PhD position Cognitive Modeling group (1,0 fte) (211167)

Organisation

The Cognitive Modeling group is part of the ALICE research institute of the Department of Artificial Intelligence. The group has a world-class reputation in cognitive modeling, largely based on the ACT-R architecture. The PhD student will carry out his or her research within this group, but will also participate in the Graduate School of Science of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, and the School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences.

Job description

This project will be part of a larger 5-year project "Towards safe and productive multitasking" that is funded by the European Research Council. The project as a whole will involve several research methodologies: human experimentation, fMRI research, computational cognitive modeling and the construction of applications that support multitasking. The team for this project will consist of two PhD students, a postdoc, and the primary investigator. The PhD student's role will consist of carrying out a subset of the tasks with a focus on sequential multitasking: how do people switch from one task to another, what motivates them to do so, and what are the costs and/or benefits of multitasking.

On request, we can also send you the full workplan for the ERC project. In that case, and for other questions, please contact Prof. Niels Taatgen.

Qualifications

A successful candidate has a Master's degree in Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Artificial Intelligence or a related field, and has programming skills. Experience in running behavioral and/or fMRI experiments, or in modeling of cognition, is an advantage.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of 2,612 gross per month in the final year. The appointment is for a period of four years, which should be finished with a PhD examination. The full time appointment is temporary for 1.5 years with the perspective of prolongation for another 2.5 years. After the first year, there will be an evaluation of the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years. A training programme within the Graduate School of Science is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional education and supervising that is specific to your needs.

How to apply:
Send a cover letter (with professional goals and a statement of interest), a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation (PDF format) to the job application portal before November 18th, 2011, although applications received after the deadline may be considered.

Starting date: as soon as possible.