November 2018   

Helsinki Cathedral

SNL 2019

 August 20-22, 2019   

Helsinki, Finland  

 


 Job Postings & Announcements
  
 If you have a job posting, general announcement, conference or workshop posting that you would like to include in the SNL Newsletter, 
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JobPostingJob Postings and Announcements
Concordia University
PhD positions in Psycholinguistics / Cognitive Science
 
The Psycholinguistics and Cognition lab in the Department of Psychology at Concordia University, in Montreal, has up to two openings for MA/PhD students beginning Fall 2019 (deadline: December 15, 2018). The positions are funded by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Funded projects include topics such as (1) The nature of semantic composition, involving psycholinguistic, and neuroimaging (fMRI) studies of sentence interpretation; (2) The nature of reference, at the interface between linguistic and visual processes, using techniques that involve the monitoring of eye movements in sentence processing with static and dynamic scenes; (3) Linguistic/conceptual impairment in patients with aphasia or Alzheimer's disease. More details about projects, publications, and lab facilities can be found in the lab website (http://alcor.concordia.ca/~coglab/ or https://psycholinguistics.weebly.com).
 
The positions are for students with background in cognitive psychology, linguistics, or other cognitive science area. A BA or MA in Psychology is not required for acceptance into the Psychology program. Although usually students would be enrolled in the Psychology program, the Individualized Program in Cognitive Science is an alternative, specially if a more interdisciplinary coursework path is desired. Students at Concordia can also benefit from close proximity with the other three universities in Montreal, where students can also take courses for credit. The lab is also affiliated with a network of clinical settings (CRIR) which facilitates access to special populations.
 
Opportunities for research within the "Words in the World" major SSHRC Partnership Grant are also available-with focus on morphological and semantic processes involved in word recognition and lexical access.
 
The Department of Psychology at Concordia University also guarantees a minimal support package (from research grants, TA-ships, awards, etc.) to all students during normal residency (usually 2 years for the MA plus 3 for the PhD). Applicants are also highly encouraged to apply for external funding such as SSHRC and NSERC. See more details in the Department of Psychology page (https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/psychology.html) and the graduate program in Psychology page (https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/psychology/programs/graduate.html). The Department does not offer a terminal MA program. Students admitted at the MA level are expected to continue into the PhD program.
 
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact roberto.dealmeida@concordia.ca prior to applying. Please do not send application materials with your inquiry. All application materials should be uploaded to the Concordia platform (see instructions in the main Psychology page).
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Purdue University
Research Technician Position
 
Research Technician Position at Purdue University, Job Posting #1802010

The Purdue University Aphasia Research Lab is hiring a full-time research technician to start in January 2019. The research technician will work closely with the principle investigator (PI) of the lab on a number of projects investigating language processing and recovery in individuals with aphasia (a language disorder following brain injury).

Position Summary:
This successful candidate will participate in all aspects of research in the Aphasia Research Lab housed in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana (https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/slhs/aphasia/). The position involves occasional duties outside of the laboratory, which may include travel to our satellite laboratory in Indianapolis, and participation in community recruitment and outreach activities.

Duties Include:
  • Testing healthy adults and adults with aphasia in multiple experimental methods, including eye tracking, behavioral language testing, and intervention studies
  • Managing data and analysis
  • Training and managing a team of undergraduate research assistants
     
  • Assisting in participant recruitment, engagement and retention at Purdue and Indianapolis facilities
  • Coordinating laboratory testing sessions and resources
  • Maintaining equipment, lab space, databases, and participant records
  • Preparing audio and visual stimuli for experiments
  • Assisting in dissemination of research findings to scientific and lay audiences
  • Assisting in IRB management
     
Development Potential:
This is an opportunity to further develop in the areas of research skills and laboratory knowledge. The PI will provide ongoing feedback and opportunities to participate in the broader scholarly community and other professional development activities. The research technician will join a collegial community of researchers who study language disorders, and will have the opportunity to interact with other research faculty, graduate students, research associates, speech-language pathologists.

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders, Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or closely related field
  • Demonstrated interest in psycholinguistics and aphasia research
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and meet individual and team deadlines.
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to travel to Indianapolis and work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. frequently, and up to 20 lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors 5% of the time in extreme temperatures below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees
  • A valid US or Canadian driver's license

Preferred: 

  • Prior experience working with older adults in a research or clinical setting
  • Experience with eye-tracking and/or language studies.
  • Scripting / programming experience, ideally in R / Matlab or similar program
  • Ability to create and edit multiple audio, video and image file formats
  • Experience with statistical analysis

Additional Information: 

  • Internal Applicants: This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position. Internal, lateral transfers will retain the same benefit standing and are ineligible for a pay increase.
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position.
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted online at: https://bit.ly/2OhW2zQ 

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Cognitive Neuro-Imaging Unit, NeuroSpin, Saclay, France
Postdoctoral Postitions 
 
5 postdoctoral positions are available at the Cognitive Neuro-Imaging Unit (www.unicog.org) located at NeuroSpin, France's advanced brain imaging center.
 
You will be part of a team of young researchers who develop innovative paradigms for behavioral and brain-imaging analysis. The following positions are currently available:
  1. Analysis ofhuman intracranial signals during the processing of written words and sentences (18 months, in collaboration with Dr Nitin Tandon, Houston)
  2. Educational intervention. Design of board games for math and reading in first grade, and experimentation using randomized school interventions and fMRI before/after intervention (1 year minimum, in collaboration with Prof E. Spelke, Harvard).
  3. Functional MRI studies of language learning in 1st graders. Behavioral and fMRI studies on the influence of reading on oral language processing
  4. Symbol acquisition and statistic learning in infants. fMRI studies in infants to compare associative vs symbolic learning in language acquisition (3 years, ERC grant)
  5. Development of methodological tools to study infants' cognition in MRI and/or EEG to obtain realistic models of the structural and functional maturation of the human brain during the first semester of life (3 years, ERC grant)
We are looking for highly motivated and autonomous young minds with a passion for research. The position requires a strong background in neuroscience, cognitive science, mathematics, physics, or computer science; a strong competence in written and spoken English; and excellent programming skills (primarily Matlab or Python). Linguistic skills would be strong bonus. The whole lab operates solely in English, but speaking French could be useful for some aspects of stimulus design or experimentation.
 
Contact:
Stanislas.Dehaene@cea.fr (positions 1 and 2) or ghislaine.dehaene@cea.fr (positions 3 to 5)
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Texas Christian University (TCU)
Graduate Students 
  
The Genetics of Auditory Processing and Plasticity Lab, directed by Dr. Tracy Centanni at Texas Christian University (TCU), is accepting 1-2 graduate students into our Experimental Psychology PhD program in Fall 2019. Our research focuses on neural coding of speech sounds, reading acquisition, genetics of communication disorders, and neural plasticity. Our lab takes a unique approach to studying these topics and uses both rodent models as well as human participants. We also employ a range of techniques including electrophysiology, behavioral assays, and genetic manipulation in rodents as well as EEG, behavioral testing, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, tDCS, and genetic testing in humans. This is a great opportunity for students to gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques and be in the vanguard of pioneering dual-model research on language and reading. For more information about our work, please visit www.tmcentanni.com.
 
The deadline to apply for the doctoral program is January 1. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Centanni at t.m.centanni@tcu.edu prior to submitting their application. Please see the department website for more details about the program and submitting an application (https://psychology.tcu.edu/prospective-students/experimental-ph-d-program/).
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University of Freiburg, Germany 
Cognitive Neuroscience Position 
 
The department of Neurology at the University of Freiburg, Germany, offers a permanent position for Cognitive Neuroscience.

We are looking for candidates with interest in performing basic research in a clinical environment. Research should be compatible or supplement existing research at the department. Besides own research we expect the candidate to support the other, mainly clinical researchers.

The ideal candidate should have excellent understanding and experience in design of behavioural and MRI experiments and statistics. Strong programming skills (MATLAB, R, presentation etc.) are advantageous. A participation in clinical care is possible if whished for.

The department of Neurology aims to understand human brain functions for better prognostic or therapeutic approaches for patients. We have a decades long interest in studying recovery from stroke but also research into Parkinson's, Alzheimer/ FTD and other degenerative pathologies as well as neuroimmunological diseases (MS, Autoimmunencephalitis). We currently follow the idea of an anatomical framework supporting two major processing streams in each cerebral hemisphere in a variety of functions and domains (auditory, visual, language, motor, spatial). Access to large patient groups is provided (inpatient, e.g. > 2000 acute stroke cases per year, various outpatient clinics and multiple cooperations with rehab centres). A comparatively large data base of > 700 carefully selected and comprehensively tested acute stroke patients with several MRI studies and
follow-up data is available. The center has 2 fully equipped 3T Siemens Trio machines, available for research, several TMS set-ups and EEGs. All institutions interested in brain research formed the Freiburg Brain Imaging (FBI) (MR-Physics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroradiology,
Neurosurgery, Epileptology).

The position is permanent, if eligible as civil servant state Baden-Württemberg (A13 or higher) and comes with its own budget.

Freiburg is an attractive old student town in the very southwest of Germany, highly estimated for climate and food but also an excellent university with thriving neuroscience (Bernstein Centre) and Neurotechnology and Robotics.

Applications and inquiries been send to Cornelius.weiller@uniklinikfreiburg.de. 
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University College London - Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre 
Professor/Associate Professor Position 

Applications are invited for an internationally recognised leader in the field of deafness, cognition and language at the level of Associate Professor (Grade 9) or Professor (Grade 10).  Applicants from a broad range of relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply, including (but not limited to) psychology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, psycholinguistics, education, interpreting, speech and language therapy, language development and language sciences.
 
The successful applicant will play an important role in shaping the future development of DCAL. S/he will be vital to strengthening DCAL's position as a centre of excellence for research and teaching in the field. The appointee will be expected to lead an independent research programme resulting in the publication of original and rigorous research, which contributes to the overall scientific mission of DCAL. S/he will be expected to obtain significant and sustained external funding to support this programme.  S/he will also be expected to forge wide-ranging collaborations with the broader community of researchers at UCL and beyond. The successful applicant will be expected to develop innovative research-led teaching, via the development of specialised content for undergraduate and/or postgraduate level degrees and continuing professional development courses. They will be expected to perform the normal administrative duties of a senior member of academic staff, specifically those that are key to the successful running of DCAL and to the achievement of UCL's wider goals and aims.
 
Key Requirements: The appointee will have an international reputation as an expert and leader in the field. They will have an outstanding track record of high-quality, peer-reviewed research publications and significant research funding. They will have knowledge of, or demonstrate a clear commitment to learn, British Sign Language
 
Application deadline: 30th November 2018
 
Full details are available here.
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University College London - Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre 
Lecturer Position 

Applications are invited for a Lecturer (grade 7 or 8) in the field of deafness, cognition and language. Applicants from a broad range of relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply, including (but not limited to) psychology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, psycholinguistics, education, interpreting, speech and language therapy, language development and language sciences.   
 
The successful applicant will contribute to the goal of strengthening DCAL's position as a centre of research and teaching excellence in the field. The appointee will be expected to carry out an independent research programme resulting in the publication of original and rigorous research, which contributes to the overall scientific mission of DCAL. The postholder will be expected to obtain external funding to support this programme. The successful applicant will be expected to establish wide-ranging collaborations within UCL and beyond.  The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to research-led teaching via the development of specialised content for undergraduate and postgraduate level degrees. They will also be expected to undertake a range of administration duties that are key to the successful running of DCAL and to the achievement of UCL's wider goals and aims.
 
Key Requirements: The appointee will have a strong track record, commensurate with experience, of academic publications in the field and of obtaining research grant funding. They will have knowledge of, or demonstrate a clear commitment to learn, British Sign Language. 
 
Application deadline: 30th November 2018
 
Full details of the Lecturer position are available here.
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City University of New York 
PhD Program  

The Ph.D. Program in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York invites students to apply for the 2019-2020 academic year.  
 
The application deadline is January 1st, 2019. We offer our students various 5-year fellowship packages. The doctoral program is designed to prepare scholars and researchers to contribute to the field of human communication and its disorders.

Program requirements include coursework, laboratory experience, and research activities under the supervision of internationally recognized faculty (Mira Goral, Loraine K. Obler, Richard G. Schwartz, Douglas Whalen, Valerie Shafer, Brett Martin, Klara Marton).

More information is available on our website http://www.gc.cuny.edu/SLHSciences
________________ 
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Two Postdoctoral Positions 

The newly funded Lise Meitner research group "Cognition and Plasticity", starting in 2019 and led by Dr Gesa Hartwigsen at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (MPI CBS) is offering:
 
Two postdoctoral positions on adaptive plasticity in the language network across the adult lifespan
 
In an innovative combination of various neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and modelling approaches, we will investigate adaptive plasticity across the adult lifespan, from both healthy young and ageing adults to patients with brain lesions. This will include investigation of computations and interactions in the reorganised network in patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia. Initial funding is available for 3 years (with the possibility of extension).

Applications are invited for two experienced and highly motivated cognitive neuroscientists/experimental psychologists with strong computational skills. The project combines non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS, tACS) with structural and functional MRI and MR spectroscopy to map adaptive plasticity in the language network. Candidates must have a PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, or a related discipline. He/she is expected to be a talented and enthusiastic researcher who is willing to learn. The ideal candidate will have excellent programming skills and experience in acquisition and analysis of imaging data, preferably with multivariate approaches and connectivity analyses. The willingness to work with stroke patients is also desirable. Advanced English language skills are expected.
The project is conducted at MPI CBS in Leipzig, an internationally leading centre for cognitive and imaging neuroscience equipped with a 7.0 T MRI scanner, several 3.0 T MRIs, a Connectom ultra-high-field MRI scanner, a 306-channel MEG, several TMS laboratories, tDCS and several EEG systems. All facilities are supported by experienced IT and physics staff. You will be integrated into the interdisciplinary team of the Cognition and Plasticity group (formerly: Modulation of language networks group) under the supervision of Dr Gesa Hartwigsen.
 
Starting date is 1st February 2019 or later. Remuneration is based on the pay scale of the Max Planck Society. The Max Planck society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
 
Application is via our online system at http://www.cbs.mpg.de/vacancies (subject heading: "PD 11/18").
 
The application must include the following documents (in a single PDF file):
*             Cover letter and personal statement
*             Curriculum vitae and list of publications
*             Contact details of two referees
 
Should you require any further information, please contact Dr Gesa Hartwigsen: hartwigsen@cbs.mpg.de

Auburn University
PhD Student Positions in Cognitive Psychology/Neuroscience 

The Language, Attention, and Memory (LAM) lab at Auburn University, under the direction of Dr. Susan Teubner-Rhodes, is recruiting graduate students to begin in Fall 2019. Applications are due by January 15, 2019.

Research in the LAM lab uses converging behavioral (choice reaction time, eye-tracking) and neuroimaging (fMRI, DTI) techniques to explore how domain-general cognitive functions contribute to speech and language function across the lifespan. We aim to understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support language processing under conditions of uncertainty, when communication is most likely to break-down. In particular, we assess how individual differences in cognition that are driven by age and experience impact language across multiple levels of the processing stream, from the early stages of speech recognition to higher-level construction of sentence meaning. Current projects in the lab examine questions such as: What is the role of cognitive persistence in understanding speech in challenging listening conditions? What neural systems support persistence when things get hard, and why do some people try harder than others? How does moment-to-moment engagement of cognitive control impact language processing when noise or ambiguity is present? Does the role of cognitive control in language processing change with age, as cognitive and sensory systems start to decline?

Successful candidates will join the doctoral program in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences in the Department of Psychology at Auburn. Students will have access to the Auburn University MRI Research Center, home to a Siemens Verio 3T MRI scanner and a research-dedicated Siemens Magnetom 7T MRI scanner, one of the first of its kind in the US. Auburn's new Center for Neuroscience Initiative fosters interdisciplinary neuroscience research collaborations and offers numerous graduate education opportunities, including a certificate in neuroscience.

Applicants should hold a B.A./B.S. in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, linguistics, or a related field by the expected start date, and should have prior experience conducting research. Experience with computer programming (e.g., Matlab, R) is preferred. Interested applicants can contact Dr. Teubner-Rhodes at teubner@auburn.edu for more information. Instructions for applying can be found here.
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Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI)
Post-doctoral Fellowships in Cognitive Neuroscience, Translational Neuroscience, and Neurorehabilitation

Three-year NIH-funded fellowships are available at the Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI), in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), for postdoctoral research training in cognitive and motor neuroscience and neurorehabilitation. U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident status is required for NIH-supported fellowships. MRRI may sponsor one additional fellowship open to applicants who do not meet the NIH citizenship/residency requirements.
 
Available mentors conduct patient-oriented research using approaches that employ behavioral, computational, imaging, electrophysiological, and electrical and pharmacologic neuromodulation methods. We welcome applications from individuals with a doctorate in psychology, cognitive science, communication science, kinesiology, movement science, and/or human neuroscience. We seek researchers who wish to apply basic science principles to the study and treatment of behavioral and brain deficits in adult neurological patients, and/or who wish to use research with patients and neurotypical adults to understand brain-behavior relationships. We also welcome applications from individuals with clinical rehabilitation backgrounds seeking to increase their depth in the basic science underpinnings of assessment and treatment. Applicants must have a track record in research and an interest in developing an independent research career.

Additional Information can be found at: http://mrri.org/T32.html.
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Research Group Language Cycles, MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany 
Post-doctoral Researcher
  
The independent research group Language Cycles at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (MPI CBS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Our newly established research group investigates how the electrophysiological profile of the human brain constrains our ability to understand language-and how this may have shaped human language as such, cross-linguistically. We will directly link behavioral psycholinguistics, experimental neurolinguistics (i.e., mainly M/EEG), corpus linguistics (i.e., cross-linguistic treebanks), and computational linguistics (i.e., information-theoretic modeling).

MPI CBS is equipped with a 306-channels MEG system, several EEG systems, TMS, tDCS, two 3-T MRI scanners, a 7.0-T MRI scanner, and a SIEMENS Skyra Connectom high-field MRI scanner.

The successful candidate will investigate the relationship between spectral and temporal properties of the human electroencephalogram and statistical properties of human languages. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the supervision of the group's doctoral students. We also envision international faculty exchange with collaborating laboratories. The institute's broad research portfolio (i.e. four departments as well as a line of junior research groups) will provide several opportunities for collaborative research.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in computational linguistics, data science, cognitive science, or an adjacent field. Prior international publications in renowned outlets are desired. We expect profound experience with annotated linguistic corpora, in-depth knowledge of information theory, and advanced skills in artificial intelligence (e.g. machine learning). The ideal candidate will also be versatile in time- and frequency-domain analyses of EEG data and fluent in both MATLAB® and R.

The starting date is flexible, but should be no later than 1st October 2019, and the duration of the post is 2 years with the possibility of an extension for up to three years. Remuneration is based on the pay scale of the Max Planck Society.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a personal statement, contact information of two referees, academic certificates and three prior publications that illustrate your suitability. Please submit your application via our online system at http://www.cbs.mpg.de/vacancies (subject heading: "PD 08/18").

Closing date for application: 28th February 2019

Should you have any questions, please contact Lars Meyer at lmeyer@cbs.mpg.de.
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Research Group Language Cycles, MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany 
PhD Student
  
Our newly established research group investigates how the electrophysiological profile of the human brain constrains our ability to understand language-and how this may have shaped human language as such, cross-linguistically. We will directly link behavioral psycholinguistics, experimental neurolinguistics (i.e., mainly M/EEG), corpus linguistics (i.e., cross-linguistic treebanks), and computational linguistics (i.e., information-theoretic modeling).

MPI CBS is equipped with a 306-channels MEG system, several EEG systems, TMS, tDCS, two 3-T MRI scanners, a 7.0-T MRI scanner, and a SIEMENS Skyra Connectom high-field MRI scanner.

The successful candidate will investigate the role of electrophysiological timing constraints for sentence processing, focusing on neural oscillations in the EEG. The student will benefit from the outstanding teaching portfolio of our International Max Planck Research School. We also anticipate international student exchange with collaborating laboratories from the above fields.

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in linguistics, cognitive science, psychology, or an adjacent field and be enthusiastic about language and electrophysiology. The successful candidate will have profound knowledge in psycholinguistics (i.e. sentence processing), solid programming skills (i.e. MATLAB®), and experience with statistical analysis software (i.e. R). The position demands eagerness and curiosity to conduct advanced electrophysiological analyses (e.g. time-frequency analysis, functional connectivity).

The starting date is 1st April 2019, and the post is for a duration of 3 years. Remuneration is based on the pay scale of the Max Planck Society (i.e. TVöD E 13, 50%).

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information of two referees, academic certificates and a half-page project proposal relevant to this advertisement. Please submit your application via our online system at http://www.cbs.mpg.de/vacancies (subject heading: "PhD 10/18").

Closing date for application:  31st December 2018.

Should you have any questions, please contact Lars Meyer at lmeyer@cbs.mpg.de.
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Research Group Language Cycles, MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany 
Laboratory Manager 
  
The independent research group Language Cycles at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (MPI CBS) is seeking a Laboratory Manager.

Our newly established research group investigates how the electrophysiological profile of the human brain constrains our ability to understand language-and how this may have shaped human language as such, cross-linguistically. We will directly link behavioral psycholinguistics, experimental neurolinguistics (i.e., mainly M/EEG), corpus linguistics (i.e., cross-linguistic treebanks), and computational linguistics (i.e., information-theoretic modeling).

The laboratory manager will schedule and oversee a large-scale cross-linguistic EEG experiment. You will recruit professional speakers, linguistic annotators, and experimental participants from a broad range of language backgrounds. In addition, you will oversee the design, recording, and annotation of cross-linguistic experimental materials, participate in EEG data acquisition, and coordinate a number of student assistants during the preparation of experimental materials and processing of the acquired EEG data. You will collaborate closely with local authorities (e.g. international offices).

Applicants should ideally hold a university degree in business administration, although applicants with a degree in the humanities or social sciences are also encouraged to apply. Vocational qualifications (e.g. as a medical or psychological technical assistant) would be considered equivalent. Candidates are required to have excellent communication skills in at least three languages; fluency in both German and English is essential. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in (scientific) project management and extended international study and/or work experience.

The starting date is 1st April 2019 and is for the duration of 2 years (part-time is possible) with the possibility of an extension. Remuneration is based on the pay scale of the Max Planck Society.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, personal statement, contact information of two referees, and academic certificates or certificates of vocational training. Please submit your application via our online system at http://www.cbs.mpg.de/vacancies (subject heading: "LM 09/18").

Closing date for application: 31st December 2018

Should you have any questions, please contact Lars Meyer at lmeyer@cbs.mpg.de.
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University of California, Los Angeles 
PhD Positions in Cognitive Science / Cognitive Neuroscience  
  
The BlankLangLab in UCLA's Psychology Department has openings for PhD students (tuition + stipend provided) to study the functional organization of language processing in the human mind, using functional neuroimaging and/or computational modeling approaches, combined with behavioral experiments. Main projects in the lab combine naturalistic (data-driven) and task-based (hypothesis-driven) paradigms to study:
  • The internal architecture of the cortical language network, its relationship to other functional brain networks, and its re-organization in post-stroke aphasia.
  • The structure of distributed representations of word meaning, the knowledge they implicitly capture about conceptual organization and linguistic phenomena above the word level, and the statistical properties of natural language input that carry this knowledge.
  • The correspondence between distributed meaning representations derived from neural data and computational models. 
In addition, I am excited to discuss related research directions with students who are interested in topics that I am not actively working on.
 
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidates will have (i) experience in scientific research (not necessarily in psychology / neuroscience), including statistical analyses; and (ii) basic programming skills (preferably in Matlab / Python).
 
FUNDING: The graduate program guarantees departmental funding for 5 years (the annual stipend is currently $27K; tuition and most fees are also paid). This support model assumes that students are able to become California residents starting their second year; see here: 
https://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel/_files/ed-affairs/uc-residence-policy.pdf
 
APPLICATION: Prospective students should apply to the Cognitive Area of the graduate program by Dec 1, 2018 (details below). I particularly welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups, as I am strongly committed to diversity in science. I encourage you to contact me (psych_iblank@ad.ucla.edu) if you plan to apply, especially if you have any questions.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: See here:
________________ 
University of California, Los Angeles 
Postdoctoral Position in Cognitive Science / Cognitive Neuroscience  
  
The BlankLangLab in UCLA's Psychology Department is recruiting a creative, self-motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to lead research on language comprehension and representation of meaning using functional neuroimaging and/or computational modeling methods, in combination with behavioral experiments. Depending on the interests and progress of the post-doc, they will also be mentored in developing their own research program in a domain that fits within the scope of the lab's work.
 
QUALIFICATIONS. The successful candidate will have all of the following:
  • A PhD in cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology / psycholinguistics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Experience either in (1) fMRI experimental design, processing and analysis (TMS experience is encouraged); or (2) computational cognitive science (broadly defined).
  • Strong quantitative statistical skills.
  • Strong computer programming skills (Matlab/Python required; R highly desirable).
  • Ability to productively contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
  • Commitment to open science practices.
APPOINTMENT. The anticipated start date is fall 2019 or later (flexible). The initial appointment is for one year, with a strong possibility of reappointment for a second year pending progress review. Further renewals are dependent on securing external funding by the PI and/or candidate. Compensation and benefits are commensurate with UCLA's guidelines.  
 
APPLICATION. Please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of two potential recommenders to Idan A. Blank (psych_iblank@ad.ucla.edu). I particularly welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups, as I am strongly committed to diversity in science. The position will remain open until filled.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. See here:
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University of Valencia 
PhD Research Position 
  
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research position in the laboratory of Dr. Manuel Perea at the University of Valencia (http://www.uv.es/mperea) to develop a research project under the supervision and collaboration of Dr. Jon Andoni Duñabeitia (Nebrija University, http://www.jonandoni.com). The main goal is to study the cognitive mechanisms involved during learning to read. Our labs are equipped to up-to-date devices, including eyetrackers (EyeLink 1000+), EEG devices (BrainVision), and behavioral labs.
 
Requirements and relevant merits:
  • High motivation to start a research career.
  • An undergraduate degree and Master's Degree in related fields-candidates who are currently enrolled in an official master giving access to doctorate can also apply.
  • Very good language skills in English.
Other merits:
  • Previous experience in laboratories, especially (but not necessarily) psychology/cognitive neuroscience.
  • Programming skills.
  • Academic record.
Location
The PhD researcher will join the team of Dr. Manuel Perea at the University of Valencia, and will make at least one annual visit to Nebrija University in Madrid.
 
Salary
Around 1,350 € gross per month based on full-time employment.
 
Start date
The contract will begin in January 2019 or the date to be agreed from that time. It is an annual contract, renewable up to four years following a favorable report of the directors each year.
 
If interested in this position, you can send a Letter of Motivation and your CV to Dr. Manuel Perea (mperea@uv.es) until 10 December 2018.
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Pennsylvania State University
Assistant Director of Human Imaging 
  
The Social, Life, & Engineering Sciences Imaging center (SLEIC; http://www.imaging.psu.edu), under the direction of Dr. Michele Diaz (http://sites.psu.edu/mdiazlab/) invites applications for an Assistant Director of Human Imaging position. The individual in this position will assist in the administrative, logistic, and research activities at our research-dedicated facilities: the Human Electrophysiology Facility (HEF) and the 3T Siemens Prisma MRI Facility at the University Park campus. The imaging center contributes to Penn State's thriving research environment by providing state-of-the art brain imaging and data analysis facilities.   
 
The Assistant Director's responsibilities will include: oversight of daily operations of the center, working with technical staff, overseeing quality assurance procedures, coordinating administrative activities such as billing and regulatory compliance, developing and conducting training workshops, working with the director on language and aging research, and providing the highest levels of customer service.  
 
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a related discipline with a background in EEG and/or functional MRI, as well as research experience in language science or aging. Knowledge of related programming and analysis software is highly desirable (e.g., EEG lab, linux/unix systems, R, FSL, etc.). Excellent interpersonal skills and problem solving abilities are a must.  
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled. Selection is dependent upon successful accomplishment of background clearances in accordance with Penn State Policy. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with an excellent possibility of re-funding. Apply online at https://psu.jobs/job/84187 

To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to 
https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ph.D. Student Position in Speech Perception 

The Language, Intersensory Perception, and Speech (LIPS) lab, directed by Dr. Alexandra Jesse, has openings for Ph.D. students in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience. The lab conducts basic research on how humans recognize speech sounds and spoken words from auditory and audiovisual speech, using a variety of methods (e.g., psychophysical methods, eye tracking, EEG, motion tracking). The research program has three major themes:
 
a) Dynamics of speech recognition: 
How do listeners dynamically process and bind speech information as it unfolds over time to recognize sounds and words? How does contextual information (e.g., sentence content, speaking rate, prosody) affect, for example, lexical competition?
 
b) Perceptual learning: 
How do listeners adjust to talker's idiosyncrasitic ways of speaking? How do listeners learn about a speaker's "visual voice"?
 
c) Perceptual and cognitive factors in speech recognition: 
What abilities explain individual differences in speech recognition? A special focus here is on age-related changes in speech recognition and multisensory processing.
 
Applicants should be interested in pursuing research (broadly) related to these research themes. It is strongly recommended to contact Dr. Jesse prior to applying to ensure that your interests indeed align with the research program. 
 
Preference will be given to candidates with a particular interest in audiovisual speech perception and aging, who would conduct research related to an NIH-sponsored R03 grant on "Electrophysiological indices of audiovisual benefits to speech processing in aging adults". The objective of the grant-funded research is to understand the mechanisms by which aging adults benefit from seeing the speaker during speech processing. Electrophysiological measures in younger, middle-aged, and older adults are used to define age-related and individual differences in audiovisual processing. Prior background in electrophysiology is a plus, but not a must.
 
The LIPS lab is a member of UMass Cognitive Science and of the Initiative on Neurosciences (IONs). We highly encourage collaborations with other faculty working on speech recognition and language in the various involved disciplines, as well as with other members of the Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Program and the Neuroscience and Behavior Program, whose research interests include attention, categorization, memory, and visual perception.
 
Applicants with a strong background in Psychology, Linguistics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Communication Disorders/Speech Sciences and/or other related fields are especially encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted through the University of Massachusetts' general application process. The deadline for applications is December 1. Start date is September 2019.
 
The ideal candidate for any of these positions would have:
  • Strong interest in auditory/audiovisual speech perception, perceptual learning, perceptual and cognitive factors within speech perception, and/or changes therein with aging
  • Previous experience with eye tracking and/or electrophysiology would be a plus, but not a requirement
  • Background in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, linguistics or speech sciences
  • Programming skills
  • Excellent English language skills
Applicants from outside the U.S. are welcome to apply but must qualify for a valid visa.

 

--For information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.umass.edu/pbs/graduate-programs   

--For questions about the general application process please contact Mrs. Sabrina Flagg (Graduate Administrative Assistant), sflagg@umass.edu.

--For specific question about the LIPS lab, please contact Dr. Jesse, ajesse@psych.umass.edu

--For information on the LIPS lab, please visit: http://lips.psych.umass.edu

 

The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
2019 PolyU CBS Summer School 
July 15 - Aug 9, 2019 
 
The Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS), of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that the 2019 PolyU CBS Summer School will be held in Hong Kong, from Monday, July 15th to Friday, August 9th 2019.

Credit-bearing courses will be offered under two themes: (1) Language and Culture (undergraduate), and (2) Language, Cognition and Neuroscience (postgraduate). These courses will offer you a window into language, brain and culture by considering such questions as: How does language work? How is language instantiated in the brain? How does language reflect our cultural and social identity? How does language shape us as humans? By considering and addressing these questions in our summer school, you will have a clearer understanding of what language is really like.

The summer school program will include invited speakers, workshops and fieldtrips. The courses and talks will be in English.
 
Undergraduate - Language and Culture (two 3-credit courses)
Fun with language (Dr. Yu Yin Hsu and Dr. Cherie Wong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
Understanding Japan: A Journey into Japanese Culture and Society (Dr. Reijiro Aoyama, Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
 
Postgraduate - Language, Cognition and Neuroscience (two 3-credit courses)
Advanced Topics in Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics
Prof. Jackson Gandour (Purdue University)
Prof. Evan Kidd (Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics)
Prof. Ping Li (Penn State University)
Prof. Chia-Ying Lee (Academia Sinica)
Prof. Elena Lieven (University of Manchester; ESRC International Centre for Language and Communicative Development (LuCiD))
Prof. Salikoko S. Mufwene (The University of Chicago)
Prof. Ken Pugh (Haskins Laboratories & Yale University)
Prof. Caroline Rowland (Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics)
Prof. Tom Schoenemann (Indiana University)
Prof. Michael Ullman (Georgetown University)
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Spring School--Language and Music in Cognition: Integrated Approaches to Cognitive Systems 
University of Cologne 

We are happy to announce our spring school of "Language and Music in Cognition" taking place in Cologne, Germany, from February 2nd to 8th, 2019.

Overview:
"Language and Music in Cognition" is an international spring school held from February 2nd to 8th, 2019 at University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. The spring school is open for Bachelor and Master students, PhD students, and Post-doc researchers. Participation in the spring school is free of charge.

If you are interested in participating in this spring school, please submit your application (motivation letter and CV) until November 30th, 2018.

You can find information about the application process here:

This spring school offers lectures given by experts in different research areas. The topics include:
  • Marr's three levels and Tinbergen's four questions;
  • Syntax, prosody, and dance;
  • Human neurogenetics and comparative genomics;
  • Evo-devo and niche construction;
  • Action and social cognition;
  • Computational neurocognitive modeling.
In addition to the lectures, there will be workshops, group work sessions, discussion sessions, and a poster session. Applicants are invited to contribute their own work to the poster session. An abstract of the poster can be also submitted via the application form until November 30th, 2018.

Confirmed Lecturers:
Michael A. Arbib, Cedric Boeckx, Steven Brown, Simon E. Fisher, Sascha Frühholz, Etienne Koechlin, David Poeppel, Kai Vogeley, Kate E. Watkins, ...


The Society for the Neurobiology of Language