Postdoctoral position in computational modeling of visual perception

The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a fully funded postdoctoral position in computational modeling of visual perception. The position is available for up to 36 months and is part of a project led by Dr. Gregory Scott Francis. The starting date is March 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The postdoc will be affiliated with the Research Unit of Health and Cognitive Psychology. The position is at the SDU Esbjerg campus but will also involve interaction with staff at the SDU Odense campus.

A basic process of the visual system is to monitor the location and characteristics of objects in a scene, and the multiple object tracking (MOT) paradigm has identified many fundamental aspects of this process. With a rich literature of empirical results, this paradigm is ready for theoretical development, which this project intends to pursue using an integrate-and-fire neural network model known as LAMINART. A key aspect of the model is the ability to select/segment visual objects, which may explain how people can (seemingly) effortlessly track multiple objects in a dynamic visual scene.

The successful candidate will be required to design, program and analyze an integrate-and-fire neural network model of visual perception. Good programming (Python) skills are required along with a good understanding of empirical methods and ways to connect empirical findings with model behavior. The position also involves teaching duties.

The project involves collaboration with Prof. Søren Krogh Andersen, also at SDU.

Qualifications:

• PhD level in psychology, cognitive (neuro)science, vision science, or a related field
• Research experience as evidenced by conference contributions and peer-reviewed journal articles in a field related to the offered position
• Expertise in visual attention and perception
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to design, implement, and analyze complex experiments
• Be willing and able to teach for the Department of Psychology
• Prior experience with neural network modeling is a plus
• Prior experience with cognitive modelling is a plus
• Good command of statistics
• Good command of Python (or similar programming languages and a willingness to learn)
• Very good command of the English language in spoken and written form
• Some knowledge of the Danish language is a plus

Candidates who are about to obtain these qualifications are also encouraged to apply.