Postdoctoral Research Position in Machine Learning – Mathematical Modelling of Neural Systems

A fully funded Postdoctoral Research Position in Machine Learning / Mathematical Modelling of Neural Systems is open in the research group of Herbert Jaeger (http://www.faculty.jacobs-university.de/hjaeger) at Jacobs University Bremen, Germany (http://www.jacobs-university.de).

The position is created in the context of the integrated project “Self-organized Recurrent Neural Learning for Language Processing (ORGANIC), funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Program “Cognitive Systems, Interaction, Robotics”. Details about the project and the consortium can be found at the preliminary reservoir computing website (http://reservoir-computing.org). The project start is April 1, 2009 and the project duration is 3 years. The position may start earlier than the project start.
The projected research for this position concerns the architecture and learning algorithm design for large-scale recurrent neural network systems, with an emphasis on mathematical analysis. The targetted application area is speech and handwriting recognition. The project’s overarching objective is to amalgamate neurobiological with engineering/mathematical perspectives, integrating a multitude of learning/adaptation/stabilization mechanisms for robustness and versatility.
The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:
* a PhD in machine learning, computational neuroscience, mathematics, theoretical physics, signal processing, control engineering, or similar fields,
* a strong mathematical background, especially in statistics and stochastic processes, nonlinear dynamics, and signals and systems,
* experience in machine learning, signal processing, nonlinear dynamics, recurrent neural networks,
* highly developed communication and organization skills,
* a very good command of English,
* endless curiosity.
Besides scientific work (80%), the task profile includes assistance in project management. This aspect of the position will extend the professional skills of the researcher in important directions of large-scale project coordination and leadership qualifications.
The total contract duration will be 3 years (project runtime, starting April 1) plus optionally the time from an earlier contract start to the project start. The application deadline is open.
Jacobs University Bremen is an equal opportunity employer and has been certified “Family Friendly” by the Hertie-Stiftung.
Please send in electronic format (PDF preferred) a letter of application, CV, a copy of academic certificates, and optionally samples of published work to Herbert Jaeger (h.jaeger „at“ jacobs-university.de), who also invites further inquiries. Applicants passing an initial screening will be requested to supply two letters of reference.