Statistical analysis of visual signaling in Cuttlefish

[Roland Baddeley]

Three year postdoctoral position funded by the BBSRC to work on the 
computational analysis of visual signalling in cuttlefish, to work in 
collaboration with Dr Daniel Osorio and Dr Roland Baddeley at Sussex 
University.

Cuttlefish have a remarkable ability to change their skin coloration 
patterns giving them amazing camouflage abilities, and a very 
effective visual communication channel. Previous work on cuttlefish 
has relied on qualitative classification of their body patterns, but 
by using digital video cameras, image warping techniques, and 
statistical pattern analysis, it is now possible to quantitatively 
analyze these changing skin patterns. Doing this we hope to understand 
their role in camouflage and communication. We are therefore looking 
for a postdoctoral researcher (for up to 3 years) who will: 

1. Analyze the skin patterns generated by the cuttlefish. We have 
developed warping and independent components analysis software. The 
researcher would be expected implement additional means of analysis 
that would shed light on the dimensionality, any clustering of the 
patterns (expected), and implement methods to study the dynamics of 
the change.

2. Conduct experiments on camouflage. The animals are kept in tanks 
where ``textures'' can be inserted underneath. We can therefore 
analyze camouflage by quantifying how the cuttlefish maps the texture 
pattern inserted, onto its skin patterns. This will give unprecedented 
insight into texture and form perception by a non-human animal. As 
well as conducting the experiments, the researcher would be expected 
to maintain the animals. No previous experience is required as 
training will be provided.

3. Conduct experiments on communication. The cuttlefish communicate by 
generating stereotypical patterns on the skin. As well as analyzing 
these patterns on their own, given a quantitative description, the 
relationship between the patterns of two communicating animals can be 
analyzed (information capacity, relationship to behavior). Again the 
researcher would be expected to collect data and analyze the results.

Applicants should have a strong background in statistical/neural 
network techniques and an interest in applying them to real world 
problems. The candidates will be experience in programming (MATLAB 
preferred) and mathematical analysis. 


Enquiries are welcome and can be made to Daniel Osorio 
<d.osorio at sussex.ac.uk> or Roland Baddeley <rjb at biols.susx.ac.uk>

The salary will be on the standard BBSRC scale starting from 19,428 
p.a. plus benefits.

Applicants for this position should submit C.V., relevant reprints, 
and 3 letters of references. Letters of recommendation can be sent 
electronically (plain text, word, or PDF) to rjb at biols.susx.ac.uk 
Applications can also be sent by mail to: Roland Baddeley, Laboratory 
of Experimental Psychology, Sussex University, Falmer, Brighton 
England BN1 8QG. Replies will only be made to people who get called 
for interview. Closing date 30th October 2000.


-- 
Dr Roland Baddeley
Laboratory of Experimental Psychology
Sussex University, Falmer
Tel: (01273) 678961
Fax: (01273) 678611
WWW: http://www.biols.susx.ac.uk/Home/Roland_Baddeley/