The Transregional Collaborative Research Center
SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition
Universities of Bremen and Freiburg, Germany
pursues interdisciplinary long-term research in Spatial Cognition. Particular emphasis is given to:
• Spatial Reasoning: Knowledge representation, human spatial thinking, computational
modeling, diagrammatic reasoning, cognitive and computational complexity, qualitative spatiotemporal
calculi;
• Action in Space: Cognitive robotics, explorative localization and mapping, robot navigation,
human navigation and wayfinding, sensorimotor representations of spatio-temporal structures,
embodied cognition;
• Communication and Interaction in Space: Formal methods, spatial and linguistic ontologies,
computational linguistics, environmental cognition, integration of spatial methods.
A description of the current research projects of the SFB/TR 8 is given at www.sfbtr8.uni-bremen.de.
The SFB/TR 8 is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
The SFB/TR 8 advertises the position of an independent
Junior Research Group Leader
(position and salary correspond to assistant professor)
The candidate should have an excellent scientific record and sufficient experience as a post-doc to independently
establish and run a research group. Applications from all disciplines engaged in spatial
cognition research are welcome, including artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive robotics,
computational linguistics, philosophy of mind, cognitive architecture, and cognitive geography.
The Junior Research Group will be embedded into the general structure of the SFB/TR 8 and will be
installed for 5 years to provide the opportunity of independent research. Extension of up to two years
is possible. Appropriate laboratory space, infrastructure, technical set-up and overheads will be
provided. Funding by the DFG includes the position of the research group leader as well as up to two
additional researchers and a technician on the basis of an approved research plan. Funds for consumables
and equipment also will be provided.
Candidates must not have been researchers of the SFB/TR 8 and should not be older than 35 years
(the age limit may be extended in special cases -- e.g. maternity / paternity leave). Applicants should
indicate to which SFB/TR 8 research projects they see the closest links with respect to their own
research interests. Following a first selection by the SFB/TR 8 the German Research Foundation and
the SFB/TR 8 will jointly conduct a peer review of the candidates and their research proposals.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit an extended research proposal and to visit the SFB/TR
8 for a colloquium presentation / interview.
Applications (preferably by email) containing CV, university transcripts / copies of certificates, a short
outline of the present and future research objectives (2 pages), a publication list together with selected
reprints and names of three referees (please specify full address including email contact) should be
submitted by 03 February 2007 to:
Dr. Thomas Barkowsky 
SFB/TR 8 - Spatial Cognition
Universitaet Bremen
P.O. Box 330 440
28334 Bremen / Germany
If some additional time to prepare the application is required, please send us a short notice by 03
February 2007 together with the date we will receive your complete application material.
Women are especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be
given preferential treatment. For details on conditions, background, and application criteria of
independent DFG Junior Research Groups in Collaborative Research Centers see
www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/promoting_young_researchers and
www.dfg.de/forschungsfoerderung/formulare/download/60_5e.pdf.