Neurobot » PostDoc 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(dot)hamker(at)informatik(dot)tu-chemnitz(dot)de as soon as possible. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.