The Transregional Collaborative Research Center SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition: Reasoning, Action, Interaction at the Universities of Bremen and Freiburg, Germany pursues interdisciplinary long-term research in Spatial Cognition. Particular emphasis is given to: • Spatial Reasoning: Knowledge representation, human spatial thinking, computational modeling, diagrammatic reasoning, cognitive and computational complexity, qualitative spatio-temporal calculi; • Action in Space: Cognitive robotics, explorative localization and mapping, robot navigation, human navigation and wayfinding, sensorimotor representations of spatio-temporal structures, embodied cognition; • Communication and Interaction in Space: Formal methods, spatial and linguistic ontologies, computational linguistics, environmental cognition, integration of spatial methods. A description of the current research projects of the SFB/TR 8 can be found at www.sfbtr8.uni-bremen.de The SFB/TR 8 is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The SFB/TR 8 advertises three researcher positions: **************************************************************** Junior Research Group Leader (approx. € 45,000 to € 55,000 p.a. gross) The candidate should have an excellent scientific record and sufficient experience as a post-doc to independently establish and run a research group. Applications from all disciplines involved in spatial cognition are welcome, including artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive robotics, computational linguistics, philosophy of mind, cognitive architecture, and cognitive geography. The Junior Research Group will be embedded into the general research program of the SFB/TR 8 and will be installed for a 5 year term to provide the opportunity of independent research work. Appropriate laboratory space, infrastructure, technical set-up and overheads are available. Funding by the DFG includes the position of the group leader as well as one post-doc and one or two graduate students and a technician on the basis of an approved research plan. In addition, funds will be provided for consumables and equipment. Candidates should not have any particularly close relationship to the SFB/TR 8 regarding personal or regional aspects (qualification or research work at the university or with project leaders involved) and must not be older than 35 years. This age limit may be extended in cases of military or civil service or maternity/paternity leave. Following a first selection by the SFB/TR 8 the DFG will peer review candidates and research proposals. Applicants should indicate to which SFB/TR 8 research projects they see the closest links to their own research interests. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit an extended research proposal and to visit the SFB/TR 8 for a colloquium presentation / interview. Applications (preferably by email) containing CV, university transcripts / copies of certificates, a short outline of the present and future research objectives (2 pages), a publication list together with selected reprints and names of three referees (please specify full address including email contact) should be submitted by 31 March 2004 (applications will be considered until a suitable candidate is found) to: Dr. Thomas Barkowsky SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen P.O. Box 330 440 28334 Bremen / Germany For details on conditions, background, and application criteria of DFG Junior Research Groups in Collaborative Research Centers see www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/promoting_young_researchers/ *********************************************************** Postdoctoral Researcher / Doctoral Research Assistant SFB/TR 8 project I2-[MapSpace], Universität Bremen (BAT IIa, approx. € 40,000 to € 50,000 p.a. gross) in one or several of the areas: Artificial Intelligence / Knowledge Representation / Cognitive Design / Cognitive Geography / Cognitive Modeling. The research project I2-[MapSpace] is concerned with the conceptualization of space and its role in the interaction between humans and spatial representations, specifically schematic maps. Research tasks include the conception of abstractions and categorizations of spatial knowledge for map-like representations and the development of a representation-theoretic account of schematic maps. Interest and experience in cognitive science research in an interdisciplinary research team is expected. We offer an opportunity to gain research and teaching experience in a modern and enthusiastic research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international links. Duties include project management, research and publication of research results, guidance of student researchers, participation in the activities of the SFB/TR 8, contributing to research proposals. The position is available immediately until the end of 2006. Extension is possible. Application deadline: 31 March 2004 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Universität Bremen is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. More information about this project can be found at www.sfbtr8.uni-bremen.de/project?project=I2. Please address questions about the position and send your application (preferably by email) to: Prof. Christian Freksa SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition Universität Bremen P.O. Box 330 440 28334 Bremen / Germany ******************************************************************* Ph.D. Student / Junior Researcher SFB/TR 8 project R4-[LogoSpace], Universität Freiburg (BAT IIa/2, approx. € 23,000 to € 28,000 p.a. gross) in Cognitive Psychology / Cognitive Modeling / Cognitive Neuroscience at the "laboratory for human spatial reasoning". The research of the lab addresses various aspects of human spatial cognition, with a special focus on spatial thinking and navigation. Methodologically, the lab combines human experiments using behavioral methods, functional brain imaging, and experiments in real and virtual environments. We invite candidates who are actively engaged in human research and whose work is applicable to spatial cognition issues. Candidates can either have a master's degree or a diploma in Psychology or Biology, or related fields with broad eligibility to spatial cognition research. The appointee should be experienced in the design, development, analyses, and interpretation of psychological experiments using behavioral methods, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), or virtual environment technique. The laboratory has an established collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, so that the appointee will be given the opportunity to work at the MPI for some time. The position is available until 31 Dec 2006 (extension possible). Universität Freiburg is an equal opportunity employer. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. Applications will be considered until position is filled. Candidates should send letter, CV, reprints, and names of three referees (preferably by email) to: PD Dr. Markus Knauff c/o Dagmar Sonntag, SFB - Sekretariat Fakultät für Angewandte Wissenschaften Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Georges-Koehler-Allee, Gebäude 052 Raum 00 019 79110 Freiburg / Germany