Postdoc position at University of Macau

[Hai-Yan Wu]

Postdoctoral Positions at AND Lab (Affective Neuroscience & Decision-making Lab), University of Macau

The AND Lab (Affective Neuroscience & Decision-making Lab) at the University of Macau is now recruiting postdoctoral researchers from top universities and research groups worldwide. The lab is affiliated with the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CCBS) at the University of Macau, which provides a well-established neuroscience platform supporting advanced neuroimaging, behavioral experiments, and method/technology development.

The lab is led by Prof. Haiyan Wu, who has extensive research experience in social-affective neuroscience and computational neuroscience, and is currently leading multiple high-level funded research projects. For more information, please visit our lab website: https://andlab-um.com/

 

Why Join Us?

(1)   Multi-modal Neuroscience Research Platform

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including fMRI, EEG, iEEG, fNIRS, MEG, tES, eye-tracking systems, multi-channel physiological recording devices, as well as VR and human–robot interaction systems. Our platform enables rigorous experimentation in high-standard environments for neuroimaging, neuromodulation, behavioral recording, and immersive interactive paradigms.

(2)   Interdisciplinary Team

Our team consists of members from psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and computer science, fostering close collaboration across disciplines. This structure supports integrated development in behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, computational modeling, and technical innovation.

(3)   Independent and Comprehensive Research Pathway

The lab supports postdoctoral researchers in developing independent research projects based on their expertise and interests, while also providing opportunities to initiate and advance interdisciplinary collaborative projects, enabling systematic progress across theory, methods, and translational applications.

(4)   Competitive Salary Package (Option 1: Based in Macau)

For postdoctoral researchers based in Macau, the position will be supported through the University of Macau Talent Programme (UM Talent Programme). Successful candidates will receive a competitive monthly salary of approximately MOP 28,000 or MOP 40,000 (pre-tax), along with annual funding for research and academic conference travel.

Final compensation will be determined by the approved talent programme category.

 

(5)   Competitive Salary Package (Option 2: Based in Hengqin, Guang Dong Province)

Alternatively, the position may be based in Hengqin, Guang Dong Province. Successful candidates will receive a highly competitive salary package (annual income exceeding RMB 700,000), as well as annual funding for research and academic conference travel.

 

Research Areas

(1)   Social-Affective Neuroscience

We investigate multimodal representations and computational mechanisms of negative emotions such as fear and anxiety, and examine how social information (e.g., personal space, emotional stability, relationship closeness) is learned and represented and how it influences social interactions. We also explore the neural substrates of theory of mind and social decision-making, and the mechanisms through which different neuromodulation approaches shape social behavior.

(2)   Computational Neuroscience

We employ computational approaches including Bayesian models, reinforcement learning (RL), and drift diffusion modeling (DDM) to quantitatively characterize human social learning, adaptive behavior, and cognitive processes, and to infer underlying mechanisms.

(3)   Artificial Intelligence and Human–AI Interaction

We study how AI can understand social contexts, and how humans perceive, interpret, and respond to AI’s emotional states and social intentions. We examine how AI influences human–AI interactions, and even human–human interaction patterns, as well as decision-making behaviors in “AI-as-participant” paradigms.

 

Qualifications

We welcome applications from highly motivated PhD graduates worldwide. Applicants should meet the following requirements

(1)   Educational Background

Applicants should hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD degree from a top-200 global university (based on THE/QS rankings) or from a discipline recognized under China’s “Double First-Class” initiative. Applicants should be under 35 years old.

(2)   Technical Skills

Applicants should have a background in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields. Required: strong programming and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R. Candidates with experience in neuroimaging data analysis (fMRI/iEEG) will be preferred.

 

(3)   Academic Achievements

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record, including first-author publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Q1 journals or leading field journals) and/or notable patents, awards, or academic honors.

(4)   Research Motivation

Applicants should have a strong interest in human social cognition, affective neuroscience, computational psychiatry, and human–AI interaction, and demonstrate a clear commitment to conducting long-term cutting-edge research in these areas.

 

How to Apply

For candidates applying under Option 1 (based in Macau), all applications must be submitted through the University of Macau official system and will follow the university’s standardized review procedures. Details can be found here:

https://career.admo.um.edu.mo/

Interested applicants are also invited to email Prof. Haiyan Wu directly with a CV and contact information: haiy...@um.edu.mo

We will conduct an initial evaluation based on the applicant’s background and research potential, and determine whether to recommend the candidate for the formal UM Fellow application process.