November 2018 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science - Computational Rationality
by Gergo Orban 13 Nov '18

13 Nov '18

Dear All, We are happy to announce the XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science, which is devoted to the topic of Computational Rationality. The conference will take place between 23-25 May 2019 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Invited speakers are: Ulrike Hahn (Birkbeck, University of London, UK) Quentin Huys (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) Julian Jara-Ettinger (Yale University, USA) Mate Lengyel (University of Cambridge, Central European University) Azzurra Ruggeri (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany) Laura Schultz (MIT, USA) For more information please visit: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php> or email us: ducog(a)cogsci.bme.hu <mailto:ducog@cogsci.bme.hu> On behalf of the organisers, Oana Stanciu Gergő Orbán

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Postdoc positions in computational and multimodal neuroimaging
by Laura Lewis 13 Nov '18

13 Nov '18

Postdoc positions at Boston University and Harvard Medical School/MGH POSITION 1: We have openings for postdoctoral associates to lead multimodal neuroimaging studies of brain function in Laura Lewis' lab at Boston University, aiming to advance computational and systems neuroscience of the human brain. These positions offer the opportunity to develop computational neuroimaging approaches using state-of-the-art MR techniques, and study the neural basis and cognitive consequences of sleep, wake, arousal, and attentional states. We use fast fMRI, multimodal imaging (e.g. EEG-fMRI, PET-fMRI), computational modeling, ultra-high field (7 Tesla) imaging, and other multimodal approaches to measure and analyze brain function across diverse states. The lab is a fast-paced and interdisciplinary environment that supports its members in achieving their long-term research and career goals, and has strong collaborations throughout the Boston-area computational neuroscience and neuroimaging communities. POSITION 2: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in advanced functional MRI based at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. Our research aims to enable new kinds of analyses of brain activity through advanced neuroimaging and signal processing approaches. Working with Drs. Jonathan Polimeni and Laura Lewis, the fellow will study the neural and vascular origins of fast fMRI signals and test the upper limits of the speed and sensitivity of fMRI. The postdoctoral fellow will use advanced accelerated fMRI methods and ultra-high field imaging (7T) to study and model the dynamics of neural activation at fast timescales and across cortical layers. Multimodal imaging (including ASL, CBV, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI) and computational models of physiological dynamics may also be used, to ultimately track fast and local neural dynamics using accelerated fMRI. The Martinos Center is home to state-of-the-art imaging facilities and technological expertise in neuroimaging. The center houses over 200 faculty and postdoc members, conducting diverse neuroimaging research with great potential for collaborations and career development. BU and MGH are equal opportunity employers. Position is well suited for a highly motivated researcher with a desire to begin an independent career related to advanced fMRI and/or neuroscience. A Ph.D. in engineering, physics, neuroscience, psychology, or related field, is required. A background in neuroimaging techniques and/or neurophysiology is an asset but not required. Strong analysis skills and independent motivation and creativity are essential. TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a cover letter describing research experience, interests, and future goals, as well as a CV and contact information for three references, to ldlewis(a)bu.edu For more information see: http://www.lewisneurolab.org/positions

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Postdoc in auditory thalamocortical system modeling & data analysis
by Neymotin, Samuel (NKI) 13 Nov '18

13 Nov '18

A computational neuroscience postdoctoral position is available at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research under the auspices of a NIH R01 (MPI: Peter Lakatos, Sam Neymotin). The aim of our project is to develop/utilize computer models of the auditory thalamocortical system to investigate mechanisms and functions of neuronal oscillatory patterns observed in the auditory system in the electrophysiological recordings from Dr. Lakatos' group. The broad goal is to develop a biologically-realistic data-driven computer model of the thalamocortical auditory system that is able to support critical auditory information processing features, with special emphasis on neuronal oscillations. The combined in vivo and in silico results of our project will pave the way for model-driven neuromodulation, offering precise predictions on how to efficiently control biological circuits. Besides modeling, our group also focuses heavily on developing and applying novel signal processing techniques for the analysis of electrophysiological data on multiple spatial scales, from single neurons to ECoG recordings. Applicants should have a strong background in: computer programming, with demonstrated proficiency in Python and Matlab, analysis of electrophysiological data, development of signal processing methods for neural data, detailed computational modeling of neurons/neuronal circuits using NEURON with Python. The job will be based at the Nathan Kline Institute (www.nki.rfmh.org<http://www.nki.rfmh.org> ~1 hour north of NYC), but some telecommuting will be allowed. Applicants should contact Sam Neymotin by email (samuel.neymotin(a)nki.rfmh.org<mailto:samuel.neymotin@nki.rfmh.org>) with a CV and cover letter. The Nathan Kline Institute is an equal opportunity employer. ________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Post-doc position in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience in Bordeaux, France
by Alexandre Zenon 13 Nov '18

13 Nov '18

Post-doctoral position in neuroimaging Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, Bordeaux, France. The successful applicant will pursue research projects on the neurobiological and computational underpinnings of the cost of cognition. These projects will combine neuroimaging and computational approaches. The post is available from early 2019 and is funded for two years by a grant from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche. Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or a related area. Experience in conducting neuroscience research and in programming (Matlab and/or Python) is required. Experience in conducting neuroimaging research and in building computational models of behavior will be very appreciated. To apply for the vacancy, or for more information, please contact Dr. Alexandre Zénon (email: alexandre.zenon(a)u-bordeaux.fr ). Applications should include CV, motivation letter and contact information for 3 references.

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PhD positions in computational neuroscience, University of Edinburgh
by Matthias Hennig 13 Nov '18

13 Nov '18

3 YEAR PhD IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. We invite applications for our PhD programme in COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE at the Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation at the University of Edinburgh. The studentships are ideal for students who want to apply their computational and analytical skills to problems in neuroscience and related fields. The following supervisors have openings: Matthias Hennig: Neural network models; homeostasis and development; visual and auditory neuroscience; analysis of large-scale recordings. Arno Onken: Neural coding; machine learning for neural data analysis; multi-modal and multi-scale analysis. Peggy Seriès: Bayesian approaches to cognition and perception; computational psychiatry. The PhD project can be done in collaboration with one of the many affiliated departments and institutes. Edinburgh has been voted as 'best place to live in Britain', and has many exciting cultural and student activities. Students with a strong background in either computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering are particularly welcome to apply. Motivated students with other backgrounds will also be considered. To apply, visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&ed… Applications completed by 16. January 2019 will receive full consideration. -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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PhD in cortical memory storage at the University of Edinburgh
by Matthias Hennig 12 Nov '18

12 Nov '18

Applications are invited for an EASTBIO-funded PhD position in the labs of Dr. Gulsen Surmeli and Dr. Matthias Hennig. This is an excellent training opportunity for a highly motivated individual to learn both the use of modern in vivo functional neuron imaging technologies and the applications computational methods to address fundamental questions in neuronal computation. Objectives: Cognitive abilities are a result of coordinated activity of billions of neurons. Recent advances in neuroscience research now enables monitoring activity of thousands of neurons during cognitive tasks. Decoding these large ensemble codes enable unprecedented insight into the inner workings of the brain. This project aims to investigate neural ensemble coding of cortical memory networks. In this project, we will investigate the encoding of memories in cortical networks. In Dr. Surmeli’s lab, a miniaturized head attached fluorescent microscope (miniscope) will be used to perform cellular resolution imaging of activity of neuronal ensembles in freely moving mice during memory tasks. Combined with advanced genetic techniques this method allows tracking activity of thousands of neurons during memory formation and recall. Since memory engrams are typically sparse and highly distributed over many neurons, tracking the acquisition of new memories will require advanced analysis methods, which will be developed in collaboration with the second supervisor based in the School of Informatics. Moreover, the results will enable constructing new models of short and long-term memory acquisition that can advance artificial neural networks used in machine learning applications. For conditions of applying and to apply please refer to: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=100855 Download application and reference forms via: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/postgraduate/bbsrc-eastbio-dtp Lab website/Online Profile https://www.ed.ac.uk/discovery-brain-sciences/our-staff/research-groups/dr-… http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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Doctoral studies in Computational/Theoretical Neuroscience at NYU
by Eero P Simoncelli 12 Nov '18

12 Nov '18

New York University is home to a thriving interdisciplinary community of researchers using computational and theoretical approaches in neuroscience. We are interested in exceptional PhD candidates with strong quantitative training (e.g., physics, mathematics, engineering) coupled with a clear interest in scientific study of the brain. A listing of faculty, sorted by their primary departmental affiliation, is given below. Doctoral programs are flexible, allowing students to pursue research across departmental boundaries. Nevertheless, admissions are handled separately by each department, and students interested in pursuing graduate studies should submit an application to the program that best fits their goals and interests. Center for Neural Science (CNS), Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (deadline: 1 December) [http://neuroscience.nyu.edu/graduate-programs/, and http://www.cns.nyu.edu/doctoral/] * Andre A. Fenton - Molecular, neural, behavioral, and computational aspects of memory. * Paul W. Glimcher - Decision-making in humans and animals. Neuroeconomics. * Roozbeh Kiani - Vision and decision-making. * Wei Ji Ma (also in Psychology) - Perception, working memory, and decision-making. * Tony Movshon - Vision and visual development. * Bijan Pesaran - Neuronal dynamics and decision-making. * Alex Reyes - Functional interactions of neurons in a network. * John Rinzel (also in Mathematics) - Biophysical mechanisms and theory of neural computation. * Cristina Savin (also in the Center for Data Science) - Computational models of learning and memory, machine learning. * Robert Shapley - Visual physiology and perception. * Eero Simoncelli - Computational vision and audition. * Xiao-Jing Wang - Computational neuroscience, decision-making and working memory, neural circuits. Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine (deadline: 1 December) [http://neuroscience.nyu.edu/graduate-programs/, and https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/neuroscience/] * Gyorgy Buzsaki - Rhythms in neural networks. * Dmitri Chklovskii (also in the Simons Foundation) - Neural computation and connectomics. * Dmitry Rinberg - Sensory information processing in the behaving animal. * Mario Svirsky - Auditory neural prostheses; experimental/computational studies of speech production/perception. Psychology, Cognition & Perception program (deadline: 1 December) [http://as.nyu.edu/psychology/graduate/phd-cognition-perception.html] * Todd Gureckis - Memory, learning, and decision processes. * David Heeger (also in CNS) - Computational neuroscience, vision, attention. * Brendan Lake (also in the Center for Data Science) - Computational modeling of cognition. * Michael Landy - Computational approaches to vision. * Laurence Maloney - Mathematical approaches to psychology and neuroscience. * Gary Marcus - Origins of the human mind. * Denis Pelli - Visual object recognition. * Jonathan Winawer - Visual perception and memory. Mathematics (deadline: 18 December) [http://math.nyu.edu/degree/phd/] * David McLaughlin - Nonlinear wave equations, computational visual neuroscience. * Aaditya Rangan - Computational neurobiology, numerical analysis. * Charles Peskin - Mathematical biology. * Michael Shelley - Modeling and large-scale computation, computational visual neuroscience. * Daniel Tranchina - Information processing in the retina. * Lai-Sang Young - Dynamical systems, statistical physics, computational modeling and theoretical neuroscience. Center for Data Science (deadline: 12 December) [https://cds.nyu.edu/academics/phd-in-data-science/] * Joan Bruna (also in Computer Science) - Machine learning, signal/image processing. * Kyungyun Cho (also in Computer Science) - Machine learning, natural language processing. * Carlos Fernandez-Granda (also in Mathematics) - Optimization methods for medical imaging, neuroscience, computer vision. * Brenden Lake - Computational modeling of cognition, deep learning. Physics (deadline: 18 December) [http://physics.as.nyu.edu/page/graduate] * Marc Gershow - Perception, decision-making, and learning in neural circuits. Computer Science (deadline: 12 December) [http://www.cs.nyu.edu/home/phd/] * Davi Geiger - Computational vision and learning. * Yann LeCun - Machine learning, computer vision, robotics, computational neuroscience. Economics (deadline: 18 December) [http://as.nyu.edu/econ/degree-programs/phd.html] * Andrew Caplin - Economic theory, neurobiology of decision. * Andrew Schotter - Experimental economics, game theory, neurobiology of decision.

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REMINDER: Special Issue Operations Research for Neuroscience II
by Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan 11 Nov '18

11 Nov '18

Dear Colleagues, Just a friendly reminder: Deadline for paper submission is in a few weeks. December 1, 2018 We strongly encourage colleagues who are using modern operations research methods, to consider submitting a manuscript. We also invite manuscripts which propose further developments of modern formal theories (such as the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian learning, etc). Please find the CfP attached as a pdf file or as plain text below. Best regards, Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan. ____________________________________________________ ― Call for Papers ― Annals of Operations Research Special Issue Operations Research for Neuroscience II ____________________________________________________ After the positive and encouraging response from the scientific and wider community to the special issue Operations Research for Neuroscience, the journal Annals of OperationsResearch (Springer) now invites submissions of papers to a second special issue on the same subject, called Operations Research for Neuroscience II. Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary science, is concerned with the study of the structure and functions of the nervous system. It comprises aspects of physiology, cellular and molecular biology, as well as behavioral and cognitive science. Recent technological and theoretical advances offer promising opportunities for better understanding of the nervous system at the quantitative level. New optogenetic, in vitro and in vivo multielectrode recording, neuroimaging, brain imaging, and other modern techniques provide high-quality data that can be used in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of information processing in the nervous system. The rapidly growing pool of experimental data has triggered the development of new mathematical models that can provide new insights into the functioning of the nervous system at various scales, ranging from that of molecular biology to that of the organizational principles of behavior and cognition. Sophisticated analyses of intracellular signaling or dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks, conditional behavior, or connections of brain regions in decision-making lead to theoretical problems, addressed by operations research. Although, operations research is actively used in bottom-up approaches--from experimental observation to consistent theory-- it also widely overlaps modern and rapidly developing formal theories, for example the free-energy principle, integrated information theory, and may others. The special issue will cover a broad range of topics in the field of neuroscience using operations research approaches, methods, and theories. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas and methodologies of neuroscience: o intracellular signaling and regulation o synaptic plasticity o dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks o intelligent systems and control o perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral functions o learning and memory o spatio-temporal network analysis o behavioral economics and finance o linguistics and cognition o combinatorial optimization o signal and information processing o neuroimaging and functional brain imaging processing o computational modeling and simulation o formal theoretical approaches: the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian inference, etc. The use of methods from modern operations research in neuroscience is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to enter the reviewing process. Annals of Operations Research is abstracted and indexed in the following databases: Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded (SciSearch), Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, SCOPUS, INSPEC, Zentralblatt Math, Google Scholar, EBSCO, CSA, ProQuest, ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide, Academic OneFile, Academic Search, Computer Abstracts International Database, Computer Science Index, CSA Environmental Sciences, Current Contents/Engineering, Computing and Technology, DBLP, ECONIS, Expanded Academic, International Abstracts in Operations Research, Mathematical Reviews, OCLC, SCImago, STMA-Z, Summon by ProQuest. The Special Issue is officially endorsed by EURO Conference 2018, Valencia. Guest Editors: Erik Kropat, Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan, Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Important Date: Submission deadline of full papers: December 1, 2018. Submission Details: The format of manuscripts for the Annals of Operations Research as well as guidelines can be found on the web page of Springer, the publisher of the journal: http://www.springer.com/journal/10479/submission. Authors should submit a cover letter mentioning that the paper is for a special issue and a manuscript via the journal's online submission site: http://www.editorialmanager.com/anor. When prompted, please select the article type “S.I.: OR in Neuroscience II”. All papers submitted for publication will be carefully refereed. In case of any question please contact by e-mail one of the following guest editors: Dr. Erik Kropat Department of Computer Science Universität der Bundeswehr München Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39 85577 Neubiberg, Germany E-mail: erik.kropat(a)gmx.de Dr. Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail: rtikid(a)lsuhsc.edu Prof. Dr. Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Faculty of Engineering Management Chair of Marketing and Economic Engineering Poznan University of Technology ul. Strzelecka 11 60-965 Poznan, Poland E-mail: gerhard.weber(a)put.poznan.pl

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PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf Germany
by Martina Reske 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf Germany One PhD position is available in computational neuroscience with a focus on mathematical modeling of brain dynamics based on neuroimaging data in the lab of Prof. Dr. Simon Eickhoff at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf in Germany. The PhD candidate will work on projects involving large-scale dynamical brain models derived from multimodal neuroimaging data (structural, functional & diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) combined with numerical simulations and analysis of model dynamics and parameter space. We are specifically looking for candidates with training in applied mathematics/computational neuroscience or related fields and experience in programming and numerical simulation of neuronal models/nonlinear dynamics systems. The candidate will be responsible for derivation, validation and analytical and numerical investigation of the whole-brain dynamical models, preparation of necessary neuroimaging data, and writing manuscripts for publication. The position provides an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment and training in mathematical modeling of neuroimaging data and methods for data analysis. More details on the lab: http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-7/EN/ Requirements: * Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. * Experience with programming languages such as C/C++/CUDA/Python/Matlab/R. * Familiarity with numerical simulations of nonlinear dynamical systems/differential equations. Experience with high-performance computing is a plus. * Strong writing, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. * Experience with neuroimaging data processing and related analysis packages (FSL, SPM, MRtrix, etc.) will be of advantage. To apply: Please send your CV, names of two referees, one-page letter of motivation (emphasizing any related work/projects) and representative publications if any (up to 3) to Oleksandr Popovych via email (o.popovych(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:o.popovych@fz-juelich.de>). Please mention “PhD application” in the subject. -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Ph.D. position in deep learning for signal processing at University of Oldenburg
by Jörn Anemüller 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

A Ph.D. position in the field of deep learning for signal processing is available at University of Oldenburg, Germany, within the newly established, DFG-funded collaborative research centre "CRC 1330 - Hearing Acoustics" in the group of Jörn Anemüller. For details, see below or contact me directly (joern.anemueller(a)uol.de, https://uol.de/en/computational-audition/statistical-modelling/). Kind regards, Jörn The Computational Audition Group at the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, University of Oldenburg, Germany, seeks a highly motivated PhD student (75 % of full time, TV-L E13, 3 years, with possibility of extension) in the field of Deep Learning for Signal Processing Our group investigates audio signal recognition with multi-channel microphone arrays, identifying important sound sources in real-world acoustic scenes, and performing source separation to enhance e.g. an attended speech signal. Applicants for the position must hold an academic university degree (master or equivalent) in physics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline and should have knowledge in at least one of the following fields: - machine learning, - speech recognition, - acoustic event detection, - speech and audio processing. Excellent knowledge of scientific programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, as well as excellent English language skills are required. The position is funded by the newly established DFG collaborative research centre CRC 1330 "Hearing Acoustics", which aims at improving human communication in real-world acoustic scenes and is a long-term collaboration of researchers from Oldenburg, Aachen and Munich. For more information about the CRC see https://www.uni-oldenburg.de/sfb1330. The Computational Audition Group is part of the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics at University of Oldenburg. We offer an international scientific environment and world-class research facilities. For more information about the group and the department see https://uol.de/computational-audition/ and https://uol.de.de/en/mediphysics-acoustics/. The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of women in science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification. Applications including a CV, a motivation letter, copies of relevant certificates and the name and contact details of two references should be sent as single pdf-file to joern.anemueller(a)uni-oldenburg.de or to Dr. Jörn Anemüller Faculty VI Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics Universität Oldenburg D - 26111 Oldenburg Tel. (+49) 441 798 3610 The application deadline is 28th of November 2018. *******************************************************

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