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

CNS*2020 Online Meeting starts **July 18**

by Martin Zapotocky

Organization for Computational Neurosciences 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359 Grandville, MI 49418 USA* * The *29th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2020) *will take place online on *July 18--22*. *Registration is free of charge*. In addition to the Main Meeting sessions, the conference hosts 10 tutorials/showcases and 10 workshops, for a total of *over 200 oral and 200 poster presentations*. Keynote addresses will be given by Matt Botvinick, Zhaoping Li, Geoff Goodhill, and Daniel Polani. To gain access to the meeting schedule and the online sessions, please register at https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2020 You can then use the CNS*2020 Sched instance to assemble a personalized meeting agenda. We hope that you will join us and the 1,200 already registered participants at the CNS*2020 Online Meeting. -- Martin Zapotocky, Ph.D. Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences Videnska 1083 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic URL: www.biomed.cas.cz/~zapotocky Tel: +420-241-062-708 Email: zapotocky(a)biomed.cas.cz Upozorneni: Neni-li v teto zprave vyslovne uvedeno jinak, ma tato E-mailova zprava nebo jeji prilohy pouze informativni charakter. Tato zprava ani jeji prilohy v zadnem ohledu ustavy AV CR, v.v.i. k nicemu nezavazuji. Text teto zpravy nebo jejich priloh neni navrhem na uzavreni smlouvy, ani prijetim pripadneho navrhu na uzavreni smlouvy, ani jinym pravnim jednanim smerujicim k uzavreni jakekoliv smlouvy a nezaklada predsmluvni odpovednost ustavu AV CR, v.v.i. Disclaimer: If not expressly stated otherwise, this e-mail message (including any attached files) is intended purely for informational purposes and does not represent a binding agreement on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The text of this message and its attachments cannot be considered as a proposal to conclude a contract, neither the acceptance of a proposal to conclude a contract, nor any other legal act leading to concluding any contract; nor does it create any pre-contractual liability on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

July 7, 2020

Postdoc position in computational neuroscience at University of Pittsburgh

by Chengcheng Huang

The Huang group at the University of Pittsburgh has a postdoc position available immediately for computational modeling to understand how recurrent connections with synaptic plasticity shape the time scales in the auditory cortex. This position is part of a collaboration with Prof. Tobias Teichert and Prof. Dean Salisbury from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. This project aims to use a combination of modeling, electrophysiology and EEG recordings to investigate the circuit mechanisms underlying auditory refractoriness, as well as auditory dysfunction in Schizophrenia. In general, our group is interested in how different task and stimulus contexts change neuronal responses and the implications on neural coding. Other ongoing projects in the group include circuit models of interneuron subtypes and attentional modulation on information flow. The position is funded for two years, with an initial one-year appointment, and it can be possibly extended to three years. The project is funded by a Brain Initiative grant. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a related field, such as computational neuroscience, mathematics, physics or engineering. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Interested applicants should email a CV and a brief research statement to Dr. Chengcheng Huang (huangc(a)pitt.edu) -- Dr. Chengcheng Huang Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience and Department of Mathematics University of Pittsburgh

July 7, 2020

Two PhD positions in computational neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam

by Jorge Mejias

Dear all, We have two PhD positions in computational neuroscience available at the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Both positions are funded by the Human Brain Project (HBP-SGA3) and will be co-supervised by Cyriel Pennartz, head of the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group, and Jorge Mejias, Principal Investigator of Computational Neuroscience. Position #1: The main objective of this PhD project is to develop a large, biologically plausible model of a cortical architecture that is trained for predictive object and scene representations and performs cognitive operations on these representations, such as scene segmentation, object categorization and object constancy in the face of variable sensory input. The candidate will closely collaborate with other computational neuroscientists, experimental neuroscientists, theoreticians and machine learning experts across different research teams in Europe. For this position, we are seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate with a Master's degree in computational neuroscience or closely related field with a strong background in modeling neural networks or, alternatively, a MSc in machine learning/AI or biomedical, electronic or automation engineering, computer science, physics or a closely related field with a clear background or affinity for brain-inspired modeling. Strong programming skills in Python and experience in machine learning and (deep) neural network modeling is desirable. English is the official language of the lab, therefore good English communication skills are expected. Position #2: The main objective of this PhD project is to develop a biologically realistic computational model of multi-area cortical circuits involved in multisensory perception, categorization and sensory prediction. We will build a model constrained by state-of-the-art neuroanatomical data, which will include biologically relevant information such as cortical laminar structure, multiple cell types, and biologically realistic learning rules for synaptic plasticity. The model will be able categorize stimuli in simple multisensory tasks and will provide computational predictions on neural activity which we will compare to experimental data from collaborators. The candidate will also closely collaborate with other computational neuroscientists, experimental neuroscientists, theoreticians and machine learning experts across different research teams in Europe. For this position, we are seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate with a Master's degree in computational neuroscience or closely related field (with a focus on modeling biological neural systems) or, alternatively, an MSc in physics, mathematics or a closely related field and a clear background or affinity for brain modeling. Strong mathematical skills including calculus, linear algebra, dynamical systems and complex systems, as well as strong computational skills (Python, NEST) are desirable. English is the official language of the lab, therefore good English communication skills are expected. For both positions, we offer a full-time appointment for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive performance evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance to courses and (international) meetings. The gross monthly salary will range from €2,395 in the first year to €3,061 in the final year, according to the Dutch salary scale for PhD candidates. Additional benefits include a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus (8% and 8.3% of the gross annual salary, respectively) and generous vacation, pension and social security conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. Candidates coming from abroad might also be eligible for highly attractive tax benefits. The lab is located in the state-of-the art facilities of the Science Park at the University of Amsterdam, with good communications with other academic facilities and research centers in the city. The University of Amsterdam is a top research university with a strong focus on the research area of brain and cognition. As one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, Amsterdam has a rich historical and cultural heritage that includes the UNESCO World Heritage city center and canals, dozens of world-class museums and restaurants, and an exciting nightlife. The city promotes a healthy lifestyle with plenty of outdoor life, parks and recreational areas, an excellent bicycle path network, and an expat-friendly environment. The application deadline for both positions is July 24th, 2020. Candidates may apply to both positions, but they are asked to indicate their preference for any of them. Applications may only be submitted online by following the links below (where more detailed information about both positions is provided): Position #1: https://sils.uva.nl/shared/uva/en/vacancies/2020/06/20-352-phd-candidate-in… Position #2: https://sils.uva.nl/shared/uva/en/vacancies/2020/06/20-353-phd-candidate-in… Please include a letter of motivation and a CV, combined in one single pdf document. Make sure to mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience. To enable us to process your application immediately, please quote the vacancy number for the position you are applying for (20-352 for project #1, 20-353 for project #2). For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Jorge Mejias (j.f.mejias at uva.nl). Kind regards, Jorge F. Mejias, PhD Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam The Netherlands www.ugr.es/~jmejias -- Jorge F. Mejias, PhD Assistant Professor Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam The Netherlands www.ugr.es/~jmejias

July 7, 2020

Virtual Telluride Neuromorphic Engineering Workshop (July 27-31 2020)

by Emre Neftci

We are happy to announce a Virtual Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop 2020 (https://tellurideneuromorphic.org/) this year in replacement of our usual Workshop in Telluride. The workshop will take place from July 27 to July 31 (8am to 10am PDT, or 17:00 to 19:00 CET). The format will be a week of lectures and tutorials on current topics in neuromorphic engineering (two hours per day) followed by four hands-on, collaborative challenges which will be carried out in the month of August. The results of the challenges will be presented on September 10 and 11. More up-to-date information on the list of speakers and the challenges can be found at the 2020 Neuromorphic Workshop website (https://sites.google.com/view/telluride2020/home) The workshop is free to attend and is open to everyone upon registration. Please pass this announcement to other interested parties. Regards, The Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering 2020 Organizing Committee -- 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

July 7, 2020

PhD Position on the Brain, Language and Multilingualism

by Narly Golestani

With the launch of a new ‘NCCR Evolving Language’ (http://www.snf.ch/SiteCollectionDocuments/nfs/Faktenblatt_NCCR_evolvinglang…) which involves nearly 40 different research groups from a large variety of disciplines across Switzerland, we seek to fill a PhD position for a four-year project, starting in September or October 2020. Our goal is to make progress in understanding language giftedness from cognitive, psychological and neural perspectives. To this end, we plan to carry out a set of studies involving acquisition of both behavioral measures of cognitive and language-related abilities (e.g. auditory/perceptual abilities, phonemic perception and production, inductive learning, working memory etc) and of brain imaging measures (fMRI and sMRI). The project will be supervised by Narly Golestani (University of Geneva) and Raphael Berthele (University of Fribourg), and will be done in collaboration with a postdoctoral fellow. Data will be collected with Francophone (mono- and multilingual) subjects. Applicants should hold have a background in cognitive neuroscience or psychology, with solid experience in brain functional neuroimaging (ideally fMRI), behavioral testing and strong statistics skills. Command of the French and English languages is essential. Given hiring restrictions due to Covid19, priority will be given to European applicants, at least for now. The NCCR places great emphasis on gender diversity and we particularly encourage women to apply. Applicants may send a pdf file including a cover letter, a CV, names and contact information of 3 references as well as any other relevant documents to Narly.Golestani(a)unige.ch<mailto:Narly.Golestani@unige.ch> and Raphael.berthele(a)unifr.ch<mailto:Raphael.berthele@unifr.ch>. Deadline for application: July 22nd 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brain and Language Lab Prof. Narly GOLESTANI Department of Psychology Campus Biotech 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202 Genève +41 22 379 53 52 <https://outlook.unige.ch/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=5WTo-p-J-W9FrDydU-0WU4PdMytUGs…>http://www.brainandlanguagelab.org https://twitter.com/brain_lang_lab ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <https://outlook.unige.ch/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=5WTo-p-J-W9FrDydU-0WU4PdMytUGs…>

July 6, 2020

Offer of a PhD position

by Daun, Silvia

Dear All, I have a PhD position to offer in my lab: "Researchers at the subinstitute Cognitive Neuroscience (INM-3) investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive (dys-) function in healthy subjects and patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Functional imaging (PET, MRI) and electrophysiological methods (EEG, TMS, tDCS) are combined with computational approaches. The successful candidate will investigate how neural information processing within the human motor system is impaired by (non-)pathological aging under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Silvia Daun. We are offering a PhD Position - Cognitive Neuroscience / Computational Neurology at the Research Center Juelich Your Job: * Acquisition and analysis of EEG and fMRI data from healthy subjects and stroke patients * Implementation of analysis algorithms * Presentation and publication of the results * Interaction with team members and collaborators from Psychology, Medicine, and Computational Neuroscience Your Profile: * Excellent University degree (Diploma/Master) in Computational Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field * Solid programming skills (preferably in Matlab or Python) * Keen interest in cognitive and systems neuroscience * Good command of English Our Offer: * Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree * A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe`s largest research establishments * An attractive research campus, situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen * Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings * Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor * Doctoral degree conferred by University of Cologne * Participation in overarching seminars including certificate * Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. via a comprehensive further training programme * Pay in line with 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible * Information on employment as a PhD student at Forschungszentrum Jülich can be found here http://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons." To apply, please follow the link: https://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2020D-071-… All the best, Silvia Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Silvia Daun Kognitive Neurowissenschaften Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Medizin (INM-3) Forschungszentrum Jülich Leo-Brandt-Str. 5 52425 Jülich Telefon: 02461-61-8638 Telefax: 02461-61-9853 Email: s.daun(a)fz-juelich.de und Professorin für Computational Neuroscience - Modeling Neural Network Function Zoologisches Institut Universität zu Köln Biowissenschaftliches Zentrum, Zi. 1.104 Zülpicher-Straße 47b 50674 Köln Telefon: 0221-470-3829 Telefax: 0221-470-4889 Email: silvia.daun(a)uni-koeln.de http://www.neuro.uni-koeln.de/neuro-gruhn-staff-sg.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 6, 2020

9th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering (2020)

by Dölker Eva-Maria TU Ilmenau

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that we have an excellent list of lecturers at the 9th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering (2020) hold from 5th-11th August 2020 in Augustinerkloster in Erfurt, Germany. The program can be found on the summer school webpage: https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/bmti/wissenschaftliche-veranstaltungen/summer-sch… We are currently accepting PhD students and advanced Master students applications. Registration info can be found at the point “General Information”. Please send any enquiries to Eva-Maria Dölker <eva-maria.doelker(a)tu-ilmenau.de<mailto:eva-maria.doelker@tu-ilmenau.de>>. Best regards, Eva-Maria Dölker Organization of the Summer School

July 3, 2020

Explainable AI: Overcoming problems of Deep Learning problems with Adaptive Resonance

by Grossberg, Stephen

Dear Colleagues, There's currently a lot of interest in AI, notably Deep Learning, and in achieving autonomous adaptive intelligence. The following new article summarizes foundational problems of reliability and trustworthiness of Deep Learning, explains how Adaptive Resonance overcomes them, and outlines a blueprint for achieving autonomous adaptive intelligence: Grossberg, S. (2020). A path towards Explainable AI and autonomous adaptive intelligence: Deep Learning, Adaptive Resonance, and models of perception, emotion, and action. Frontiers in Neurobotics, June 25, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2020.00036 Best, Steve Grossberg

July 2, 2020

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

by Antonio Roque

Positions for Postdoctoral Researchers The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is offering *three post-doctoral 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 post-doc fellows shall be strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by the NeuroMat team. The project may be developed at USP (main campus, São Paulo), USP campus Ribeirão Preto or University of Campinas (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; and/or - 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; and/or - 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; and/or - 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 http://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. FAPESP requirements: The candidate should have concluded a doctorate less than seven years before the beginning of the PD fellowship. The fellowship demands full-time dedication to the research project (except under conditions outlined in resolution PR Nº 13/2009, 15 July 2009). The fellowship holder may not hold any formal or informal employment nor receive, during the term of the fellowship, a fellowship from another entity, salary or remuneration deriving from the exercise of activities of whatever nature (except under conditions outlined in the decree PR Nº 13/2009, 15 July 2009). *Timetable* Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until August 16, 2020. Appointments are expected to start by November 1st, 2020. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renovations for up to three years. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Post-Doctoral fellowships in the amount of R$ 7,373.10 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. Check the rules of FAPESP post-doctoral fellowships at: http://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>

July 1, 2020

[SOFTWARE] Open-Source Neurodynamic Modeling Software PyRates

by Richard Gast

The Brain Networks Group and Neurophysics Department of the Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig released an open-source Python software for neural network and dynamical systems modeling: PyRates (https://github.com/pyrates-neuroscience/PyRates, https://www.cbs.mpg.de/departments/neurophysics/software/pyrates) Main features of PyRates are: - Intuitive and re-usable model definitions via YAML files or purely in Python - networkx representations of each model allows to compute graph theoretic measurements on the fly (https://networkx.github.io/) - Efficient numerical simulations via scipy, numpy and tensorflow - evolutionary model parameter optimization - large-scale parameter sweeps on single machines and compute clusters - parameter continuation and bifurcation analysis via auto-07p For a full list of features and their documentation, check out the PyRates documentation at https://pyrates.readthedocs.io/en/latest/. For feedback and contributions, contact us via our GitHub repository: https://github.com/pyrates-neuroscience/PyRates. Install instructions can be found there as well!

July 1, 2020