Three jobs in connectionist modelling in psychology

[J.M.J. Murre]

THREE GRADUATE RESEARCHERS (PH.D. STUDENTS) IN CONNECTIONIST MODELLING IN
PSYCHOLOGY

Application deadline: 12 April 1996

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Our group has job openings for three graduate researchers (Ph.D. students,
or 'Onderzoekers-in-Opleiding' in Dutch) in connectionist modelling at the
Graduate Research Institute for Experimental Psychology (EPOS) of the Dutch
Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The projects are located at the
University of Amsterdam and Leiden University.
      The Graduate Research Institute EPOS was established by the
University of Amsterdam, the Free University Amsterdam and Leiden
University to foster and strengthen research and graduate training in the
area of experimental psychology. The indiduvidual projects are funded by
the Netherlands Society for Scientific Research (NWO) and form part of a
larger research initiative 'Dynamic processes in self-organizing networks
that interact with the environment'. One four-year postdoc has already been
assigned to this project (this position is already filled). Several other
graduate researchers within EPOS are working on similar projects
(connectionist modelling and experimental psychology).

CONDITIONS
Each project runs for four years, starting 1 July 1996 at the earliest, and
is expected to lead to a Ph.D. at the end of the four-year period. Full
scholarships are available for each project to the amount of DFL 2100
(about $1320) per month in the first year, gradually increasing to DFL 3770
(about $2360) per month in the fourth year. (These figures are before
taxes; a typical salary in the first year, after taxes, would be DFL 1680,
but this depends on the experience of the applicant.) Succesful candidates
will be required to move to the Netherlands. They will be required to
follow and complete a number of graduate courses. In most cases, the
graduate researchers are asked to participate in teaching of undergraduate
students. This teaching load will be small and concerns only courses that
are within their field of research.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Excellent command of Dutch (or English) is necessary. Applicants from
computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering must bear in mind
that a strong, demonstrable  background in psychology or related fields is
necessary for these projects. 


PROJECT 1. 'ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR AFFECTIVE PROCESSES'(QUOTE REF.
575-23-006). 

Description: Development of neural network models for direct and indirect
affective processes. This work also has a strong neuroscience component. It
builds on modelling work by the project supervisors (CALM approach to
modelling). The simulations will keep pace with experimental research that
occurs simultaneously in our group. 

Specific requirements: Master's (drs.) degree in experimental psychology.
Strong interest in experimental research (especially from the cognitive
neuroscience perspective). Experience with emotions research is desirable,
as is experience with computer programming.

This project is located at the University of Amsterdam. In case of urgent
questions, further information can be obtained from Dr. R.H. Phaf (e-mail:
pn_phaf at macmail.psy.uva.nl; phone: +31 20 525.6841 or +31 20 525.6840; fax:
+31 20 639.1656).


PROJECT 2. 'ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR MEMORY PROCESSES' (QUOTE REF.
575-23-007).

Description: Development of neural network models for implicit and explicit
memory phenomena and certain memory pathologies. Goal is implementation of
a recently developed theoretical model of anterograde and retrograde
amnesia. This implementation builds on existing work by the project
supervisors (TraceNet and CALM approach to modelling, specifically
TraceLink). Simulation results will be compared with research on memory in
amnesic patients.

Specific requirements: Master's (drs.) degree in experimental psychology or
cognitive (neuro-)science. Strong interest in theoretical and empirical
modelling of cognitive functions. Knowledge of neuroanatomy and
neuropsychology is desirable, as is experience with psychological
experimentation. Experience with computer programming is required
(preferably in C). 

This project is located at Leiden University. In case of urgent questions,
further information can be obtained from Dr. J.M.J. Murre (e-mail:
murre at psy.uva.nl; phone: +31 20 525.6722 or +31 20 525.6840; fax: +31 20
639.1656). 


PROJECT 3. 'SEGMENTATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF VISUAL PATTERNS' (QUOTE REF.
575-23-008).

Description: Development of neural network models for segmentation and
classificatoin of visual patterns. This work builds on an approach that
emphasizes research and simulation in the borderline area of stable and
non-stable activation patterns. The simulations will keep pace with
experimental research that occurs simultaneously in our group.

Specific requirements: Master's (drs.) degree in cognitive science or
experimental psychology, or in theoretical or medical biology or physics
with a strongly interdisciplinary orientation and demonstrable interest in
experimental research in psychology. Experience with computer programming
is required.

This project is located at the University of Amsterdam. In case of urgent
questions, further information can be obtained from Dr. C. van Leeuwen (e-
mail: pn_leeuwen at macmail.psy.uva.nl; phone: +31 20 525.6118 or +31 20
525.6840; fax: +31 20 525.1656).


APPLICATION PROCESS
Only applications by 'hardmail' are considered. Please include the
following material:

      Cover letter
      Curriculum vitae
      One A4 in which you explain why you are interested in the project
      You may include up to 15 pages of excerpts taken from published
      material but this is not a requirement
      Two names of references (including fax and/or e-mail)
      Be sure to quote the reference number of the project to which you are
      applying

Send the application to

      Dr. G. Wolters
      Department of Psychology
      Leiden University
      P.O. Box 9555
      2300 RB Leiden
      The Netherlands

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS 12 APRIL 1996.