Institute of Mathematics and Computing Science, University of Groningen

Topic of research

The objective of the project is to develop an object recognition technique that is motivated by the function of the visual cortex. Major aspects are representation and learning.

Type and level of the position

This is a temporary research position at the level of a PhD student for a period of maximum four years. The tuition fees will be waived and the student will receive a full scholarship. In this period the student will follow relevant courses and prepare and defend a PhD thesis. The position is embedded in the research group Intelligent Systems. The tradition of the group is that PhD theses are based on excellent papers in high imact journals so that our PhD graduates have a very strong competative position on the academic market. Thesis director and supervisor will be professor N. Petkov. The University of Groningen is a leading European research university.

Eligibility:

• You are a university graduate (at the level of diploma or master of science level) in one of the following disciplines:

o computer science,
o artificial intelligence,
o computational neuroscience,
o electrical engineering,
o biophysics,
o physics

• You have a demonstrated interest in the neurosciences.

• You have an excellent academic record (GPA) and belong to the top 5% of the graduates of your year and preferrably have a graduation with a distinction such as honors or cum laude.

• You are fluent in English language and able to write scientific articles and reports (to be proven by your graduation thesis or another comparable report or co-authorship of published scientific articles).

How to apply

Send the following information:

• an application letter with a CV,
• a specification of GPA and transcript of records,
• an indication of your position in the class and year (e.g. 1st in a class of 20),
• evidence of excellence (e.g. graduation with honors) and a list of relevant awards,
• proofs of involvement in research (e.g. co-authorship of scientific articles),
• a description of your ideas for research in the specified area,
• names and email addresses of three scientists (typically your former professors) who can give a reference for you to prof.dr. Nicolai Petkov petkov@cs.rug.nl

Applicants will be asked to do a short assignment in order to demonstrate their research abilities. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

For further information visit http://www.cs.rug.nl/~petkov/vacancies/2007PhDstudent_shape.html