Connectionists: Post-Doc or PhD Position for Cognitive Computational Neuroscience

[Fred Hamker]

Post-Doc or PhD Position for Cognitive Computational Neuroscience


A Post-Doc or PhD position is available at the Technical University of  
Chemnitz in the Department of Computer Science. The position is for  
three years, starting immediately.

The research position is part of the research network “Neuro-cognitive  
mechanisms of conscious and unconscious visual perception” (http://www.uniulm.de/unbewusst/index.htm 
).

The goal in our project is to elucidate the role of reentrant  
processing for visual masking and stimulus encoding. Subliminal  
perception is typically investigated using masked stimuli. Previous  
priming experiments of the partners in the network have demonstrated  
various effects of subliminal perception that altogether suggest  
unconscious stimulus processing to a significant degree, even when  
stimuli are masked. In previous computational work we have established  
a framework of attentive visual perception by means of reentrant  
processing (Hamker, 2005; Hamker, 2007), which has been used as a  
theoretical basis for the design of experimental studies of the  
partner groups in the network. We intend to extend this framework to  
include mechanisms of visual masking with a particular focus on  
reentrant processing based on previous work of learning receptive  
fields (Wiltschut & Hamker, 2009). This computational work complements  
the experimental studies of the Haynes, Ansorge and Mattler groups and  
also relates to the work of other partner projects. We will provide a  
description of the neural stimulus trace of masked stimuli that will  
be important for the interpretation of the experimental results  
obtained in other groups of the network.

See http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/informatik/KI/veroe.php for references.

The canditate should have prior experience in developing  
neurocomputational systems, particularly with respect to data in the  
neurosciences and psychology. Experience in interdisciplinary projects  
or own experimental studies is welcome. Good programming experience is  
essential.

The salary is according to German standards (E 13 TV-L). The  
university is an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to  
apply. Disabled applicants will receive priority in case they have  
equal qualifications.

Chemnitz is the third-largest city of the state of Saxony and close to  
scenic mountains. Major cities nearby are Leipzig and Dresden with a  
rich tradition of music and culture.

Applications should be sent by email (preferebly in PDF format) to (fred.hamker at informatik.tu-chemnitz.de 
) as soon as possible. Applications will be considered until the  
position is filled.

--------------------
Prof. Dr. Fred H Hamker
Artificial Intelligence
Department of Computer Science
Technical University Chemnitz
Strasse der Nationen 62
D - 09107 Chemnitz
Germany

Tel: +49 (0)371 531-37875
Fax: +49 (0)371 531-25739
email: fred.hamker at informatik.tu-chemnitz.de
www: http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/informatik/KI/