[ACT-R-users] PhD position

[Daniel Holt]

A PhD position at the University of Heidelberg (Germany) is available within
the project "Complex problem solving as a mediator between basic
neurocognition and real-world functioning"
(http://www.psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de/projekte/bmbf-problemsolving). The
position is supervised by Prof. Joachim Funke
(http://www.psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de/ae/allg/mitarb/jf) and funded by
the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The position involves
developing a statistical model of the relations between basic neurocognitive
functions, planning and problem solving ability, and everyday functioning.
At the same time these relations will be explored on the process-level
through cognitive modeling in ACT-R. The deadline for applications is 4 Dec
2006.

Regards,
Daniel Holt


Background
----------
The core theme of the present research project is the relationship between
basic cognitive processes, performance on complex cognitive tasks and
real-world functioning. Basic cognitive processes examined in the laboratory
are often not easy to relate to real-life situations, both in investigations
of healthy individuals and in the clinical context. We will use the
construct 'complex problem solving' as a mediator between basic cognition
and real-world functioning, in combination with a multi-disciplinary
approach to characterize the interrelation between these three levels of
analysis. To this end, tightly coordinated studies using neuropsychological
testing, statistical and computational modelling, functional neuroimaging,
as well as  behavioral interventions will be conducted in the context of
narrowly defined, shared behavioral paradigms. The planned duration of the
project is three years, from January 2007 to December 2010.

Position
--------
Within this project a position leading to a PhD is available in the
subproject "Statistical and computational modeling", starting between
January and March 2007, lasting for 3 years. Payment is according to 1/2 BAT
IIa (i.e. 50% part time position), medical and social insurance and class
credits are included. The candidate will complete their PhD as part of the
project within three years, no graduate school fees apply. The focus of this
subproject is a multi-level analysis of planning and problem solving
competencies on the cognitive, neuronal and functional level. This involves
developing a structural equation model based on empirical data from other
subprojects as well as cognitive modeling of some of the tasks underlying
these data, particularly the Plan-a-Day planning task (see project website).
As an extension, the computer tasks for measuring planning ability may be
developed further based on the data from early stages of the project.

Requirements
-------------
* Master's degree (or equivalent) in psychology, medicine, informatics or a
related field with a strong academic record
* experience with or readiness to learn cognitive modeling in ACT-R and
programming in LISP; programming experience in general would be an advantage
* good knowledge of methodology and statistical analysis in behavioral
sciences
* interest to work within a multi-disciplinary environment

Application
-----------
Please send your application (cover letter and CV) by email to: Prof.
Joachim Funke (joachim.funke at psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de). For further
information contact: Daniel Holt
(daniel.holt at psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de).

*Deadline for applications: 4 Dec 2006*

The University of Heidelberg is an equal opportunities employer.


--
Daniel Holt, Psychologisches Institut, Universitaet Heidelberg, Hauptstr.
47-51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany Email
daniel.holt at psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de
Phone +49 (6221) 547571    Fax +49 (6221) 547273