Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum and Classical Dynamics of Decision Making

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance computational models of decision making that blend quantum and classical approaches within open-system dynamics. The role emphasizes theory development, computational modeling, and experimental validation, with collaboration across psychology and quantitative science communities.

The successful candidate will contribute to model testing, data analysis, and dissemination of findings, with strong mentorship and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred in psychology or cognitive science; strong quantitative background required.
• Demonstrated expertise in mathematical or computational modeling and dynamical systems.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R for computational work.
• Strong quantitative, analytic, and scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models of dynamic judgment and decision making using quantum probability, open-system dynamics, and classical Markov processes.
• Derive and test predictions distinguishing quantum vs. classical dynamics and evidence evolution.
• Design behavioral experiments probing interference, oscillation, and response-time phenomena.
• Implement simulation, parameter-estimation, and model-comparison methods in Python, MATLAB, or R.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts and conference presentations.

Skills

Mathematical modeling

Computational modeling

Python

MATLAB

R

Dynamical systems

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology or Cognitive Science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

Posting Details

Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Quantum and Classical Dynamics of Decision Making

Appointment Status: Non-Tenure Track

Department: IU Bloomington Psychological & Brain Sciences

Location: Bloomington

Position Summary

Position Overview

The Postdoctoral Researcher will join an NSF-funded project developing and testing computational models of how decisions evolve over time. The project integrates quantum and classical (Markov) approaches within an open-systems framework to investigate when decision dynamics exhibit interference, coherence, decoherence, and more classical stochastic accumulation. The position will be jointly mentored by Dr. Tim Pleskac and Dr. Jerome Busemeyer, with the postdoc taking a leading role in theory development, computational modeling, and experimental tests of the models.

The position is based at Indiana University Bloomington, with opportunities to collaborate across IU’s strong communities in mathematical psychology, judgment and decision making, cognitive science, and quantitative modeling.

This postdoctoral appointment is full-time and on-campus.

Job Duties

80% – Research

• Develop computational models of dynamic judgment and decision making using quantum probability, open-system dynamics, and classical Markov processes.
• Derive and test behavioral predictions that distinguish quantum, classical, and intermediate open-system dynamics, including predictions about the time course of evidence and preference evolution.
• Design and analyze behavioral experiments that probe dynamic decision processes, including interference, oscillation, response-time, and evidence-accumulation phenomena.
• Implement simulation, parameter-estimation, and model-comparison methods in Python, MATLAB, R, or related computational environments.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts, conference presentations, and other dissemination of project findings.

10% – Project Management

• Work directly with the PIs to ensure efficient progress toward project objectives.
• Coordinate research tasks across graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, and collaborating researchers.
• Maintain reproducible modeling, simulation, data-analysis, and documentation workflows.

10% – Other Duties

• Participate in lab meetings, mentoring of junior researchers, grant-related activities, and other project duties as needed.

Work Environment

The postdoc will be embedded in the rich cognitive and mathematical psychology research communities at Indiana University. The researcher will work closely with Drs. Pleskac and Busemeyer and benefit from Indiana University’s long-standing strengths in mathematical psychology, decision science, and quantum cognition.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2027 (negotiable)
• Salary: $60,000 + benefits
• Work Schedule: Full-time, on-campus
• Supervisors: Dr. Tim Pleskac and Dr. Jerome Busemeyer
• Initial Appointment: 1 year, with expectation of renewal for a second year based on performance and funding

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferably in Psychology or Cognitive Science, but we will also consider strong candidates in Computer Science, Physics, or a related quantitative fields by the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in mathematical or computational modeling and dynamical systems.
• Proficiency in either Python, MATLAB, R, or a comparable scientific programming environment.
• Strong quantitative, analytic, and scientific writing skills.

Department Contact for Questions: Dr. Tim Pleskac ([e-mail])

Additional Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in quantum cognition.
• Background in stochastic processes, Markov models, dynamical systems, quantum walks, or related mathematical approaches.
• Experience with computational model fitting, Bayesian inference, simulation, or formal model comparison.
• Experience designing or analyzing experiments in judgment and decision making, evidence accumulation, or response-time dynamics.
• Ability to move between mathematical theory, computational implementation, and empirical testing.
• Interest in interdisciplinary work at the intersection of cognitive science, mathematical psychology, decision theory, and quantum-inspired modeling.

For Best Consideration Date: 10/12/2026

Expected Start Date: 01/01/2027

Supplemental Questions

1. * Have you previously been employed with IU?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of Application
3. Research Paper/Publication/Writing Sample
4. List Of References

Optional Documents