[vslist] Two post-docs in visual decisions and learning (1 computational, 1 psychophysical/fMRI), in Magdeburg, Germany

[Jochen Braun]

Two postdoctoral positions  in visual decisions and learning (1 
computational, 1 psychophysical/fMRI), in Magdeburg, Germany

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Jochen 
Braun, which recently moved to the University of Magdeburg, Germany. 
Our ongoing work concerns the psychophysics, neural basis, and theory 
of visual attention and visual decisions (e.g., ambiguous stimuli).  In 
addition, we are involved in EU-funded collaborations on visual 
learning and plasticity (e.g., www.ini.unizh.ch/alavlsi).  We would now 
like to investigate how the brain ensures that visual learning remains 
performance-enhancing, rather than becoming performance-neutral or 
–detrimental.  Among the mechanisms for ‘learning guidance’ to be 
considered are object attention, internal feedback from reward 
expectations, and external feedback from explicit rewards. Our 
theoretical point of view combines information theory (Bayesian 
inference, game theory) and biophysically realistic networks of spiking 
neurons and dynamic synapses implementing cooperative-competitive 
interactions and external biases.

The computational position will be supervised jointly with Gustavo 
Deco, UPF Barcelona (www.tecn.upf.es/~gdeco).  The successful applicant 
should hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in theoretical physics or 
theoretical neuronscience and will be expected to link theoretically 
the cellular and behavioural levels of visual decisions and learning, 
making use of both mean-field analysis and numerical modelling of 
biophysically realistic networks.

The psychophysical/fMRI position will enjoy unrivalled facilities, 
including a full-bore 3-Tesla magnet with psychophysics-grade displays 
and (soon) a 7-Tesla magnet for human cognitive imaging.  The 
successful applicant should hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in behavioural 
neuroscience and will be expected to develop and carry out 
psychophysical and imaging experiments on the selective mechanisms that 
‘guide’ learning.

Applicants with a broader background who wish to specialize in the 
theoretical and/or experimental study of human vision will also be 
considered.  Experience with Matlab and C++ would be advantageous.

Magdeburg has a significant concentration of researchers in 
neurobiology and computational neuroscience in close physical 
proximity, including the Institute of Biology, the Department of 
Neurology II, the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, and the Centre 
for Advanced Imaging.

Informal enquiries can be addressed by email to 
jochen.braun at nat.uni-magdeburg.de

Starting dates are flexible but the positions are available from 
October 2004.  The positions are for one year in the first instance and 
renewable for up to 3 years.  Approximate starting salary € 33,000 to € 
36,600 pa inclusive (~ $40,700 to $45,200), depending on experience and 
marital status.  Interested candidates should provide by 30 September 
2004 (preferably by email):
   -  a 1 page statement of research interests
   -  copy of CV
-  names and contact details of 3 referees

Please send all materials to:

Ms. Nicole Albrecht
Cognitive Biology FNW/IBIO
University of Magdeburg
Universitaetsplatz 2
39106 Magdeburg
Germany

Fax: +49 (0) 391 67 11205
Email: Nicole.Albrecht at nat.uni-magdeburg.de


Jochen Braun PhD
Professor for Cognitive Biology

Institute of Biology							Vox: 		49 391 67 18 490
Otto-von-Guericke Universitaet							                         507
Universitaetsplatz 2							Fax: 		49 391 67 11 205
39106 Magdeburg							Email:       achim at pion.ac.uk
Germany									WWW:	www.pion.ac.uk

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