SCIENTIST LEIPZIG
Neurosciences Cognitive Research Linguistics
Job Code: PD 12/22Job Offer from June 02, 2022
The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig is a leading international research institute where cognitive abilities and brain processes in humans are studied using various scientific methods. The independent research group Language Cycles is currently recruiting for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d).
Our group investigates how periodic electrophysiological activity of the human brain constrains our ability to understand language—and how this may have shaped human languages cross-linguistically. We link behavioral psycholinguistics, experimental neurolinguistics, and corpus linguistics.
MPI CBS is equipped with a 306-channel MEG system, several EEG systems, TMS, tDCS, two 3T MRI scanners, a 7T MRI scanner, and a SIEMENS Skyra Connectom high-field MRI scanner.
The successful candidate will analyze a large-scale cross-linguistic dataset of behavioral responses collected through a smartphone application over the past years. In particular, the candidate will analyze the relationship between spectral and temporal properties of behavioral responses and computational models of human language, including both symbolic and information-theoretic. The researcher is also expected to actively participate in the supervision of the group’s students. The position also encourages collaborative research within the Institute’s broad research portfolio (i.e., four departments as well as a line of junior research groups).
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in computational linguistics, data science, or an adjacent field. Prior international publications in renowned journals are desired. We expect experience with annotated linguistic corpora, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence; expertise in behavioral data analysis and/or time-series analysis is a plus. The ideal candidate is versed in time– and frequency-domain time-series analysis and fluent in Python™, MATLAB® and R.
The start date of the position should be no later than 1st September 2022. The duration of the post is 2 years, with the possibility of extending the contract by up to 1 year. Remuneration is based on the pay scale of the Max Planck Society.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Furthermore, Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, a motivational statement referring to all aspects of this call, contact information of two referees, academic certificates, and three prior publications that illustrate suitability. Please apply online via application portal (subject heading: “PD 12/22”). Closing date for application is 31st July 2022.
Leipzig is a vibrant city that has been called “Germany’s new cultural hot spot” by the Guardian and listed as one of the 52 places to go in 2020 by the New York Times. It has a long-standing history of classical music, academic education, and—more recently—modern arts. With its many parks, forests, canals and lakes, Leipzig is a perfect place for recreation, sports, and leisure time. It is located a one-hour train ride south of Berlin.
Should you have any questions, please contact Lars Meyer at lmeyer@cbs.mpg.de.