Postdoc Position: A Model-Based Approach to Understanding Cognitive Development in Early Childhood

1. Introduction

How do infants learn, and how does early learning influence later intelligence? Join our interdisciplinary research team to develop and empirically test innovative Bayesian cognitive models that reveal the hidden cognitive processes underlying early development.

2. Job description

Are you interested in applying advanced computational modelling to understand human cognitive development? In this position, you will contribute to the development of the next generation of computational models of infant cognition. By integrating Bayesian cognitive modelling with longitudinal developmental data, you will help to identify the cognitive signatures of infant learning and understand how they shape later intelligence.

You will join the BabyBRAIN (PIs: Hunnius & Meyer) and the Uncertainty in Complex Systems lab (PI: Hinne) as a junior postdoctoral researcher. You will develop, validate, and implement Bayesian cognitive models that capture latent cognitive processes in infancy and test them empirically in infants. In this role, you will work closely with Dr Sabine Hunnius and Dr Max Hinne .

3. Profile

• You hold a PhD in cognitive science, developmental cognitive neuroscience, AI, or a related field.
• You have a strong motivation to conduct interdisciplinary empirical research at the intersection of cognitive science and developmental psychology.
• You have experience with computational modelling techniques and their application in cognitive science.
• You possess proven problem-solving skills and an ability to take a strong, positive and proactive approach to work. You are versatile, flexible and able to work in a team as well as independently.
• Experience with experimental developmental psychology is a plus.

4.

We are

You will work in an interdisciplinary team of developmental scientists, cognitive scientists and computer scientists at the Donders Institute . The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

• Language and communication.
• Perception, action and decision-making.
• Development and lifelong plasticity.
• Natural computing & neurotechnology.

The Baby and Child Research Center (BRC) at Radboud University is a leading cross-disciplinary research initiative on early development. BRC researchers study children's cognitive and social development as well as their language acquisition and health during the first six years of life. The BRC features state-of-the art facilities, such as eye-tracking, motion-tracking and neuroimaging techniques. Both, BRC and the Donders Institute foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. You will be an integral member of these lively research communities.

5.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 3 year(s).
• Your salary within salary scale 11 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Sabine Hunnius. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. Please also include the contact details of two referees who can provide references. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 18 September. You will preferably start your employment on 1 December 2026.

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