Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Post-Doc with Tecumseh Fitch in Vienna Department of Cognitive Biology

A post-doctoral research position is available in the Department of Cognitive Biology at the School of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, in the laboratory of Prof W Tecumseh Fitch. (duration up to five years). The main topic(s) of the position are flexible and will depend upon the skills and interests of the chosen applicant. In general, comparative research in bioacoustics, biomusicology and animal cognition will be favored. For example, ongoing research in the Fitch lab concerns the biology and evolution of language and music and the cognitive capacities underlying pattern perception in speech, music and complex visual patterns; we work with both humans and non-human animals including birds (ravens, parrots) and primates (marmosets, humans). For these topics, a strong background in the design and analysis of experiments is key, and experience with nonhuman animals a strong plus. A somewhat independent research topic focuses on vertebrate bioacoustics, particularly vocal production in birds and mammals. For these topics, a strong background in speech science, bioacoustics and/or the physcs and physiology of vocal production would be central. Qualified applicants could also combine research in both sets of topics.

You will be joining a very active and well-funded group of scientists in the Department of Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna (the core professors are Thomas Bugnyar, Tecumseh Fitch and Leonida Fusani). We have strong links with the laboratory of Prof. Ludwig Huber at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. The general focus of our department is comparative analysis, with a wide range of vertebrate species, and all topics relevant to the evolution of the mind. Species currently available for study on site include ravens, pigeons, keas, budgerigars, dogs, and common marmosets; we have new an fully-equipped animal facilities in Vienna, and at our new field station south of Vienna; other species can be studied via collaborations elsewhere (e.g. chimpanzees, wolves). We have a fully-equipped animal care facility (see below), human testing labs including a large anechoic chamber, an EyeLink 1000 eye tracker and Biopack physiological measurement system.

Full details here.

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