From m.k.van.vugt at rug.nl Thu Feb 4 04:18:20 2016 From: m.k.van.vugt at rug.nl (Marieke van Vugt RUG) Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2016 10:18:20 +0100 Subject: [ACT-R-users] PhD position on relating ACT-R to patterns of neural synchronisation Message-ID: Niels Taatgen, Jelmer Borst and I are looking for a PhD student to work on a project looking at how ACT-R can help to interpret the functional significance of interactions between brain areas. The project is together with colleagues from Software Engineering and Control Systems. application portal: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=00347-02S0004TJP PhD position Model-based neuroscience & dynamical systems (1.0 fte) Organisation Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge. Job Description We invite applications for a fully-funded four-year PhD student position in the Data Science and Systems Complexity research theme of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. This PhD position is a collaboration between the Cognitive Modeling group (Marieke van Vugt, http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt , Jelmer Borst, http://www.jelmerborst.nl , and Niels Taatgen (http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/ )), the Discrete Technology & Production Automation group (Ming Cao, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.cao ) and the Software Engineering group (Mircea Lungu, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.f.lungu/ ). The main aim of the project is to understand how brain areas communicate in the service of information processing. To answer this question, we will combine cognitive models of cognition with a dynamical systems analysis of EEG. We have previously shown that cognitive models can be used to help interpret patterns of interaction between brain oscillations in a specific attention task. This project seeks to extend this approach to other tasks, and to link more generally the stable states and state transitions manifesting in EEG to information processing steps predicted by the model. Eventually we hope to develop a general-purpose ?brain-activity parser? that can interpret what the interactions between different brain areas may mean. The position is one of the four new PhD positions embedded in the Data Science and System Complexity initiative and thus the student will have ample opportunity to interact with other PhD students and staff who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research on large data and complex systems. Qualifications A successful candidate has a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field, and solid programming skills. Experience in cognitive neuroscience or EEG analysis is a plus. Good communication skills (both verbal and written) in English are a prerequisite. The candidate should be enthusiastic about research, capable of learning new skills, and happy working both independently and in collaboration with other scientists. Conditions of employment The University of Groningen offers a salary of ?2.174 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of ? 2.779 gross per month year (salary scale PhD students Dutch Universities) in the final based on a fulltime position (1.0 fte). The appointment is limited to a period of 4 years, which should be finished with a PhD examination. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate?s performance after nine months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining 3 years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate?s contract will be extended for a total of 4 years. A training program within the Graduate School of Science is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional education and supervising that is specific to your needs. The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources:http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/ Starting date The candidate starts as soon as possible, preferably March 1st. Application You may apply for this position before February 16th Dutch local time by means of the application form (see http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=00347-02S0004TJP ) Apply with a cover letter (with professional goals and a statement of interest), a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation (all PDF format). Information Dr. Marieke van Vugt, m.k.van.vugt at rug.nl Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Marieke van Vugt, PhD Assistant Professor, Cognitive Modelling Group University of Groningen Bernoulliborg, room 326 Nijenborgh 9 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands phone: +31-6-5195-4984 (cell) +31-50-363-9487 (office) http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt twitter: @mvugt m.k.van.vugt at rug.nl / mkvanvugt at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pblouw at uwaterloo.ca Tue Feb 9 23:14:49 2016 From: pblouw at uwaterloo.ca (Peter Blouw) Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2016 23:14:49 -0500 Subject: [ACT-R-users] Feb. 15 Application Deadline - 2016 Nengo Summer School Message-ID: [All details about this school can be found online at http://www.nengo.ca/ summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is inviting applications for our 3rd annual summer school on large-scale brain modeling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the Nengo software package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [1], and provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems to run in simulated and real environments. We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific training in the use of modeling software is required, but we encourage applications from active researchers with a relevant background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, robotics, neuromorphic engineering, computer science, or a related field. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/wy4dNC [1] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper] ****Application Deadline: February 15, 2016**** *Format*: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! *Topics Covered*: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. SpiNNaker) - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more? *Date and Location*: June 5th to June 17th, 2016 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. *Applications*: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (pblouw at uwaterloo.ca). We look forward to hearing from you! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ragni at informatik.uni-freiburg.de Thu Feb 11 10:02:53 2016 From: ragni at informatik.uni-freiburg.de (Marco Ragni) Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2016 16:02:53 +0100 Subject: [ACT-R-users] Open Positions Cognitive Modeling Message-ID: <56BCA29D.1050509@informatik.uni-freiburg.de> The Cognitive Reasoning Group (PD Dr. Marco Ragni) at the Institute of Computer Science, Research Group on Artificial Intelligence, Albert- Ludwigs-Universit?t Freiburg invites applications for **1 Post-Doc Position (Salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)* * **1 Research Assistant (Salary level E 13 TV-L, 65%)* * to be filled as soon as possible for a period of 3 years. The funding is part of a DFG-funded Heisenberg-grant. *Description of Responsibilities* The positions involve participation in the research activities of the Cognitive Reasoning Group with an emphasis on the areas human deductive reasoning, cognitive modeling, psychological experiments, and knowledge representation and reasoning. The research group is focusing on analyzing and evaluating psychological theories about deductive and inductive reasoning and developing cognitive models. The positions allow for further scientific qualifications (in Psychology, Cognitive Science or Computer Science). *Required Qualifications* Applicants are expected to have an above-average academic degree (Master, Diploma or a PhD) in one of the three areas: Cognitive/Mathematical Psychology or Cognitive Science or Computer Science With experience and interest on the research activities of the research group listed above, basic knowledge in at least three of the following areas: Psychological experiments, cognitive modeling, logics and reasoning, development of algorithms, practical knowledge in programming languages (e.g. Python, R), statistical analysis. A good command of the English language is mandatory. As an employer, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg is committed to creating equal opportunities for women and men. Applications with the usual files should be submitted by e-mail in a *single* PDF-file no later than *March 1, 2016* or until the position is filled. Send your application or questions to PD Dr. Marco Ragni (ragni(at)informatik.uni-freiburg.de). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From C.P.Janssen at uu.nl Fri Feb 19 09:21:13 2016 From: C.P.Janssen at uu.nl (Janssen, C.P. (Chris)) Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:21:13 +0000 Subject: [ACT-R-users] Assist Prof position Psychology Utrecht Message-ID: <52880E27-43EC-4415-A4F0-A4683C773F70@soliscom.uu.nl> Dear ACT-R mailinglist, The department of Experimental Psychology at Utrecht is recruiting an assistant professor with expertise on neuro-imaging and modeling. This would be ideally suited for a cognitive modeler. More details can be found in the description below. Best wishes, Chris Janssen Assistant Professor of Experimental Psychology (0,8 - 1,0 FTE) As an Assistant Professor of Experimental Psychology you will be employed in the Department of Experimental Psychology of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University. The department?s research is organized into three main domains: Perception; Attention and Memory; and Emotional and Social Behaviour, combining fundamental, applied, and clinical approaches. A variety of methods is employed, including neuroimaging, psychophysics, computational modelling, movement tracking, psychopharmacology, psychoneuroendocrinology, and clinical and cognitive neuropsychology. The Department of Experimental Psychology has excellent research facilities within a state-of-the-art newly designed (autumn 2013) lab environment, including eye-tracking, virtual reality, TMS, EEG, and MRI (3 & 7T). The Experimental Psychology research is part of the Helmholtz Institute of Utrecht University. We provide teaching in four Bachelor?s degree programmes (Psychology, Science at University College Utrecht, Cognitive Artificial Intelligence, and Economy and Business), two one-year Master?s degree programmes (Neuropsychology, Applied Cognitive Psychology) and two two-year Master?s degree programmes (Neuroscience and Cognition and Artificial Intelligence), the Helmholtz PhD programme (Cognition and Behaviour), and two post-graduate programmes (GZ and Clinical Neuropsychology). Tasks The position involves 60% teaching activities and 40% research time. The core tasks will include: ? independently setting up and contributing to the teaching in one or more of the above mentioned Bachelor?s degree programmes and the Master?s degree programmes, especially with reference to (computational) neuroimaging and computational modelling; ? carrying out and supervising research within the scope of the research programme. Research activities will focus on one or more of the above mentioned main research domains, with the added value of the candidate preferably in the area of (computational) neuroimaging and computational modelling; ? contributing to the acquisition of substantial external research funding for the benefit of the research programme; ? a strong contribution from the candidate to (maintaining) cooperation with the University Medical Centre, which harbours the neuroimaging facilities, is expected. Profile We are looking for someone who: ? holds a PhD degree in the field of Cognitive (or Social-Affective) Neuroscience, Experimental or Cognitive Psychology, or a similar field; ? has an excellent research track record in application of, or methodological development in, (computational) neuroimaging and (secondarily) computational modelling, in relation to one or more of the above mentioned main research domains; ? has scientific creativity and productivity, as evident in recent publications in (international) peer-reviewed journals; ? has the ability -and preferably experience with- to acquire research funding; ? has an affinity with teaching along with proven and excellent teaching skills; ? has experience in co-developing and co-coordinating academic courses; ? is able to provide inspiring lectures, has an eye for the modernization of teaching methods, and can apply own research expertise to the teaching, as evidenced by positive teaching assessments; ? holds a Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) or is willing to acquire this qualification in the near future; ? is fluent in English; ? is effective and efficient, able to work within a team and think conceptually. Offer We offer a full-time position for one year. Upon a positive performance the appointment will be followed by a permanent position. Your salary will range from a minimum of ? 3399,-- to a maximum of ? 5288,-- per month based on a full-time appointment (i.e. salary scale 11/12 according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). In addition, we offer attractive and flexible secondary terms of employment such as an annual holiday pay of 8%, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% per year and partially paid parental leave. We also provide an attractive working environment and a vibrant research climate. For more information visit Working at Utrecht University. About the organisation A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Research and teaching activities are concentrated in five areas: Behaviour in Social Contexts; Child and Adolescent Studies; Cognitive and Clinical Psychology; Education and Learning; and Methodology and Statistics. More than 5,600 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 850 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues Additional information Additional information about this position can be obtained from Professor Leon Kenemans, tel. +31 30 2534281, email: j.l.kenemans at uu.nl. Apply You can only apply for this vacancy by www.uu.nl/vacatures (assistant professor of experimental psychology). Respond no later than 18/03/2016 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From coty at cmu.edu Tue Feb 23 15:22:59 2016 From: coty at cmu.edu (Cleotilde Gonzalez) Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2016 20:22:59 +0000 Subject: [ACT-R-users] Postdoctoral opportunity - DDMLab, Carnegie Mellon University Message-ID: (2) Post-doctoral research fellowship positions Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory Department of Social and Decision Sciences Carnegie Mellon University http://www.cmu.edu/ddmlab/ The Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory (DDMLab: http://www.cmu.edu/ddmlab/) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking applications for two post-doctoral research fellows. (1) A first post-doctoral fellow position is funded by The National Science Foundation (NSF), Decision, Risk, and Management Sciences program. This fellow will be involved in theoretical research regarding learning theories of decisions based on experiential and descriptive information. The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Psychology and strong interest in Decision Sciences. The applicant should have a strong experimental background as well as experience or interest in computational/cognitive modeling approaches to explain behavior. Strong behavioral modeling background in reinforcement learning methods and Bayesian learning approaches are a plus. Particular knowledge of the literature related to Decisions from Experience and Behavioral Game Theory is desired. This position has a starting date of May-June 2016. (2) A second post-doctoral fellow position is funded by the Army Research Laboratories (ARL). This fellow will be involved in basic research on Network Science, broadly defined. Our project aim at the study of the formation and behavior of networks departing from individual behavior. Research will involve investigation of dynamic decision making, and the emergence, maintenance and reduction of trust and credibility on information with experience. The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering or Information Sciences, and should have broad research interests involving human behavior, learning, and decision making from the cognitive, social, and computational science perspectives. The applicant should have a strong behavioral and technical background in modeling (cognitive, mathematical, computational modeling), and must be interested in both, basic and applied areas of psychological research. Particular knowledge on Decisions from Experience, Behavioral Game Theory, Network theory from the experimental and computational perspectives are a plus. The candidate will interact with a large network of collaborators in Engineering and Computer Science. This position has an immediate starting date. Both positions are full time research positions with full benefits for one year, with a possibility of renewal for a second year. All applicants should demonstrate technical skills in Matlab, R, and Python; knowledge in statistics, writing abilities, and good communication skills. Applicants please send: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, relevant journal articles, and three letters of reference before March 15, 2015. A decision will be made by March 31. Please send electronic documents (Word, Pdf) to: coty at cmu.edu. The DDMLab is part of the Department of Social and Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, which is located Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is one of America's most livable cities and it has a strong university presence with over a dozen colleges and campuses and a great cultural scene. Carnegie Mellon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. For more information on our Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Policy and our Statement of Assurance, go to: http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/SoA.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: