Open Positions

1 Postgraduate Student / Research Assistant Cognitive Psychology / Cognitive Science
SFB/TR8 project R6-[ObjectSpace], Universität Freiburg
(1/2 TVL 13, approx. € 18,000 to € 25,000 p.a. gross)

The aim of this project is to investigate how human and (in cooperation with computer science) robot navigation can make use of heuristic background knowledge about the placement of objects, in a supermarket scenario. We address these issues with the help of experimental investigations both in real-life settings as well as in Virtual Reality environments, while background knowledge is assessed through knowledge engineering techniques.

We invite candidates who are actively engaged in human research in cognitive science, or in cognitive or applied psychology (e.g., consumer psychology), who are interested in issues of spatial cognition. Candidates hold a degree in psychology, cognitive science, or related field with broad eligibility to spatial cognition research. The salary corresponds to BAT IIa/2. The candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree in cognitive science or psychology along with the project work. Working languages are German and English.

Applicants should be experienced in the design, analysis and interpretation of behavioral experiments, be familiar with basic concepts of cognitive psychology, and willing to cooperate in a lively team. An interest in or prior experience with issues of spatial cognition is very welcome.

The position is available from 1 Jan 2007 until 31 Dec 2008 (extension possible). Deadline for applications is 10 Dec 2006 (or until the position is filled). Applicants should be able to start on 1 March 2007 at the latest.

Applicants who have a strong commitment to research and an interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply. Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and at least one reference.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Universität Freiburg is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, disabled applicants receive special consideration.

For further information about this position please contact:

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Strube,
Tel. (0761) 203 ­ 4933
Please email your application to Prof. Dr. Gerhard Strube [electronic submission preferred], or send your application to:

Prof. Dr. G. Strube,
Universität Freiburg, IIG/ Kognitionswissenschaft,
Friedrichstr. 50,
D-79098 Freiburg, Germany.

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project A5-[ActionSpace], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project A5-[ActionSpace] is concerned with the developmt of a multi-hierarchical sensorimotor representation which will be implemented and tested in a mobile agent which operates in a VR environment. The agent will be able to perform exploratory localization and navigation using sensorimotor features established by actions (movements of the agent and of his sensors) and by more complex sensory properties (nonlinear wavelet features, multisensory information).

The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, master, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

In particular, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in the following fields:

• Artificial intelligence and cognitive science
• Development of VR-based agent systems
• Spatial processing e.g. SLAM, topological maps, navigation
• Decisions strategies, reasoning
• Management of uncertain knowledge (e.g. Belief networks)
• Experience in software development and programming in Java, Python, C

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available from January 2007, subject to the availability of the funds, until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Prof. Kerstin Schill (Cognitive Neuroinformatic)
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany
By email: stubbemann@informatik.uni-bremen.de

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project A5-[ActionSpace], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project A5-[ActionSpace] is concerned with the development of a multi-hierarchical sensorimotor representation which will be implemented and tested in a mobile agent which operates in a VR environment. The agent will be able to perform exploratory localization and navigation using sensorimotor features established by actions (movements of the agent and of his sensors) and by more complex sensory properties (nonlinear wavelet features, multisensory information).

The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, master, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

In particular, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in the following fields:

• Artificial intelligence and cognitive science
• Computer vision, image processing, natural scene statistics
• Neural networks
• Experience in software development and programming (in C, Java, Python)
• Interest in neurobiolgy

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available from January 2007, subject to the availability of the funds, until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Prof. Kerstin Schill (Cognitive Neuroinformatic)
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany
By email: stubbemann@informatik.uni-bremen.de

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project A7-[FreePerspective], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The goal of project A7-[FreePerspective] is to develop a system that based on images from a stereo camera and data from an inertial sensor computes a 3-D model of the environment and renders a view of this model in real time. We plan to use this system for tele-operation of a walking robot together with another SFB project but the focus here is on the algorithmic and probabilistic-estimation side. The position requires solid background knowledge in probability theory, linear algebra and efficient algorithms.
The applicant should have a degree in computer science, applied mathematics or a related field (diploma, master’s, or Ph.D.) and be interested in the following fields:

• Probabilistic Robotics (Localization, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
• Computer Vision (feature extraction, structure from motion)
• Least square computation and probabilistic estimation
• 3-D computer graphics

The position is available immediately / from January 2007 until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. More information about this project can be found at www.sfbtr8.uni-bremen.de/project/a7.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Udo Frese
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany

Keypoints: Probabilistic Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics
Schlüsselwörter: Probabilistische Robotik, Bildverarbeitung, Informatik, Angewandte Mathematik

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project I1-[OntoSpace], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project I1-[OntoSpace] employs logical specification languages and tools for constructing and delivering logically consistent ontological submodules for spatial objects, spatial relationships, functional spatial roles (e.g., landmarks) and motion-in-space. The currently announced position is concerned with techniques for the large-scale and heterogeneous structuring of ontology modules, formal foundations for inter-ontology mappings, and integrated reasoning with formally specified ontologies. This in particular means proving intended consequences as well as showing consistency of formal ontologies, applying a variety of tools that are developed elsewhere in the SFB/TR.

The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, master, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in cognitive science research and in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

Especially, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in the following fields:

• Ontologies and semantic web
• Knowledge representation and reasoning
• Formal methods and theorem proving

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available immediately / from January 2007 until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. More information about this project can be found at http://www.ontospace.uni-bremen.de.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Till Mossakowski
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project I3-[SharC], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project I3-[SharC] is concerned with the development of a cognitively adequate, adaptive, safe and robust multi-modal framework for spatial interaction between a user and an intelligent service robot. Based on empirical evidence, we will construct cognitive models and apply formal methods to investigate shared-control situations, and develop suitable human-robot interaction to clarify mode-confusion problems.
The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, masters, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in human-robot interaction and in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

In particular, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in the following fields:

• Artificial intelligence and cognitive science
• Human-robot interaction, especially multi-modal interaction
• Computational modeling, formal specification and model-checking
• Software development and programming (e.g., Java)

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available from January 2007, subject to the availability of the funds, until the end of 2010. Extension is possible.
Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Hui Shi
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany

1/2 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project I3-[SharC], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project I3-[SharC] is concerned with the development of a cognitively adequate, adaptive, safe and robust multi-modal framework for spatial interaction between a user and an intelligent service robot. Based on empirical evidence, we will construct cognitive models and apply formal methods to investigate shared-control situations, and develop suitable human-robot interaction to clarify mode-confusion problems.
The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, masters, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in human-robot interaction and in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

In particular, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in the following fields:

• Artificial intelligence and cognitive science
• Human-robot interaction, especially multi-modal interaction
• Computational modeling
• Software development and programming (e.g., Java)
• Collaboration with medical institutions and patient related research
• Development of questionnaires

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available from January 2007, subject to the availability of the funds, until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Prof. Kerstin Schill (Cognitive Neuroinformatic)
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany
By email: stubbemann@informatik.uni-bremen.de

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project I4-[SPIN], Universität Bremen
(TVL 13, approx. € 35,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross)

The research project I4-[SPIN] is concerned with classification and formalization of qualitative spatial calculi, relations among these calculi, spatial ontologies, and route graphs. Research tasks include both further development of the mathematical theory, the formalization and verification of critical results (like composition tables) using suitable specification languages and theorem proving tools, as well as further enhancement of these tools. The goal is to obtain both a trustworthy and efficient framework for qualitative spatial reasoning, which is applicable to reasoning tasks occurring in interactive wheelchair and robot navigation.

The applicant should have a degree in computer science or in a related field (diploma, master, or Ph.D.). Strong interest in formal methods and in interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

Especially, the applicant should have qualifications and/or interests in some of the following fields:

• Qualitative spatial reasoning
• Formal methods and theorem proving
• Category theory
• Functional programming (Haskell)

We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available immediately / from January 2007 until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found).
Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. More information about this project can be found at www.sfbtr8.uni-bremen.de/i4.html.

Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Till Mossakowski
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany

1 Doctoral Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher
SFB/TR 8 project I5-[DiaSpace], Universität Bremen
(1/2 TVL 13, approx. € 17,500 to € 25,000 p.a. gross)

The research project I5-[DiaSpace] is seeking a researcher in the area of natural language dialogue. The I5 project is concerned with natural and effective verbal interaction between agents (both human and artificial) who jointly address spatially-embedded tasks. Particular emphasis is given to the mutual negotiation of spatial reference frames, spatial perspectives, scale and granularity choices, and corresponding discourse strategies. The successful applicant will work primarily with empirical methods of linguistic, discourse-analytic and psycho¬linguistic investigation of dialogue in the spatial domain in order to help establish the mechanisms active in establishing natural dialogue flow in increasingly complex tasks. Since the results are gradually integrated in a flexible dialogue system enabling robots to interact naturally with humans, the successful applicant will also need to interact closely with computational dialogue modeling colleagues. Applicants should have a degree in linguistics or in a related field (diploma, MA, or Ph.D.).

Especially, applicants should have qualifications and/or interests in one or more of the following fields:

• Empirical discourse analysis
• Experimental data collection and transcription
• Spatial language and spatial cognition
• Human-robot / human-computer interaction
• Computer-based data handling, including

particularly basic skills in XML and corpus annotation. We offer the opportunity to gain research experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Responsibilities include project work and research, publication of research results, supervision of student projects, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, and contribution to research proposals.

The position is available from January 2007 until the end of 2010. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 01 December 2006 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. Applications and questions about the position should be sent (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Thora Tenbrink
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany