Postdoctoral in Cognitive and Behavioral Data Science

Job Title

Postdoctoral in Cognitive and Behavioral Data Science

Department of Psychology

All Applicants

40 hours per week, full-time, starting immediately.

Expected to continue until Dec 31, 2026.

UT Main Campus, Austin, Texas.

This is a postdoctoral researcher position in cognitive and behavioral data science. Dr. Nicholas Duran, Associate Professor of Psychology and Principal Investigator, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to help build and advance the research and training mission of a new cognitive and behavioral data science lab, contributing both scientifically and operationally to the lab's development.

• Conduct original research and analyze large‑scale conversational and multimodal behavioral data.
• Design and implement studies involving computational methods and multimodal data collection.
• Write scientific manuscripts and present research at conferences.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate research assistants.
• Collaborate on grant proposal development and manuscript writing.
• Help establish lab infrastructure, including research workflows, data management systems, and documentation protocols.
• Assist with lab coordination tasks such as managing project timelines, organizing team meetings, and maintaining research pipelines.

• A Ph.D. in psychology, cognitive science, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field (received no more than three years prior to the start date).
• Strong statistical and programming skills; demonstrated ability to use one or more programming languages for data analysis (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, or computational methods.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects independently.

• Interest and/or experience with large‑scale natural language processing, machine learning, or applied AI research.
• Interest and/or experience in multimodal or behavioral data collection (e.g., motion capture, acoustic analysis, wearable sensors, fNIRS, VR‑based studies).
• Interest and/or experience in research on communication, collaboration, or social interaction.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Interest and/or experience serving as a mentor to junior research assistants.
• Initiative in developing new analytic approaches, experimental paradigms, or research systems.
• Experience with or interest in research project management, lab operations, or building research infrastructure.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative science and contributing to a supportive, growth‑minded lab culture.

• $70,000+ depending on qualifications.

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Location:
  
  Austin Area.

• Resume/CV
• Three work references (at least one from a supervisor)
• Letter of interest

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and present acceptable original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States no later than the third day of employment.