July 2009

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COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER JULY 2009

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I   Welcome to the Newsletter
II  Society News
III Announcements/Conferences
IV Positions Available
    -Faculty
    -Postdoctoral
    -Research Assistants  
    -Graduate Students
V Of Interest
                      

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I.    WELCOME TO THE COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

This newsletter is intended for CNS members only. It is a monthly
newsletter designed to update its members on events, job opportunities,
and related information in the field of Cognitive Neuroscience. The
Newsletter is emailed monthly to all current members. Membership and
contact information can be updated by logging into member's account. For
guidelines on submitting an announcement to the Newsletter, see
www.cogneurosociety.org/content/newsletter.

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MOVING? CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?

Don't forget to update your contact information!
www.cogneurosociety.org/content/membership

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 II.    SOCIETY NEWS


We have 2008 Annual Meeting Programs.  If you are interested in purchasing one send us an email to cnsinfo@cogneurosociety.org requesting a copy.  They are $20 (US or International) and this includes shipping and handling.


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III ANNOUNCEMENTS/CONFERENCES/Technical Assistance/Funding Opportunities

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New Cognitive Neuroscience journal free to CNS members (Conference/Symposium/Event)

Now accepting submissions for launch in 2010 and edited by Jamie Ward (University of Sussex, UK), the new journal Cognitive Neuroscience will be available free online to CNS members in its first year. Go to www.psypress.com/cognitiveneuroscience to sign up to this fantastic exclusive offer.

Cognitive Neuroscience will publish high quality empirical and theoretical papers in a unique mix of formats on any topic in the field of cognitive neuroscience, including, but not limited to: perception, attention, memory, language, action, decision-making, emotions, and social cognition.

What makes Cognitive Neuroscience different to existing publications?  Would you like a publisher to promise online publication of your research within 6 weeks of acceptance?  Would you like to avoid hefty charges for essential colour printing?  Do you think there is a need for more short empirical reports together with published discussion (rather than straight reviews) of hot topics?  If so, Cognitive Neuroscience should be the journal of choice for you.  This unique blend of features sets it apart from existing publications and we hope it will become a focal point for research and discussion in the field.

The journal will publish three types of article, which can be submitted through the online submission site: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/pcns

Short Reports are clearly argued and concisely written articles covering high quality empirical work in any area of cognitive neuroscience. The maximum word limit is 4000 words including abstract and references, but excluding tables, figures and legends.

Discussion Papers are an opportunity to evaluate and synthesise a significant body of research and to present new models and theories. They should not normally include new empirical data, but they may include meta-analyses or new models of existing data, and should also meet the additional criteria of being appropriate for published peer commentary.

Commentaries. When a Discussion Paper is accepted, it will be posted on the web and there will be a call for peer commentary for a limited amount of time. The purpose of a Commentary is to discuss one substantial issue arising from the Discussion Paper. The Commentary may be either positively or negatively disposed to the main thesis of the Discussion Paper, but it must contribute something new and relevant. This may be achieved, for example, by pointing out potential flaws in the logic or by drawing attention to other lines of evidence not previously considered.

Contact Information:
Rob Keery
Psychology Press Journals
27 Church Road
Hove
East Sussex BN3 2FA
UK
rob.keery@psypress.com
www.psypress.com/cognitiveneuroscience

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4th Annual Singularity Summit (Conference/Symposium/Event)
Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence

The Singularity Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to promoting rational thought about the dangers and the potential of advanced technologies, particularly relating to the acceleration of scientific progress.  We do so through our publications, the online community Less Wrong, summer internships, grants and annual summits.

4th Annual Singularity Summit

When: October 3-4, 2009

Where: Kaufmann Concert Hall of the 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave, New York City

Day 1: Technology and Opportunity

Topics and Speakers:
-Accelerating Change and The Singularity by Ray Kurzweil
-Progress in Synthetic Neurobiology by Ed Boyden
-Implications of Uploading by David Chalmers
-Brain Emulation by Anders Sandberg
-Presentations on Artificial Intelligence bridging from brain inspired to abstract architectures by Ben Goertzel, Randal Koene and Itamar Arel
-Neural Correlates of Consciousness by Stuart Hameroff
-What Quantum Computing Is and Is Not by Michael Nielsen -DNA Nanotechnology by Ned Seeman
-Insight Is Beauty Is Compression, Formal Methods in AI by Jürgen Schmidhuber
-Minds and Their Development, Neutral Monist Ontology by Gary Drescher
-Intelligence and Its Human Consequences by William Dickens

Day 2: Responsibility and Rationality

Topics and Speakers:
-Taking Responsibility: Life Extension by Aubrey De Grey and Gregory Benford
-Taking Responsibility: Human Extinction by Eliezer Yudkowsky
-Managing Bias and Improving Collective Deliberation by Philip Tetlock
-Formal Models of Optimal Decision Making by Anders Sandberg and Michael Nielsen
-Scientific Method presentations and panel by Gary Wolf, Michael Nielsen and Robin Hanson
-What Can We Expect From a Relatively Rational Animal by Gary Marcus
-IT Transparency and Security by Brad Templeton
-Business and Economic Theory Applied to Accelerating Change by Bela Nagy


Contact Information:
Aruna Vassar

aruna.vassar@gmail.com
http://www.singularitysummit.com

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Symposium (Conference/Symposium/Event)
Multimodal Neuroimaging Training Program, Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University

The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University is hosting its third symposium titled “Decision Making”, July 15 – 16, 2009.
Decisions range in complexity from sensory choices such as detecting the direction of a moving objects and recognizing a familiar voice, to value-based choices such as selecting a partner and deciding how to invest resources. This symposium brings together leading scientists using a variety of techniques to investigate behavioral and neural mechanisms of sensory- and value-based decisions. The goals of the 2009 Multimodal Neuroimaging Training Program Symposium on Decision Making are to learn about recent scientific findings from experts in the field and to evaluate how the integration of knowledge gained from multiple techniques can broaden our understanding of this critical ability. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required as seating is limited. Registration deadline 7/10/09. For detailed information and to register, please visit our website at www.mntp.pitt.edu.
*REGISTER ON-LINE @ www.mntp.pitt.edu.


Contact Information:
Tomika Cohen
McGowan? Institute
University of Pittsburgh
3025 E. Carson Street
Room 159
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
tdc52@pitt.edu
www.mntp.pitt.edu

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Positive Neuroscience Awards Request for Applications (Conference/Symposium/Event)
Positive Neuroscience Project, Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania

Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center has established the Templeton Positive Neuroscience Awards to advance research at the intersection of Neuroscience and Positive Psychology.

Up to twenty (20), 2-year grants averaging $200,000 will be awarded to researchers worldwide who hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent at the time of application and are no more than ten years beyond their doctorate or post-doctoral education.

Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, neuroscientific explorations of:

•    Virtue, strength and positive emotion
•    Exceptional abilities
•    Meaning and positive purpose
•    Decisions, values, and free will
•    Religious belief, prayer, and meditation

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a Letter of Intent and a CurriculumVitae? by September 30, 2009.  The official announcement and application details for this opportunity can be found on the Positive Neuroscience Website: www.posneuroscience.org


Contact Information:
Denise Clegg

dclegg@psych.upenn.edu
www.posneuroscience.org


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                            FACULTY POSITIONS            

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 Department Chair (Faculty Position)

Neurosciences, or Child/Family research, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina

The department chair position is "open area", but we hope to find someone with research background that contributes to our major research strengths (neuroscience, child/family research); someone in cognitive neuroscience would be welcome. By most measures the Dept of Psychology is the top department at the University of South Carolina, and this is an influential position in the university. See ad at our www site, www.psych.sc.edu

Contact Information:
John E. Richards
Department of Psych
U of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
richards-john@sc.edu
www.psych.sc.edu
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Workshop for Women Graduate Students and Post-Docs (Faculty Position)
Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Rice University

Rice University is sponsoring a workshop for senior women graduate students and post-docs who are interested in pursuing an academic career. The workshop, Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position, (October 18-19, 2009), is designed to provide participants hands-on experience to enhance their knowledge of and ability to find the right faculty position.  The workshop includes women from psychology as well as from natural sciences and engineering.  For psychology applicants, preference will be given to women in cognitive neuroscience. Through support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award, all travel, meals, and lodging costs will be provided for workshop participants.  Applications are due August 13.  The online application can be found at http://advance.rice.edu/negotiatingtheidealfacultyposition/form_intro.cfm

Topics Covered in Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position Workshop:
· Finding the right institutional fit
· Understanding what a search committee is looking for
· Putting together a successful faculty application
· Standing out in the interview
· Maximizing the impact of your interview seminar
· Negotiating a good start up package
· Finding out about the culture of the department & college
· Choosing good collaborators
· Obtaining funding
· Building your lab/research program
· Understanding the tenure process
· Balancing work and family


Contact Information:
Julia Amborski
Rice University NSF ADVANCE PROGRAM - MS 105
Houston,  Texas 77251

jambor@rice.edu
http://advance.rice.edu/negotiatingtheidealfacultyposition/form_intro.cfm


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Three Psychology Lecturers (Faculty Position)
Department of Psychological Science, School of Science, Birkbeck College, University of London

We are looking for a three lecturers to join our Psychology Department. Applications are invited from candidates with specialist interests in the core research areas supported by the Department, i.e., developmental psychology (esp. gene × environment interactions), cognitive neuroscience, computational/cognitive modelling, and health psychology (esp. quantitative). Evidence of an established or developing track record in research, including quality journal publications, is essential. You will be lecturing and supervising on the BSc? Psychology, and/or on other programmes, with administrative roles as appropriate. You will also provide research and teaching in an area of Psychology that provides synergy with existing activities within the Department.
These jobs are three year fixed term in the first instance. Salary will be £33,501 rising to £46,529 per annum on the Lecturer salary scales. The initial grade and salary award will be dependent on skills and experience.
For further information and to apply for this post please visit: www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs.
Informal enquiries can also be addressed to Professor Martin Eimer (m.eimer@bbk.ac.uk)
The closing date for completed applications is Friday 3rd July 2009.
Birkbeck is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religious belief and sexual preference.


Contact Information:
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street,
Bloomsbury,
London,
WC1E 7HX.

m.eimer@bbk.ac.uk
www.bbk.ac.uk
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                         POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS                

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Perceptual Decision-Making and Cognitive Control (Postdoctoral Position)
Kayser Lab, Department of Neurology, Gallo Institute, U.C. San Francisco

We’re looking for a candidate interested in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying decision making in both healthy subjects and patients with substance use disorders. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, psychology or a related field, or an M.D. degree with appropriate clinical training.  Strong computational skills and a record of previous research are welcomed; previous experience with fMRI and/or decision-making research is preferable but not necessary.  The initial appointment will be for two years.  The successful candidate will have access to a friendly and collaborative environment, as well as to extensive facilities at both U.C. San Francisco and U.C. Berkeley that include two Siemens Trio 3T MRI scanners.  Starting date is flexible.  Responsibilities will primarily involve designing, conducting and analyzing fMRI and behavioral studies.  Please send applications (a CV, statement of research experience and interests, and the names of 3 references) by email to akayser@gallo.ucsf.edu. Informal inquiries are welcome. Applications considered as received.

Contact Information:
Andrew Kayser
Gallo Institute
U.C. San Francisco
5858 Horton Street
Suite 200
Emeryville, CA  94608
akayser@gallo.ucsf.edu
http://www.galloresearch.org/index.php/investigators/kayserlab

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Post-doc Research Associate (Princeton University) (Postdoctoral Position)
Todorov Lab, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University

A two-year postdoctoral research position is available in the Princeton Neuroscience Institute at Princeton University working for Alexander Todorov, Assistant Professor of Psychology, to study the cognitive and neural basis of perceptions of emotional expressions. Successful applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in psychology with a conceptual background in emotion and attention research. Strong skills in statistical analysis and manuscript preparation are essential. Prior experimental work on how context affects perceptions of emotions is highly desirable. The final candidate must successfully pass an MR safety screening in order to work in the MR environment.Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is September 1st, 2009. To apply, please visit the website http://jobs.princeton.edu (requisition #0900190), create an online application and submit documents including cover letter, CV, one-page statement of research, 1 published article, and 2 letters of recommendation. Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable EEO and affirmative action regulations.  For general application information and how to self-identify, see http://www.princeton.edu/dof/policies/forms/newappoint_reclassif/PSoftSelfID.pdf.

Contact Information:

http://jobs.princeton.edu

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POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP  (Postdoctoral Position)
Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of Neurobiology, University of Kentucky

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Gold. Research topics include the neural bases of cognitive control and language processes, and the effects of healthy aging and mild dementia on these processes. The position presents the opportunity for a dynamic research experience employing behavioral, fMRI, and structural MRI methods. More specific information about our research is available on our webpage (http://www.mc.uky.edu/mrisc/cnlweb).

Scanning is performed on a research-dedicated 3.0 Tesla Siemens Trio magnet, located a corridor away from our lab. Established methods are in place for recruitment of senior participants through our Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (http://www.mc.uky.edu/coa/).

Qualifications: 1) a Ph.D. (or nearing completion of a Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline; 2) a strong background in cognitive science and/or MRI methods; 3) a promising publication record.

Current position is for 2 years, with renewal up to 5 years depending upon availability of funds. The start date is flexible. To apply, please email a statement of research interests and a CV to brian.gold@uky.edu

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REALTIME FMRI MODULATION OF BRAIN ACTIVITY & PAIN (Postdoctoral Position)
Stanford Systems Neuroscience & Pain Lab, Anesthesia/Radiology, Stanford University

Dr. Sean Mackey’s Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory at Stanford University, in close collaboration with Dr. Gary Glover (Director of the Stanford Lucas Imaging Center), is currently accepting applications for an postdoctoral research fellow to help develop and advance real time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the human brain and brainstem. While the primary application of this NIH funded position is to advance the application of real time fMRI for pain, the candidate will be directly interacting with a interdisciplinary group of Stanford researchers involved with real-time fMRI. This includes: Drs. Allan Reiss (Psychiatry), Ian Gotlib (Psychology), Brian Knutson (Psychology) and others.
The successful applicant will have technical qualifications that include C/C++/Matlab programming, GUI design, and signal processing experience. Applicants should have (or anticipate having) a Ph.D. and research background in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or similar fields. Applicants with very strong technical experience in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology, or related fields may also apply. Applicants should be experienced at conducting fMRI studies and be familiar with analysis software, such as BrainVoyager?, SPM/Matlab, and AFNI. Experience with presentation software (such as E-Prime) and programming languages a plus. Duties will also include manuscript preparation, and management of undergraduate researchers. The most successful applicants will have a demonstrated interest in pursuing publication and grant opportunities. Facilities include research-dedicated 1.5T, 3T, and 7T full-bore MR scanners, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Salary commensurate with experience. More information about our ongoing studies can be found on the web pages: http://snapl.stanford.edu and http://paincenter.stanford.edu

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please send a curriculum vitae, a personal statement describing research interests, 3 letters of recommendations, and up to 5 article reprints/preprints to:

Dr. Sean Mackey, MD, PhD?
c/o Andrew Morrow
Stanford University
780 Welch Road #208
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1573.
amorrow@stanford.edu
Applications will be reviewed until filled, but for thorough consideration, please submit all materials as soon as possible.  Applications via email are preferred.


Contact Information:
Andrew Morrow
780 Welch Road #208
Palo Alto CA 94304
amorrow@stanford.edu
http://snapl.stanford.edu


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Post-Doc Position Available @ Stanford (Postdoctoral Position)
Clinical and Cognitive Neurosciences, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, STANFORD UNIVERSITY

A postdoctoral fellowship position is available for functional & structural MRI
studies of patients with pathological laughing and crying syndrome. The
successful postdoctoral candidate will work in Dr. Josef Parvizi’s laboratory
(http://parvizilab.stanford.edu) and will have access to state-of-the-art
neuroimaging facilities at Lucas Imaging Center
(http://rsl.stanford.edu/lucas). We seek candidates with strong research
background in functional imaging and interest in cognitive neurosciences.
Candidates with prior fMRI publications will be preferred. Please email a CV,
statements of research interests and career goals, and names of three
references to professor Josef Parvizi at jparvizi@stanford.edu

Contact Information:
Josef Parvizi

jparvizi@stanford.edu
http://parvizilab.stanford.edu
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Post-doctoral Positions in Cognitive Neuroscience  (Postdoctoral Position)
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory , Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University

Post-doctoral positions are open in the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University administered by Dr. James R. Booth. We are broadly interested in how the brain changes over cognitive development and in individual differences in brain organization. Research in the lab is focused on (1) the neural basis of reading and language
development in typical children and in children with reading/language disability, (2) the neural basis of the development of mathematical cognition in typical children and in children with math/reading disability, and (3) neural basis of response inhibition and reward processing in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another active area of research is in the neural basis of the development of Chinese language processing. For more information about the lab go to: http://www.dcn.northwestern.edu/.
Candidates with previous experience in the collection and analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates are expected to have a demonstrated record of excellent scientific writing skills. Please address questions and/or send letter of application with statement of research interests and Curriculum Vita to James R. Booth (j-booth@northwestern.edu) by August 1, 2009 for full consideration. Also supply the names and contact information of three references. Starting date is flexible. Contact information: James R. Booth, Jo Ann G. and Peter F. Dolle Professor in Learning Disabilities, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois, 60208, phone 847-491-2519.

Contact Information:
James R. Booth
2240 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois, 60208
j-booth@northwestern.edu
http://www.dcn.northwestern.edu/

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Post-doctoral Position in Cognitive/Social Neuroscience (Postdoctoral Position)
Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Lab , Psychology, George Mason University

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Lab (http://mason.gmu.edu/~kperezed/ ) is seeking applications for a post- doctoral fellowship. The selected fellow will be part of an NIH-funded study of the developmental consequences of early temperament.  As part of this two-decade longitudinal study, the post-doctoral fellow will oversee an extensive fMRI study of the neural correlates of attention and reward processing in young adults with a childhood history of extreme temperament.  Fellows will participate in an active laboratory, contributing to study design, data collection, data analysis, training and supervision of research assistants, co-authoring publications, and the dissemination of findings.  This work will be done in collaboration with the research team at the University of Maryland and the NIMH. Interested candidates should have a PhD? in psychology or neuroscience and advanced expertise in one, preferably more, of the following:
1)    fMRI methods
2)    Task design and programming
3)    Cognitive or social neuroscience
4)    Developmental/temperament research
Additional skills required include competence in planning and multitasking, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, and a willingness to adapt to the changing demands of a dynamic research environment. The position begins Fall 2009 and is a two-year appointment. Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests and career goals, and one representative publication or paper to Koraly Pérez-Edgar at kperezed@gmu.edu.  Please use ‘fMRI Post-Doctoral Application’ as the subject line of the e-mail.

Contact Information:
Raja Parasuraman
Dept. Psychology, MS 3F5
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
kperezed@gmu.edu.
http://mason.gmu.edu/~kperezed/

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Post-doctoral position in artificial language learning (Postdoctoral Position)
Cross-national, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine

Applications are sought for a postdoctoral scholar position in the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. The candidate will be working with a group of international collaborators at UC Irvine, University of Southern California, and Beijing Normal University to study the cultural effects on second language learning and the underlying neural mechanisms, using functional imaging, structural imaging (VBM, DTI), and EEG. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience of language. Applicants should have a degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Linguistics or related areas.  A strong background in fMRI analysis techniques (SPM, FSL, MATLAB etc) is preferred. Applications received by July 15th will be guaranteed consideration and the search will continue until a qualified candidate is selected. Starting salary is $35,500. There will be full health and other benefits at the University of California, Irvine. Non-US citizens are welcome to apply*. Please make inquiries or send your application (including a cover letter stating professional goals and interests, CV, and the names and email addresses of three references, altogether in one “.pdf” file), to Dr. Chuansheng Chen at cschen@uci.edu.  UCI is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. *Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States as established by providing documents specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Contact Information:
Chuansheng Chen
Department of Psychology and Social Behavior
3340 Social Ecology II
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-7085
cschen@uci.edu

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Cognitive control (Postdoctoral Position)
Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego

Applications are sought for a position in Dr Aron's lab (www.aronlab.org) at the University of California, San Diego. Join our growing group and the UCSD neuroscience and psychology communities to study the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive control. This is an NIH funded grant. The appointment can be for up to five years. The ideal candidate will have a background in human cognitive neuroscience. However, candidates with a strong background in cognitive psychology will also be considered. The candidate will be proficient with computer programming. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with functional imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor system and electrophysiology. Salary level will be commensurate with experience. Non US Citizens are welcome to apply. Please send a CV to Dr Adam R Aron (adamaron@ucsd.edu), Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychology, University of California, San Diego.

Contact Information:
Adam Aron
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109
adamaron@ucsd.edu
www.aronlab.org

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POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN THE DIVISION OF COGNITIVE NEUROSCI (Postdoctoral Position)
Cognitive Electrophysiology Laboratory, Cognitive Neuroscience, NY Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center

The Cognitive Electrophysiology Laboratory in the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center has a postdoctoral position available. The position is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, which deals with cognitive aging, executive and memory function using event related brain potentials (ERPs) and behavioral measures. Applicants are expected to have completed a Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Cognitive Neuroscience, and have published (or had accepted) research in one of these areas. The candidate will have had experience carrying out research using a combination of ERP and behavioral methods, with software such as MATLAB, Presentation, EEGLAB, C++, and BESA. Applicants must have excellent organizational skills, be highly motivated, and able to communicate effectively and work in a team-oriented environment. The appointment can begin as early as August, 2009. Salary range is commensurate with experience with excellent fringe benefits. Written application should be accompanied by 1) a letter describing research interests, explicit description of skills and experience; 2) curriculum vitae and representative reprints; and 3) letters of reference and telephone numbers from three professionals with whom you have worked. For further information contact David Friedman, Ph.D., Cognitive Electrophysiology Laboratory, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Unit 6, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York City, New York 10032. Telephone: 212-543-5476; e-mail: df12@columbia.edu


Contact Information:
David Friedman
1051 Riverside Drive Unit 6
df12@columbia.edu
http://cepl.nyspi.org/
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COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE OF LANGUAGE POST DOC (Postdoctoral Position)
Brain Cognition and Language Lab, Department of Biology - Section in Neurobiology, University of Texas at San Antonio

The Brain Cognition and Language lab at the University of Texas at San Antonio is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the area of cognitive neuroscience of language.  The research emphasis will be in understanding adult real time language comprehension.  The primary technique used is Event Related Potentials (ERP).  The lab also recently acquired a state-of-the-art eye-tracking system. Dr. Nicole Wicha is head of the lab, as well as Chief of the ERP lab at the Research Imaging Center at UT Health Science Center - San Antonio, where a variety of imaging techniques are available, including PET, fMRI and TMS.

Dr. Wicha is an Assistant Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience, and received her PhD? in Cognitive Science in 2002 from the University of California at San Diego, under the mentorship of Drs. Marta Kutas and Elizabeth Bates.

Dr. Wicha's lab has several active research lines, many with a bilingual focus, including comprehension of language switches, influences of L1 on L2 comprehension, and the basis of bilingual arithmetic, and more general questions, such as understanding the predictive nature of sentence comprehension, uncovering interactions between different levels of language processing and the intersection between language and other aspects of cognition.

Applicants must have a PhD? and a strong background in the cognitive psychology or neuroscience of language, or related fields, as well as statistics and experimental design.  Experience with eye tracking, ERP, EEG or other neuroimaging methodologies and analyses is preferable. Proficiency in Spanish, or another language, is beneficial.

This position is available immediately, and will be funded by NICHD SC1 HD060435.  Salary is commensurate with NIH guidelines. UTSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, cooperative work environment. Women, members of under-represented minority groups and individuals with physical disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To apply please send a CV, statement of research interests and 3 letters of references to:
Nicole Y. Y. Wicha, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, Texas 78249-0662

Contact Information:
Nicole Y. Y. Wicha, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, Texas 78249
wicha@uthscsa.edu
http://www.bio.utsa.edu/faculty/wicha.html

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Post-doctoral associate in cognitive-emotional interactions (Postdoctoral Position)
Laboratory of Cognition and Emotion, Dept. Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington

In anticipation of funding, candidates are being considered for a postdoctoral research associate position in the laboratory of Dr. Luiz Pessoa. Work in the lab focuses on the interactions between cognitive and emotional systems using fMRI. Requirements include a PhD? in neuroscience or related area. Experience in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging and familiarity with neuroimaging analysis platforms are desirable, as well as mathematical/statistical and programming skills. The position offers excellent training in advanced aspects of neuroimaging data analysis, including connectivity analysis, machine learning, and other multivariate analysis techniques. Indiana University offers outstanding resources for neuroimaging and houses a 3T TIM Trio Siemens system. Indiana University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Anticipated start date is Dec 1st 2009 or soon thereafter. Please email a CV, letter of intent, and 2-3 letters of recommendation to Luiz Pessoa.

Contact Information:
Luiz Pessoa
Dept. Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University,
Bloomington, IN
lpessoa@indiana.edu
http://emotioncognition.org

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Research Scientist - auditory learning / auditory attention (Postdoctoral Position)
Auditory learning and development, Clinical section, Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing

The MRC Institute of Hearing Research (IHR) is looking for a recently graduated PhD? scientist to undertake research into factors affecting auditory development and learning using a combination of behavioural and neuroimaging techniques.  We particularly welcome applications from those who have recently completed their PhD? training, or wish to move into this exciting research from a related discipline. Experience in testing auditory or visual function is desired, and a sound knowledge of perceptual psychology, learning, or systems neuroscience, plus experience in experimental design and analysis and computer programming would be helpful.   Starting salary ranges from £24,831- £33,436 according to qualifications and experience. Appointment is fixed term ending 31.03.2012. Informal enquiries to Dr Johanna Barry (Senior Research Scientist) on (0115) 8493351 or, email: johanna@ihr.mrc.ac.uk. Apply online or request an application form with a job description and person specification by phoning (quoting ref 164-274-09) 0115 924 9924 ext 67086 / 61711. Closing date July 10.

Contact Information:
Johanna Barry
Jane Whiting
E11 Curie Court
QMC
Derby Road
Nottingham
NG7 2UH

johanna@ihr.mrc.ac.uk
http://jobs.nuh.nhs.uk/
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Research Officer (Postdoctoral Position)
WOLFSON CENTRE FOR CLINICAL AND COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE, SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY, BANGOR UNIVERSITY, UNITED KINGDOM

Applications are invited for the above postdoctoral position in social cognitive neuroscience.  This position is to work on a research grant awarded to Professor David Linden jointly with Professor Thomas Mussweiler of the University of Cologne, Germany. This grant is funded by the ESRC through their bilateral programme with the German Research Council (DFG). The aim of the project is to investigate the neural substrates of social comparison, one of the most pervasive cognitive processes humans engage in. The work will involve the adaptation of paradigms from social psychology research for functional imaging and the acquisition and analysis of behavioural and imaging data. The successful candidate will work closely with the research officer in the Cologne team. Professor Mussweiler’s group in Cologne is internationally leading in the fields of social judgement, stereotyping and decision making: http://social-cognition.uni-koeln.de/
The ideal candidate would have a PhD? in cognitive neuroscience or a related field, experience with stimulus programming and functional magnetic resonance imaging and an interest in the application of these skills to current topics in social psychology. This is a full-time position, the successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible and the post is available until May 2011. Starting Salary: £29,704 p.a. (on Grade 7).
The School of Psychology in Bangor, Wales was confirmed in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise in the top 10 psychology research departments in the UK, gaining a 100% score for the international excellence of its research environment (including PhD? research).  It offers an exciting research environment with a dynamic and growing imaging group. Further details of the School, including our extensive research facilities (3T MRI, ERP, MRI-guided TMS), can be found under http://www.psychology.bangor.ac.uk/.
Application forms and further particulars should be obtained by contacting Human Resources, Bangor University; tel: (01248) 382926/388132; e-mail: personnel@bangor.ac.uk; web: www.bangor.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 09-8/146 when applying. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 1st July, 2009. Committed To Equal Opportunities

Contact Information:
Prof. David Linden
+44(0)1248-382564
d.linden@bangor.ac.uk

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Postdoc in Human Electrophysiology (Postdoctoral Position)
Neural Dynamics Laboratory, Research Service and Dept. of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School

The Neural Dynamics Laboratory of the VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow. We study the relationships between oscillatory brain dynamics and visual/auditory processing (perception, selective attention, and interhemispheric interaction) in healthy individuals and individuals with schizophrenia. We employ high-density EEG, and collaborate with other labs in the Boston area on MRI/DTI and MEG. The position is supported by VA and NIH grants and is for 2-3 years. US citizenship or permanent resident status is required.

Contact Information:
Kevin M. Spencer, Ph.D.
VA Boston Healthcare System
Research 151C
150 S. Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130
kevin_spencer@hms.harvard.edu
https://ndl.hms.harvard.edu

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION - COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (Postdoctoral Position)
Cognitive Neuroscience and Functional Imaging, Radiology and Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

We are seeking applications for a position in the laboratories of Dr. Harrington (Radiology) and Dr. Poizner (Institute for Neural Computation) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).  Join the outstanding UCSD academic environment for cognitive neuroscience.  Our collaborative group of psychologists, neuroscientists, geneticists, and neuroimaging experts are studying neurobiological mechanisms of category and spatial learning.  The position offers an exciting opportunity for a multidisciplinary research experience in the areas of cognition, movement, learning, neuroimaging (simultaneous fMRI and EEG), and imaging genetics.  The resources provide ample opportunity for the development of innovative research and a broad cognitive neuroscience experience. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist able to work both independently and in a team. The full-time position is for 1 year, with annual extensions up to five years.  The candidate should hold a Ph.D. by the starting date, and have a background in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, fMRI, EEG, or a related field.  The candidate will be engaged in designing, programming, running, and analyzing experiments, and in writing scientific papers and grants.  Training in some techniques is available.  The expected start date is September of 2009, although there is some flexibility.

Direct inquiries (cover letter describing interests, CV, and names/email addresses of three references) to: dharrington@ucsd.edu (858-552-8585 ext. 7851).

Contact Information:
Deborah L. Harrington
VA San Diego Healthcare System (116A-13)
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
dharrington@ucsd.edu

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                        RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS         

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 RESEARCH ASSISTANT/COORDINATOR POSITION (Junior Specialist) (Research Assistant)

ADHD Program, M.I.N.D. Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

This laboratory studies children and adults with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and healthy development using behavioral, eye-tracking and neuroimaging methods. It is part of a larger ADHD M.I.N.D. Institute program with studies ranging from basic research to epidemiological studies of ADHD. Primary topics include working memory, self-control (delay discounting), cognitive control and clinical interventions.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to subject recruitment and scheduling; administering psychological assessments (to be trained); data entry; maintaining databases; purchasing; data and statistical analyses; preparing and tracking IRB proposals; grant preparation/submission; managing undergraduate researchers. B.A. or B.S. required. Previous fMRI research experience, familiarity with statistical analysis, background in computer programming are desirable. Strong quantitative skills required. Experience with E-Prime is helpful, but not necessary. Excellent interpersonal skills mandatory; must be comfortable with children and adolescents. Strong organizational skills and detail oriented style required. Opportunities to assist in manuscript preparation and present at scientific meetings are available. Start Date: July 1, 2009

Contact Information:
Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D.
2825 50th St.
MIND Institute
UC Davis Medical Center
Sacramento, CA  95817
julie.schweitzer@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/psychiatry/ourteam/faculty/schweitzer.html
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Senior/Research Assistant Position (Research Assistant)
Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley

Opportunity to work on behavioral, EEG and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating the role of sleep in human brain function. The successful candidate will participate in all aspects of data management and analysis related to lab projects, including fMRI and EEG experiments, managing and archiving data, technical support for lab personnel, together with administrative duties. There will be opportunity to assist in manuscript preparation, funding proposals and to present findings at scientific meetings. Previous experience with Matlab programming is critical, and brain imaging analysis (especially SPM) and EEg? analysis is highly desirable, as is statistical data analysis, e-prime and excel marco (visual basic) programming ability.

Background in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science or biomedical engineering preferred. Start-date: as soon as possible. Salary commensurate with experience. One-year minimum job commitment required. Consideration of applications will begin immediately, and will end when the position is filled. Email CV, including description of your skill and research experience relative to the above requirements, together with names of references to: mpwalker@berkeley.edu


Contact Information:
Matthew Walker
Tolman Hall
UC Berkeley
CA 94720

mpwalker@berkeley.edu
http://walkerlab.berkeley.edu/

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Research Assistantship/Fellowship at the NIH and WRAIR (Research Assistant)
Language Section, NIDCD, National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research are looking for a research assistant or a fellow with experience in fMRI and/or EEG analytic methods (preferably both) to manage the analysis of a large multimodal dataset examining sleep deprivation and sleep in humans.  Particular emphasis will be placed on statistical association of electrophysiological and hemodynamic data.  This multi-year project will require the candidate to implement new analytic approaches, conduct and summarize the results of analyses and write papers (on which he or she would be first author).

Contact Information:
Allen R. Braun, M.D.
National Institute on Deafness
and Other Communication Disorders
National Institutes of Health
Building 10, Room 8S235A
Bethesda, Maryland 20892

brauna@nidcd.nih.gov


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Neuroethics and Brain Development (Research Assistant)
The Laboratory of Dr. Martha Farah, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania

Research in the lab involves: 1. “Neuroethics” – social and ethical issues in neuroscience, including a study of the use and effects of stimulant drugs by normal healthy individuals for cognitive enhancement.  2. The effects of childhood poverty on brain development, including the interplay of genes and experience in the development of memory, executive function, and stress regulation.

Responsibilities: recruiting, scheduling and testing subjects; experimental design; data analysis.  Requirements: bachelor’s degree in any subject with some background in psychology and/or neuroscience, previous research experience, strong computer skills, an analytic mind, “people skills,” good organizational ability.

Start date: Sept 1, 2009 (flexible).  Competitive salary, which depends on experience and qualifications.

Please send the following to iilieva@sas.upenn.edu:

Resume listing education and previous work positions;

Names and phone numbers for 3 academic and/or work references;

Unofficial transcript of college courses and grades;

Statement of interests and career goals;

College term paper or research report.

Contact Information:
Irena Ilieva
University of Pennsylvania
Center for Cognitive Neuroscience
3720 Walnut Street
Room B51
iilieva@sas.upenn.edu
 
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                            GRADUATE STUDENTS             

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PhD? position in Cognitive Neuroscience (Graduate Student Position)
Language and dyslexia, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich

The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Zurich is seeking a PhD? student to work on the project “Neural print tuning and persistence of dyslexia” (Prof. Daniel Brandeis, Dr. Urs Maurer). The goal of this project is to investigate how visual tuning for print affects dyslexia in adolescence and adulthood. The adolescents are part of a longitudinal cohort followed since kindergarten. Print tuning will be measured by simultaneous recordings of EEG and fMRI data. Requirement for this position are a Master’s degree in a field related to cognitive neuroscience, such as neuropsychology or neurobiology, fluency in German and good knowledge in English (oral and written), and experience in at least one of the imaging methods used. Desirable qualifications include good computer skills, technical interest, good communication and motivational skills, and being a good team player. The position will start on August 1, 2009 (later start negotiable) and will last 3 years. Salaries are according to the policies of the Swiss National Science foundation. Applications including a CV and names of 2 references should be sent to Daniel Brandeis (brandeis@kjpd.uzh.ch) by July 6, 2009. Later applications may be accepted after informal inquiries.

Contact Information:
Daniel Brandeis
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
Neumunsterallee 9,
8032 Zurich
brandeis@kjpd.uzh.ch
http://www.caps.uzh.ch/

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                              OF INTEREST ~             

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Entertainment=Emotion (International workshop) – From November 15 to 21, 2009 - Centro de Ciencias de Benasque Pedro Pascual (Spanish Pyrenees).

What is the relationship between entertainment and emotions in the consumption of new forms of media?
How does said relationship affect the attitudes, behaviors and thoughts of audiences?
What new emotions are generated by the new forms of interactive entertainment?
How does interactivity affect the emotional experience of entertainment?
What is the importance of morality or aesthetic appreciation in the experience of emotions during the consumption of media entertainment?
What emotions do we consume through new interactive products?
How do the intensity and valence of emotions change our aesthetic perception of entertainment products?
How are we influenced both by the emotions experienced during the processes of media entertainment, and by the perception of entertainment we obtain from experiencing these emotions?
Where are we taken by the emotions that entertain us?
Are there other ways of entertaining ourselves that make us freer?
In what products, and with what characteristics, are emotions stimulated or presented nowadays?
What are the cultural, economic, ideological, sociological, or artistic consequences of experiencing media emotions nowadays?
Does entertaining ourselves essentially mean generating emotions?

These are the kind of questions that will be answered at Entertainment=Emotion (E=E), the first edition of a very special workshop that will be held at the Centro de Ciencias de Benasque Pedro Pascual (CCBPP) from November 15 to 21, co-managed by María Teresa Soto Sanfiel (Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising, at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) and Peter Vorderer (Center for Advanced Media Research -CAMeRA?-, Free University Amsterdam).

E=E is an international workshop to which researchers, professionals and students of media entertainment are invited. The event, which follows a very special format, far removed from the traditional meetings held in the area, seeks to create the right atmosphere for prominent international researchers, media professionals, creators of content and students to think together about the phenomenon of emotions in the audiovisual consumption of entertainment. Of special interest to E=E are the new forms of interactive entertainment that provoke new emotional experiences among audiences.

The organizers are hoping that such a meeting, in the magnificent setting of the CCBPP, surrounded by beautiful mountains and delightful scenery, will encourage relaxed exchange between researchers and professionals from different traditions and of differing levels of experience, and for this to produce new visions and problems to be investigated, and the inspiration to create content. They also hope to create a permanent meeting point for media entertainment researchers that sets a first class international standard.

The organizers also hope to help generate aesthetic, philosophical, sociological and political discourse on the good for cultural progress signified by the different forms of emotional experience obtained during media entertainment processes. In this sense, the ultimate aim of E=E is to generate knowledge that arouses positive, free and responsible attitudes to the use, and experience, of emotions in relation to the consumption of audiovisual entertainment.

Similarly, the organizers of E=E seek to promote the creation, at the CCBPP, of a high level academic space where professionals and researchers can exchange and experience in situ the emotions produced through exposure to products that can generate emotion in order to entertain.

Finally, the organizers aim to investigate new forms of interactive entertainment and the emotional experiences they generate, and we therefore invite any developments to be exhibited or presented.

The application period for the presentation of reports, presentations, exhibitions, audiovisual performances and poster session ends on September 7. The candidatures will be evaluated by a scientific committee, after which a list of those accepted will be published. For more information about the requirements for participation, please visit the website (http://www.benasque.org/2009emotion/) or write to Maria Teresa Soto (mariateresa.soto@uab.es <mailto:mariateresa.soto@uab.es>;).

A limited number of people can attend the workshop, so we advise you to send in your application as early as possible.

Meanwhile, we would also be hugely grateful if you could help us promote the event by forwarding this message on to your contacts. It is a new initiative and we need help ensuring that the invitation reaches everybody that could be interested.

The CCBPP is managed by Physics Professors José Ignacio Latorre (UB) and Manuel Asorey (UZAR) and is supported by the Spanish Ministry for Education and Science, the Benasque Town Council, the Government of Aragon, the University of Zaragoza and the BBV. The CCBPP is a centre of renowned international prestige and is used to hold high level scientific meetings and, as well as hosting this meeting, seeks to stimulate the production of significant advances both in the study of science as in the professional creation of content, associated to the experience of emotions in media entertainment.

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--
Sangay Wangmo
Administrative Assistant
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Save the date!

17th CNS Annual Meeting
April 17-20, 2010.
Hilton Bonaventure Hotel
Montreal ,Canada

www.cnsmeeting.org

www.cogneurosociety.org

Mailing address:
CNS
C/o Center for Mind and Brain
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616

Courier address:
CNS
C/o Center for Mind and Brain
202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 201
Davis, CA 95616

Fax:  805.456.0577