starting date is flexible and subject to discussion.

More Information