December 2023 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Fully Funded Summer Internships at CCN (Flatiron Institute, NYC)
by Matthew Turner Dec. 15, 2023

Dec. 15, 2023

Dear all, The Center for Computational Neuroscience at the Flatiron Institute of the Simons Foundation will be offering our fully-funded summer internships once again in 2024. More details are included below and on the application page <https://apply.interfolio.com/137388>, and applications are due by February 2, 2024. Please feel welcome to share widely and contact me with any questions. *Summer Interns (Undergraduate, Graduate, and Pre-Doctoral)* *ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW* The Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) aims to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function — both in health and in disease. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. CCN is one of five centers that make up the Flatiron Institute, an internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation, focused on computational aspects of a wide range of basic science. The general mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including theory, modeling, simulation and data analysis. CCN’s core research groups include computational vision <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neurosci…> (Eero Simoncelli <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/eero-p-simoncelli/>, PI), neural circuits and algorithms <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neurosci…> (Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/dmitri-mitya-chklovskii/>, PI), neuroAI and geometric data analysis <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neurosci…> (SueYeon Chung <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/sueyeon-chung/>, PI), statistical analysis of neural data <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neurosci…> (Alex Williams <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/alex-williams/>, PI). Candidates must select a primary group for their application, and can optionally indicate a secondary group. Candidates specifically interested in contributing to open source software projects at CCN should indicate the NeuroRSE group <https://neurorse.flatironinstitute.org/events/2023/11/17/summer-2024-intern…> as their secondary group. *POSITION SUMMARY * CCN invites applications for paid summer internship positions by motivated students in computational neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, machine learning, computer science or related fields. The purpose of this Summer Internship Program is to allow students studying in a relevant field the opportunity to be employed at the CCN for the purpose of collaborating on a research project with one or more CCN staff mentors. Knowledge of neuroscience is helpful but not required. Interested applicants should review the research group pages listed above, and should describe in their research statement the project on which they'd like to collaborate and the research group(s) with whom they’d like to work. Undergraduate students will be appointed with the title of Summer Research Assistant, graduate students will be appointed with the title of Summer Research Associates, and advanced doctoral students (defined as doctoral students who have passed comprehensive/qualifying exams and are actively working on their thesis) will be appointed as Summer Predoctoral Scholars. CCN Summer Interns are invited to participate as full members of the CCN and Flatiron communities during their term of residency. CCN Summer Interns are assigned a primary mentor and research group within the center, are invited to attend and present within their research group’s meetings, and are also invited to participate in meetings of CCN’s other research groups as well as center- and Flatiron-wide activities such as guest lectures, training on use of the Institute’s robust scientific computing resources, and intern social activities. Finally, Summer Interns will be invited to present their work at an Institute-wide symposium held at the end of the residency period. The CCN Summer Internship Program will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. CCN will provide eligible Summer Interns roundtrip travel to New York City and subsidized housing for the duration of their employment. Intern appointment titles and compensation will be determined based on the intern’s education level and experience. Visit the Summer at Simons page <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/summer-at-simons/>to learn more. *ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES* ● Reporting to the assigned mentor in the CCN, the projects will involve analysis of neuroscience data and modeling networks, applying the skills of analytical calculations and computer programming ● Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required *MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS* *Education:* ● Candidates should be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree program in computational neuroscience, electrical engineering, physics, computer science or related fields. ● Candidates must have permission to participate in the program from their dissertation advisor/PI (CCN PIs will be in touch with advisors directly to confirm). *Experience:* ● Experience with research projects in electrical engineering, computer science physics or related fields is helpful. *Related Skills & Other Requirements:* ● The successful applicant should have experience with programming in Matlab, Python, or C ● The applicant should have satisfactorily completed Cal III and Linear Algebra (NeuroRSE applicants are exempt from this requirement) ● The applicant should have experience with basic optimization and machine learning techniques (Helpful but not required for NeuroRSE candidates) ● Elementary knowledge of neuroscience is helpful *Summer Internship Program and Deadlines* ● Summer Internship Period: May 28 to August 9, 2024 ● Deadline to apply: February 2, 2024 Decisions will be made on a rolling basis through Friday, March 15, 2024. *REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS* ● Curriculum vitae with bibliography; ● Research statement of no more than two pages describing the candidate’s past research experience, the research project on which the candidate would like to work, and the CCN research group(s) with whom the candidate would like to collaborate. *COMPENSATION* ● Interns at the Research Assistant (undergraduate) level will earn $20.00 per hour ● Interns at the Research Associate (graduate) level will earn $25.00 per hour ● Interns at the Predoctoral Researcher (advanced doctoral students) will earn $28.85 per hour. *THE SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT* Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. To apply, please visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/137388 Cordially, MATTHEW B. TURNER any pronouns Senior Manager for Center Administration | Center for Computational Neuroscience Co-Chair, Flatiron Institute Professional Development Committee Flatiron Institute 917.363.1095 mobile mturner(a)flatironinstitute.org 162 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 simonsfoundation.org/flatiron <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/>

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Full time Lecturer in Computational/Cognitive Neuroscience (Manchester, UK)
by Caroline Lea-Carnall Dec. 14, 2023

Dec. 14, 2023

The University of Manchester wishes to appoint a full-time Lecturer in Computational Neuroscience / Experimental Psychology / Cognitive Neuroscience (Teaching and Research) to join the Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience at the University of Manchester. The successful applicant will have a research profile that has a strong fit to key research themes in the Division. Candidates with demonstrable skills and interests in applying computational approaches to central research questions in experimental psychology and/or cognitive neuroscience are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will contribute to undergraduate and masters level teaching with a particular focus on contemporary technical research skills (e.g. Python, GitHub, advanced statistical analysis in R). Application deadline: 11th December 2023 Full details and how to apply here: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?isPreview=Yes&jobid=27033&a… Caroline Lea-Carnall, PhD | Lecturer in Neuroscience | School of Health Sciences | Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester | Room 3.07d, Zochonis Building | Oxford Road | Manchester M13 9PG

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Faculty Positions in Human Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Indiana University-Bloomington
by Zoran Tiganj Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington invite applications for *three* tenured Associate Professor positions in one or more of the following areas: *human intelligence, artificial intelligence, and machine learning* to begin in Fall 2024 or after. Appointments will be in one or more departments, including Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Informatics, and Psychological and Brain Sciences. The positions are part of a new initiative that aims to transform our understanding of human and artificial intelligence, centered around the new Mind Brain Machine Quadrangle and the Luddy Artificial Intelligence Center. IU has long been an international leader in research on cognition across humans, animals, and artificial systems, and how intelligence manifests in embodied cognition. These hires build on existing strengths to position IU at the forefront of new research innovations in our understanding of human and animal cognition, the development of intelligent computing technologies, and the use of machine learning applied to a wide range of phenomena. *Qualifications: *Applicants must have a PhD in cognitive science, computer science, neuroscience, psychology, or a related field, and a record of scholarship, teaching, and professional experience appropriate for a tenured professorship at IU Bloomington. The positions are open at the associate professor levels, but exceptional candidates at the full and assistant professor level may be considered. To advance scholarly innovation and excellence, we especially welcome candidates who will broadly increase the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion through any of the following: their lived experience, research, teaching, and/or mentoring. Candidates should be able to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment. *Application Procedures:* To apply, submit a CV, letter of application that describes your research, teaching, and engagement with fostering a diverse and welcoming work environment, and be prepared to provide the names of six references. References will only be contacted for those candidates moving to advanced stages of consideration. Interested candidates should submit applications at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/21731. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. *Applications received by January 5, 2024 will be given full consideration.* The position’s expected start date is August 1, 2024; however, alternative dates can be considered. All queries about the position or the application procedures may be addressed to faculty1(a)indiana.edu. Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. -------------- Zoran Tiganj, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Computer Science Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University Bloomington https://homes.luddy.indiana.edu/ztiganj/ <https://homes.luddy.indiana.edu/ztiganj/%E2%80%8B>

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PhD scholarship in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience (IIT, Italy)
by Jean-Charles Rene' Pasquin Mariani Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

Dear comp-neuro list, We propose a four-year studentship aiming to provide students with a multi-disciplinary training in conducting research at the interface of brain functional imaging and computational neuroscience. The project, in partnership with the university of Trento, is directed by Alessandro Gozzi (Functional Neuroimaging Lab, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy) and co-supervised by Stefano Panzeri (Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Centre for molecular biology, , Hamburg, Germany). Please refer to this website<https://www.fens.org/careers/job-market/job/116962> for the full offer. See you soon at the doorsteps of the Dolomites. BW, JC Mariani

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Swartz postdoctoral fellowship in theoretical neuroscience at Harvard
by Blum, Kenneth I. Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

The Swartz Program at Harvard University seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellow in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Based on a grant from the Swartz Foundation, a Swartz postdoctoral fellowship<https://cbs.fas.harvard.edu/research/theory/#swartz> is available at Harvard University with a start date in the summer or fall of 2024. Postdocs join a vibrant group of theoretical<https://websites.harvard.edu/cbs/research/theory/> and experimental neuroscientists plus theorists in allied fields at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science<https://websites.harvard.edu/cbs/>. The Center for Brain Science includes faculty doing research on a wide variety of topics, including neural mechanisms of rodent learning, decision-making, and sex-specific and social behaviors; reinforcement learning in rodents and humans; human motor control; behavioral and fMRI studies of human cognition; circuit mechanisms of learning and behavior in worms, larval flies, and larval zebrafish; circuit mechanisms of individual differences in flies and humans; rodent and fly olfaction; inhibitory circuit development; retinal circuits; and large-scale reconstruction of detailed brain circuitry. Applications will be considered immediately and continuing until the position is filled. Interested applicants should immediately send a CV, statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Haim Sompolinsky (haim(a)fiz.huji.ac.il<mailto:haim@fiz.huji.ac.il>) or Kenneth Blum (kenneth_blum(a)harvard.edu<mailto:kenneth_blum@harvard.edu>). Applications should have “Swartz Fellowship” in the subject line. We strongly welcome applications from persons from underrepresented groups. Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or other protected status.

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Exciting news from INCF: Neuroscience Community & Neuroinformatics special collection
by INCF Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

Exciting news from INCF: 1. Launch of *Neruoscience Community* 2. Contribute to *Neuroinformatics* special collection *1. Launch of Neuroscience Community* Together, INCF and GA4GH has launched the *Neuroscience Community*, connecting global neuroscience and genomic data, and developing standards and systems needed to power data visiting! This new group unites collaborators from around the world to share best practices and improve standards that will expand the responsible use of data. Learn more <http://bit.ly/INCFandGA4GH> *2. Contribute to Neuroinformatics special collection* Are you developing training in computational neuroscience, data science, data management, or neuroinformatics? Please consider sending your work to the special collection at *Neuroinformatics* - Bridging the gap: How neuroinformatics is preparing the next generation of neuroscience researchers. Even better, the collection is guest-edited by INCF! Learn more <https://link.springer.com/collections/hfghcbgaeg>

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Call for Abstracts – Neural Traces 2024: Advanced M/EEG Methods and Clinical Applications Workshop
by Nguyen, Tien Dung Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

Neural Traces 2024: Advanced M/EEG Methods and Clinical Applications Workshop April 10-12, 2024 @ PTB Berlin, Germany https://neuraltraces2024.org<https://neuraltraces2024.org/> | Submission deadline: January 8, 2024 | Registration opening: February 1, 2024 Neural Traces is an onsite, three-day workshop on methods in electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography (M/EEG) and their clinical applications. Advances in M/EEG, and the methods employed to extract information from their corresponding signals, have increasingly contributed to our understanding of brain function and network connectivity. In this workshop, we review various methods that have been developed to enable accurate source imaging from these electrophysiological modalities. We also discuss M/EEG signal extraction and interpretation in the context of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. We are soliciting extended abstract submissions for contributed oral and poster presentations. Topics Suitable submissions may cover but are not limited to the following topics: I. Advanced M/EEG data analysis methods: * Signal processing and time series modeling * Forward and inverse modeling * Machine learning and multivariate modeling * Open science (software, data, standards, protocols, ...) II. Clinical applications of M/EEG: * Movement disorders * Aging and dementia * Psychiatric and developmental disorders * Epilepsy * Sleep and consciousness disorders Submission guidelines Title, author list and affiliations, 700-word (maximum) extended abstract outlining the study's background, approach, (preliminary) findings and significance, and references. Optional: figure with a 150-word (maximum) description Registration and on-site participation is required for presenters. Please visit https://neuraltraces2024.org<https://neuraltraces2024.org/> for abstract submission, registration, and further information about the workshop. Important dates * January 8, 2024: Abstract submission closes * February 1, 2024: Workshop registration opens Workshop hosts and support Neural Traces 2024 is organized by the Brain and Data Science Group at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Machine Learning and Inverse Modeling Group at PTB Berlin, and the Uncertainty, Inverse Modeling and Machine Learning (UNIML) Group at Technische Universität Berlin. The Workshop is partially supported by the European Research Council (Funding ID: 758985) and the Helmholtz Fund.

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Modelling with NeuroML: ecosystem updates and pre-print
by Ankur Sinha Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

Dear all, This is to alert you to the availability of exciting new resources for the model description language NeuroML and a recently posted bioRxiv preprint on the ecosystem of NeuroML-compliant tools for data-driven modelling of neurons and circuits. In the preprint (doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.07.570537) we provide a major update on the current scope of the NeuroML standard, the software ecosystem and describe the newly extended online resources for helping researchers incorporate NeuroML into their modelling work. We show how the modular nature and hierarchical structure of NeuroMLv2, combined with the flexibility of coding in Python, has created a powerful "building block" approach for constructing standardised models from scratch. Moreover, we illustrate how the ecosystem of NeuroML compliant tools supports users at all stages of the model development life cycle. This includes automated model validation, advanced analysis, visualisation, and sharing/reuse of models. The paper demonstrates how NeuroML unifies and standardises the diverse approaches to biologically-detailed computational modelling of neural systems, by enabling an ecosystem of interoperable tools that support the FAIR principles and promotes open, transparent and reproducible science. In the newly updated NeuroML online resources (https://docs.neuroml.org) we provide tutorials on how to use NeuroML to build, validate and share standardised models together with extensive documentation on this INCF approved community standard. We hope you find these resources useful for your modelling work. On behalf of the NeuroML community, Ankur Sinha, Padraig Gleeson, and Angus Silver. -- Thanks, Regards, Ankur Sinha (He / Him / His) | https://ankursinha.in Research Fellow at the Silver Lab, University College London | http://silverlab.org/ Free/Open source community volunteer at the NeuroFedora project | https://neuro.fedoraproject.org Time zone: Europe/London

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Seventh Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling
by Jelmer Borst Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

– ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs – Date: 8-12 April 2024 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 305 (late fee after March 7 will be € 355) More information and registration: http://www.ai.rug.nl/springschool/ – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Dear colleagues and students, We are excited to announce the seventh Spring School on Cognitive Modeling in Groningen, from 8-12 April 2024! The Spring School will cover three different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, and PRIMs. Each of these topics consists of a series of lectures, as well as a number of hands-on exercises (tutorials). Past years have shown that students get most out of the spring school if they really immerse themselves into one modeling paradigm. We therefore recommend you choose one topic for which you will attend both the lectures as well as the tutorials. In addition, you can select a second paradigm, for which you attend the lectures only. To give students a broader picture, there will be multiple guest lectures throughout the week. These lectures will give an introduction to other modeling paradigms, as well as practical research examples to show you what can be done with the modeling paradigms presented! Everyone is encouraged to attend those lectures. To round off the program, there will be a poster session, where students present themselves and their research, as well as a city tour, and our (in)famous spring school dinner. Registration is now open. Please feel free to forward the information to anyone who might be interested in the Spring School, and let us know if you have any questions! We are looking forward to welcoming you (again) in Groningen, The Spring School team springschool(a)rug.nl <mailto:springschool@rug.nl> – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst & Stephen Jones (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/> ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca <http://www.nengo.ca/> Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: https://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/prims/index.html How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction.

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ICMNS 2024 deadline extension for contributed talks and posters
by Avitabile, D. (Daniele) Dec. 12, 2023

Dec. 12, 2023

Dear All, We remind you of the open call for contributed talks and posters for ICMNS 2024, which will take place at University College Dublin on the 12th-14th June 2024. In addition to plenary and invited talks, the conference will feature contributed talks and a poster session. Following a review process, presenters of contributed talks may be offered a slot in one of our plenary sessions. We have extended the deadline for submitting contributed talks and posters to the 16th of January 2024 at 23:59 (GMT), so that there will be one last chance to collect contributions after the Christmas break. This will be the final deadline for submissions. You can submit your contribution and read more about the conference at our website danieleavitabile.com/icmns24 We look forward to receiving your contributions. Daniele Avitabile, Áine Byrne, and Jonathan Rubin

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