"Network-network architecture of social cognition"
In an innovative approach, we will investigate the neurobiological network architecture underlying the entire spectrum of social-interaction skills, including emotion, perspective-taking, and empathy. We target social processes in the brain because they most clearly set human beings apart from other species. Given the challenging nature of social cognition, we will capitalize on data-driven methods that learn network patterns in large datasets with a minimum of a-priori assumptions. Completion of this PhD program allows you to become part of the badly needed, new generation of computationally trained imaging neuroscientists. What you would work on - Work on questions that matter with multivariate statistical tools applicable beyond imaging neuroscience - We aim at the characterization of the neurobiology of social cognition from the perspective of network architecture. This includes both low-level (e.g. face processing) as well as high-level (e.g. Theory of Mind) aspects. We will perform a variety of data-reduction and classification algorithm techniques - The multi-modal analyses will be performed on two large-scale datasets (n=500 and n=81) that were conceived and acquired to cover human cognition as a whole - This position is an excellent opportunity to learn how to combine cognitive theory of the human mental operation and modern data-mining techniques - This will allow for a comprehensive network model of social interaction processes in healthy humans What we expect - High motivation for inter-disciplinary challenges - An analytical, problem-solving mindset - MSc or equivalent in computer science, physics, biomedical engineering, psychology, medicine or biology (natural-science-related background is preferred) - Talent with computers, programming experience (especially in Python) is preferred - Fluent in written and oral English language What we provide We provide intramural funding for a three-year PhD position. The position is available starting from September 2015. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Payment will correspond to salary grade 13/2 of the German Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Civil Services (50% TVL-13, http://bit.ly/1Rf8TjY). Application Send CV, motivation letter, and contact details of two academic referees to Dr. Danilo Bzdok [email protected] Appointed assistant professor of social and affective neuroscience Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics Aachen, Germany _______________________________________________ Pkg-ExpPsy-PyMVPA mailing list [email protected] http://lists.alioth.debian.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pkg-exppsy-pymvpa
