November 2020 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Job Posting: MindCORE Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Pennsylvania (apply by Jan 14)

by Calvert, Heather J

MindCORE Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Scholars MindCORE (Mind Center for Outreach, Research, and Education) seeks to recruit outstanding postdoctoral researchers for our Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Scholars. Housed within the School of Arts & Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania, MindCORE is an interdisciplinary effort to understand human intelligence and behavior. Designed for individuals who have recently obtained a PhD degree in psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, computer science or other cognitive science discipline, the MindCORE Fellowship is a springboard for young researchers as they establish their own research program. Fellows are also encouraged to pursue collaborative research with faculty working across disciplines at Penn. Benefits Fellows receive a competitive salary, relocation allowance, health insurance plus a modest research budget. Fellows also benefit from access to the greater community of academics including visiting scholars plus leading research facilities equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation all on an urban campus in a vibrant city. Fellows are invited to join regular working group meetings within their field plus career development workshops aimed at young researchers, and will be provided with a mentoring committee. Funding is provided in one year terms renewable for up to three years. Eligibility & Application * Applicants must have formally completed all requirements of the PhD degree and provide a copy of their diploma at the time of appointment. Candidates must submit 1-2 page research statement that identifies at least three MindCORE faculty at Penn (https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/people/faculty-and-associates/) with whom the applicant would be interested in collaborating, along with a CV and contact information for two referees. * Submitted documents should be saved with candidate's Lastname_Firstname.PDF in one PDF file in this order: research statement, CV, referees (name, affiliation, email address). Complete applications should be submitted through the form on our website: https://web.sas.upenn.edu/mindcore/post-doctoral-research-fellowship/. Questions can be emailed to pennmindcore(a)sas.upenn.edu<mailto:pennmindcore@sas.upenn.edu> * Applications due January 14, 2021. Selection All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee and are judged on the following criteria: * Scientific excellence * Scientific match and interdisciplinarity * Career potential MindCORE awards ~2 post-doctoral Fellowships per year. Positions may start as early as July 1, 2021. Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job. Thank you for posting/sharing! Heather J. Calvert (she / her) Executive Director, MindCORE, University of Pennsylvania Penn's hub for the integrative study of the mind. hcalvert(a)sas.upenn.edu<mailto:hcalvert@sas.upenn.edu> https://web.sas.upenn.edu/mindcore/ Follow MindCORE on Twitter & Facebook @PennMindCORE

Nov. 20, 2020

The KiloNeurons ERC project: post-doctoral and PhD research positions in theoretical neuroscience

by Yoram Burak

The Burak Lab at the Hebrew University is recruiting *post-doctoral research associates* and *graduate students* in theoretical neuroscience to take part in an *ERC Synergy* research project led by Edvard Moser (NTNU) and Yoram Burak (HUJI). The €10M *KiloNeurons* project is a collaborative endeavor bringing together theoretical and experimental researchers from the two labs, aiming to identify how thousands of neurons in the mammalian cortex interact with each other to achieve computational and cognitive functions. Team members at HUJI will develop theories of neural network dynamics and methodologies for interpretation of large scale neural recordings. Experimental data will be collected in the Moser Lab, and analyzed in close collaboration between the labs. Research will be conducted at the *Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences*, offering a superb intellectual environment for interdisciplinary brain research, with a strong emphasis on systems and computational neuroscience. The Burak Lab is affiliated also with the *Racah Institute of Physics*. Extensive interaction, including research visits, will take place with the *Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience* (Trondheim, Norway). *Postdoctoral research positions* Candidates for postdoctoral positions must have an excellent research record in theoretical neuroscience, theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field, and a keen interest in computational neuroscience. Experience with research related to machine learning, statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, information theory, or large-scale data analysis, as well as familiarity with research in computational neuroscience are advantageous, but not individually required. We are looking for candidates with excellent abilities in theoretical research, strong intellectual curiosity and drive, and an interest in relating theory to experimental data. *To apply for postdoctoral research positions*Please send the following information to yoram.burak(a)elsc.huji.ac.il in a *single PDF file*: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. List of publications 3. Brief statement of research interests 4. The names and contact details of three references Please include the text 'POSTDOC_APPLICATION' in the subject header of the email. *Deadline*: For full consideration, applications must be received by December 21, 2020. *Graduate student positions*Candidates for graduate student positions must have an excellent record from their undergraduate studies in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field, and a keen interest in computational neuroscience. We are looking for candidates with an excellent ability to learn new topics and with superb intellectual curiosity and drive. Students can join through the physics Ph.D. program at the Racah Institute of Physics, or the Ph.D. program in brain sciences at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center. Other graduate study programs at the Hebrew University may be appropriate, depending on the background of the candidate. *To apply for graduate student positions*Please send the following information to yoram.burak(a)elsc.huji.ac.il in a* single PDF file*: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. Grade transcripts from undergraduate studies and, if applicable, M.Sc. studies 3. Brief statement (up to one page) describing why you would like to join the project as a graduate student 4. M.Sc. graduates: please provide the names and contact details of two references Please include the text 'PHD_APPLICATION' in the subject header of the email. *Deadline*: University deadlines and possible starting dates depend on the specific program joined. For full consideration in this search please apply by December 21, 2020. *See also*: https://www.buraklab.me/kiloneurons https://sciencebusiness.net/network-updates/ntnu-eu10m-erc-synergy-grant-no…

Nov. 20, 2020

Assistant Professorin Computational Neuroscience (W1) with tenure track option (to W2) - Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrueck

by Prof. Pipa

The School of Human Sciences at Osnabrück University seeks to appoint, at the Institute of Cognitive Science, an Assistant Professor (m/f/d) in Computational Neuroscience at the earliest possible date. This tenure-track Professorship is funded by the German Federal Government under its Program for the Promotion of Young Academics (Tenure-Track Program). Research experience in the field of experimental and computer aided Human Cognitive Neuroscience, proven by a publication record in recognized scientific journals is expected. Further, on the theoretical side, significant experience in training and analysing deep neural networks as models of brain functions is required. Experimental work should cover a variety of methods, including, e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI, TMS and Eyetracking, combined with advanced analysis by machine learning methods. Research should be in the area of experimental and computer aided Cognitive Neuroscience. The professorship complements and cooperates with the existing research groups of the Institute of Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University. Further, the holder of the position should actively contribute to existing and future collaborative research projects (currently, the RTG Situated Cognition, RTG Computational Cognition, and SIDDATA) and should participate in the respective continuation research proposals. In addition, the professorship should represent the complete range of the subject in both research and teaching in all degree programs of Cognitive Science (BSc, MSc, PhD). Teaching is in English. Osnabrück University is a certified family-friendly university and is committed to helping working/studying parents balance their family and working lives. Osnabrück University is actively seeking to increase the number of female Professors in its employ. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. You can find more information here. https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/professuren-junio rprofessuren/ For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Gordon Pipa, E-Mail: gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de. Please submit your application by January 03, 2021 (bewerbungfb08(a)uni-osnabrueck.de enter the code word "CN" in the subject of your e-mail ) We look forward to receiving your application. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Professor and Chair of the Neuroinformatics Department Dr. rer. nat. Gordon Pipa Institute of Cognitive Science, Room 50/218 tel. +49 (0) 541-969-2277 fax (private). +49 (0) 5405- 500 80 98 home office. +49 (0) 5405- 500 90 95 e-mail: gpipa(a)uos.de webpage: http://www.ni.uos.de research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539 Personal Assistent and Secretary of the Neuroinformatic lab: Anna Jungeilges Tel. +49 (0)541 969-2390 Fax +49 (0)541 969-2246 Email: anna.jungeilges(a)uni-osnabrueck.de visit us on http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS

Nov. 20, 2020

Call for 2021 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop Topic Area Proposals

by Emre Neftci

The Telluride Neuromorphic 2021 Workshop Organizers are soliciting topic area proposals for the 2021 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop ( https://sites.google.com/view/tellurideneuromorphic2021/home ) which will run from June 27 to July 16 2021. Details of the call can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oVU27pg-O3hIRepgfx1GnrZawiDhG6zNBsTty_k… Important upcoming dates: - 17.12.2020: Proposer's Day (5pm CET (9am USA Mountain Time). We will answer questions from prospective proposers about the topic area organization. - 01.15.2021: Deadline for Topic Area Proposals. -- Emre Neftci, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neuromorphic Machine Intelligence Lab (http://nmi-lab.org/) Department of Cognitive Sciences, 2308 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway Building, UC Irvine 92697-5100

Nov. 20, 2020

PhD opportunity: Neurocomputational mechanisms of decision making

by Simon Kelly

Applications are invited for a *fully-funded, 4-year PhD* position in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a project examining the task-adaptive role of evidence accumulation in perceptual decision making using human neurophysiology combined with computational modelling. This project is funded under a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, by the SFI-HRB-Wellcome Research Partnership. The extent to which evidence accumulation underpins decision formation in some or all perceptual tasks is still widely debated. Accordingly, there now exist many distinct, alternative mathematical decision models that limit the role of evidence accumulation in various ways, most notably through leaky integration or "collapsing" decision bounds. The trouble is, these alternative models can often be made to fit behavioral data equally well but lead to fundamentally different inferences. With the rapidly growing use of these models across many basic and clinical research domains, it is past time that we knew whether, why and how these alternative mechanisms are invoked across different task scenarios, including ones representative of real life. This project will draw on novel neurally-informed modelling approaches developed by our lab (see, e.g. [1-3]) and others, to uncover core principles governing how neurocomputational decision processes are flexibly adapted to diverse task demands. The Kelly lab is based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and is affiliated with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. It has strong collaborative links to basic and clinical cognitive neuroscience research groups employing a range of methods, both locally and internationally. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of new skills. Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief research statement describing their background and research interests and how they align with the project and the broader interests of the Kelly lab, to simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie. The PhD position is intended to start in Sept 2021, with some flexibility. [1] Afacan-Seref K, Steinemann NA, Blangero A, Kelly SP. Dynamic interplay of value and sensory information in high-speed decision making. Current Biology. 2018. 28(5):795-802.e6. [2] Kelly SP, Corbett EA, O'Connell RG. Neurocomputational mechanisms of prior-informed perceptual decision making in humans. Nature Human Behaviour. In Press. [3] O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005 ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 19, 2020

2 Postdoc positions: Neurocomputational mechanisms of decision making

by Simon Kelly

Applications are invited for two 3-year postdoctoral positions in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a project examining the task-adaptive role of evidence accumulation in perceptual decision making using human neurophysiology combined with computational modelling. This project is funded under a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, by the SFI-HRB-Wellcome Research Partnership. The extent to which evidence accumulation underpins decision formation in some or all perceptual tasks is still widely debated. Accordingly, there now exist many distinct, alternative mathematical decision models that limit the role of evidence accumulation in various ways, most notably through leaky integration or "collapsing" decision bounds. The trouble is, these alternative models can often be made to fit behavioral data equally well but lead to fundamentally different inferences. With the rapidly growing use of these models across many basic and clinical research domains, it is past time that we knew whether, why and how these alternative mechanisms are invoked across different task scenarios, including ones representative of real life. This project will draw on novel neurally-informed modelling approaches developed by our lab (see, e.g. [1-3]) and others, to uncover core principles governing how neurocomputational decision processes are flexibly adapted to diverse task demands. The Kelly lab is based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and is affiliated with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. It has strong collaborative links to basic and clinical cognitive neuroscience research groups employing a range of methods, both locally and internationally. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of new skills. Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief research statement describing their background and research interests and how they align with the project and the broader interests of the Kelly lab. Please submit these materials through the UCD job vacancies site ( https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ - search for job ref number *012812*), before the *deadline of Jan 11 2021*. The positions are intended to start in April/May 2021, with some flexibility. [1] Afacan-Seref K, Steinemann NA, Blangero A, Kelly SP. Dynamic interplay of value and sensory information in high-speed decision making. Current Biology. 2018. 28(5):795-802.e6. [2] Kelly SP, Corbett EA, O'Connell RG. Neurocomputational mechanisms of prior-informed perceptual decision making in humans. Nature Human Behaviour. In Press. [3] O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005 ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 19, 2020

Postdoc position in decision neuroscience: Multi-site project

by Simon Kelly

Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoctoral research position in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a collaborative Tripartite project on the neural mechanisms of perceptual decision making, jointly funded by Science Foundation Ireland, HSC-Northern Ireland and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. The overall, multi-site project involves non-human primate neurophysiology (Michael Shadlen in Columbia University), intracranial human EEG (Stephan Bickel in Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine), biologically based neural network modelling (KongFatt Wong-Lin, Ulster University), human fMRI (Redmond O’Connell in Trinity College Dublin) and human EEG (Simon Kelly in UCD), with several planned visits and regular interactions among labs, and diverse skill-building opportunities. The primary focus of the postdoc position in UCD is to contribute insights using human EEG, in close alignment with, and with contributions to, the experiments conducted in other modalities and at the other sites. A key focus of the project is to understand the role of neural representations of cumulative evidence that are abstracted from specific motor requirements, and to find out where and how such representations are computed in the human and non-human primate brains. Interested candidates should submit a brief research statement and CV including publications through the UCD job vacancies site ( https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ – search for job ref number 012810). Informal enquiries can be directed to Simon (simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie) Candidates should explain in their statement how their own research interests fit with those of the Kelly lab and why they are suited to this particular multi-site neuroscience project. The deadline for submitting applications is Dec 16 2020, and shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly after that. It is hoped that the candidate can start on this project early in the new year. ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 19, 2020

postdoc position at Georgia Tech

by Rozell, Christopher J

A postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience is available in the lab of Christopher Rozell at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA). This BRAIN Initiative research project seeks to advance the field of closed-loop computational neuroscience by pioneering the use of real-time feedback stimulation during experiments to decouple recurrently connected circuit elements and make stronger causal inferences about circuit interactions. This position will have a broad opportunity to develop models and algorithms that are implemented in novel experiments using closed-loop optogenetic stimulation. We aim to provide both new scientific insight about computation in neural circuits (especially sensory coding in the thalamo-cortical circuit) as well as new approaches and algorithmic tools for the community to use in novel electrophysiology experiments. This position will work as part of a team and in close collaboration with the experimental lab of Garrett Stanley (also at Georgia Tech), and it is expected that the computational and algorithmic approaches will be implemented experimentally through close partnership with experimentalists in the Stanley Laboratory. Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline with a strong record of research impact, quantitative thinking and collaborative work. Experience in computational neuroscience, machine learning, feedback control, and causal inference is all advantageous. The lab is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all scholars, and applications are especially encouraged from all underrepresented groups. Additionally, the lab is committed to the professional development of the members, making it valuable preparation for people who are interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. This particular project is part of the Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience program (CRCNS), providing access to a community of researchers across the country who are focused on similar types of collaborations between computational and experimental labs. Georgia Tech's campus in the heart of midtown Atlanta, which has a thriving and collaborative neuroscience community that has a particular emphasis on computational and systems neuroscience. Atlanta is also one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, boasting a wide range of opportunities for recreation and culture. Georgia Tech has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. The position would ideally start as soon as possible (spring 2021). The appointment is initially for 12 months with the expectation of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to crozell(a)gatech.edu with the subject line "CRCNS postdoc". Application review will proceed until the position is filled and should be received by December 1 for full consideration. http://siplab.gatech.edu/CRCNS_postdoc_ad.html

Nov. 19, 2020

Postdoctoral fellow in Computational Neuroscience investigating mechanisms of sensorimotor integration.

by Ausborn,Jessica

Dr. Jessica Ausborn’s group at Drexel University College of Medicine, in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy has a postdoctoral position available for an exciting new research project involving computational models of sensorimotor integration based on neural and behavior data in Drosophila. The interdisciplinary collaboration with the experimental group of Dr. Katie von Reyn (Drexel School of Biomedical Engineering) will involve a variety of computational techniques including the development of biophysically detailed and more abstract mathematical models together with machine learning and data science techniques to identify and probe the algorithms computed in neuronal pathways that perform sensorimotor transformations. The Ausborn laboratory is part of an interdisciplinary group of Drexel’s Neuroengineering program that includes computational and experimental investigators. This collaborative, interdisciplinary environment enables us to probe biological systems in a way that would not be possible with either an exclusively experimental or computational approach. https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research… More details on how to apply can be found here: https://careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/495192/postdoctoral-researcher ----- Jessica Ausborn Assistant Professor Neurobiology and Anatomy College of Medicine Drexel University 2900 W Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129

Nov. 19, 2020

PhD with Bristol Neural Computation Hub

by Cian O'Donnell

The Bristol Neural Computation Hub, University of Bristol, UK is looking to recruit to a number of EPSRC-funded PhD studentships for a Sept/Oct 2021 start: the research areas considered include Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning. We have a vibrant Computational Neuroscience group with strong collaborative links with local and international groups working in experimental neuroscience, in machine learning and cognitive science. We have interesting projects to offer in our respective research areas: Laurence Aitchison (http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/~laurence/) gaussian processes and deep learning. Jeff Bowers (https://jeffbowers.blogs.bristol.ac.uk) deep learning as models of cognition. Conor Houghton (https://conorhoughton.github.io) information theory, decision making and affective state and linguistics. Nathan Lepora (http://lepora.com) robotics, neuroscience, biomimetics. Cian O’Donnell (https://odonnellgroup.github.io) synaptic plasticity, autism, statistical methods for neural data. Rui Ponte Costa (https://neuralml.github.io) credit assignment in cortical circuits. More details on the group here: https://bristolcnu.github.io/research/ Bristol is one of the top places to live and work in the UK and so we urge you to apply or to recommend this opportunity to suitable students. Anyone interested should contact one of us to discuss potential project and their application as early as possible; there are notes on the application process below; the final application would need to be submitted by 15th Jan 2021. All the best, Conor, Nathan, Cian, Rui, Laurence, and Jeff ___________ Information on the studentships: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/funding/sceem-studentships International students (including EU who haven’t lived in the UK) are very much eligible to apply but the process will be more competitive as only maximum 30% of the studentships are open for them. The remainder of these studentships are subject to a UK residency requirement: (https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/) Students should contact one of us before applying as you would need our nomination and also time to develop their project proposal with us. The selection itself goes through a two step process, students are first accepted as PhD students by the University and are then considered for funding within the School. Applicants should apply via http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/ and select "Computer Science PhD", ensuring they submit a short research proposal outlining the research question or area they intend to focus on and a CV by the deadline.

Nov. 19, 2020