COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER JUNE 2004

Table of Contents:

I Welcome to the Newsletter
II Announcements/Conferences
III Positions Available

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I WELCOME TO THE COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
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This newsletter is intended for CNS members only. It is a monthly
newsletter designed to update CNS members on events, job opportunities,
and related information in the field of Cognitive Neuroscience. The
Newsletter is emailed monthly to all current members.
 
Receipt of this newsletter does not confirm membership status. Contact
cnsinfo@cogneurosociety.org <mailto:cnsinfo@cogneurosociety.org>; for membership status. To become a member or
to renew your membership, go to the membership page at our web site for
online submission.

For guidelines on submitting an announcement to the Newsletter, see the
website www.cogneurosociety.org <http://www.cogneurosociety.org>; or email cnsnewsletter@cogneurosociety.org <mailto:cnsnewsletter@cogneurosociety.org>;.

Please note that the guidelines for submitting an ad for the newsletter have changed.
Please check the guidelines on the website periodically as they may change again in the
future.
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II ANNOUNCEMENTS/CONFERENCES
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The University of Minho is presently organizing the First Portuguese
Forum of Experimental Psychology. This meeting will take place from 27
to 29 of October, 2004.

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* Thematic fields:

Attention

Cognition and Emotion

Chronopsychology

Language

Memory

Mental Imagery

Neurosciences

Perception

Knowledge Representation

Mathematical Models of Behaviour

Learning and Behaviour

Others...

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* Types of Events you can submit to:

Symposium: the proponent submits a set of talks on a topic; Maximum
duration of 90 minutes.  Four 15-minutes talks (each one followed by 5
minutes of discussion), or three 20-minutes talks (each one followed by
10 minutes of discussion).

Individual presentation: Maximum duration 20 minutes followed by 10
minutes of discussion.

Poster presentation.

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* Call for Papers:

- Please download the Form file on our web site
(www.iep.uminho.pt/fopex2004) to fill in your proposal.

- Follow our instructions to complete the form and email it to
fopex2004@iep.uminho.pt

- Guidelines on the presentations:

- All abstracts must be presented in English.

- Oral presentations (Symposia and Individual presentations) can be in
Portuguese, English, or Spanish.

- All supporting materials (e.g., overhead transparencies, power point
slides) must be in English.

 - All Posters must be presented in English.

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* Key Dates:

 - Deadline for Abstract Submission: May 30, 2004.

 - Acceptance Notification: From June 15 to June 20, 2004.

 - Deadline for papers to be included in the Proceedings of the Forum:
July 30, 2004.

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* Keynote Speakers:

Human Memory

            Alan Baddeley: Recent developments in working memory

Visual Perception

            Johannes M. Zanker: Motion vision: ecology, psychophysics
and computational modelling

Chronopsychology

            Simon Folkard: Modelling the components of circadian rhythms
in performance

Animal Psychology

            John Staddon: Dynamics of interval timing

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* Registration:

Registration information can be found at: www.iep.uminho.pt/fopex2004

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* Scientific Committee:

Pedro B. Albuquerque - University of Minho, PT

Alan Baddeley - University of York

Simon Folkard - University of Wales Swansea, UK

Armando Machado - University of Minho, PT

Jorge Almeida Santos -  University of Minho, PT

Carlos Fernandes da Silva - University of Minho, PT

John Staddon -Duke University, USA

Johannes M. Zanker - University of London, UK 

 

* Organization:

Fernando Macedo

Josefa Pandeirada

Paulo Pata

Paulo Rodrigues

Cl?udia Sousa

Marco Vasconcelos

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First Portuguese Forum of Experimental Psychology

Laborat?rio de Psicologia

Instituto de Educa??o e Psicologia

Universidade do Minho

4710-057 Braga

Portugal

Email: fopex2004@iep.uminho.pt

Site: www.iep.uminho.pt/fopex2004

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From: /the General Editor,/
/LANGUAGE LEARNING
A Journal of Research in Language Studies /*/

/http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journals/ll/
/*


In our continuing desire to widen the scope of /LANGUAGE LEARNING/, but
without giving up our core identity, we wish to actively encourage and
invite submission of manuscripts that treat the broad area of cognitive
neuroscience of language acquisition and language processing.

The language sciences, as part of the sciences of human behavior are
facing daunting new challenges in the questions raised and in the ways
these questions are answered. The questions lie at the interface of the
life sciences and the social sciences and humanities, and represent
substantial challenges both at the empirical and theoretical levels. The
issues are deceptively simple: What questions to ask, how to look for
answers and how to communicate the results of this quest.

John Schumann et al. in their recent book ( /The Neurobiology of
Learning, Perspectives From Second Language Acquisition/. 2004, Lawrence
Earlbaum, Mahwah, N.J., London) have this to say: " If our thinking
about second language learning is not constrained by the biology of
learning, and if it is only constrained by an analysis of the product of
that learning, then we can say almost anything about underlying
mechanisms. .......we can invoke, as though they were real, mechanisms
such as an affective filter, cognitive operating principles, noticing,
monitoring, pidginization, nativization, cognitive strategies, learning
strategies. But ..... should we limit ourselves to metaphors? We can
constrain our metaphors with biological knowledge. Second language
acquisition is a subfield of Applied Linguistics and is as much
psychological as it is linguistic. But just as we are making our links
with psychology, psychology is becoming radically biologized...."

The unprecedented advances in imaging technologies and computational
capabilities give real hope for major breakthroughs in the coming years
in the understanding of human behavior. In other words, for the first
time there is a real possibility to establish direct relationships
between observed behaviors and their neurobiological substrates, thus
allowing for first-order explanations of these phenomena. A true
revolution in the way we conceptualize and think about the complex
proposition called human existence. The thrust of this exciting new
development, of course, is that we can now look at this process in
radically new ways, taking full advantage of the dramatic discoveries in
the neurosciences and in computer science.

We at /LANGUAGE LEARNING - A Journal of Research in Language
Studies//,// /as a leading journal in applied linguistics, wish to
give concrete expression to these convictions. I am writing now to
invite you personally, you, your colleagues and your students to share
with us the fruits of your research endeavors and consider our journal
as a possible venue for publishing your work.

These are truly exciting times.

Alexander Z. Guiora  
General Editor
/LANGUAGE LEARNING /*/
/*A Journal of Research in Language Studies
aguiora@umich.edu
 

Manuscripts should be sent to:
Prof. Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig
Editor, /Language Learning/
Program in TESOL/Applied Linguistics
Memorial Hall 313
1021 East Third Street
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405-7005
USA



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III Positions Available
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Visiting Professor Position Available (rank open)
The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America Department of Psychology is seeking a Visiting Professor to assist in teaching and research with a focus in Cognitive Neuropsychology and Neuroscience.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology or Cognitive Neuroscience, be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, and have an ongoing research program. Area of research is open, although applicants would be expected to contribute to a department specialization in Cognitive Deficits.  The ability to interact with clinical and developmental programs is desirable.  Potential courses include Cognitive Neuroscience, Sensation and Perception, Research Methods. Send a
statement of research interests, vita, reprints, teaching evaluations (if available), and three letters of recommendation to Faculty Search Committee, Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America,  4001 Harewood Rd, NE, Washington, D.C. 20064.  The Catholic University of America was founded in the name of the Catholic Church as a national university and center of research and scholarship.  Regardless of religious affiliation, all faculty are expected to respect and support the University?s mission. The Catholic University of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer and applications from women and minorities are strongly encouraged.

Contact:
Dr. Marc Sebrechts
Department of Psychology
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064
202-319-5750
sebrechts@cua.edu
http://psychology.cua.edu/


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Post-Doctoral Associate in Human Visual Object Perception

 

The University of Minnesota' s Department of Psychology invites
applications for a post-doctoral research position in human visual
object perception, with an emphasis on functional magnetic resonance
imaging and computational methods.

 

Review of applications begins on May 17, 2004.  Go to
http://www.psych.umn.edu/news/employment.htm or call Liz Gates at
612-626-0871 for more details.  The University of Minnesota is an equal
opportunity educator and employer.


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Title: Post Doctoral Position Available
Brown University

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the
Department of Psychology of Brown University, in the laboratory of
Professor Luiz Pessoa. Work in the lab focuses on the interactions
between cognitive and emotional systems. Current projects address the
interactions between visual attention and emotional perception. We use a
range of approaches, including psychophysics, fMRI, and MEG.
Requirements include a PhD? in neuroscience, cognitive science,
computational neuroscience, psychology, or related field in the brain
sciences. Useful background includes psychophysics and fMRI. Comfort
with computer programming, especially Matlab, is highly desirable. The
position is funded for at least two years, renewable on a yearly basis
given adequate progress.

Brown University has a large, active community of brain scientists
(http://www.brainscience.brown.edu/) providing an extremely lively
research environment.  We currently have access to a 1.5T magnet for
fMRI and will have access to another 3T system in the fall of 2004. This
position is contingent upon appropriate citizenship or visa status.
Brown University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications
received by July 15th will be guaranteed consideration. The position
will remain open until filled.

Please send or email a CV, letter of intent, and two letters of
recommendation to:

Luiz Pessoa
Department of Psychology
Brown University
89 Waterman St.
Providence, RI, 02912
Email: pessoa@brown.edu
Web: http://www.brown.edu/Research/LCE/

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Postdoctoral Research Scientist Position in Developmental Cognitive
Neuroscience.

Columbia University Medical Center, Cognitive Electrophysiology
Laboratory at New York State Psychiatric Institute, N.Y., N.Y.

The position is supported by a grant from the National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development. The project concerns cognitive
development, executive function, and memory using ERPs and behavioral
measures. The candidate should have experience in ERP techniques and
cognition. Programming skills and knowledge of multivariate techniques
are highly desirable. Salary is based on experience with excellent
fringe benefits.

Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, three letters of
recommendation, and samples of recent work to David Friedman, Ph.D. 1051
Riverside Drive, NY, NY 10032; Phone: (212):543-5476; Fax:
(212):543-6002; email: df12@columbia.edu;
Web site: http://cepl.nyspi.org/

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Postdoctoral position

 

Postdoctoral research training position for research as part of a
multi-disciplinary program of the neurobiology of aging at the
University of Californai, Irvine.  Fellowship available to investigate
cognitive and neurobiological changes in aging, Alzheimer's disease, and
other cognitive disorders.  Studies include working  and episodic
memory, attention, and motor control using behavioral, event-related
potentials, tms, and fMRI.  Individuals holding a Ph.D. or M.D. are
encouraged to apply. Experience using event-related potential and/or
fMRI methods is preferred but not necessary. Salary is commensurate with
training and experience.

 

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, list of publications, a
brief summary of research goals, and names and addresses of three
references.  Applications may be sent to:

 

Arnold Starr, M.D.

154 Med Surge I

Department of Neurology

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA  92697

Email:  astarr@uci.edu <mailto:astarr@uci.edu>;


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POST-DOCTORAL POSITION
VA Northern California Health Care System

VA- and NSF-funded projects to study the effects of frontal
lobe lesions on executive control of cognition and emotion.
Multidisciplinary research environment for neuropsychological
and ERP studies of the neural organization and dynamic interplay
of distributed regions that regulate responses to cognitive and
affective conflict. Opportunities for fMRI research in
collaboration with investigators at the Martinez VA, the Center
for Mind and Brain (UC Davis), and the Brain Imaging Center
(UC Berkeley). Available now, but start date flexible.

Send CV and names of three references to Diane Swick, diane@ebire.org
http://biosci.ucdavis.edu/FacultyProfiles/NeuroGG/DisplayFacultyProfile.cfm?
ResearcherID?=1045

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Full-Time Research Assistant Position Available
Center for Neuroscience & Dept. of Psychology, University of California
at Davis
 
Responsibilities include coordinating and running behavioral, functional
magnetic resonance imaging, and event-related potential studies of human
memory and executive control. Applicants should have experience with
Unix/Linux, MATLAB, and/or physiology (fMRI or electrophysiology)
research. Two-year committment required. For more information, please
send a brief statement of research experience, resume/CV, and names of
2-3 references to Charan Ranganath (cranganath@ucdavis.edu
<mailto:cranganath@ucdavis.edu>;)
http://dynamicmemorylab.org


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Research Assistant Position Available

Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute

 

A full-time Research Assistant position is available immediately in the
Complex Action Analysis Laboratory at Moss Rehabilitation Research
Institute.  RA will be involved in all aspects of a NIDRR-funded
research project focusing on the role of the left hemisphere in the
performance of naturalistic action and the relationship of naturalistic
action to executive function, praxis, and other cognitive domains.  RA
will have the opportunity to work with patients with apraxia and
agnosia, as well as control subjects.  Responsibilities will include
obtaining informed consent, running experiments, entering and analyzing
data, and assisting with preparation of manuscripts and presentations
under the supervision of Laurel Buxbaum, Psy.D. and other research staff.

 

Qualifications:

BA in psychology or psychobiology with training in cognitive
neuroscience, statistics, and prior research experience required. RA
must also have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and computer
skills.  MRRI offers a competitive salary and benefits.

 

Please FAX or EMAIL resume, letter of interest and three references to
Laura Barde, MRRI, 1200 West Tabor Road, Korman 213, Philadelphia, PA,
19141. Fax no. 215-456-5926. Email bardel@einstein.edu
<mailto:bardel@einstein.edu>;.

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT, COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE OF SLEEP AND MEMORY
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

Full-time RA position in the Lab of Sleep and Neuroimaging, Dept. of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Projects involve behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of sleep and memory in humans. Background in psychology, cognitive science, or related field preferred. Familiarity using SPM analysis and Matlab is desirable. Responsibilities include subject recruitment, designing/facilitating behavioral and functional neuroimaging experiments, data analysis, some
administrative work, and mentoring undergraduate students. Position to start as soon as possible. Salary will be commensurate with experience. One-year minimum time commitment, two years preferred. Email a CV with description of research experience and names of references to: Dr. Matthew Walker
(mwalker@hms.harvard.edu)

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Contact person: Dr. Matthew Walker
Address:  Dept. Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
Feldberg, FD 862
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston MA, USA
Tel: (617) 667-8486
Email: mwalker@hms.harvard.edu


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POSITION AVAILABLE:
COGNITIVE SCIENCE/COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Washington University in St. Louis, Psychology Department

Seeking a motivated associate to assist with behavioral and functional MRI experiments, starting summer 2004.  An ideal candidate would be a newly-graduated undergraduate who has a strong curiosity about human cognition.

Desirable qualifications:
* Computing experience (Macintosh and UNIX operating systems, programming a plus)
* Research experience
* Coursework in psychology and/or neuroscience

This full-time position provides a great opportunity to gain experience before going on to an advanced degree. St. Louis is a vibrant, affordable city, and Washington University has a rich community of cognitive scientists and neuroscientists.  Two-year commitment requested.  Health benefits provided.

For more information, see the Dynamic Cognition Laboratory website, http://iac.wustl.edu/~dclweb.

Interested parties should send a resume and 2 letters of recommendation to:

Jeffrey M. Zacks, Ph.D.
Washington University
Department of Psychology
Campus Box 1125
St. Louis, MO  63130-4899
314.935.8454
jzacks@artsci.wustl.edu


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