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

Call for participants Interdisciplinary College Spring school – March 7-17th, online

by Marieke Vugt, van

The Interdisciplinary College (IK) is an annual, intense spring school which offers a dense state-of-the-art course program in neurobiology, neural computation, cognitive science/psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and philosophy. It is aimed at students, postgraduates and researchers from academia and industry. By combining humanities, science and technology, the IK endeavours to intensify dialogue between the various disciplines. Courses include up-to-date introductions to the main fields of the IK, as well as an in-depth treatment of the focus topic, which this year is “flexibility”. We will discuss topics ranging from mental flexibility, to flexibility of the nervous system, to physical flexibility with dance, to science communication to viewpoint flexibility through Tibetan monastic debate techniques. The IK is also a unique social event. Due to the pandemic, IK will this year take place fully virtually, which makes it possible for participants from across the world to join! Participants from all over the world are invited to join online lecture series, workshops, key note lectures, panel discussions, a fish bowl discussion on career development, a virtual poster session, and plenty of opportunities for social interaction in our virtual conference venue in gather.town. Design your avatar, enjoy the talks by and interaction with top-class speakers from multiple disciplines, and join the crowd for a chat at the virtual fireplace or an online game – while you are comfortably sitting at home. The scientific program from 4.00 to 8.30 pm CET (with subsequent social interaction events) will allow participation in this online spring school, while maintaining regular study or work activities. There will also be in-person local interaction hubs, pandemic permitting. For more information and to register, check out the website: https://interdisciplinary-college.org/program/ Warm regards, Marieke van Vugt, Jutta Kretzberg, Alexandra Kirsch (co-chairs) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Marieke van Vugt, PhD Assistant Professor, Cognitive Modelling Group University of Groningen Bernoulliborg, room 326 Nijenborgh 9 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands phone: +31-6-5195-4984 (cell) +31-50-363-9487 (office) +44-741-847-6518 (abroad) https://mkvanvugt.wordpress.com <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt> twitter: @mvugt m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> / mkvanvugt(a)gmail.com —————————————— Please do not feel obliged to respond in the weekend or evening when I send emails at that time.

Dec. 29, 2021

Academic position in brain-inspired computing at the University of Liege, Belgium

by Guillaume Drion

Dear all, the University of Liège, Belgium, is inviting applications for a tenure-track full-time academic position in “Brain Inspired Computing", in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Montefiore Institute). Applicants are sought in one or more of the following areas: - design of neuromorphic sensing and signal processing systems, - development of cognitive information processing methods, - neuromorphic design of embodied intelligence. The deadline for sending applications is 15 February, 2022. The position and procedures are described in more details in https://www.montefiore.uliege.be/cms/c_7790814/en/open-tenured-or-tenure-tr… <https://www.montefiore.uliege.be/cms/c_7790814/en/open-tenured-or-tenure-tr…> Best, Guillaume Drion.

Dec. 28, 2021

Ph.D. positions in lifelong learning and neuromorphic AI/ML at Loughborough University

by Andrea Soltoggio

Dear All, We would like to invite candidates to apply for funded Ph.D. positions in AI and ML at the Computer Science Department at Loughborough University. Topics of interest involve AI/ML areas such as lifelong learning, bio-inspired neural computation and spiking neural networks with a particular focus on applications in reinforcement learning, robotics, and edge-AI. Details. This new field of AI seeks to create machines that learn during a lifetime similarly to biological brains. This research continues and advances recent progress from the DARPA projects Lifelong Learning Machines (L2M) and Shared Experience Lifelong Learning (ShELL). The candidates will join a growing research group of Ph.D. students and postdocs working in the same area, and have access to the latest computational devices such as Nvidia A100 cards. Collaboration opportunities with world-leading AI laboratories will be encouraged and supported. Different projects will focus on aspects such as multi-agent neural reinforcement learning, neuromodulation, continual learning, low-power edge-computing, neuromorphic algorithms and implementations. Applications areas include autonomous vehicles and agents, advanced industrial systems, drones and other distributed robotic systems. Further additional links to our latest news and papers: https://www.azorobotics.com/News.aspx?newsID=12518 https://openreview.net/forum?id=BJge3TNKwH https://arxiv.org/abs/1703.10371 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.666131/full https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9534283 Loughborough University Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Entry requirements Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in computer science or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: artificial intelligence, neural networks, robotics. Funding information Please note that studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project and other advertised projects within the School. Funding decisions will not be confirmed until early 2022. The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £15,609 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. International (including EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will cover the International Tuition Fee Only. The position will be starting in October 2022 under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Soltoggio and Dr. Shirin Dora. If interested, please get in touch by emailing a.soltoggio(a)lboro.ac.uk<mailto:a.soltoggio@lboro.ac.uk> or s.dora(a)lboro.ac.uk<mailto:s.dora@lboro.ac.uk> . Sincerely, Andrea Soltoggio and Shirin Dora -- Dr. Andrea Soltoggio (he/him or they/them) Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Artificial Intelligence Department of Computer Science, School of Science & Intelligent Automation Centre https://www.intelligent-automation.org.uk/about-us/centre-staff & Centre for Information Management https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/cim/ Haslegrave Building, N.2.03 Loughborough University LE11 3TU, UK Email: a.soltoggio(a)lboro.ac.uk<mailto:a.soltoggio@lboro.ac.uk> Web: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/compsci/staff/dr-andrea-soltoggio.html

Dec. 27, 2021

Two Postdoc positions and one PhD studentship at Cardiff, UK

by Jiaxiang ZHANG

[Apologize for cross-posting] Dear colleagues, We are seeking applicants for two postdoc positions (research associates) and one PhD studentship at Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC). The research associates will work on the neurocognitive mechanisms of human decision-making, integrating multimodal brain imaging (MEG, functional and diffusion MRI, and MRS) and computational modelling. The PhD will work on cohort data to understand information processing speed in humans. We encourage applicants from different disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience, imaging neuroscience, psychology, computer science, mathematics or physics. Job specs and application details are available online (see links below). For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Jiaxiang Zhang ( zhangj73(a)cardiff.ac.uk) with your CV. A. Postdoc positions (Deadline: Jan 14, 2022) https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CLV361/research-associates-2-posts B. 3-year PhD studentship (Deadline: March 11, 2022) https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/characterizing-inter-individual-diffe… The successful candidates will be based at CUBRIC. CUBRIC houses a unique combination of state-of-the-art facilities and world-leading expertise, with 4 human MRI systems (2 x Siemens Prisma, 1 x Siemens Connectom, 1 x Siemens 7T), MEG, EEG, TMS, tDCS, clinical research units and testing labs. Further details of CUBRIC can be found on our web page ( http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cubric) Dr. Jiaxiang Zhang Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) School of Psychology Cardiff University Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ http://ccbrain.org https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/518347-zhang-jiaxiang zhangj73(a)cardiff.ac.uk +44 (0)29 2087 0471

Dec. 23, 2021

Women in Memory Research - Workshop - March 7-9, 2022

by Vinita Samarasinghe

In conjunction with International Women's Day the FOR 2812 is organising its first “*Women in Memory Research*” event from *March 7-9, 2022.* The percentage of senior female university researchers in our field (in Germany) lies between 21% and 29%. Our goal is to increase these numbers! So come and learn what an academic career looks like at the Ruhr University Bochum and discover its advantages. You'll be introduced to the university and it's support structures, be able to participate in university wide programs, meet with female faculty, listen to some amazing scientific talks, present your research, and see what collaborative research looks like in the RUB memory research community. Sounds exciting? *Who can apply:*Female master’s students in their final year of study and recently graduated master’s students who are looking into an academic career in the area of memory research/neuroscience. Applicants must have excellent grades and be able to communicate in English. Selection of participants is competitive. We only have space for 12 participants! *How to apply:*Send your application including a one page letter of motivation, a current CV, master’s transcripts and a letter of recommendation from one of your professors. Your application should be sent, as a single PDF document, to Vinita Samarasinghe @for2812@rub.deby January 23, 2022. If you need child care or any other support please note this in your application. *What to expect:*We will provide accommodation and cover travel costs of up to 500 Euro (some meals are included). The program will be offered in English; however, certain programs offered by the Ruhr University in conjunction with International Women's Day may be only available in German. You will be asked to present your current research in the form of a poster. *Contact:*Vinita Samarasinghe,for2812(a)rub.de, Tel: +49 234 32 27996, https://for2812.rub.de -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

Dec. 23, 2021

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Theoretical Neuroscience at the Theoretical Neuroscience Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, HSE University Moscow, Russia

by boris gutkin

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Theoretical Neuroscience HSE University <https://www.hse.ru/en/info/> <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/theoretical>Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Theoretical Neuroscience Group <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/theoretical>Moscow, Russia Theoretical Neuroscience Group (TNG), CDM, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, HSE in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of theoretical and computational neuroscience. Research interests of the TNG at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making <http://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre> are wide ranging, carried out in collaboration with the experimental labs at the Center. Current research topics include computational psychiatry, computational neuroeconomics, information processing in neurons and circuits, as well as role of oscillations in cognition. The candidate will have the opportunity to further define and expand the Group’s research program. Requirements The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following: ● Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the quantitative fields which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals; ● Candidates should have a strong background in in quantitative disciplines: applied mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering. Knowledge of biology, neuroscience and ability to work with data and in an inter-disciplinary environment is highly desired. ● Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required; The position involves: ● working under the direct supervision of Boris Gutkin, Leading Scientist at the CCDM ● participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on the TNG research projects such as: o computational neurobiology o neural dynamics o computational neuroeconomics o computational psychiatry ● writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with the members of CDM; ● participation in the events of the TNG, CDM and the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience and other contribution to the TNG/CMD development; ● public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community; ● some teaching is encouraged, though not required. Conditions Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have an opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times). HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan, a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University. Candidates will be trained in model building, analysis and will be offered advanced training in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Candidates will have an opportunity to develop independent research projects and collaborations under the direction of the group leading scientists. The TNG is a structural part of the HSE’s Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> with ample collaboration opportunities within the Centre with other research groups, both within Russia and internationally. This new international group is tightly linked with the Group for Neural Theory at the Ecole Normale Superior <http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/?lang=en> in Paris, where research internships and visiting positions can be made available. Application Process Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via an online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship(a)hse.ru <mailto:fellowship@hse.ru> before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring CDM may not be reviewed. Read more about the application process here <https://iri.hse.ru/postdoc_info>. The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2022.

Dec. 22, 2021

PhD position at University of Sussex

by James Knight

Dear all, I'm really excited to announce that I have a PhD studentship in "self-supervised neuromorphic vision" available in the AI group at the University of Sussex (https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/ai-research-group/) https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/phd-funding/view/1407-PhD-Stude… As the advert suggests, the stipend and fee waiver is available to excellent students of all nationalities and the project includes an internship at the Institute of Neuroinformatics in Zurich to quickly get up to speed on event-based cameras. Please feel free to forward this announcement and, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Cheers Jamie

Dec. 22, 2021

Assistant Professor / Postdoc Researcher in computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics at the University of Tokyo

by nagai.yukie＠mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Dear colleagues, The International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo is looking for highly motivated full-time Assistant Professor / Postdoc researchers in the field of computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics. The selected candidates will join Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory head by Prof. Yukie Nagai and investigate the underlying mechanisms of human cognitive development and disorders by means of computational approaches. We design computational neural networks inspired by the human brain and examine what enables the networks to acquire human-like intelligence. Please send the required documents if you are interested in being considered. Assistant Professor / Postdoc Researcher at IRCN, the University of Tokyo https://ircn.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20211220_IRCN_Nagai_lab_2EN.pdf Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory (Nagai Lab) http://developmental-robotics.jp ---------- 1. Job title / Number of positions Project Research Associate or Project Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellow) / One or two 2. Employment period Starting Date: Negotiable Contract duration: until March 31, 2022 3. Renewable The contract is renewable on a fiscal year basis (from April 1 to March 31; every year) according to research budget, research activity, and research achievements. Contract duration is until March 31, 2026. 4. Place of work International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-0033 JAPAN 5. Description Successful applicants will work in the fields of computational neuroscience, cognitive developmental robotics, machine learning, and relevant topics. They will investigate the principle of human cognitive development and disorders by modeling computational neural networks inspired by the human brain and/or analyzing human cognitive behaviors. Please see the lab homepage (https://developmental-robotics.jp/en/) for more details. 6. Salary and benefits Salary: To be determined in accordance with the University of Tokyo Regulations Commuter allowance: JPY55,000 per month at maximum No retirement benefits or bonuses 7. Qualifications - PhD in engineering, computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, or relevant fields - Communication skills in English - Programming skills - Experiences in computational neuroscience and/or cognitive developmental robotics are preferred 8. Application documents (1) Cover letter (A4 1 page) (2) Curriculum vita (3) Publication list (4) Research plan (A4 2-3 pages) (5) Name, affiliation, and email address of two references, one of which should be a previous employer or supervisor 9. Submission Please send the application documents (PDF) to yukie(a)ircn.jp 10. Application deadline / Selection process When the position is filled All applications will be screened, and only those qualified will be scheduled for an interview (on-site or online). 11. Inquiries Please contact Prof. Yukie Nagai at IRCN, the University of Tokyo yukie(a)ircn.jp — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Project Professor, The University of Tokyo nagai.yukie(a)mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp | https://developmental-robotics.jp CREST Cognitive Mirroring: https://cognitive-mirroring.org CREST Cognitive Feeling: https://cognitive-feeling.jp

Dec. 22, 2021

Six studentships in biomimetic embodied AI

by Thomas Nowotny

Dear Comp-Neuro community, We are offering 6 PhD studentships in our unique be.AI doctoral training centre in biomimetic embodied AI (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai) at the University of Sussex in Brighton. Deadline: 23 February 2022 Apply online: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply Full details at https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/phd-funding/view/1403-Leverhulm… and below. Kind regards & Merry Christmas, Thomas -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny Head of AI Research Group CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics, Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny<http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny> <https://outlook.office.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=9e11bb0e527242938402b42d9b5498e…> I support the University of Sussex Community Pledge, as I continue to help those around me during the pandemic. Small acts of collaboration, kindness and integrity can make a big difference. www.sussex.ac.uk/community-pledge<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/community-pledge> PhD Studentships in be.AI - University of Sussex’s Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI The University of Sussex invites applications for PhD studentships within the be.AI Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai> (www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai>) which brings together researchers from the humanities, life sciences and computing to pursue artificial intelligence (AI) in its original definition of understanding natural intelligence by emulating it in artificial systems. In our unique interdisciplinary centre, we advance the understanding of how the interaction between brain, body and environment gives rise to intelligence and how this insight can be used to build novel artificial intelligence. As a be.AI Scholar you will: * Be funded for 3.5 years with a tax free living allowance at the standard Research Council rate – currently £15,009 per year– and normally UK fees (there are options for international fees for outstanding candidates) * Be eligible for generous financial support of up to £4,000 per year for training and research expenses, such as conference trips and experimental costs * Be eligible to apply for one of three 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships, available only to completing Leverhulme be.AI scholars * Benefit from supervision by world-leading researchers in many different aspects of AI * Benefit from taught courses in topics, such as ethics and data science. We are now accepting applications for the second intake – 6 studentships to start in September 2022. You will be registered within one of the participating schools (Life Sciences, Engineering and Informatics, Psychology, Philosophy, Media Film & Music) but will be encouraged to perform cross-disciplinary research with academics across Schools. In be.AI, you will work in a community of like-minded students and researchers supported by your own research seminars, invited lectures by world leading speakers, as well as student-led conferences and cohort building events.

Dec. 21, 2021

Call for 2022 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop Topic Area Proposals

by Emre Neftci

The Telluride Neuromorphic 2022 Workshop Organizers are soliciting topic area proposals for the 2022 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop (https://sites.google.com/view/telluride-2022) which will run from June 26 to July 16 2022. Details of the call can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16m7iRLUESgwyM1Qzk8m40Y-hkip38W-dv1Vqrlu… Important upcoming dates: - Jan 07. 2022: Proposer's Day (5PM CET/9am USA MT). We will answer questions from prospective proposers about the topic area organization. - Jan 16. 2022: Deadline for Topic Area Proposals. Emre Neftci on behalf of The 2022 Telluride Organizing Team -- Prof. Dr. Emre Neftci Head of Peter Grünberg Institute 15 - Neuromorphic Software Ecosystems Forschungszentrum Jülich www.fz-juelich.de/pgi/PGI-15

Dec. 21, 2021