April 2019 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Creating a list of important computational predictions
by Yiota Poirazi Jan. 4, 2021

Jan. 4, 2021

Dear all, I believe you would agree that, the greatest recognition of our computational work comes with the experimental verification of our computational predictions. To highlight the most important outcomes of our theoretical work and facilitate a closer interaction with experimental labs so as to increase the chances of our predictions being experimentally tested, I would like to encourage you to nominate your favorite prediction at the following google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJZ2RrXJ0nZonIuyNzN0Cl gXDKDb7xTzoJOiqZTGxm9Kh7ow/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link This effort started during the CNS 2017 meeting in Antwerp with the support of the OCNS Board. The resulting list will be posted on the CNS 2017 web site and disseminated in social media, as a reference for experimentalists. Thank you very much for supporting this important effort! Best wishes, Yiota Poirazi -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by *E.F.A. Project* <http://www.efa-project.org>, and is believed to be clean. Click here to report this message as spam. <http://mailgate1.imbb.forth.gr/cgi-bin/learn-msg.cgi?id=4BCD7A00A1.A57D7&to…> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/>

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[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer Jan. 23, 2020

Jan. 23, 2020

Dear colleagues, we are happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access). This is a biannual newsletter addressing the sciences of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and neuroscience. It is available at: https://goo.gl/NAwBfD Featuring dialog: === "Curiosity as Driver of Extreme Specialization in Humans" == Dialog initiated by Celeste Kidd with responses from: Elizabeth Bonawitz, Maya Zhe Wang, Brian Sweis, Benjamin Hayden, Susan Engel, Abigail Hsiung, Shabnam Hakimi, Alison Adcock, Moritz Daum, Arjun Shankar, Tobias Hauser, Goren Gordon and Perry Zurn == Topic: Curiosity-driven learning is probably one of the most fundamental mechanisms in human learning, and yet it is also probably one of the least understood. Broadly construed as spontaneous exploration and engagement with activities or material without any extrinsic goal (as opposed to searching for information useful for an extrinsic goal), many mysteries remain to be uncovered. What are the causal links between curiosity and learning? How does prior knowledge about a topic or an activity relates to curiosity about this topic? What is the role of curiosity in life-span development? Can human curiosity explain the apparently unique tendency of humans for extreme specialization? Reversely, how do different forms of curiosity (diversive or specific) evolve as children grow up and become adults? While early computational models of curiosity propose theoretical approaches to understand their cognitive mechanisms, how can we understand the affective/ emotional dimensions of curiosity? And how has the linguistic concept of “curiosity” evolved in occidental culture? Call for new dialog: === « Leveraging Adaptive Games to Learn How to Help Children Learn Effectively" == Dialog initiated by George Kachergis == Topic: How can one achieve efficiently “translational educational sciences” and get these principles used in real-world large-scale educational technologies? In this dialog, Georges Kachergis highlights challenges related to collaborations between cognitive scientists and game developers, how to deploy real world experiments, and how to enable scientific understanding when many variables cannot easily be controlled? Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to submit a response by December 15th, 2018. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) Let us remind you that all issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: https://goo.gl/ZjjZNz I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flowers project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pyoudeyer and Fabien Benureau, Editorial Assistant Cognitive NeuroRobotics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa Japan Email: fabien.benureau [at] oist [dot] jp

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Postdoc positions on Consciousness Research at Monash Uni, Australia
by Naotsugu Tsuchiya Jan. 13, 2020

Jan. 13, 2020

Position A: DP180100396 (in collaboration with Masafumi Oizumi, Hiroto Kawasaki, Giulio Tononi) No report paradigm in EEG/MEG/intracranial recordings and the analysis of integrated information across sensory and prefrontal cortex Position B: DP180104128 (in collaboration with Marta Garrido, Ueli Rutishauser, Ralph Adolphs) The analysis of MEG/intracranial recordings, using Granger causality and integrated information We are looking for highly talented postdocs (application from PhD students with a prospect of getting PhD in 1 year are welcomed) for the above two ARC-funded positions. Ideal candidates in both positions would have strong publications, strong programming skills in Matlab/Python, strong background in data analysis, preferably neuroimaging data or neural spikes. The projects include 1) design of various psychophysical paradigms (*pdf <https://academic.oup.com/nc/article/doi/10.1093/nc/niw023/2970153/Are-we-un…>)*, including no-report paradigms (*pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9N0ysU85rs7bEF5d1VVX3J4T3c/view>*), which can be used for subsequent EEG/MEG/intracranial recording experiments and 2) analysis of EEG/MEG/intracranial data using the approximations of integrated information (link1 <http://www.eneuro.org/content/4/5/ENEURO.0085-17.2017>, *link <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9N0ysU85rs7NFVSQlIza215eVU> *, *link <http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/12/02/1603583113.abstract>*, *link <http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.10046…>)* ). Please send the inquiry with your CV to naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu. Applicants with most fit background and skills will be contacted for subsequent interview over the internet. The positions will be available until they are filled. Regards Nao Tsuchiya -- -- *Nao (Naotsugu) Tsuchiya* Associate Professor *Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences* Attention and Memory Program School of Psychological Sciences Monash University 770 Blackburn Monash Brain Imaging facility, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia T: +61 3 9905 4564 E: naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu W: homepage: http://users.monash.edu.au/~naotsugt/Tsuchiya_Labs_Homepage http://med.monash.edu.au/psych/email-sig/miccn-email-sig.jpg <http://www.monash.edu/neuro-institute/> 2. Visiting Researcher at Department of Dynamic Brain Imaging, Advanced Telecommunications Research (ATR), Japan 3. Visiting Researcher at CiNet, Osaka University, Japan orcid.org/0000-0003-4216-8701

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Professorship in Artificial Intelligence
by Steuber, Volker May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Professor of Artificial Intelligence University of Hertfordshire, UK School of Computer Science, College Lane Campus, Hatfield Salary £58,293 to £64,397 pa dependent on skills and experience FTE: Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0FTE) Duration of Contract: Permanent position Closing date: 3 September 2018 Applications are invited for an exceptionally well qualified Professor of Artificial Intelligence of international standing who shares our commitment to research-informed teaching, embraces the research impact agenda, and values collegiality. Applicants will strengthen existing activity within the School and develop it further, enhancing the research strengths and external reputation of the School of Computer Science and contributing significantly to its performance in future research assessments and collaborations with public and commercial partners. The successful applicant will connect to and complement the research conducted by the Adaptive Systems Research Group within the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research. The School hosts the University of Hertfordshire Robot House, a facility ubiquitously equipped with low-cost sensors providing a realistic environment for experiments with robotics in a smart home; a fully-fledged RoboCup lab for development of humanoid robots participating in international competitions, and a large variety of different robotic platforms, including iCub and Baxter. We encourage applications from researchers across a wide spectrum of AI, and particularly encourage applications from researchers working on emerging topics in AI. Possible fields include, but are not limited to: • Machine learning: reinforcement learning, Deep Methods, statistical methods, large scale data modelling/intelligent processing and high-performance learning algorithms • Robotics: embodied and/or cognitive robotics, HRI, robot safety, emotional/social robots, smart homes and sensors, sensor fusion, assistive robotics • Complex Systems: collective intelligence, adaptive, autonomous and multi-agent/robot systems, collective and swarm intelligence, social and market modelling, adaptive, evolutionary and unconventional computation • Mathematical Modelling: statistical modelling, information-theoretic methods, compressive sensing, intelligent data visualization, multiscale models, optimization • Emerging Topics in AI: computer algebra and AI, topological methods (e.g. persistent homology), modern topics in games and AI • AI and applications: financial modelling, AI and biology/physics/cognitive sciences • Foundations: fundamental questions of intelligence and computation, emergence of life/intelligence, Artificial Life As well as providing research supervision at PhD and MSc level, the School of Computer Science offers modules in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, neural and evolutionary computing, as well as Artificial Life on the BSc and MSc programmes. Applicants will be committed to a strong research and research-informed teaching agenda, and will actively contribute to increase research impact of the School, in the enthusiastic, welcoming and collegiate environment of the school. Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English, an internationally excellent research record and reputation, including publications of the highest quality suitable for submission to the REF (UK Research Excellence Framework). Applicants are expected to show evidence of experience and success in research/commercial income generation, engagement with the research impact agenda, engagement with key stakeholders in the relevant Artificial Intelligence community and management and leadership ability. The professor will have opportunity to contribute actively to interdisciplinary research projects at the school and university level. Applications must be made online https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies?, reference 016194?. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Volker Steuber (Associate Dean Research, v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk) or Professor William Clocksin (Dean of School, w.clocksin(a)herts.ac.uk) Please note that applications sent directly by email will not be accepted.

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7th Baltic-Nordic School on Neuroinformatics BNNI 2019, August, Frankfurt Germany
by Martin Mittag May 6, 2019

May 6, 2019

*7th Baltic-Nordic School on Neuroinformatics BNNI 2019* *Modeling Healthy and Diseased Brain: From Dendrites to Neurons and Networks*** *Frankfurt am Main, Germany* *26-28 August 2019* ** *We invite* Advanced master students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers are welcome to participate in the BNNI 2019 to be held at the FIAS, the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Frankfurt Main, Germany in August 2019. *The Course* The course is interdisciplinary and covers modeling at different levels of organization of the brain, from single neurons to microcircuits and networks. We will focus on differences between healthy and diseased brains. Participants will learn about compartmental and morphological modeling of synapses, dendrites and neurons, as well as simulating local field potentials (LFPs). The course combines lectures, tutorials and computer exercises. This summer school is the seventh in the series of the Baltic-Nordic Courses on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2013 in Kaunas, Lithuania; BNNI 2014 in Tampere, Finland; BNNI 2015 in Tartu, Estonia; BNNI 2016 in Warsaw, Poland; BNNI 2017 in Kaunas, Lithuania; BNNI 2018 in Ventspils, Latvia). *Target audience* The target audience of the course will be advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical and technology sciences, from medicine, biology, psychology, to mathematics, informatics, information technology, physics, chemistry, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Some experience with programming and quantitative reasoning as well as strong interest in computational and mathematical modeling of the brain will be desirable but not necessary to benefit from the school. We will use the NEURON simulation environment for biophysical realistic models of neurons and the Matlab software package including the TREES toolbox. Desktop computers will be provided for the exercise part. *Important Dates* * 15 May 2019*: Application deadline * 1 June 2019:* Acceptance notification *26 - 28 August 2019:* School *Venue* The lectures will be held on 26th to 28th of August, 2019, at the: Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Ruth-Moufang-Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Frankfurt is a very international city in the heart of Germany and Europe. The city centre combines the historic, medieval past with the modern, economic present. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Frankfurt! *More information and applications at* _web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2019/en <http://web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2019/en>_ *Practical arrangements* The organizers will provide teaching materials, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses. There is a small fee to be paid (30 - 100 EUR). If you are not sure whether you can afford it, apply anyway. We have some stipends for members of OCNS (www.cnsorg.org) to give away. Student residence is provided and close to the campus in the Relexa hotel. *Faculty includes* Marja-Leena Linne, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland Bruce Graham, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Stirling, UK Ausra Saudargiene, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Arnd Roth, Wolfson Institute of Biomedical Research, University College London, UK Misha Tsodyks, Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel Dieter Jäger, Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, USA Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences & University of Oslo, Norway Matthew Larkum, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany Daniel Wojcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland Hermann Cuntz, ESI & FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany Peter Jedlicka, ICAR3R, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany Gilles Laurent, MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany Jochen Triesch, FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany Tatjana Tchumatchenko, MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany Julijana Gjorgjieva, MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany Arvind Kumar, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden Aiste Pranckeviciene, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Viola Priesemann, MPI Göttingen, Germany Matthias Kaschube, FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany *Organizing committee* **** **Peter Jedlicka, ICAR3R, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany Ausra Saudargiene, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Marja-Leena Linne, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland Jochen Triesch, FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany * We are looking forward to welcoming you at the BNNI 2019 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany!*

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NeuroBridges 2019 School Announcement
by Ahmed El Hady May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

*/NeuroBridges 2019 Summer school , Cluny, France/* */( September 8th - September 19th, 2019)/* I would like to bring to your attention the *NeuroBridges 2019 Computational Neuroscience School*. <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html> NeuroBridges <https://www.facebook.com/NeuroBridges/>is a one-of-a-kind series of scientific meetings in brain research, which brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote international scientific cooperation in system and computational neuroscience. A major goal of this school is to serve as a bridge between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, addressing system-level questions. This year the school will primarily focus on the neural basis and computational principles underlying sensory- motor tasks, in which the agent chooses from a small number of actions based on sensory and operant cues. *The forthcoming NeuroBridges 2019* will be a ten-day summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions in the field of decision making. In addition to the lectures, the students will work in groups on small research projects. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily (but not only) from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. Through the online application system, you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. In addition, we request two recommendation letters. The school will take place between *September 8 and September 19, 2019* in Le Centre de Conferences Internationales de Cluny (CCIC) <http://www.ccic.eu/index.html>. Cluny is a small medieval town in Burgundy, France, located about 400km southeast of Paris (accessible by fast train, TGV). All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. *NeuroBridges* is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady <http://scholar.princeton.edu/ahmedelhady/home> (Princeton Neuroscience Institute, USA), Yonatan Loewenstein <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/loewenstein/home>(Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) and David Hansel <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/david-hansel/> (CNRS, Paris, France). Review of applications will end in May 2019. *2019 Faculty:* Merav Ahissar (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=ahissar/home> Athena Akrami (UCL) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=ahissar/home> Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) <https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/rafal-bogacz> Thomas Boraud (CNRS) <http://www.inb.u-bordeaux2.fr/dev/EN/researcher.php?researcher=Thomas+Borau…> Mathew Diamond (SISSA) <https://phdcns.sissa.it/faculty/mathew-diamond> Ido Erev (Technion) <https://web.iem.technion.ac.il/en/people/userprofile/erev.html> Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehdi_Khamassi> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> The deadline for application is *April 30th, 2019 *and the following is the website including the link for the online application: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> For more information, please contactneurobridges2019(a)gmail.com <mailto:neurobridges2018@gmail.com>.

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Fully Funded PhD position: Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain, Trento (Italy)
by Emanuele Olivetti April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-years Ph.D. scholarship at the NeuroInformatics Laboratory (NILab), Italy. NILab is a joint collaboration between Fondazione Bruno Kessler ( https://www.fbk.eu/en/about-fbk/) and the Center of Mind and Brain Sciences (https://www.cimec.unitn.it/en/14/the-center) within the University of Trento, Italy. Title: Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain Topics: machine learning, brain connectivity, diffusion MRI, Magnetoencephalography (MEG), longitudinal studies and human cognition Description: Neuroimaging methods, like sMRI, dMRI, fMRI and MEG/EEG can be used to investigate the anatomical and functional connectivity of the brain. This project will enable the candidate to pursue research on machine learning methods for such neuroimaging data for brain connectivity, with applications to longitudinal studies and to human cognition. The ideal candidate should have a mixed background both in cognitive neuroscience and numerate disciplines, like computer science, engineering, physics or mathematics. This project is in collaboration with the Division of Neurosurgery, S. Chiara Hospital, Trento and with the MEG Lab of CIMeC/LNiF, University of Trento. Please contact in advance: Emanuele Olivetti, olivetti(a)fbk.eu Deadline: May 21, 2019 Online application details below. Corresponding research area in the online application: NEUROIMAGING METHODS AND ANALYSIS Topic-Specific Grant: "4. Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain." ---------------------------------------------------------- From: PhD CIMeC <phd.cimec(a)unitn.it> Subject: [CIMeC-FYI] Call for 17 funded PhD positions NOW OPEN @ CIMeC, UNITrento. Italy Dear CIMeC Supporters, We are pleased to announce the opening of our annual call for *17 PhD fellowships* for the international Doctorate in Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CIMeC), commencing November 2019 at the University of Trento, Italy. As you will see from the links below, the call is open to several fields of cognitive neuroscience research. Interested candidates should contact the Principle Investigators who proposed topics of interest to them. - *Admissions*: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/admission - Proposed 2019 PhD research topics: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/research-topics - PhD Application *summary*: *https://www.unitn.it/drcimec/116/admission-doctorate-cognitive-and-brain-sciences <https://www.unitn.it/drcimec/116/admission-doctorate-cognitive-and-brain-sc…>* - PhD *Application *link: https://webapps.unitn.it/Apply/en/MyUnitn/Home/669/dott/cbs35 - PhD Application *Deadline*:* Thursday May 21, 2019, at 4pm (Italian time)* - *CIMeC*: http://www.unitn.it/cimec This year’s research topics proposed by the Doctoral Program Committee for 5 UNITN grants are visible here: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/research-topics, while the 12 topic-specific grants’ details can be found here: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/topic-specific-grants *The CIMeC, it’s doctoral program and UNITN in numbers:* - UNITrento ranks among top Italian Universities https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1636/rankings - *4-yr program* (Nov. 1, 2019- Oct. 31, 2023). - Why a 4-yr program <http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/node/117> - Courses are in English - 17 positions, 100% funded - Salary: starting at approximately €1.200/mo., net - Winners receive a €4887 tax-free research/mobility budget - Why choose UNITRENTO <http://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1629/why-choose-the-university-of-trento> Please feel free to browse the FAQ <http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/node/122> pages on our website for further information, or contact the Head of the Programme, Prof. Yuri Bozzi phd.cimec(a)unitn.it. Regards, Leah Mercanti -- Leah Mercanti CIMeC PhD Program Administrator -------------------------------------------------------- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences University of Trento Corso Bettini, 31 I-38068, Rovereto (TN) Tel: +39 0464 80 8617 Fax: +39 0461 28 8690 Skypename: lleahhatwork Email: phd.cimec(a)unitn.it http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/ -- -- Le informazioni contenute nella presente comunicazione sono di natura privata e come tali sono da considerarsi riservate ed indirizzate esclusivamente ai destinatari indicati e per le finalità strettamente legate al relativo contenuto. Se avete ricevuto questo messaggio per errore, vi preghiamo di eliminarlo e di inviare una comunicazione all’indirizzo e-mail del mittente. -- The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material.

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Call for SIG and WG meetings in Warsaw, before INCF's Neuroinformatics 2019. Deadline June 1.
by Malin Sandström April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Dear all, INCF is calling for community proposals for Special Interest Group (SIG) and Working Group (WG) meetings to be held in Warsaw on 31 August 2019, the day before the INCF Assembly. The call is open both to new and existing INCF SIGs/WGs. *Deadline is June 1st.* INCF is working to make neuroscience more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, interoperable, Reusable), by promoting the creation and uptake of standards and best practices in neuroscience, as applied to tools and infrastructure, and by running a community endorsement process for new and existing standards and best practices. SIGs have an important role in this process, as community-initiated groups where users and developers can meet to align interests, set up working groups and work collaboratively to develop, refine, and implement new community standards and best practices to be proposed for endorsement. The SIGs also serve as the focus for getting agreement and community buy-in on the use of these standards and best practices. SIG meetings in Warsaw should aim to: - investigate the possibility to establish new SIGs (possible activities include: survey for possible members and group activities, draft a plan of activities from community input) - update community members on SIG activities and progress since last year (existing SIGs), invite community input - form Working Groups (possible activities include: general meeting, set deliverables (develop new or extend existing standards and best practices), work on an application for INCF Working Group funding WG meetings in Warsaw should aim to: - update community members on SIG activities and progress since last year (existing WGs), - invite community input, - solicit new members INCF will support both SIGs and Working Groups with meeting logistics at INCF-associated meetings during the upcoming year, as well as offer funding for Working Group activities. Please submit your proposals for SIG and WG meeting themes no later than *June 1st*. Note that the submitter is assumed to also be the meeting leader, unless otherwise stated. Any questions can be directed to Malin Sandström, malin(a)incf.org Call page: https://www.incf.org/activities/standards-and-best-practices/incf-special-i… INCF SIG pages: https://www.incf.org/activities/standards-and-best-practices/incf-special-i… Best regards, Malin -- Malin Sandström, PhD Community Engagement Officer malin.sandstrom(a)incf.org International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 15 A SE-171 77 Stockholm Sweden http://www.incf.org

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Web Site Moved
by Jim Perlewitz April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

”Computational Neuroscience on the Web” has moved. Please update bookmarks / links. It can now be found here: https://compneuroweb.com <https://compneuroweb.com/> For 20 years, the site has been providing links to CNS researchers, modeling and analysis software, web accessible data and models, mailing lists, conferences, workshops, courses and more, Do give it a look. Please send suggestions. Best regards, Jim

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Registration open for the UK Neural Computation 2019 meeting
by Mark Humphries April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019

We are delighted to announce that registration is open for the UK Neural Computation 2019 meeting! The main meeting will be 2nd-3rd July 2019, at the University of Nottingham. Invited speakers: Athena Akrami / Andy Barron / Tim Behrens / Claudia Clopath / Matthias Hennig / Simon Laughlin / Rosalyn Moran / Cian O'Donnell / Chris Summerfield / Tim Vogels / Barbara Webb Please register here: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019/registration Deadline: June 21st 2019 We are offering a limited number of registrations (25) for early-career researcher workshops preceding the meeting, on Monday July 1st. Please see the Programme for full details at https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019 Abstract submission is still open here: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019/abstracts Abstract submission closes: May 10th Decisions: May 24th Kind regards Mark Humphries (Chair) Hannes Saal, Robert Schmidt, and Stuart Wilson (Organising committee) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

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Workshop in Copenhagen, May 23rd-25th 2019
by Henrik Anders Lindén April 28, 2019

April 28, 2019

Dear colleagues, We are organising a somewhat unusual workshop this coming May where we still have some seats left. The purpose of the workshop is to gather leading neuroscientists to discuss how a fundamental brain theory could be formulated. Each participating speaker has been given as homework to prepare a talk describing their view on such a theory, and to speculate on aspects where they don’t yet have the answers. The workshop will be a “real” workshop the sense that the invited speakers will work together on formulating a theory, and spend most of the time on discussions. The workshop is the second in a series, where the outcome of the first workshop (held in September 2016) was published in a Neuron issue published in June 2017: https://www.cell.com/neuron/issue?pii=S0896-6273(16)X0012-8 The confirmed speakers are: - Adrienne Fairhall, Univ. Washington, Seattle, USA - Alexa Riehle, CNRS, Marseille, France - Bing Brunton, Univ. Washington, Seattle, USA - Gyorgy Buzsaki, NYU, New York, USA - Haime Hirase, RIKEN, Wako,Japan - Jack Cowan, Univ. Chicago, Chicago, USA - Peter Dayan, MPI, Tübingen, Germany - Richard Morris, Univ. Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK - Sara Solla, Northwestern Univ., Chicago, USA - Sophie Denève, ENS, Paris, France - Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute, San Diego, USA - Wulfram Gerstner, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland - Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH, Heraklion-Crete, Greece - Zhaoping Li, MPI, Tübingen, Germany. Time: May 23rd-25th 2019, between 9-17 each day Place: The Carlsberg Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark. Information about the venue can be found here: https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/About-the-Foundation/The-Carlsberg-Founda…<https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/About-the-Foundation/The-Carlsberg-Founda…'s-home/The-Carlsberg-Academy> Registration: Attendance is free of charge but registration is required. (Note also that to be able to keep the registration free of charge no meals are included during the workshop.) Please register here: https://in.ku.dk/forms/how_brains_work/ See also the workshop homepage: https://in.ku.dk/seminars-and-events/workshop-developing-a-theory-on-how-br… Workshop steering board: Sophie Denève, John Hertz, Richard Morris, Maiken Nedergaard, Henrik Lindén and Per Roland On behalf of the steering board of the Copenhagen Initiative, Henrik Lindén and Per Roland (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) -- Henrik Lindén, PhD Assistant professor (adjunkt), University of Copenhagen Department of Neuroscience Blegdamsvej 3 DK-2200 Copenhagen N email: hlinden(a)sund.ku.dk<mailto:hlinden@sund.ku.dk> web: http://lindenh.wordpress.com

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Staff scientist position in the Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, NIMH/NIH
by Ryan Philips April 27, 2019

April 27, 2019

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for a Staff Scientist position in the Intramural Research Program (IRP), Section on Neurobiology of Fear & Anxiety. This section examines neural systems models of emotion/cognition interactions. This is done in two ways: one that focuses on anxiety in health and disease, and the other that uses a developmental perspective using large datasets. Four types of data are exploited, clinical/behavioral assessment, psychophysiology, fMRI (particularly 7T high-resolution scanner) and MEG. The candidate must have a doctoral degree (PhD) in computational neuroscience, or computer science/engineering and at least 5 years of experience post Ph.D. analyzing large datasets, modeling complex neural systems, using advanced machine learning algorithms. Experience with technical computing in MATLAB, R, C++ and a strong mathematical skill set is required. Knowledge of multi threaded and paralell computing environments is desirable. An interest in neuroscience or prior experience in neuroscience related fields is a plus. The staff scientist is expected to be a key member of the Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, contributing to analytical methodology, design of new projects. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Applicants should send curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation to Monique Ernst, MD, PhD, 301-675-4525, ernstm(a)mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted beginning April 1st. The position will be open until filled. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

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PhD position in computational neuroscience at IIT - deadline May 15th
by Stefano Panzeri April 27, 2019

April 27, 2019

*Fully funded PhD Position at IIT - Computational approaches to study the neural code* I am are seeking candidates for a fully funded PhD position at the Italian Institute of Technology’s in the lab directed by Stefano Panzeri ( https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri ). IIT collaborates with University of Bologna and finances the positions at the PhD course in Data Science and Computation. Although formally enrolled at the University of Bologna, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research either at the IIT center in Rovereto (Italy), or at the IIT headquarters in Genova, (Italy). The PhD project can focus on any of the research topics about neural information processing that are of interest to both the candidate and my lab, including: developing mathematical analysis methods and neural network models for studying large scale neural population coding during cognitive tasks, for studying the neural bases of sensory perception and decision making, for linking functional to anatomical connectivity with cellular resolution at the neural population level, and for determining the best theoretical framework to combine recording of neural activity (calcium imaging, electrophysiology, EEG) and intervention on it (optogenetics, TMS). My computational neuroscience lab has developed long-term collaboration with many experimental laboratories including Christopher Harvey and Wei Lee (Harvard Medical School), Nikos Logothetis (Tuebingen), Tommaso Fellin (IIT), Mathew Diamond and Davide Zoccolan (SISSA), Alex Thiele (Newcastle), Cristina Becchio (IIT) and others. The PhD project will likely involve collaborations with one or more experimental lab. For recent representative publications please see: van Vugt B, et al, (2018) Science: in press. DOI: 10.1126/science.aar7186 Zaldivar, D., et al, (2018) Current Biology 28: 224-235 Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Nature: 548: 92-96 Panzeri, S, et al (2017) Neuron 93: 491-507 Safaai, H. et al (2015) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112(41): 12834–12839 Fasoli, D. et al (2016) PLoS Computational Biology, 12(8): e1004992. Panzeri, S., et al (2015) Trends in Cognitive Sciences 19: 162-172 Einevoll, G., et al (2013) Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14, 770-785 The ideal candidate should have a strong background in numerate sciences, and have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. No extensive previous experience in neuroscience is needed. However, a keen interest in understanding the brain is essential. The deadline for the formal application is set to *May 15thst 2019*, but interested candidates are invited me to contact me informally by email ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it) *as soon as possible,* and no later than May 8th 2019, by attaching their CV and briefly explaining their interest in this position, to initiate discussion about potential PhD projects of interest. In order to formally apply to the PhD Position, candidates will then need to refer to the call published by Università degli Studi di Bologna ( https://www.unibo.it/en/teaching/phd/2019-2020/data-science-and-computation) The PhD position available for projects under my supervision is one of those financed by IIT. Candidates that are wishing to apply will be able to rely on my advice and feedback to understand how to complete the application. Yours truly, Stefano Panzeri

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postdocship on computational modeling of reading
by Meeter, M. April 27, 2019

April 27, 2019

Postdoctoral fellowship: Computational modeling of reading Right now you are reading. It does not cost you much effort because it is a highly automated process, but you are simultaneously decoding letters, moving visual attention, programming eye movements, recognizing words, stringing them together in a coherent syntactic and semantic representation, and adducing the intentions of the writer. We understand these individual processes in reading, but not how our brain can perform them simultaneously at the phenomenal speed of about 200 ms per word. Recently, a group of researchers in Marseille and Amsterdam has collaborated on the ambitious goal to create one computational model that describes all processes involved in reading, from the single letter up to understanding a sentence. Within this collaboration, there is an opening for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to work on computational modelling. The candidate will work on extending the already published OB-1 model (Psychological Review<https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/ob1-reader-a-model-of-word-recogniti…>, 2018). While the exact direction taken may depend on the interests of the candidate, this will include improving word recognition processes and accounting for EEG responses recorded during reading. Practicalities The postdoc will work in Amsterdam in the group of Martijn Meeter, but also be expected to regularly visit the Marseille group of Jonathan Grainger. The two-year position is potentially renewable for a third year. Official employer will be Université Aix-Marseille, including a one-year trial period. A postdoc salary in France is about €2606 a month; travel costs will be covered. Starting date is preferably 1 September 2019, but other dates can be discussed. Required skills are: * Experience with computational modelling * Good to excellent programming skills, notably in Python * An interest in language as field of research The positions are part of an ERC grant to Jonathan Grainger. More information can be requested at i.jonathan.grainger(a)gmail.com<mailto:i.jonathan.grainger@gmail.com> or m(a)meeter.nl<mailto:m@meeter.nl>. To apply, please send an email before 1 June with as title “Postdoc computational model”to m(a)meeter.nl<mailto:m@meeter.nl> , with as attachments: * a letter of application, * your resume * names of two references (will only be contacted with your permission), Best, Martijn Meeter ------------------------------- Prof. dr. M. Meeter Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Dept. of Education Science http://www.meeter.nl/m<https://webmail.login.vu.nl/OWA/redir.aspx?SURL=l3I3NtaZYJte9nu-0v--nYrWbGa…> --------------------------------

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US Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (YIP)
by GREENWALD, HAL S DR-04 USAF AFMC AFOSR/RTA April 26, 2019

April 26, 2019

The Air Force's annual Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) is an excellent way for new principal investigators in the US to accelerate their careers in basic research with three years of funding at up to $150,000 per year. Each year, every AFOSR portfolio can nominate one YIP awardee. Especially since the Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience portfolio is new this year, I wanted to make the neuroscience community aware of this opportunity (and also of the new portfolio). Unlike most of AFOSR's research grants that are open to researchers worldwide, YIP awards are limited to US persons (citizens, nationals, or permanent residents) with full-time, permanent positions at US institutions who received their doctorates no later than April 1, 2012. The application deadline for Fiscal Year 2020 awards is June 3, 2019. Program Description: The Air Force YIP supports scientists and engineers who have received Ph.D. or equivalent degrees within the last seven years and show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research. The objectives of this program are: 1. to foster creative basic research in science and engineering; 2. enhance early career development of outstanding young investigators; 3. and increase opportunities for the young investigator to recognize the Air Force mission and related challenges in science and engineering. Eligibility: Individual awards are made to U.S. institutions of higher education, industrial laboratories, or non-profit research organizations where the principal investigator (PI) is employed on a full-time basis and holds a regular position. YIP PIs must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Researchers working at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center or DoD Laboratory are not eligible for this competition. Research proposals must address Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, FA9550-19-S-0003, found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=314753. Most YIP awards are funded up to $150,000 per year for three years, for a total of $450,000. Exceptional proposals will be considered individually for higher funding levels and/or longer duration. For more information about this funding opportunity, please see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=313523. Questions about YIP may be sent to afosryip(a)us.af.mil <mailto:afosryip@us.af.mil> . Sincerely, Hal Greenwald Hal S. Greenwald, Ph.D. Program Officer, Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR/RTA) 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1768 (703) 588-8441

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Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil
by Antonio Roque April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

Positions for Postdoctoral Researchers The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics ( NeuroMat <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/>), hosted by the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and funded by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP <http://www.fapesp.br/en/>), is offering several postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The research will involve collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups and laboratories associated to NeuroMat. The research to be developed by the postdoc fellows shall be strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by the NeuroMat team. The project may be developed at USP Sao Paulo, USP Ribeirao Preto or Unicamp. We seek candidates capable to develop independent research in one of the research lines below. 1. Stochastic and/or computational modeling of the brain functioning. 2. Acquisition, processing and quantitative analysis of electrophysiological data. 3. Biomedical devices for neuroscience research. Candidates to the first research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. Previous knowledge of rigorous statistical mechanics or random graphs will be favorably considered. · A strong mathematical and/or computational background and experience with computers and programming. Previous experience with development and/or simulation of neural brain models, complex networks and parallel computing will be favorably considered. Candidates to the second research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis, and knowledge of computer programming. · A strong background in computer science with experience in the development of algorithms, software tools and data bases. Previous research experience in neuroscience or related areas will be favorably considered. Candidates to the third research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in electromagnetism and biomedical engineering. Previous knowledge of transcranial magnetic stimulation or magnetic/electric field simulation will be favorably considered. · A strong background in computer science and control software development expertise. Previous experience with neuroscience and neuronavigation systems will be favorably considered. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research teams is welcome for all the above research lines. The initial appointment is for one year, with a possible extension to up to four years, conditional on research progress. The fellowship is competitive at international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. Application Instructions Applicants should complete and submit the application form <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc/new>. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): · Summary of the CV, in the FAPESP format (see www.fapesp.br/en/6351 for instructions.) · List of publications, with links to those available online. · A summary of the research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages length. It should explicitly state for which of the three above profiles the candidate is applying. It should also address its place within the framework of the NeuroMat research program <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific-project>. · Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. · Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least 2 recommendation letters. Those should be mailed by the recommenders directly to postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br. Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until June 3rd, 2019. Appointments are expected to start by September 1st, 2019. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renovations for up to four years. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Post-Doctoral fellowships in the amount of BRL 7,372.40 monthly and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity. More information about the fellowship is at: www.fapesp.br/en/5427. -- Dr. Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil E-mails: antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com URL: www.sisne.org Tels: +55 16 3315-3768 <+55%2016%203315-3768> (sala/office); +55 16 3315-3859 <+55%2016%203315-3859> (lab) FAX: +55 16 3315-4887 <+55%2016%203315-4887>

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Post-doc @ Univ of Toronto: bioinformatics, neuron modeling, and machine learning
by Shreejoy Tripathy April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

Post-doctoral fellowship in multi-scale bioinformatics and neuroscience – Tripathy laboratory, CAMH, University of Toronto Job Description: We are looking for a post-doctoral fellow with a background in bioinformatics, computational biology, or neuroinformatics. The position is in the Laboratory for Computational Genomics, under the supervision of Dr. Shreejoy Tripathy (https://triplab.org/) . The post-doc will contribute to a growing team at the new Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, based at CAMH and the University of Toronto. Project Description: The candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary dry-lab project in multi-omics and cellular neuroscience. The project’s goal is to identify cross-modal relationships between: 1) human genotypes; 2) tissue- and cell type-specific gene expression; and 3) neuronal and circuit phenotypes, including electrophysiology, morphology, and synaptic physiology. The candidate will develop and apply machine learning and statistical methods to translate information across these data types. The project will make use of publicly-accessible datasets (e.g., PGC, PsychEncode, Allen Institute) as well as private datasets provided by collaborators. The post-doc will interface with a team of experimentalists and computational modelers to directly test their predictions and work with clinician-scientists to use these approaches for patient stratification. The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about using basic research in genomics and neuroscience to improve the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Position details: The position is for a duration of up to 3 years, renewed yearly. Compensation, including benefits, is competitive and will be based on experience and established pay-scales. The candidate will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. Qualifications: A recent PhD in bioinformatics, neuroscience, or statistics (or equivalent computational discipline) Considerable experience programming, scripting, and analyzing data in a high-level language (e.g., R, Python, or MATLAB) Experience analyzing and quality-controlling multi-omics datasets, including genotyping, transcriptomics, and cellular characteristics A track record for independent research that demonstrates creativity Excellent communication skills and experience working in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment How to apply: A complete application should include a brief cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and the contact information for 2-3 references. Submit applications to Shreejoy Tripathy (shreejoy.tripathy(a)utoronto.ca) with the title: “Post-doc in multi-scale bioinformatics and neuroscience” in the subject line. In the cover letter, please highlight one or two publications or preprints the candidate feels is their best work. Applications will be reviewed in an ongoing manner and the position will remain open until filled. About the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics: In 2017, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) established its new $15-million Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics to leverage the largest mental health patient database in Canada and combine world-leading talent specializing in computational approaches to brain science, a robust data integration platform, and analytical tools to accelerate and revolutionize the world’s understanding of the brain and brain-based illnesses. The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics positions CAMH as a leader in brain science using the power of big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and multi-scale brain modelling in order to bridge the levels of the structure and function of the brain – from genes to circuits to behavior.

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Tenure Track Faculty Position - Systems and Computational Biology
by Ruben Coen-Cagli April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

Dear colleagues, our department is recruiting faculty with an emphasis on theoretical, computational and experimental approaches to studying complex biological systems, including computational neuroscience. Details in the ad below. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, one of the leading medical schools, located in New York City, is seeking to fill multiple tenure track faculty positions in the Department of Systems and Computational Biology. The major goal of the department is to advance our understanding of living systems by developing theoretical, computational and experimental approaches to study complex biological systems. The College has 711 medical students, 160 Ph.D. students and 107 M.D./Ph.D. students, 265 postdoctoral research fellows in training and boasts a strong research faculty covering broad areas of experimental biology. The College of Medicine has more than 1,800 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. The 200,000 square foot Center for Genetic and Translational Medicine at Einstein locates computational, systems and experimental scientists in physical proximity to foster interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Highly competitive start-up packages are available. [https://analytics.click2apply.net/v/Y7MBopTB6AyKtRmRu8Xgz] We seek outstanding scientists with broad experience and demonstrated collaborative interactions with experimental or clinical investigators. Candidates should have strength in a physical, mathematical or computational field at the Ph.D. or equivalent level. Experience applying these skills to a biological or biomedical area (demonstrated through publications or support) is also desirable. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Modeling cellular processes; Evolutionary medicine; Evolution of structure and function; Biological networks analysis; Microbiome; Computational neuroscience; Mathematical and computational modeling of high-dimensional data related to complex traits. Applicants should send a letter of interest, C.V., statement of research and teaching interests, and names of three referees, in electronic format to: Systems and Computational Biology Search Committee Albert Einstein College of Medicine Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park Ave. Price Center, Rm. 153 Bronx, New York 10461 E-mail Address: SysBio(a)einstein.yu.edu<mailto:SysBio@einstein.yu.edu> Subject line should be: SCB Faculty Search The Albert Einstein College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Ruben Coen Cagli, PhD Department of Systems and Computational Biology, and Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine 1300 Morris Park Ave. Price 353B Bronx, 10461. NY office: +1.718.678.1150 web: https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/

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postdoctoral positions in computational neuroscience at IIT, Italy
by Stefano Panzeri April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

Two postdoctoral positions will be available at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) to work with me (Stefano Panzeri https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri) in the laboratory of Neural Computation. The laboratory investigates, by developing and using advanced data analysis methods and neural network models, how circuits of neurons in the brain encode information and use it to produce appropriate behaviors. The positions on offer would leave the candidate the choice of developing a research project of mutual interest within this research area. The laboratory offers a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise in computational neuroscience, including both advanced neural analysis techniques and neural network modeling. The laboratory also offers a thriving, ambitious research environment which is well funded (including several grants from the NIH Brain Initiative). Moreover, the laboratory offers extensive long-term international collaborations with empirical neuroscience laboratories (including Chris Harvey at Harvard Medical School, Wei Lee at Children’s Hospital, Christoph Kayser at Bielefeld, Nikos Logothetis at Tuebingen, Mathew Diamond at SISSA, Tommaso Fellin and Cristina Becchio at the IIT, Alex Thiele at Newcastle) and ample opportunities for advanced training and personal scientific growth. I seek candidates holding a PhD in a numerate or neuroscientific discipline, with a solid computational background and a keen interest in neuroscience. They must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research at the IIT center in Rovereto (Italy), or at the IIT headquarters in Genova, (Italy). For representative recent publications from my lab, please see: Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Distinct timescales of population coding across cortex, Nature: 548: 92-96. Panzeri S., et al (2017) Cracking the neural code for sensory perception by combining statistics, intervention and behaviour. Neuron 93: 491-507 Safaai, H., et al (2015) Modelling the effect of Locus Coeruleous firing on single trial cortical state dynamics and sensory processing. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112(41): 12834–12839 Further information about my research can be found at my IIT and Google Scholar web pages: https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri https://scholar.google.it/citations?user=C-HCQ9cAAAAJ&hl=en Applications (full CV, statement of research interest and name and contact of 2 referees) should be sent by e-mail to stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it, quoting “Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is May 18th, 2019. Applications will be examined until the position is filled. Interested applicants are advised to contact me by email informally as soon as possible to discuss about the science and the position informally. Thanks Stefano Panzeri

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First Call for Papers: Neurodegeneration and Language - Special Session on Language Disorders
by Dimitrios Kokkinakis April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

*Call for Papers [apologies for x-posting]* *Neurodegeneration and Language - Special Session on Language Disorders* *Special session date*: September 27th, 2019 Lisbon, Portugal, co-located with ExLing-2019 *Website*: https://spraakbanken.gu.se/eng/neural-2019 *Submissions*: https://exlingworkshop.com/exling-2019/special-sessions-2019.html *Deadline of extended abstract submission**: *July 1st, 2019 *Contact**:* dimitrios _DOT_ kokkinakis _AT_ gu _DOT_ se *NEURodegeneration And Language (NEURAL 2019)* is a special session on language disorders which will take place in the context of *ExLing 2019 <https://www.exlingworkshop.com/>* in Lisbon, Portugal, 27 September 2019, under the auspices of *Centro de Linguística da Universidade de Lisboa.* The *NEURAL 2019* special session aims to advance our knowledge on language disorders and the development of experimental methods for the analysis and processing of speech and language. Special emphasis is put on interdisciplinary approaches among different research areas, including computational linguistics (CL), (cognitively inspired) natural language processing (NLP), speech acoustics, and also other related areas and modalities, including wearable, vision, and ambient sensor technologies . The special session programme will contain a combination of oral and poster papers on main areas of language disorders. Furthermore, attendees will have opportunities of free discussions among *NEURAL 2019* as well as *ExLing 2019 <https://www.exlingworkshop.com/>* participants. Submission of 4-page papers related to the above aims of the special session *NEURAL 2019* are welcome at <https://www.exlingworkshop.com/exling-2019/submissions-2019.html> https://www.exlingworkshop.com/exling-2019/special-sessions-2019.html

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DeepMath 2019 Call for Contributions
by Ahmed El Hady April 21, 2019

April 21, 2019

*ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS* ** * The 2019 Conference on Mathematical Theory of Deep Neural Networks (DeepMath 2019) Princeton Club, New York City, Oct 31-Nov 1 2019. Web: https://www.deepmath-conference.com/ ======= Important Dates ======= Submission deadline for 1-page abstracts: June 28, 2019 Notification: TBA. Conference: Oct 31-Nov 1 2019. ======= Confirmed speakers ======= Anima Anandkumar (CalTech), Yasaman Bahri (Google), Minmin Chen (Google), Michael Elad (Technion), Surya Ganguli (Stanford), Tomaso Poggio (MIT), David Schwab (CUNY), Shai Shalev-Shwartz (Hebrew University), Haim Sompolinsky (Hebrew University and Harvard), and Naftali Tishby (Hebrew University). ======= Workshop topic ======= Recent advances in deep neural networks (DNNs), combined with open, easily-accessible implementations, have made DNNs a powerful, versatile method used widely in both machine learning and neuroscience. These advances in practical results, however, have far outpaced a formal understanding of these networks and their training. Recently, long-past-due theoretical results have begun to emerge, shedding light on the properties of large, adaptive, distributed learning architectures. Following the success of the 2018 IAS-Princeton joint symposium on the same topic (https://sites.google.com/site/princetondeepmath/home) the 2019 meeting is more centrally located and broader in scope, but remains focused on rigorous theoretical understanding of deep neural networks. ======= Call for abstracts ======= In addition to these high-profile invited speakers, we invite 1-page non-archival abstract submissions. Abstracts will be reviewed double-blind and presented as posters. To complement the wealth of conferences focused on applications, all submissions for DeepMath 2019 must target theoretical and mechanistic understanding of the underlying properties of neural networks. Insights may come from any discipline and we encourage submissions from researchers working in computer science, engineering, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, psychology, statistics, or related fields. Topics may address any area of deep learning theory, including architectures, computation, expressivity, generalization, optimization, representations, and may apply to any or all network types including fully connected, recurrent, convolutional, randomly connected, or other network topologies. Committee Information: Organizing committee: * Ahmed El Hady * Adam Charles * Mikio Aoi * Andrew Saxe * Joan Bruna * Michael Shvartsman * Sebastian Musslick * Stephen Keeley Advisory committee * Jonathan Cohen * Daniel Lee * Sebastian Seung * Ted Willke Local Committee * NYU: Joan Bruna * Columbia: Ashok Kumar * SUNY Stonybrook: Il Memming Park * Yale: Gal Mishne * City College: David Schwab * IAS: Nadav Cohen *

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Summer School in Computational and Theoretical Models in Neuroscience, Venice, Italy (September 9th - September 14th, 2019)
by Samir Suweis April 19, 2019

April 19, 2019

ConTaMiNEURO 2019 Summer school ,Venice, Italy (September 9th - September 14th, 2019) I would like to bring to your attention to the Summer School in Computational and Theoretical Models in Neuroscience, ConTaMiNEURO 2019 <http://neuroschool19.liphlab.com/> Approaches and techniques from Physics, Mathematics and Computational Science are increasingly becoming critical for understanding and modelling the brain, and also for designing and interpreting experiments. Modeling is an essential tool to cut through the vast complexity of neurobiological systems and their many interacting elements. ConTaMiNEURO 2019 <http://neuroschool19.liphlab.com/> wants to convey central ideas, methods, and practices of modern computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. During the course’s mornings, distinguished international faculty deliver lectures and seminars on selected topics in computational neuroscience (see below). For the remainder of the time, students work on research projects in teams of 3-4 people under close supervision of expert tutors and faculty. Research projects will include data analyses and the development of theories to explain experimental observations. The School is will take place from 9 to 14 September at palazzo Morelli of the University Ca’Foscari, in the heart of Venice. All the details can be found at the school website: http://neuroschool19.liphlab.com/ <http://neuroschool19.liphlab.com/> Thanks to the support of our sponsor, in particular the University of Padova and the newborn Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC <http://pnc.unipd.it/>), the early bird registration fee for Ph.Ds students and Post Docs is 200 Euro, deadline is 30 June 2019. MAX 40 participants. ConTaMiNEURO 2019 <http://neuroschool19.liphlab.com/> is co-organized by Samir Suweis, Amos Maritan, Maurizio Corbetta, Marco Formentin, Stefano Vassanelli (University of Padova), Achille Giacometti (University of Venice) and Miguel A. Munoz (University of Granada). Invited Speakers Ken Miller, Columbia University, USA. Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH, Creta. Nicolas Brunel*, Duke University, USA. Andrea Brovelli, University of Marsille. Jordi Soriano, University of Barcellona Mazzuccato Luca, Columbia University & University of Oregon Stefano Panzeri, IIT Rovereto Jesus Cortes, IKERBASQUE: The Basque Foundation for Science Lucilla De Arcangelis, University of Naples Raffaella Burioni, University of Parma Gustavo Deco, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Jonathan Touboul, Brandeis University (USA) Susanne Ditlevsen, University of Copenaghen Alessandro Treves, Trieste SISSA Misha Tsodyks, Weizmann Institute of Science Marco Zorzi, University of Padova Lamberto Ballan, University of Padova Eleni Vasilaki, University of Shieffield Marcello Pelillo, European Center of Living Techonology & University of Venice Tommaso Fellin, IIT Genova Maria Victoria Sánchez Vives , ICREA-IDIBAPS (Barcelona) Marco dal Maschio, University of Padova Serena del Santo, University of Granada Lorenzo Fontolan, Janelia Farm Samir Suweis, Ph.D. ***** LIPh Lab, Physics & Astronomy Dept. University of Padova Tel: +39 049 827 71 74 @SamirSuweis

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Postdoc in large-scale brain modeling and machine learning
by Jan Fousek April 18, 2019

April 18, 2019

A postdoc position is available at the Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes (http://ins-amu.fr/) Aix-Marseille University, France. Summary The Theoretical Neuroscience Group (Head: Viktor Jirsa) is seeking to fill a post-doctoral position in the context of the project Virtual Brain Cloud to work on development of parameter inference workflows for connectome-based large-scale brain network models (see The Virtual Brain http://www.thevirtualbrain.org) applied to brain imaging data (EEG, MEG, fMRI). In particular, the project will involve the application and evaluation of common Bayesian estimation techniques such as Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo and variational schemes to high-dimensional time-series models of brain activity. These were previously successfully applied in the context of estimation of brain excitability based on personalized brain models and intracerebral electrophysiological recordings of seizure propagation in epileptic patients. The successful candidate will join a team working towards generalizing these approaches for other paradigms such as stimulation or resting state. Qualification Candidates should be have strong background in data fitting (Bayesian inference approaches, Dynamical Causal Modeling (DCM), Monte Carlo techniques). Experience with computational neuroscience (networks, dynamic system theory) and ability to program in a numerically oriented language (R, Python, MATLAB) are valued. The Theoretical Neuroscience Group We are a multi-national team interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal organization of large-scale brain networks. Our work comprises mathematical and computational modeling of large-scale network dynamics and human brain imaging data, the development of neuroinformatics tools for studying large-scale brain networks applied to concrete functions, dysfunctions (epilepsy, dementia) and aging. Terms of salary and employment The position is initially for one year, renewable on an annual basis based on performance. Salary will depend on diploma and experience. Operating language in the laboratory is English and French. CONTACT viktor.jirsa(a)univ-amu.fr | Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes https://ins-amu.fr/ -- Jan Fousek INS - Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes UMR INSERM 1106, Aix-Marseille Université 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille https://ins-amu.fr/

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PhD position - Inverse Reinforcement Learning
by Constantin Rothkopf April 18, 2019

April 18, 2019

The Centre for Cognitive Science at Technische Universitaet Darmstadt, Germany invites applications for a Ph.D. Position in Inverse Reinforcement Learning initially limited to a period of three years. Research area The Ph.D. student is expected to work in the domain of inverse reinforcement learning with the particular focus of elucidating human decision making and collective human decision making in the wild, i.e., under real world noisy conditions. The research project is a joint venture between the Bioinspired Communication Lab and the Psychology of Information Processing Lab, both members of the Centre of Cognitive Science at TU Darmstadt. Accordingly, the student will be advised by Prof. Heinz Koeppl, Department of Electrical Engineering and Prof. Constantin Rothkopf, Department of Psychology. Work will involve methodological research in machine learning, design of dedicated human behavioral experiments, and the analysis and further processing of gathered data. What we offer We offer a unique interdisciplinary environment to perform cutting-edge research at one of Germany’s leading universities in the domain of computer science and engineering. The student will be embedded in the ongoing research activities within the Centre for Cognitive Science and will hence have the opportunity to interact with many other cognitive science researchers. The conducted research is expected to culminate in a Ph.D. degree. We offer comprehensive support for dissemination of results through leading scientific journals and through participation in leading international conferences and workshops. Your profile Candidates should have a M.Sc. degree in one of the following fields: computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or cognitive science. Candidates are required to have a sincere interest in interdisciplinary research at the crossroad of psychology and computer science. Application We look forward to receiving your application, consisting of a cover letter in which you lay out your interest in the indicated research area, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and contact details of at least two academic references. Please send your application package as a single PDF file to application(a)bcs.tu-darmstadt.de. Code No. 590. The position is initially advertised till May 3rd 2019, but later applications will be considered until the position is filled. -- Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.ai-da.tu-darmstadt.de/

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Postdoctoral position in multivariate connectivity and computational modeling in fMRI
by Joshua Hartshorne April 18, 2019

April 18, 2019

Second Call. Wanted: Post-doctoral fellow interested in delving into new computational techniques for fMRI analysis. This position is ideal for students with a background in neuroimaging who want to strengthen their technical skills in preparation for a job market that increasingly values advanced analysis methods, or for students with a background in machine learning who want to branch into neuroscience. This Simons Foundation-funded research project will be focused on developing, evaluating, and deploying state-of-the-art multivariate connectivity techniques and other modeling approaches. The initial application will be to a large Autism dataset, and may grow from there depending on progress. The postdoc will work closely with the PIs: Prof. Stefano Anzellotti and Prof. Joshua Hartshorne (Department of Psychology, Boston College). Both PIs run young, small labs, so the post-doc can expect individualized attention and training. Boston College is a research university classified as "Very High Research Activity (R1)" by the Carnegie Classification, and has a bustling Psychology and Neuroscience department with 19 faculty. Graduate students and post-docs in the department regularly go on to prestigious academic appointments (e.g., see https://bit.ly/2PdvK3N) You can learn more about Drs. Anzellotti and Hartshorne at sccnlab.bc.edu and l3atbc.org, respectively. Preferred start date is between June 1 2019 and Jan. 1 2020. Boston College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in psychology/neuroscience are particularly encouraged to apply. The position is funded for two years and may be renewable beyond the second year depending on funding. Salary follows the NIH Postdoc scale. Boston College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in psychology/neuroscience are particular encouraged to apply. To apply, submit a CV, contact information for 2-3 references, and a cover letter highlighting relevant research experiences and interests directly to jkhartshorne(a)gmail.com. Review of application is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.

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