Join the team!
We are recruiting!
The lab is new and growing! We are looking to fill several positions on all levels. See details below.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Description: The Paulun Lab is currently hiring a postdoctoral researcher to lead studies of human perception of dynamic scenes and its computational basis. Specific research directions would be developed with the postdoctoral scientist. The broad focus should be on material perception and visual intuitive physics and its (neuro-) computational basis. The position is fully funded and will initially be for one year with the with possible renewal for subsequent years. We offer a collaborative and international research environment, access to research dedicated fMRI, and computational resources.
Responsibilities: Leading one or more components of the project, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data (plus overseeing data collection / analyses carried out by graduate students / lab tech working on this project), developing and testing computational models, presenting the results at conferences, and writing up the results for publication.
Requirements: We are looking for individuals with a Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or related fields. We seek individuals who think critically, work independently, and approach research with rigor and precision. Strong quantitative skills are a must. Other desirable knowledge / skills include: i) machine learning, ii) computational modeling of either behavioral or fMRI data, and iii) strong writing skills.
Application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, with opportunities to begin as soon as available but no later than September 1, 2026. The position will initially be for one year with the possibility for extension. Salary is consistent with the NIH postdoctoral schedule and commensurate with experience. The postdoctoral associate will receive standard benefits (e.g., health insurance). Interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV (including 2-3 references) and research proposal (no more than one page) to Vivian Paulun (paulun@wisc.edu). Please include in your cover letter a description of your research interests, experience and why you are interested in the lab. In your research proposal, please outline a concrete idea for a research project you would like to conduct in the lab. This can be in the style of a NIH specific aims page, but you can choose a different format as you see fit.
Graduate Students
The Paulun Lab admits PhD students entering through the Department of Psychology. We will review graduate student applications for Fall 2026 admission.
Full-Time Research Specialist (Lab Manager/Tech)
Description: The Paulun Lab is currently hiring a full-time Research Specialist (lab manager/tech) to help conduct research on human perception of materials and intuitive physics. This is an excellent position for a recent college graduate with a strong technical background a serious interest in cognitive science/neuroscience to explore the field as a possible steppingstone to graduate school. The position is fully funded and for two years. We offer a collaborative and international research environment, access to research dedicated MRI, and computational resources.
Responsibilities: The Research Specialist will help conduct research on human perception of materials and intuitive physics using fMRI, behavioral experiments, and computational methods. Responsibilities include assisting with all aspects of research, including designing and programming experiments, conducting fMRI scans and behavioral experiments, analyzing MRI and other data, implementing and maintaining analysis software, providing technical support for lab personnel, developing computational infrastructure, and performing some basic administrative duties.
Requirements: We are looking for individuals with a serious interest in a career in cognitive neuroscience and with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, psychology, physics, or math; at least two years of relevant experience; strong math, statistics, and computer skills and programming experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, shell scripting; ML (likeTensorFlow or PyTorch) would be a plus); Mac, Windows, and Linux troubleshooting skills; strong organizational skills; self-motivation; and ability to multitask and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Research experience in cognitive neuroscience and experience conducting and/or analyzing fMRI experiments would be a plus.
Application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, with opportunities to begin as soon as available but no later than September 1, 2026. The Research Specialist will receive standard benefits (e.g., health insurance). Application materials include a cover letter and CV (including contact information for at least two professional references). Please include in your cover letter a description of your research interests, experience and why you are interested in the lab. A link to the application portal will be linked here shortly. In the meantime, questions can be addressed to Vivian Paulun (paulun@wisc.edu).