Connectionists: Research Positions at CMU

[Christian Lebiere]

Applications are open for research positions in the Psychology Department at
Carnegie Mellon University under the direction of Dr. Christian Lebiere.
Positions include several postdoctoral researchers and a research
programmer.
 
The research positions involve the application of cognitive architectures to
cognitive robotics, cognitive neuroscience, visual intelligence, network
science and game theory.  A brief description of the group¹s research can be
found at http://fms.psy.cmu.edu/about/.  Publications, software, tutorials
and other information can be found at http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/.
 
Specific research projects include:
 
- model networks of cognitive agents to understand the emerging dynamics
that arise from the interaction of human decision-makers as well as large
networks of artificial agents, cognitive models and human nodes.  This
research is funded by a 5-year MURI (Multidisciplinary University Research
Initiative) grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and a
5-year grant from DTRA.
 
- integrate cognitive architectures with traditional robotic techniques to
improve autonomy, enhance human-robot interaction and provide metacognitive
abilities to plan missions, monitor execution and remediate problems.  This
research is funded by the Robotic Collaborative Technology Alliance
(http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=392), a large 5-10-year
partnership between academic, government and industry laboratories to
develop the next generation robotic architectures, and a grant from the
Office of Naval Research.
 
- develop integrated symbolic-neural architectures that combines the
capabilities of symbolic architectures such as ACT-R with those of
connectionist frameworks such as Leabra to model complex, open-ended tasks
such as sensemaking or instruction-driven interaction.  This research is
funded by IARPA project ICArUS
(http://www.iarpa.gov/Programs/ia/ICArUS/icarus.html) and by a grant from
the Office of Naval Research.
 
Postdoctoral candidates should have a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology,
cognitive science, computer science, or robotics, with a background in
computational modeling and a strong interest in both basic research in
cognitive science and its practical applications.  Research programmer
candidates should have a BS in computer science (MS preferred) or equivalent
experience, with a background in modeling and simulation preferred. 
Programming experience, especially in Lisp, and a background in artificial
intelligence or cognitive modeling are preferred but not essential.  All
candidates should submit their CV to the address below, and postdoctoral
candidates should also include a letter describing their research interests
and goals, and at least 2 letters of recommendation.
 
These positions are open immediately and offer competitive salary and
benefits.  Carnegie Mellon University offers a stimulating research
environment in livable Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  To apply or obtain
additional information, contact (email preferred):
 
Dr. Christian Lebiere
Psychology Department
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Tel: 412-268-6028
Email: cl at cmu.edu