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Computational Cognitive Science Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... The Cognitive Development Lab at Indiana University-Bloomington (PI: Linda Smith) invites ... computational training as well as experience in behavioral science, ideally in development ...

... computational linguistics applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... cognitive science and education. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts ...

... computational linguistics applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... cognitive science and education. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts ...

... computational linguistics applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... cognitive science and education. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts ...

... computational linguistics applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... cognitive science and education. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts ...

... computational linguistics applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... cognitive science and education. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts ...

Computational Cognitive Science information

What is a Computational Cognitive Science job?

A Computational Cognitive Science job involves using computational models, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to study human cognition, including learning, reasoning, perception, and decision-making. Professionals in this field work at the intersection of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to develop simulations and algorithms that mimic human thought processes. They may apply their expertise in academia, tech companies, healthcare, or AI research, contributing to advancements in human-computer interaction, machine learning, and cognitive system design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Computational Cognitive Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Computational Cognitive Science, a strong background in cognitive psychology, computer science, and mathematics—often supported by a relevant advanced degree—is essential. Experience with data analysis software (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), machine learning libraries, and experimental design tools is typically expected. Critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These abilities enable professionals to design robust experiments, analyze complex data, and translate insights into impactful research or product developments.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Computational Cognitive Science roles?

One of the main challenges in Computational Cognitive Science is integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to build and validate complex models of human cognition. Professionals often have to balance rigorous experimental design with advanced computational techniques, all while staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and research findings. Collaboration with diverse teams—including software engineers, data scientists, and behavioral researchers—is common and may require adjusting communication styles to bridge knowledge gaps. Successfully navigating these challenges can make a significant impact in both academic and industry settings, leading to advancements in artificial intelligence, user experience design, and human-computer interaction.
What are popular job titles related to Computational Cognitive Science jobs in Indiana? For Computational Cognitive Science jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computational Cognitive Science jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Computational Cognitive Science jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Computational Cognitive Science job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 77% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Details
Title
Postdoctoral Researcher
Appointment Status
Non-Tenure Track
Department
IU Bloomington Psychological & Brain Sciences
Location
Bloomington
Position Summary
Postdoctoral Researcher - AI-Augmented Decision Science
Indiana University Bloomington
Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, & Engineering
Position Overview
The Postdoctoral Researcher will join a new interdisciplinary project developing an AI-augmented decision science platform to understand and model high-stakes human judgments. This position will be jointly mentored by Dr. Tim Pleskac (cognitive and decision modeling) and Dr. David Crandall (computer vision and AI). The postdoc will lead the development, integration, and testing of computational models of decision making that incorporate dynamic scene features, pose tracking, and eye-tracking data collected from an immersive police shooting simulator.
The position is based at Indiana University Bloomington, with opportunities for collaboration with Michigan State University, and IU's network in cognitive modeling, AI, and human-AI decision research.
This postdoctoral appointment is full-time and on-campus.
Job Duties
80% - Research
  • Lead development of computational models of judgment and decision making, including evidence accumulation models, social drift-diffusion models, and hybrid models integrating computer-vision-derived features.
  • Build and test pipelines for pose detection, object tracking, optical-flow analysis, and gaze-scene alignment, in collaboration with computer vision researchers.
  • Analyze large multimodal datasets (simulator videos, eye-tracking videos, joint motion trajectories).
  • Lead and co-author manuscripts and conference presentations.

10% - Project Management
  • Work directly with the PIs to ensure efficient progress toward research objectives.
  • Coordinate research tasks across undergraduate RAs, graduate students, and collaborating labs.
  • Oversee data processing workflows, documentation, and reproducibility pipelines.

10% - Other Duties
  • Assist with dissemination activities, lab meetings, mentoring of junior researchers, and other project-related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Neuroscience, or a related field by the start date.
  • Demonstrated expertise in computational modeling of human behavior or computer vision / machine learning.
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R.
  • Strong quantitative and analytic skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with evidence-accumulation models (DDM, sequential sampling, Bayesian models).
  • Experience with computer vision tools (e.g., MediaPipe, OpenPose, homography estimation, optical flow).
  • Experience with eye-tracking data collection or analysis.
  • Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
  • Experience working with multimodal datasets (video, gaze, motion, behavioral responses).
  • Background or interest in decision making under uncertainty, social decision dynamics, or human-AI interaction.

Work Environment
The postdoc will be embedded in two leading research ecosystems:
The IU Behavioral Science Lab (Psychological & Brain Sciences)
A major center for judgment and decision-making research, evidence accumulation modeling, and computational cognitive science.
The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
A top-tier program in computer vision, machine learning, and multimodal analytics.
The researcher will benefit from access to IU's state-of-the-art computing resources, weekly interdisciplinary meetings, and strong mentorship from both PIs.
Appointment Details
  • Anticipated Start Date: Spring or Summer 2026 (flexible)
  • Salary: $60,000 + benefits
  • Work Schedule: Full-time, on-campus
  • Supervisors: Dr. Tim Pleskac and Dr. David Crandall
  • Initial Appointment: 1 year, with expectation of renewal for a second year based on performance and funding

Application Instructions
Interested individuals should apply at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31525.
A complete application includes:
  1. Cover letter describing research interests and fit for the position
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. A professional writing sample (e.g., publication or dissertation chapter)
  4. Names and contact information for three references

Applications received by (1/9/2026) will receive full consideration, however the search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Neuroscience, or a related field by the start date.
  • Demonstrated expertise in computational modeling of human behavior or computer vision / machine learning.
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R.
  • Strong quantitative and analytic skills.

Department Contact for Questions
Dr. Tim Pleskac (tpleskac@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications
  • Experience with evidence-accumulation models (DDM, sequential sampling, Bayesian models).
  • Experience with computer vision tools (e.g., MediaPipe, OpenPose, homography estimation, optical flow).
  • Experience with eye-tracking data collection or analysis.
  • Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
  • Experience working with multimodal datasets (video, gaze, motion, behavioral responses).
  • Background or interest in decision making under uncertainty, social decision dynamics, or human-AI interaction.

Salary and Rank
$60,000
Special Instructions
For Best Consideration Date
01/09/2026
Expected Start Date
03/01/2026
Posting Number
IU-101433-2025