April 2022 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

The Third Canadian Computational Neuroscience Spotlight: June 6-7 on Crowdcast

by Scott Rich

Dear Comp-neuro mailing list, I'm excited to have you be the first to know that *the third edition of the Canadian Computational Neuroscience Spotlight (CCNSv3) will take place June 6th and 7th, once again via Crowdcast*. We are still finalizing the meeting's itinerary and speakers (keep an eye on ccnsmeeting.ca for updates), but we're excited to announce the four themed sessions: - Dr. Alexandra Chatzikalymniou of Stanford University will chair a session on neural circuit modelling. - Dr. Randy McIntosh of Simon Fraser University will chair a session on large-scale brain modelling. - Dr. Milad Lankarany will chair a session on Neuro-AI. - Drs. Andreea Diaconescu and Povilas Karvelis will co-chair a session on cognitive modelling. To register, go to https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ccnsv3/register and click "Save my spot!" That will ensure your access come June and that you receive our e-mail updates during the coming weeks. Registration is entirely free, and replays will be available to all registrants to address time-zone concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out to myself or anyone on the organizing committee if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you for CCNSv3! Sincerely, The CCNS Organizing Committee Scott Rich <http://scottrich.strikingly.com/>, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Krembil Brain Institute Andreea Diaconescu <https://cognemo.com/>, Ph.D.: Independent Scientist, Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at CAMH John Griffiths <https://t.co/AlUQymEUae?amp=1>, Ph.D.: Independent Scientist, Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at CAMH Milad Lankarany <https://sites.google.com/view/lnsbsp/home>, Ph.D.: Scientist, Krembil Brain Institute

April 25, 2022

Invitation to join the OCNS Student SIG on the Neurostars forum

by Fleur Zeldenrust

Dear computational neuroscience PhD students and postdocs, The Organization for Computational Neuroscience <https://www.cnsorg.org> (OCNS) has long been supportive of computational neuroscience students. To take this further, we are starting an OCNS SIG (Special Interest Group) for students and postdocs in computational neuroscience. This group will be launched with support from the current and assistant Training and Education Directors (Fleur Zeldenrust and Malin Sandström). Our hope is to eventually transition the SIG into being led by students - one PhD representative, one postdoc representative, and two alternates. The goal of the group is to help computational neuroscience students connect to their peers, to network, to get experience in scientific presentation, discussion and event organization, and to get insight into career possibilities. Are you a student, active in or interested in computational neuroscience? Would you like to be part of the SIG? Please take our survey to let us know what group activities you would be interested in: https://forms.gle/y94h9dstqGH45U7d9 Since we do not want to send you unwanted email, we would like to do our future correspondence through the Neurostars forum. We kindly invite you to register there and join our newly started SIG group. We will use this group to coordinate all the other SIG activities, such as group meetings, workshops, journal clubs and study groups. After you join, you can stay updated via email. Please use this link to register: https://neurostars.org/invites/be8ftCwsXT Best regards, Fleur Zeldenrust (OCNS Training & Education Chair) Malin Sandström (OCNS Training & Education Assistant)

April 22, 2022

Competition and workshop on behavior analysis

by Ann Kennedy

Dear all, I'm writing to advertise our Multi-Agent Behavior Workshop and associated machine learning competition, aimed at developing better tools for the quantification of animal behavior: The Multi-Agent Behavior Challenge on Unsupervised Learning<https://www.aicrowd.com/challenges/multi-agent-behavior-challenge-2022> is a competition to learn meaningful representations of behavioral video datasets in a self-supervised way. Teams are given collections of video and pose data of interacting animals (mice, flies, or ant-beetle pairs), and asked to submit an embedding that captures animals' actions; embeddings are evaluated on a gauntlet of hidden tasks to judge their ability to capture human-defined behaviors. Round 2 has just launched, and runs through May 20th, with $6,000 in cash prizes, plus the first 50 teams to beat task baselines receive up to $400 in AWS credits. Call for Papers: The Multi-Agent Behavior Workshop<https://sites.google.com/view/mabe22/home> at CVPR brings together researchers studying behavior of interacting agents, broadly defined (this year's invited speakers spans topics in biology, neuroscience, robotics, reinforcement learning, and autonomous driving.) We invite you to submit your work<https://sites.google.com/view/mabe22/call-for-papers> to present at our workshop poster session, held on June 20th at CVPR in New Orleans. Workshop organizers: Ann Kennedy (Northwestern), Jennifer J. Sun (Caltech), and Kristin Branson (Janelia) Best regards, Ann Ann Kennedy Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, IL 60611 kennedylab.org<http://kennedylab.org/>

April 21, 2022

2 Postdoctoral positions in Computational Neuroscience - Cheng lab, Ruhr University Bochum

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Faculty of Computer Science, Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for two full-time positions (39.83 hours/week) of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. * The positionsstart on 1st July 2022and arefunded for 3 years.** _*Positions*_ 1. The successful applicant will work on a collaborative project (within the Collaborative Research Center “Extinction Learning” SFB 1280 <https://sfb1280.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/home/>), together with experimentalists to: * analyze learning dynamics in behavioral, neural, and psychophysiological data, which will be collected by other projects within the SFB 1280. * compare the learning dynamics between individuals, species, learning phases and learning paradigms. * develop algorithms to analyze the learning dynamics. * develop and study computational models of learning dynamics. * coordinate research with other participating projects. The research centeris highly dynamic and uses diverse computationalmodeling approachesincludingbiological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning to investigatelearning and memory in humans and animals. 2. The successful candidate will model the function of episodic memory in spatial learning and other tasks using reinforcement learning within the Research Unit “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” FOR 2812 <https://for2812.rub.de/>. This project strives to find answers to the questions: * Why and how can specific experiences stored in episodic memory be helpful for learning? * How is behavior driven by episodic memory different from that driven by general knowledge, or semantic information? * How do different learning systems interact with one another? The research unit studies the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying scenario construction, which is believed to lie at the heart of episodic memory retrieval. It employs and combines approaches from Philosophy, Psychology as well as Experimental and Computational Neuroscience. _*Qualifications*_ * Adoctorate degreein neuroscience, physics, mathematics, electrical/biomedical engineering or a closely related field. In exceptional cases, graduate students with a Masters degree in these fields, but nodoctorate degree, may be considered. * Relevant experience in mathematical modeling * Relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field (only position 1) * Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), * Excellent communication skills in English * The ability to work well in a team. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation in the Faculty of Computer Science combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts (bachelor & master) and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references mustbe sent independently to the above email address. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to networkwith them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe, samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.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

April 21, 2022

Postdoc / Research Fellow for complex network analysis: Critical events detection; Prague, Czech Republic

by Magda Pokorna

Postdoctoral or Research Fellow position is available to join the *Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>* for the project: /*“*//*Modelling and analysis of complex systems for safety of critical infrastructures“*/ as part of the National Center of Competence – Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, and related projects. The project involves developing, implementing, optimizing and applying techniques for detection and prediction of critical events and regime transitions and their propagation in complex networks, with applications in societally important real-world systems such as social and communication networks, computer networks and large-scale industrial systems. **Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a first cut-off point on May 30, 2022.** More information and application at https://www.cs.cas.cz/job-offer/NCK-postdoc-positions-Hlinka1/cs** ** Do not hesitate to contact the principal investigator for informal inquiries concerning the position: Ing. Mgr. Jaroslav Hlinka, Ph.D., hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz, Web: http://cs.cas.cz/hlinka. Institute of Computer Science Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Vodarenskou vezi 2 Prague 8, 182 07, Czech Republic https://www.cs.cas.cz/

April 20, 2022

Postdoc / Junior Scientist in complex networks and information theory; Prague, Czech Republic

by Magda Pokorna

Postdoctoral / Junior Scientist position in complex networks and information theory is available to join the***Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>* for the project: *“Network modelling of complex systems: from correlation graphs to information hypergraphs“* funded by the Czech Science Foundation. The project involves developing, optimizing and applying techniques for modelling complex dynamical systems beyond the currently available methods of complex network analysis and game theory. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Center of the Czech Technical University. **Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a first cut-off point on April 30, 2022.** More information and application at https://www.cs.cas.cz/job-offer/postdoc-junior-position-Hlinka5-2021/en** ** Do not hesitate to contact the principal investigator for informal inquiries concerning the position: Ing. Mgr. Jaroslav Hlinka, Ph.D., hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz. Jaroslav Hlinka Head of the Department of Complex Systems Institute of Computer Science Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Vodarenskou vezi 2 Prague 8, 182 07, Czech Republic Web: http://cs.cas.cz/hlinka

April 20, 2022

CRNS Talk Series (6) - Live Talk by Prof. Jochen Triesch - Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies - Germany

by Amir Aly

Dear All * Apologies for cross-posting* The* Center for Robotics and Neural Systems* (CRNS) is pleased to announce the talk of *Prof. Jochen Triesch* from *Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies* - Germany on Wednesday, *April 27th* from *11:00 am *to *12:30 pm* (*London time*) over *Zoom*. >> *Events*: The CRNS talk series will cover a wide range of topics including social and cognitive robotics, computational neuroscience, computational linguistics, cognitive vision, machine learning, AI, and applications to autism. More details are available here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/robotics-neural-systems/whats-on <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> >> *Link for the next event (No Registration is Required)*: Join Zoom Meeting https://plymouth.zoom.us/j/94978385874?pwd=WXlOYXpJYzlQRnFQTmFYekloSDVsZz09… >> *Title of the talk*: Learning to see without supervision *Abstract*: Biological brains can learn much more autonomously than today’s AI systems and robots. How does this work and can we reproduce such autonomous learning abilities in artificial systems? Over the last years we have been studying this question for the case of visual perception. We have constructed models of how human infants learn to see the world in three dimensions, begin to track moving objects and learn to recognize them without any supervision. We have compared these models to biological data and validated them on physical robots. Studying the computational principles underlying these learning processes, we highlight effective information compression as the central driving force behind our brain’s ability to learn to see without supervision. >> If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room B332, Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

April 19, 2022

Postdoc opportunity (ML/visual computational neuroscience), Kietzmann Lab

by Tim Kietzmann

Dear all, I am excited to be hiring a postdoc in the space of deep learning and visual computational neuroscience to join my group at the institute of cognitive science (University of Osnabrück, Germany). The full-time position is initially for 3 years, but can be extended. - Details about the position are provided here: https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote-… - You can find out more about our work here: https://www.kietzmannlab.org/ - Information about research in Germany more generally: https://twitter.com/TimKietzmann/status/1482027695856828417 Feel free to contact me with any open questions. Best wishes Tim __________________________________ Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Tim C Kietzmann Professor for Machine Learning Institute of Cognitive Science University of Osnabrück Osnabrück, Germany Web: https://www.kietzmannlab.org Email: tim.kietzmann(a)uni-osnabrueck.de Twitter: @TimKietzmann

April 14, 2022

Postdoctoral Positions in Decision Neuroscience and/or Computational Psychiatry, Virginia Tech

by Chiu, Pearl

Dear All, we are excited to be hiring post-docs at Virginia Tech! Feel free to contact me with any questions. Best, Pearl -- Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Decision Neuroscience and/or Computational Psychiatry Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion Roanoke, Virginia Multiple postdoctoral openings are available in the labs of Dr. Pearl Chiu and Dr. Brooks King-Casas at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion (http://research.vtc.vt.edu/) Projects in the labs use a variety of human neuroscience methods (including fMRI, in vivo electrochemistry, MEG) to examine motivated behavior and social influences on decision-making with additional methods adapted from behavioral & computational neuroscience, experimental economics, computational psychiatry, and psychology. Ongoing projects focus on processes in individuals with and without psychopathology and address both basic and translational questions. Qualified candidates with basic science backgrounds are welcome, and training in applied science will be provided. For interested candidates, the labs provide opportunities to examine the functional neuroscience of decision-making and its disruption in depression, substance dependence, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and at-risk adolescents. The labs are located in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, VA, just off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. The FBRI provides full access to outstanding infrastructure, including four research-dedicated Siemens 3T scanners, facilities for in vitro electrochemistry, neurosurgical collaborations for in vivo electrochemistry, and high-throughput computing clusters. Successful candidates will play lead roles in highly collaborative multidisciplinary scientific efforts. Minimum requirements for the position include: 1) a PhD in computational or cognitive neuroscience, engineering, psychology, experimental economics, or a related field; 2) facility with computational neuroscience, signal processing, Bayesian inference, cognitive neuroscience, or machine learning; 3) demonstrated potential for research excellence; 4) willingness to contribute to a positive, inclusive lab environment. Behaviorally- or clinically-oriented candidates with strong research backgrounds will be considered. Please forward a statement of interest and CV. Three letters of reference will be requested from candidates under final consideration. Consideration of applications will begin May 1 and will end when the positions are filled. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Virginia Tech Carilion is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Send inquiries and materials to: Pearl Chiu, PhD and Brooks King-Casas, PhD chiup(a)vtc.vt.edu and bkcasas(a)vtc.vt.edu -- 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

April 13, 2022

CNS*2022 EXTENDED deadline

by Thomas Nowotny

Dear Comp-Neuro, 31st Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2022) Melbourne 16-20 July 2022 https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2022 The CNS*2022 abstract submission deadline has been extended to Friday, 22 April at 11:00 pm Pacific Time. Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission. Submitted abstracts are used for creating the program and for publication. Please follow the formatting guidelines on the submission site. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2022-registration Abstract Submission: https://cns.confmaster.net/ The call for tutorials and workshops remains open: CALL FOR TUTORIALS: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2022-call-for-tutorials Deadline for proposals: 15 April 2022 CALL FOR WORKSHOPS: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2022-call-for-workshops Priority Deadline for proposals: 15 April 2022 Regards, Thomas Nowotny OCNS vice-president on behalf of the board of directors

April 11, 2022