We are seeking applications for PhD positions in neural network modelling of human language: specifically, in developing neural network models of the interface between language and the sensorimotor system. Projects include modelling the interface between language and visual attention/visual object classification mechanisms, and modelling the interface between language and action execution/action perception mechanisms. 

The positions are based at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Otago in New Zealand, under the supervision of Alistair Knott and Lubica Benuskova. The department has an active neural networks programme, with five academic staff working in this area, and two more working in related areas of computer vision. The PhD projects relate to an ongoing project funded by the New Zealand Marsden fund, Does language mirror the structure of sensorimotor cognition?, funded by the New Zealand Marsden Fund. 

Otago University’s PhD scholarships are open to qualified students from any country, and cover both course fees and living expenses. To be considered for a PhD scholarship, applicants must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Applicants must also have a research project worth at least 25% of a full-time load in their final year, and must have an 'A' average or better in their final year of study. To be considered for the current PhD projects, applicants must also have some experience in Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics or Cognitive Science. 

If you have questions about the PhD projects, please contact Alistair Knott (alik@cs.otago.ac.nz). 

If you wish to apply for a PhD position, please email Alistair Knott (alik@cs.otago.ac.nz), attaching an electronic copy of your transcript for your Bachelor's degree. If you have a Master's degree, or are currently enrolled in one, please attach your Master's transcript (up to the present) and, if possible, an abstract of your thesis. If you have publications, please select your single best publication and send a PDF version of that, identifying the conference or journal that accepted it in sufficient detail to allow verification. **Kindly don't send zip files, as our antivirus software quarantines them.**

The deadline for applications is June 30th.

Otago University is in Dunedin, a university town on the South-East coast of New Zealand's South Island. Dunedin sits on a spectacular harbour, with unspoiled beaches for wildlife and surfing, and lies within a few hours' drive of Queenstown and Wanaka in the Southern Alps. For more information about Otago, Dunedin, and our department:

- http://www.otago.ac.nz/ 
- http://www.otago.co.nz/ 
- http://www.cs.otago.ac.nz/