Postdoc - Mechanisms of Madness: Computationally (De)constructing Delusions

The research project Mechanisms of Madness: Computationally (De)constructing Delusions, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation and affiliated with the Interacting Minds Centre, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, is looking to recruit a full-time (37 hours/week) post.doc. for the period 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2023.

Place of employment: Nobelparken, Jens Chr. Skous Vej, 8000 Aarhus C.There will be a further open call in the project for a two-year post.doc. from 1 September- 31 August 2025.

The university is keen for its staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their personal background.

Members of the academic staff at the School of Culture and Society are expected to contribute to a vibrant, enjoyable and friendly work environment. We emphasise the importance of active participation in the daily life of the department.  

The position 

The successful applicant is expected to work on theory development and mathematical modelling, computer programming, and manuscript drafting related to the project’s main theoretical research aim: developing artificially intelligent agents which navigate environments whose ambiguities can be resolved in realistic as well as in delusional ways. Tasks also include:

Software development and maintenance  

• Data management and analysis 
• Training student helpers 
• Establishing collaborations with other research groups. 

Qualifications 

Applicants are expected to document the following qualifications:  

• Doctoral degree in cognitive science, computer science, mathematics, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline 
• Expertise in computational modelling 
• Proficiency in computer programming using Julia, Python, R, and Matlab 
• Familiarity with the field of computational psychiatry 
• Experience in data preprocessing 
• Literacy in data management and data analysis 
• A professional level of English(spoken and written) 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• A methodological and structured approach to work and good organisational skills 
• Good time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines 
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills 

Applicants who can document experience gained in similar roles will have an advantage, but this is not a requirement.

The application must be uploaded in English.

Please note that applications that do not include uploaded publications (maximum five) will not be considered.
Although the Aarhus University application system includes an option to upload letters of recommendation, please do not include letters of recommendation or references with the application. Applicants who are invited to an interview may be asked to provide references.  

Work environment 

Active participation in the daily life of the department is a high priority, and we emphasise the importance of good working relationships, both among colleagues and with our students. In order to maintain and develop the department’s excellent teaching and research environment, the successful applicant is expected to be present at the department on a daily basis.
We respect the balance between work and private life and strive to create a work environment in which that balance can be maintained. You can read more about family and work-life balance in Denmark. 

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.   

Deadline 

13 June 2022