Subject: Postdoctoral Researchers in Music Cognition From: Luke Windsor <windsor(at)NICI.KUN.NL> Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 10:10:47 +0200Dear All, The following job announcements may be of interest to list-members. Please do not ask me for any more details, as I am just forwarding these for a third party. For further info by e-mail contact Renee Timmers: timmers(at)nici.kun.nl Best, Luke Postdoctoral Researchers in Music Cognition At the Nijmegen Institute of Cognition and Information (NICI) of the Nijmegen University a research team was set up in September 1997, supported by the Dutch Foundation for Scientific Research (NWO) as the PIONIER project "Music, Mind, Machine". This project aims at improving the understanding of the temporal aspects of musical knowledge and music cognition using computational models. The research is interdisciplinary in nature, with contributions from music theory, psychology and computer science. A number of studies is planned, grouped according to the following perspectives: the computational modeling methodology, the music domain itself, and applications of the findings. The methodological studies are concerned with the development of cognitive modeling languages, the study of (sub)symbolic formalisms, the development of programming language constructs for music, and the evaluation of physical metaphors in modeling expressive timing. The domain studies focus on specific temporal aspects of music, such as beat induction, grace note timing, musical expression and continuous modulations in music performance. In these areas both the construction of computational models and their experimental validation are being undertaken. The theoretical results will be applied in e.g., editors for musical expression for use in recording studios. In order to realize these aims, a multi-disciplinary research group was formed, in which teamwork and collaboration play a crucial role. It is expected that all team members are actively involved in building the team and the realization of the project's aims. The demands on the team members is high, conducting innovative and internationally recognized research. However, in return, our stimulating research environment provides adequate training and technical support, including a high-quality infrastructure and recording and music processing facilities. Close contact is maintained with the international community of researchers in this field. More information on the project and a description of the planned studies can be found at www.nici.kun.nl/mmm Ref 21.2.98 One postdoc will be responsible for improving an existing connectionist model for quantization and will design and validate this and other models and supervise their implementation. Quantization is the process of separating the categorical, discrete timing components -durations as notated in the musical score- from the continuous deviations in a musical performance. The project has, next to the fundamental aspects (connectionist models of categorical rhythm perception and their empirical validation), an important practical focus and aims at developing a robust component for automatic music transcription systems. The research will be realized at the lab for Medical and Biophysics (MBFYS) and at the Nijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information (NICI), both at the University of Nijmegen and is funded by the Dutch Foundation for Technical Sciences (STW). We are looking for a psychologist with experience in both experimental methods and in computational modeling. Experience with attractor networks is an advantage. Appointment will be full-time for three years, with a possible extension. Ref 21.3.98 The other position requires a Doctorate in Music Theory/Analysis, Psychology, or Music Cognition. A thorough knowledge of the music cognition literature is required, preferably centering on a computational modeling approach. In addition, the candidate needs to have ample practical experience in conducting experiments and a thorough knowldege of music theory. Although the project focuses on musical performance and rhythmic structure, research experience in these domains is not essential. He or she must be able and willing to collaborate with the other members of the team on existing research projects and contribute to the supervision of doctoral level research. The ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team is crucial. Experience in collaboration with researchers from computer science, artificial intelligence, or music technology would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of these fields. Appointment will be full-time for two years, with a possible extension. The Faculty of Social Sciences intents to employ a proportionate number of women and men in all positions in the faculty. Women are therefore urgently invited to apply. The selection procedure may entail an assessment of collaboration and communication skills. Applications (three copies, in English or Dutch) including a curriculum vitae and a statement about the candidate's professional interests and goals, and one copy of recent work (e.g., thesis, computer program, article) should be mailed to the Department of Personnel & Organization, Faculty of Social Sciences, Catholic University Nijmegen, P.O.Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Please mark envelope and letter with the appropriate vacancy number. ________________________________________________ Luke Windsor - http://people.nici.kun.nl/~windsor/ Music, Mind, Machine - http://www.nici.kun.nl/mmm/ Nijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information - http://www.nici.kun.nl/ e-mail: windsor(at)nici.kun.nl post: NICI - P.O. Box 9104 - 6500 HE Nijmegen - Nederland/The Netherlands phone: +31 (0)24 361 5606 fax: +31 (0)24 361 6066 Email to AUDITORY should now be sent to AUDITORY(at)lists.mcgill.ca LISTSERV commands should be sent to listserv(at)lists.mcgill.ca Information is available on the WEB at http://www.mcgill.ca/cc/listserv