[ACT-R-users] Open Positions for fMRI research and ACT-R

[Marco Ragni]

- OPEN POSITION -

Postgraduate/PhD/Junior Researcher Positions for fMRI research and ACT-R
(50% TVL-13)

at the Transregional Collaborative Research Center
SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition, Universitaet Freiburg
in the Project R8-[CSpace]: Cognitive Complexity
in Human Spatial Planning

- Under the condition of job release /
  (vorbehaltlich der Mittelfreigabe) -


APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 MAY 2012
(or until a suitable candidate is found)


- Project Description: -

The research project R8-[CSpace] investigates questions concerning the 
cognitive complexity involved in reasoning with spatial relational 
reasoning problems and spatial planning scenarios. We address the 
desideratum of a cognitive complexity theory from a formal and 
computational side by using methods from artificial intelligence (AI) 
flanked by imaging techniques like fMRI and behavioral experiments to 
identify the influence of operations in spatial reasoning and spatial 
planning. Potential applications of such a theory are human-machine 
interaction tasks. More precisely, this interdisciplinary project 
intends to (i) identify factors that influence human spatial reasoning 
and planning processes from a psychological and neuroscience perspective 
in contrast to formal approaches in constraint satisfaction, (ii) 
formally specify these with the help of formal and computational 
techniques, and (iii) develop a cognitive complexity measure for human 
spatial planning.
More information on the research center can be found at
http://www.sfbtr8.spatial-cognition.de/

- Qualifications: -

Applicants must have qualifications in the field of fMRI-research. 
Especially regarding planning and conducting such experimental studies 
and statistical analysis with SPM and Matlab. Strong interest in 
cognitive science research and in interdisciplinary collaboration is 
expected.

The position is a 50% position, thus geared towards a doctoral 
researcher. The successful applicant is expected to work on obtaining a 
doctoral degree in Cognitive Science or Psychology (only if the first 
degree has also been obtained in Psychology) in the scope of this position.

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and 
enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and 
international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, 
publication of research results, supervision of student projects, 
participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to 
research proposals.

Conditions of Employment: -

Salary is according to the German Federal pay scale (TV-L 13, 50%
position, approx. EUR 18,000-22,000 p.a. en gross). The position is 
available from May 15 2012 (or later) and limited until the end of 2014.


As the University of Freiburg intends to increase the proportion of 
female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. 
In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification, disabled persons 
will be given priority. Applicants with a migration background are very 
welcome.


- How to Apply & What to Do in Case of Questions: -

Please address questions about the position and send your application
(preferably by email) to:

Dr. Marco Ragni <application at cognition.uni-freiburg.de>

SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition
Universitaet Freiburg
Friedrichstr. 50
79098 Freiburg / Germany

For a paper-based application, please make sure to only send document
copies, as all received application material will be destroyed after the 
selection process. Once again, we strongly encourage an application via 
email.