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Decision Making Postdoc Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Decision Making Postdoc information

What are some common challenges faced by Decision Making Postdocs in balancing independent research with collaborative projects?

Decision Making Postdocs often need to strike a balance between pursuing their own research interests and contributing to larger lab or team projects. Juggling independent work with collaborative studies can be challenging, especially when timelines or methodologies differ. Success in this role typically involves strong communication skills, flexibility, and effective time management, as well as openness to interdisciplinary feedback. Navigating these dynamics helps postdocs build valuable experience for future academic or industry positions.

What is a Decision Making Postdoc?

A Decision Making Postdoc is a researcher who has completed their PhD and is conducting advanced research in the field of decision-making. This typically involves studying how individuals or groups make choices, using methods from psychology, neuroscience, economics, or related disciplines. Postdocs in this area often work on experimental design, data analysis, and publishing their findings, while collaborating with faculty and other researchers. The position is usually temporary, intended to further develop scholarly skills and prepare for an academic or industry career.

What is the difference between Decision Making Postdoc vs Data Scientist?

AspectDecision Making PostdocData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in CS, stats, or related field; often a PhD preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsTech companies, finance, healthcare, industry
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused roles, academiaIndustry roles, product development, analytics
Common Search & ComparisonDecision Making Postdoc vs Data Scientist

The Decision Making Postdoc primarily focuses on research and theoretical analysis related to decision processes, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Data Scientists apply data analysis, modeling, and machine learning techniques to solve practical problems in industry. While both roles require strong analytical skills, Decision Making Postdocs emphasize research and theoretical frameworks, whereas Data Scientists focus on data-driven solutions for business applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Decision Making Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Decision Making Postdoc, you need a PhD in psychology, neuroscience, economics, or a related field, along with a strong background in experimental design and data analysis. Expertise in statistical software (such as R, MATLAB, or Python) and experience with behavioral or neuroimaging methods are typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective scientific communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous research, advancing knowledge in decision-making science, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Decision Making Postdoc jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Decision Making Postdoc job openings:
Postdoctoral Scholar, Psychology & Human Factors

Postdoctoral Scholar, Psychology & Human Factors

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Michigan Technological University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar, Psychology & Human Factors
Job No: 26064
Department: School of Health, Human, & Bio Sys
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Research, Human Factors, Psychology
Applications Close:
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
Summary
Michigan Technological University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar for our Psychology and Human Factors department. The new post-doc will support a multi-university research initiative to study and model decision and judgment variability (i.e. noise). The scholar must be ready to conduct research including laboratory studies and simulations, assist in constructing computational cognitive models, conduct literature reviews and manuscript preparation and submission.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
1. Design, conduct, and analyze behavioral decision-making studies
2. Write and submit research publications
3. Perform literature reviews
4. Attend regular research meetings
5. Generate ideas
6. Assist and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers
7. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives
8. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
• A Ph.D. (completed by start of employment) in cognitive science, psychology, human factors engineering, engineering or computer science with experience in behavioral science
Required Experience
• Training in behavioral science research methods and statistical analyses. Experience with statistical software (preferably R, others acceptable)
Desirable Education and/or Experience
• Cognitive modeling experience
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Demonstrable writing abilities through publications
• Excellent verbal communication skills
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Experience working with interdisciplinary, collaborative teams, and managing research assistants
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.
Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1
FLSA Status
Exempt
Appointment Term
12 months
Shift
Pay Rate/Salary
The minimum salary for this position is $63,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Title of Position Supervisor
Associate Professor
Posting Type
Internal and External
Dependent on Funding
Yes
Additional Information
Applicants will need to provide, current curriculum vitae/resume, cover letter, and contact info for 2(minimum)-3 references. Optional upload - Publications (optional)(up to three).
This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)
Advertised: 15 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:
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