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 that is supported by the SDU Department of Psychology. The starting date is March 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research environment

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. 

Project description

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

Ideally, applicants for the position should satisfy the following requirements:

• 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. 

Contact information

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Greg Francis, SDU (email: gfrancis@health.sdu.dk; phone: +45 65 50 16 98), or Professor Søren Krogh Andersen (email: skandersen@health.sdu.dk; phone: +45 65 50 49 57)

Application deadline

The application deadline is November 08, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. CET.

Salary and terms of employment

The base salary for a postdoctoral researcher is DKK 36,877.42, with an additional job structure supplement of DKK 5,230.75. This brings the total monthly salary to DKK 42,108.16.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Application

Applications must be in English and submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". 

Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• A letter of motivation (max. 1 page)

• A detailed CV

• Master and PhD degree certificates, if available

• A complete and numbered list of publications 

• Three scientific publications (or preprints) considered to be most important for the advertised position (please note that one file per publication must be submitted)

• Contact details of at least two university supervisors or employers who can provide references

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application. 

Incomplete applications and applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. 

Shortlisting of applications may be used in the initial selection process.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. 

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. 

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.