acwf@doc.ic.ac.uk (Anthony Finkelstein) (12/08/89)
Research Assistant Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine Department of Computing Social Knowledge Representation: an anthropological perspective A collaborative research project has been established by the Department of Computing, Imperial College in conjunction with the Centre for Social Anthropology and Computing, University of Kent and supported by the ESRC/SERC/MRC Joint Initiative in Cognitive Science. The primary objective of the project is to model complex multi-agent systems with a particular focus on "exteriorised" knowledge structures such as culture, ritual and institution, and related processes such as socialisation. This project is a self-contained part of a long-term programme of research, the goal of which is to design and develop formal means for describing social behaviour and theories about that behaviour, and to make verifiable predictions from these descriptions. In particular the project will: extend and refine formal schemes for modelling complex multi-agent systems; use these schemes to conduct detailed studies of the structure, use and modification of knowledge in specific human social groups; analyse the results of these studies and develop their implications. This project aims to bridge between the traditional concerns and methods of computer science and social anthropology in a novel and exciting way. We are seeking to appoint a research assistant at post-doctoral level (RA1A) to work on this project. Applicants will be expected to have proven ability and interest in both computing/artificial intelligence and social anthropology/ethnography. The research assistant will be primarily based at Imperial College, an international centre of excellence in computer science, where the appointment will be made, but will also be expected to spend some time at the University of Kent. Overseas travel and fieldwork may also be involved. The appointment will be made for 3 years at an appropriate point on the research assistant 1A scale (10,458 - 16,665 + London Allowance) according to qualifications and experience. Apply with a CV, the names and addresses of two referees to Mrs Kim Harrison, Department of Computing, Imperial College of Science and Technology, 180 Queen's Gate, London SW7 2BZ (tel: 01-589-5111 X 4988). Closing date for applications 8th January 1990. We would be glad to discuss the research project, its objectives and other research posts by telephone or electronic mail. Contact Dr. Anthony Finkelstein at Imperial College (tel: 01-589-5111 X 7535; email: acwf@doc.ic.ac.uk).