postdoctoral positions in neural computation

[Sue Becker]

Dear all,
I would like to announce two postdoctoral training opportunities,
described below. The first has more of a computational neuroscience
focus: to explore neuromodulator effects in learning and memory.
The second has more of a neuro-signal-processing focus: to develop
artificial hearing aid technology. Can you kindly bring these to the
attention of any suitable candidates.

I apologize if you receive multiple copies of this posting.
cheers,
Sue

-- 
Sue Becker, Associate Professor  Department of Psychology, McMaster University
becker at mcmaster.ca               1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ont. L8S 4K1
Fax: (905)529-6225               www.science.mcmaster.ca/Psychology/sb.html
Tel: 525-9140 ext. 23020

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COMPUTATIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

A unique, multi-disciplinary postdoctoral training opportunity is
available to investigate the action of neurotransmitters using
computational and animal models. Topics of interest include the
neuromodulatory actions of dopamine in motivated behaviours,
development of fears and paranoias in hyperdopaminergic conditions,
learning aversive and emotional conditioned responses, and the
biological bases of emotional memory formation in structures including
the hippocampus and amygdala.

The candidate must have a PhD in cognitive science, computer science,
or a related discipline, expertise in neural network modelling, and an
interest in running and overseeing learning and memory experiments
involving behavioural pharmacology. Experience with animal
experimentation would be an asset but is not essential, as training
will be provided. Depending upon the interests of the candidate,
opportunities also exist to acquire training in human functional
neuroimaging, and conduct studies with clinical populations. The
position is available for a minimum of two years.

This research is part of a collaborative effort involving
Dr. S. Becker, Department of Psychology, McMaster University
(computational neuroscience), Dr. S. Kapur, Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health (CAMH) and Department of Psychiatry, University of
Toronto (behavioural pharmacology, human neuroimaging with PET and
fMRI) and Dr. P. Fletcher, Department of Psychology, University of
Toronto, and CAMH (animal models and behavioural pharmacological
studies).

This position will be based at both Mcmaster University in Hamilton
and the CAMH in Toronto. Interested candidates should send a letter of
intention, a CV and two letters of recommendation to Dr. S. Becker
at the address below.

Dr. Sue Becker
Department of Psychology
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ont. L8S 4K1
becker at mcmaster.ca
Fax: (905)529-6225


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         POST-DOCTORAL POSITIONS IN NEURO-SIGNAL PROCESSING

Funding for one or more post-doctoral fellows is available to develop and test
compensation algorithms for intelligent hearing aid technology.  The end
product will be a wearable computing device that goes well beyond the current
state of the art in hearing aid design.  Topics under investigation include:
beamforming algorithms, noise cancellation, modelling normal and impaired
cochlear filtering, cortical feedback in auditory processing, temporal
processing and auditory streaming, feedback cancellation, and binaural
mechanisms.

A group of researchers at McMaster University received funding from NSERC,
Canada for this exciting project which is being conducted in collaboration
with Gennum Corporation, one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers.
The research team, headed by Simon Haykin in Electrical and Computer
Engineering (ECE), also includes Ian Bruce, currently at Johns Hopkins
University and joining the McMaster ECE faculty in Jan/2002, and Sue Becker,
Ron Racine, John Platt and Laurel Trainor who are faculty members in the
Psychology Department, as well as several graduate students. The team's
expertise spans neural modelling, signal processing, cochlear implants,
neurophysiology, neural plasticity, and auditory psychophysics and
neuroimaging.  Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in
neurobiological modelling of the auditory system or adaptive filter design or
a related field. Excellent computer programming skills are essential.

Please send applications, with two references, to:

Prof. Simon Haykin
Communications Research Laboratory
McMaster Univeristy
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
haykin at mcmaster.ca

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