October 2021 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Post doc in Cognitive-Computational/Theoretical Neuroscience at University College London UK (PI Dominik Bach, ERC-funded)

by Dominik R. Bach

*Post doc in Cognitive-Computational Modelling/Theoretical Neuroscience at University College London: discrete and continuous human action control under threat* We are looking for a research fellow in an ERC-funded research project "Action selection under threat - the complex control of human defence" led by Dominik Bach (http://bachlab.org <http://bachlab.org>) at University College London in collaboration with Peter Dayan, Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen (https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/de/computational-neuroscience <https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/de/computational-neuroscience>). The position will be based at Max-Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry (https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en <https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en>) and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/ <http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/>). The overarching goal of the project is to understand the cognitive-computational control of human action selection under acute, immediate threat. We investigate this in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, in which people can move to avoid a large number of different threats. As part of this project, the candidate will build explicit theoretical and computational models of discrete and continuous action control and action updating under constraints of time pressure and unaffordable costs. These will be tested by the experimentalists in our interdisciplinary team, composed of VR experts, psychologists, and movement scientists. If desired there is a possibility to get involved in the experimental work, including behavioural experiments, motion capture and OPM-MEG. Within the topical focus, the project offers unique freedom to explore and develop novel directions and formalisms at the interface of classical discrete-space decision models and continous action control. We seek applicants with a track record of cognitive-computational modelling and a PhD in computational neuroscience, robotics with focus on action planning, computer science/mathematics/physics with a focus on decision science, or in a related area. We are looking for an individual who is strongly motivated to pursue an academic career and is excited by the opportunities for personal and career development this position can provide. The post is available from now with negotiable starting date. Funding is available for up to 3 years. Starting salary is on UCL grade 7, ranging from £36,770 to £44,388 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, superannuable. More information, a full job description, and access to the UCL online application portal: https://bit.ly/3G6uQAg <https://bit.ly/3G6uQAg> Please contact d.bach(a)ucl.ac.uk for any queries about the project or role. Closing date: 16 November 2021 Interviews will be held remotely in December. Apologies for cross-posting. -- ----------------------- Dominik R Bach MBBS PhD Professor for Cognitive-Computational and Clinical Neuroscience Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London bachlab.org | @bachlab_cog

Oct. 21, 2021

Two PostDoc positions, computational and experimental, on focused ultrasound neuromodulation

by Marcus Kaiser

Dear all, Two PostDoc positions for the development and experimental validation of computational models of the effects of human focused ultrasound neuromodulation are available in my lab. *About the project* This programme of work, using the NeuroFUS PRO equipment for focused ultrasound neuromodulation, will focus on developing a software framework for modelling the effects of brain stimulation. Our objectives are to establish models of the biological effect of focused ultrasound and to predict effects of stimulation in humans, based on experiments performed as part of this study at Nottingham, and non-human primates, based on data from collaborators. Validated models of stimulation effects will then be a starting point for personalized stimulation approaches. *Available RA positions* As part of this project, the lab of Prof. Marcus Kaiser ( http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/ ) is seeking talented and enthusiastic research assistants with a PhD awarded, or a PhD thesis about to be submitted, in computational biology or related subjects; prior experience in the neurosciences is desirable. Computational RA position: The research fellow will implement simulations of biological effects on non-invasive interventions on targeted brain regions and on indirect effects in the rest of the brain network. In addition, tools for comparing effects of stimulations within a computer model and effects observed in experimental studies will be developed. Experimental RA position: The research fellow will work on focused ultrasound experiments, will run simulations of the physical effects (pressure and thermal changes) of stimulation, and will perform the processing of neuroimaging data. *Research Environment* Nottingham “the home of MRI” offers an excellent environment for imaging ( https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/beacons-of-excellence/precision-imagi… and https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/spmic/index.aspx ), is pioneering the use of neurotechnology for brain disorders ( http://mindtech.org.uk/ ), hosts the Institute of Mental Health ( https://www.institutemh.org.uk ), and has a large group of faculty members including four full professors (Stephen Coombes, Mark van Rossum, Mark Humphries, Marcus Kaiser) in the area of computational/mathematical neuroscience. *How to Apply*Apply before 2 November 2021 at https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=35657&forced=2 (experimental RA) https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=35654&forced=2 (computational RA) For informal queries, please contact Dr Marcus Kaiser, marcus.kaiser(a)nottingham.ac.uk Best, Marcus -- *Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D. FRSB* @ConnectomeLab <https://twitter.com/ConnectomeLab> *Professor of Neuroinformatics* *Precision Imaging Beacon, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham* Guanci Visiting Professor Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Book: Changing Connectomes https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/changing-connectomes Lab website: http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/ Neuroinformatics UK: http://www.neuroinformatics.org.uk/

Oct. 20, 2021

FLAIRS-35 CFP, May 15-18, 2022, Jensen Beach, Florida

by David B

FLAIRS-35 Special Track on Neural Networks and Data Mining The Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Symposium (FLAIRS) is an interdisciplinary conference which features double-blind reviewing, free tutorials, and a warm and sunny venue. Abstract Due Date: January 17, 2022 Submission Due Date: January 24, 2022 Conference: May 15-18, 2022 Jensen Beach, Florida Website: https://sites.google.com/view/flairs-35-nn-dm-track/home URL: https://www.flairs-35.info/call-for-papers Papers are being solicited for a special track on Neural Networks and Data Mining at the 35th International FLAIRS Conference (https://www.flairs-35.info/home) This special track will be devoted to neural networks and data mining with the aim of presenting new and important contributions in these areas. Papers and contributions are encouraged for any work related to neural networks, data mining, or the intersection thereof. Topics of interest may include (but are in no way limited to): applications such as Pattern Recognition, Control and Process Monitoring, Biomedical Applications, Robotics, Text Mining, Diagnostic Problems, Telecommunications, Power Systems, Signal Processing; Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy; algorithms such as new developments in Back Propagation, RBF, SVM, Deep Learning, Ensemble Methods, Kernel Approaches; hybrid approaches such as Neural Networks/Genetic Algorithms, Neural Network/Expert Systems, Causal Nets trained with Backpropagation, and Neural Network/Fuzzy Logic applications such as Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy; modeling algorithms such as hidden Markov models, decision trees, neural networks, statistical methods, or probabilistic methods; case studies in areas of application, or over different algorithms and approaches; graph modeling, pattern discovery, and anomaly detection; feature extraction and selection; post-processing techniques such as visualization, summarization, or trending; preprocessing and data reduction; and knowledge engineering or warehousing. Questions regarding the track should be addressed to: David Bisant at bisant(a)umbc.edu, Steven Gutstein at s.m.gutstein(a)gmail.com, or Bill Eberle at weberle(a)tntech.edu.

Oct. 20, 2021

Fellow applications for Georgia Tech/Emory Computational Neural Engineering Training Program

by Rozell, Christopher J

Georgia Tech/Emory invite you to apply to become a Fellow in our NIH/NIBIB Computational Neural Engineering Training Program (CNTP)! Fellows receive full stipend and tuition for two years to support rotations and foster cross-disciplinary collaborative training. The CNTP aims to train the next generation of researchers at the intersection of computational neuroscience, neural engineering, data science, and clinical neurophysiology. Central to our mission is our core belief that just as the diversity among cells, circuits, and networks is critical for navigating a complex and ever-changing world, diversity in the background, experiences, and expertise among our team members is key to understanding and interacting with the brain. The CNTP seeks diversity in the recruiting of our fellows, scholars, and training faculty, equity among the members of our diverse team, and to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and heard. Training components include new coursework (“Clinical Experience for Engineers”), seminars, innovation forums, professional development meetings, and community retreats. Overall, the CNTP creates novel opportunities to gain experience in science, engineering and clinical domains, resulting in an exceptional and unique training experience. More information on the CNTP is here: https://sites.gatech.edu/cntp/. Fellow applications are solicited from admitted applicants to one of the four participating PhD programs linked below (PhD in BME, ECE, Bioe or ML). Fellows must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents. If you are interested in joining the CNTP, you must first apply to one of those programs. Deadlines vary, beginning December 1, 2021. Detailed application instructions: https://sites.gatech.edu/cntp/how-to-apply/. Please contact Dr. Rozell at crozell(a)gatech.edu<mailto:crozell@gatech.edu> with any questions. Graduate program application assistance Current CNTP trainees are offering graduate application assistance to provide feedback on essays and give guidance on potentially relevant faculty. You can request assistance by filling out the form below before November 8, 2021: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefcaCnxG_CLQnUvw6Mvgo2Q2zzrnhDx_d… Participating PhD programs PhD in Biomedical Engineering at GT/Emory (due 12/1/2021) https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/georgia-tech-emory-bme-phd-program PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering at GT (due 12/16/2021) https://www.ece.gatech.edu/graduate-admissions PhD in Bioengineering at GT with BME or ECE home school (deadline is from home school) https://bioengineering.gatech.edu/ PhD in Machine Learning at GT with BME or ECE home school (deadline is from home school) http://ml.gatech.edu/phd

Oct. 20, 2021

Announcing "Bernstein SmartSteps - Featuring Early Career Scientists"

by Anja Dorrn

The Bernstein SmartSteps<https://bernstein-network.de/en/network/awards-and-initiatives/bernstein-sm…> series provides a unique platform for selected Early Career Scientists of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://bernstein-network.de/en/> to present their research projects to the scientific community. Each session one PhD candidate and one Postdoc who are ready to take their next (smart) step for their scientific career will discuss their research in an online seminar. Join the Bernstein SmartSteps Series as an audience if you are interested in cutting-edge computational neuroscience and want to watch out for new talents in the field. The live talks will be held in Zoom. A recording will be published in a separate collection on the Bernstein Vimeo Channel. Please register here<https://indico-jsc.fz-juelich.de/event/201/registration/register#/register>, if you would like to join for the live talks. A link to the event in Zoom will be sent shortly before via email. Fall series 2021<https://bernstein-network.de/en/network/awards-and-initiatives/bernstein-sm…> Thursday, November 4, 4 pm CET * Miriam Henning (Silies lab) | University of Mainz, Germany An optimal population code for global motion estimation in local direction-selective cells * Barna Zajzon (Morrison lab) | Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany Representation transfer and signal denoising through topographic modularity Thursday, November 25, 4 pm CET * Han Lu (Vlachos lab) | University of Freiburg, Germany Homeostatic structural plasticity of neuronal connectivity triggered by optogenetic stimulation * Golan Karvat (Diester lab) | University of Freiburg, Germany Spontaneous activity competes with externally evoked responses in sensory cortex Thursday, December 9, 4 pm CET * Bin Wang (Aljadeff lab) | University of California San Diego, USA A nonlinear shot noise model for calcium-based synaptic plasticity * Helene Schreyer (Gollisch lab) | University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany Nonlinear spatial integration in retinal bipolar cells shapes the encoding of artificial and natural stimuli -- Dr. Anja Dorrn Scientific Coordinator Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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), Dr. Astrid Lambrecht, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oct. 20, 2021

Open position: Master's student in computational neuroscience at the University of Toronto

by Scott Rich

The Neuron to Brain lab is searching for a Master's student to work on a project in Computational Neuroscience studying the role of neural heterogeneity in generating seizure resilience in neural circuits. The work will be supervised by Dr. Taufik Valiante and directly mentored by Dr. Scott Rich. Details can be found at here <http://www.neurontobrainlaboratory.ca/sites/default/files/N2BLab_Computatio…>. -- Sincerely, Scott Rich, Ph.D Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Krembil Research Institute (affiliated with the University of Toronto) scottrich.strikingly.com

Oct. 19, 2021

[Jobs] PhD position in Multimodal Grounding for Robotic Assistants (ANITI, Toulouse, France)

by Rufin VanRullen

PhD position in Multimodal Grounding for Robotic Assistants (ANITI, Toulouse, France) The Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute (ANITI: https://aniti.univ-toulouse.fr/en/) in Toulouse (France) is looking to recruit a PhD student in Machine Learning to work on multimodal grounding (e.g., joint vision-language models). The selected candidate will develop deep learning models capable of achieving state-of-the-art performance on cognitively challenging problems such as: Visual Question Answering, Incremental Learning, Meta-Learning, Multi-Task Learning, Task-Switching, Robust Representation Learning, etc. The candidate will join an active group of like-minded students (the ANITI Graduate School) and a vibrant research community (made up of nearly 30 ANITI Research Chairs). Work will be carried out in the Chair of Rufin VanRullen (https://rufinv.github.io) at CerCo (https://cerco.cnrs.fr) but in close collaboration with local and international research groups (IRIT, LAAS, Linagora, University of Potsdam, Airbus AI research). Rufin VanRullen’s ANITI Chair is entitled “Deep Learning with Semantic, Cognitive and Biological Constraints”, and aims at fostering next-generation AI architectures by drawing inspiration from Cognitive Sciences and Neuroscience. The PhD project is part of a large-scale France-Germany collaborative grant entitled “Natural Language Programming for Conversational Cobots”. The multi-modal grounding research will need to assist the overall grant objectives (ultimately, helping robotic assistants interact with humans in natural language), but there will also be freedom to pursue independent research questions related to multimodal grounding in AI and/or in the brain. The ideal candidate will have a Masters in Computer Science, Machine Learning or related fields, and substantial experience with at least one deep learning framework (PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras…). Research experience in Computer Vision, NLP and/or Reinforcement Learning is highly desirable. The salary scale is according to ANITI standards. The position is open to start immediately, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, send a CV and a short (less than 1-page) statement about research interests to rufin.vanrullen(a)cnrs.fr. Informal inquiries can also be made to the same address. -- ---------------------------------------------------- Rufin VanRullen, PhD. < ANITI - AI Research Chair > Artificial & Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute CNRS-Centre de Recherche Cerveau & Cognition (CerCo) Faculte de Medecine Purpan - 31052 Toulouse (France) email: rufin.vanrullen(a)cnrs.fr Web: https://rufinv.github.io/ Tel: +33 669 547 468 ----------------------------------------------------

Oct. 19, 2021

Professorship in AI at the Stralsund University of Applied Sciences

by André Grüning

Professorship in AI at the Stralsund University of Applied Sciences In the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science we have an open position for a permanent W2 professorship in Artificial Intelligence. Application deadline is 7.11.2021 with planned start date for the new appointee on 1.9.2022. The post involves teaching and (applied) research. Willingness to participate in the self-administration of the institution is also expected. The formal and binding announcement of the opening (in German only) can be found at: <https://www.hochschule-stralsund.de/host/aktuelles/stellenangebote/> or <https://jobs.zeit.de/jobs/professur-w2-kuenstliche-intelligenz-in-der-fakul…> We are in particular looking for a candidate with comprehensive knowledge of and practical experience in at least one of the following areas: - neurocognition - neurorobotics, - deep learning - natural language processing - computer brain interfaces. Note that normally one of the requirements for an appointment is that the candidate has work experience of at least 5 years prior to the appointment, of which at least three shall be outside the (immediate) University sector. For further information, contact the chair person of the appointment committee Prof Andre Gruening, <andre_gruening(a)hochschule-stralsund.de> -- Prof. Dr. André Grüning -- Mathematik und Künstliche Intelligenz Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informatik Hochschule Stralsund -- Mathematics and Computational Intelligence Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Stralsund University of Applied Sciences -- 18435 Stralsund Deutschland/Germany

Oct. 19, 2021

Multiple vacancies at the University of Melbourne

by Uwe Aickelin

We have advertised five opportunities to join the top ranked School of Computing and Information Systems in Australia (THES and QS). Please share with your networks and encourage applications.. Full details below. Algorithmic Fairness: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/en/job/906606/senior-lecturerassociate-professo… Machine Learning and Systems (two positions): https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/906506/lecturer-or-senior-lecturer-i… Digital Ethics: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/906636/senior-lecturerassociate-prof… Information Systems: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/904639/lecturersenior-lecturer-infor… Professor Uwe Aickelin | Head of School of Computing and Information Systems Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Level 3, Melbourne Connect – 700 Swanston Street The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia T: +61 3 8344 3635 E: uwe.aickelin(a)unimelb.edu.au<mailto:uwe.aickelin@unimelb.edu.au> http://aickelin.com/ | http://linkedin.com/in/aickelin

Oct. 16, 2021

Two Tenure Track Assistant Professor Positions, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech

by Pearl Chiu

Dear All, Virginia Tech Psychology is seeking two assistant professors, open area. Computational (cognitive, neuro) science applicants very welcome! Best, Pearl --- Tenure Track Assistant Professor Positions Department of Psychology Virginia Tech The Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for two tenure-track assistant professors. We seek candidates who will increase the department's commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity through their research, teaching, mentoring and/or lived experience. The search is open to candidates in any area of psychology, although applicants are encouraged to think about how they would fit into one of our four existing graduate training areas (Developmental Science, Industrial and Organizational, Biological, Clinical Science). Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. by the Fall 2022 start date, a demonstrated commitment to research, teaching and mentoring, and/or service and engagement. The Department of Psychology includes a group of scholars who work to increase understanding of psychological processes involved in human behavior. This research includes identifying typical and disordered processes that contribute to mental and physical health across the lifespan, as well as the psychological and social processes that influence people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they engage with family, work, and their community. While faculty members in Psychology share a common interest in psychological processes, our specific interests, research methods, and expertise are diverse and include both behavioral and neuroscience approaches with experimental, survey, and big data methodologies. Some researchers are committed to increasing understanding of basic psychological processes, while others emphasize implications for developmental, organizational, and clinical issues. We are all committed to building a diverse and inclusive department. Review of applications will begin October 30, 2021, with applications considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Martha Ann Bell (mabell(a)vt.edu) chair of the search committee. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in psychology or a related field Ability to establish an independent research program and contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses Application Instructions Applications must be submitted online at jobs.vt.edu (Job Number 517603; https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/517603/assistant-professo…) 1) A full curriculum vitae 2) A statement describing experience and interests in promoting inclusion and equity through teaching, mentoring, and/or research 3) A statement of research accomplishments and future directions 4) A statement of teaching experience and approach 5) Three samples of scholarly writing (published, in press, under review, or in progress). We recommend candidates submit the research they are most proud of, regardless of journal ranking or impact factor. 6) The names and contact information of three academic references (letters are not required initially) The Psychology Department offers a supportive environment, including a mentoring program to its junior faculty. Virginia Tech is an institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). The College of Science is also committed to the professional development of junior faculty through various university initiatives (e.g., the College of Science Faculty Academy, Faculty Writing Group Grants, Faculty Mentoring Grants). Virginia Tech is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check as well as documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or receive approval from the university for a vaccination exemption due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Michelle Wooddell at mwooddel(a)vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event. -- Pearl Chiu, PhD Associate Professor Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech VTC School of Medicine Salem VA Medical Center 2 Riverside Circle, R1110 Roanoke VA 24016 +1 540-526-2019 chiup(a)vtc.vt.edu

Oct. 15, 2021