Postdoctoral position in Brain Computer Interfaces

Faculty of Social Sciences
Maximum Salary: € 4,374 gross/month
Vacancy number: 24.60.08
Closing date: when filled

Job description
This post-doctoral research position in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a focus on Brain Computer Interfacing (BCI). Brain Computer Interfacing is a new and rapidly growing multi-disciplinary field at the interface between neuro-science and computer-science. We are seeking a highly-motivated technically able candidate to develop novel signal-analysis techniques, mental tasks and subject-training regimes which will push EEG based BCIs to the next level of performance. Current research projects moving towards this goal include; noise-tagging for evoked response BCIs, imagined music/rhythm BCIs, learning spatial/spectral filters, deconvoling overlapping responses, different modalities (tactile/auditory/visual) in BCI, imagined-tapping.

The successful application will be part of the newly formed Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour at the Radboud University of Nijmegen. This position, funded by the large multi-institution and interdisciplinary SmartMix project, BrainGain (see http://www.braingain.nl for details), will study new signal analysis techniques and BCI tasks. Facilities and tools to support these studies include real-time motion tracking systems, eye trackers, visual displays, and a vestibular platform. Two state-of the-art MRI systems, whole-head MEG, and an EEG lab are also available.

Requirements
Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD in Cognitive (Neuro) Science, or signal-processing/machine-learning or related fields, who have a strong motivation to do challenging interdisciplinary research. Further the highly inter-disciplinary nature of BCI research requires an applicant with experience of, or a willingness to learn about, a number of different research areas. Specifically the applicant should have experience in some of: EEG, time-domain and frequency-domain EEG analysis techniques, on-line EEG analysis, evoked and induced response BCIs, neural-correlates of mental tasks, signal-processing techniques, machine-learning, time-series analysis. Strong programming skills, and a demonstrable ability with MatLab is highly desirable.

The applicant will also be expected to help in the design and teaching of BCI courses in the department and supervision of interns (BSc and MSc theses), and PhD students. Further the applicant should have demonstrable experience in conducting scientific research and writing, good collaboration and communication skills. Finally, the application should be able to work in a complex organisation with many partners (Braingain). Pragmatic and productive attitude.

Organization
The CAI offers excellent facilities for PhD students and postdocs. It has its own computer support group, electrotechnical and mechanical technicians, secretarial support, and a renowned scientific staff. The CAI is part of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, which is an outstanding research facility on Cognitive Neuroscience. Nijmegen is the oldest city of the Netherlands, with an interesting history dating back to the Roman Empire, nice surrounding scenery (rivers, hills, woods) and a rich cultural life.
Website: http://www.ru.nl/fsw

Conditions of employment
Maximum employment: 1,0 fte
Maximum salary per month, based on a fulltime employment: € 4,374 gross/month
Salary scale: 11
Duaration of the contract: 3 years.

Other Information
Interested applicants should send CV, statement of background and interests, and names of 2 referees. Review of applications will begin December 31, 2008, and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information
dr. Jason Farquhar
Telephone: (+31)024-3611938
E-mail: j.farquhar (at) donders.ru.nl

prof. dr. P. Desain
Telephone: (+31)024-3615885
E-mail: p.desain (at) donders.ru.nl

Application
You can apply for the job (mention the vacancy number 24.60.08) before 27 December 2008 by sending your application -preferably by email- to:

Faculty of Social Sciences/P&O
P.O. Box 9104
6500 HE NIJMEGEN
E-mail: vacancies (at) socsci.ru.nl