Two Postdoctoral Researchers for the Language in Interaction Research Consortium
Application deadline: September 22, 2019, 23:59 Amsterdam Time Zone
Please find descriptions of the available positions below.
Big Question 5
Scientific summaryThe efficiency and flexibility with which we infer (or generate) meaning during language comprehension (or production) is remarkable. How does our brain do it? To move beyond the many extant attempts to address this big quest, we will treat linguistic inference as an advanced solution to the multi-step, sequential choice problems that we have long faced in other cognitive domains (e.g. chess, foraging and spatial navigation). Specifically, we will make unique progress in unraveling the mechanisms of fast, flexible linguistic inference by leveraging recent advances in our understanding of the representations and computations necessary for sequential action planning. This approach will also lead us to revise current dual-system dogma’s in non-linguistic domains, that have commonly over-focused on the contrast between a cognitive (flexible, but slow) and a habitual (fast, but inflexible) system. The current quest will encourage the integration of so-called ‘cognitive habits’ and their associated cognitive map-related neural mechanisms into theoretical models of both linguistic and nonlinguistic inference.
Postdoc Position 1
“Electrophysiology of perceptual inference for language and planning”
DescriptionThis sub-project functions within BQ5 via the combination of behavioural experimental psychology, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and advanced data analysis techniques in order to study the neural transformations that underlie structure generation in language and in action planning. In addition to designing, and executing your own experiments, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the highly interdisciplinary Big Question 5 team and quite closely with the computational modelling sub-project 3 of BQ5.
Requirements
You are a creative and academically well-trained individual as evidenced by high-quality publications in top-ranked scientific journals. You should have obtained or are close to obtaining a PhD degree (or equivalent) in the language sciences, cognitive neuroscience, computational cognitive neuroscience, computer science, or psychology. A strong background in M/EEG is necessary. Good programming skills (Matlab, R, or Python), and prior experience with advanced analyses of neural data are required. You should have active interest in complex human cognitive functions, such as language and conceptual reasoning, and in bridging experimental and theoretical approaches. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research is desirable and a collaborative, open attitude with well-developed communication skills, and a team-science interdisciplinary spirit are necessary.
Applications from excellent candidates with a less than ideal profile will be equally considered.
Embedding and Terms of employmentThis position will be held at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The position will be embedded in, and enriched by contact with, the research groups of Andrea Martin and Saskia Haegens.
Contact information
Dr. Andrea Martin, Dr. Saskia Haegens, and Dr. Ashley Lewis
Postdoc Position 2
“Theory and computational modelling of perceptual inference in language and action planning”
DescriptionThis sub-project functions within BQ5 to develop a formal theory and implement in a computational model with the goal of understanding the neural transformations that underlie structure generation in language and in action planning. A strong emphasis will be placed on operationalizing and formalizing the research questions of BQ5 into an overarching theoretical framework. In addition to your designing and implementing computational models to run your own simulations, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the highly interdisciplinary Big Question 5 team and quite closely with the electrophysiology sub-project 2 of BQ5.
Requirements
You are a creative and academically well-trained individual as evidenced by high-quality publications in top-ranked scientific journals. You should have obtained or are close to obtaining a PhD degree (or equivalent) in cognitive science, computer science, formal linguistics, mathematics, mathematical psychology, or computational cognitive neuroscience. A strong background in logic and rhetoric, and in theoretical work, is necessary. Experience with contemporary and traditional neural network modelling is highly desirable. Good programming skills (e.g., C, Python), and prior experience with computational modelling or formal models is required. You should have active interest in complex human cognitive functions, such as language, conceptual reasoning, artificial intelligence, computational cognitive neuroscience, and in bridging experimental and theoretical approaches via formalization. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research is desirable and a collaborative, open attitude with well-developed communication skills and a team-science interdisciplinary spirit are necessary.
Applications from excellent candidates with a less than ideal profile will be equally considered.
Embedding and Terms of employment
This position will be held at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The position will be embedded in, and enriched by contact with, the research groups of Andrea Martin and Iris van Rooij.
Contact Information
Dr. Andrea Martin and Dr. Iris van Rooij
Interested?
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