May 2024 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoctoral Researcher position at Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks, University of Goettingen
by von Behren, Christina 16 Dec '24

16 Dec '24

Dear Scientists, The Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN)<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/608362.html> invites applications for a position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biophysics (all genders welcome) The position will be full-time (currently 39,8 hours/week), German pay grade 13 TV-L, starting as soon as possible. The CIDBN Department "Physics of Biological Systems", headed by Prof. Fred Wolf, offers a fixed-term contract until June 30, 2025 with the perspective of an extension commensurate with building a competitive track record at the frontier of computational biophysics and neural circuit theory. Information is processed in brain circuits through the coordinated action of large-scale circuits of neurons and synapses. Ultimately, it is the nano-scale molecular architecture of neuronal synapses that can make or break the power of neural circuit computation. Progress in a broad suite of nanoscopy techniques is currently uncovering the molecular-level design of synapses subserving functions such as working memory or sensory coding. The spatio-temporal operation of these nano-machines and the efficiency of their design, however, remain to be understood and are core research aims of the Göttingen Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1286 "Quantitative Synaptology"<https://www.sfb1286.de/?lang=en>. We are inviting applications from theoretical biophysicists, molecular systems biologists, or computational scientists with an ambition to pioneer computational studies of synaptic functional design. We offer a stimulating environment of theoretical neuroscientists, neural data-scientists, and cutting-edge experimentalists associated with CRC 1286. In addition, the institute provides dedicated support for high-performance computing. We are dedicated to supporting the growth of original research personalities at the frontier of computational science and neural circuit theory. The successful applicant will hold an excellent PhD in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or equivalent, and have a strong interest in high-performance computing in neuroscience or cellular systems biology. We expect excellent analytical and coding skills, interest in working in a transdisciplinary team as well as excellence in scientific writing and reasoning. Experience in non-equilibrium statistical physics, stochastic dynamics, membrane biophysics, ion-channel and biochemical kinetics, buffered Ca-diffusion, and Ca-exocytosis coupling would be advantageous. The Göttingen Campus is a leading center of neuroscience in Europe hosting numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including the University, the University Medical Center, two life science Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen. The CIDBN is a newly founded transdisciplinary institute whose mission is to foster frontier research at the border of the exact and biological sciences. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Please send your e-mail application in one single PDF-document, including a letter of motivation, your curriculum vitae with a list of publications, copies of your certificates and contact information of two references to cidbn(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:cidbn@uni-goettingen.de> (subject: Postdoc CIDBN). The position remains open until filled. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12, 37073 Göttingen. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Fred Wolf via e-mail: fred.wolf(a)ds.mpg.de<mailto:fred.wolf@ds.mpg.de>. Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo <https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo%20> Best regards, Christina von Behren ------ Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Goettingen University of Goettingen Heinrich-Dueker-Weg 12 37073 Goettingen Germany Tel.: +49-(0)551-39-26674

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Late-breaking poster abstract submission for the 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting ends on June 15
by Rubchinsky, Leonid L 11 Dec '24

11 Dec '24

Dear Colleagues, We would like to remind that the late-breaking poster abstracts submission at CNS*2023 ends on June 15. CNS*2023, 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting, will be in Leipzig, Germany, on July 15-19, 2023. The information about the meeting and abstract submission can be found here: Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2023-registration Abstract submission: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023-abstract-submission CNS*2023 information: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023 With kind regards, Leonid Rubchinsky OCNS Vice President *********************** Leonid Rubchinsky, PhD Professor Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine 402 N. Blackford St Indianapolis, IN 46202-3216 lrubchin(a)iupui.edu http://www.math.iupui.edu/~lrubchin ***********************

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PhD-Researcher and Lecturer, Neurocomputation of Language, Tilburg University (1.0 fte, six years)
by Harm Brouwer 27 Sep '24

27 Sep '24

PhD-Researcher and Lecturer, Neurocomputation of Language, Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University (1.0 fte, six years) The Neurocomputation of Language (NCL) lab from the Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) at Tilburg University invites applications for a 6-year position. The successful applicant for this position would spend 60% of their time as a PhD student and 40% as a lecturer. The PhD project would be determined by the successful applicant and the lab director but should employ advanced statistical modeling and/or neurocomputational modeling to address one or more of the core themes of the lab: the nature and time course of language comprehension, the neural representation and computation of meaning, and the cortical organization of the language network. The educational tasks of the candidate could include leading practical sessions, grading assignments and exams, and (eventually) supervising thesis students. Requirements * Master’s degree in (computational) cognitive (neuro)science, neurobiology of language, or a related field. If you expect to obtain your degree before August 2024, you are also eligible. * Good knowledge of statistics and machine learning (practical experience with large language models is a plus). * Excellent knowledge of English and good academic writing skills. What we offer * A full-time position. * The selected candidate will receive a contract for six years. * You will receive a temporary employment contract for the duration of 12 months. A 5-year extension is offered upon a positive assessment. After one year your UFO profile will change to PhD Candidate / Lecturer. In the second year your initial education assignment is 40% and your research assignment is 60%. * A minimum gross salary of €3226- per month up to a maximum of € 4036- in the 6th year. For the duration of 12 months, you are entitled to a allowance. The amount is the difference in salary of scale 10 level 0 and scale PR level 0. * A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually). * Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation). The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. Note that the 30% rule will be scaled back from 1 January 2024. For new applications, during a five-year term, the scheme will gradually decrease to a 10% rule. More specifically, this means that during the first 20 months of the term, 30% of the salary will be reimbursed untaxed. In the next 20 months, this percentage drops to 20% and during the last 20 months, the untaxed reimbursement is 10% of the salary. * Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees). * Benefits such as an options model for terms and conditions of employment and reimbursement of moving expenses, also including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sports facilities. The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies. Information and application More detailed project information can be provided on request: please contact dr. Harm Brouwer (h.brouwer(a)tilburguniversity.edu<mailto:h.brouwer@tilburguniversity.edu>), PI of the Neurocomputation of Language lab. To apply, please submit: * a motivation letter in which you describe why you want to be considered for this position, and why you are the right person to do it; * a full curriculum vitae, demonstrating academic excellence, including publications (if applicable); academic transcripts of your Bachelor and Master’s degrees; * a sample of writing, such as your Master’s thesis or a relevant paper; * contact details of two academic referees. The only way to apply is online<https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=…>. The first deadline for application is July 21, 2024, the position is open until filled. The starting date of this position is negotiable but preferably no later than October 1st, 2024. Neurocomputation of Language lab The Neurocomputational of Language (NCL) lab combines neurocomputational modeling with empirical experimentation to investigate the neural basis of language. Grounded in principles of neural information processing, and informed by empirical insights on the nature and time course of comprehension, our models aim to offer mechanistic explanations of how an interpretation is constructed in real time as spoken or written linguistic signal unfolds on a, more or less, word-by-word basis. See the lab website for more information: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/tshd/departments/dca/lab/ne… The department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) The Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence department (https://csai.nl/) at Tilburg University is part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. The department emphasizes innovative research spanning a wide array of fields including computational linguistics and language technology, data-science, human-robot interaction, virtual reality and serious games. CSAI is a member of the Benelux Association for Artificial Intelligence, participates in the Special Interest Group for AI (SIG AI), and also participates in the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE). Tilburg University and the CSAI department offer a vibrant international environment, with current CSAI staff originating from more than 10 countries. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of four departments: Communication and Cognition, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Culture Studies and Philosophy; several research institutes and a faculty office. Also the University College Tilburg is part of the School. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 2000 students and 250 employees. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences<https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/humanities/> Recruitment code Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode<https://kmt.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/download/?id=21374> of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP). Disclaimer The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled. -- [ Dr. Harm Brouwer, Associate Professor [ Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University [ E-mail: h.brouwer(a)tilburguniversity.edu<mailto:h.brouwer@tilburguniversity.edu> [ http://www.hbrouwer.eu/

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Python Package: SER model
by Fabrizio Damicelli 08 Aug '24

08 Aug '24

Dear Computational Neuroscience Community, I would like to point you to a potentially useful Python Package that might be of interest for your research, especially in the realm dynamical models and spreading dynamics on networks. "ser": S(usceptible)E(xcited)R(efractory) model on graphs, a dynamical model of spreading excitations. Code Repository: https://github.com/fabridamicelli/ser As of today, a few people already trust it and the package registers >11K total downloads, ~500/month (pypi.org) and has been used already in a few research projects. A few interesting features: - It is light-weight and fast (`numba` accelerated), i.e. many experiments can be simply run on a laptop - Installation and getting started is easy: `pip install ser` - Example notebooks: https://github.com/fabridamicelli/ser/blob/main/examples The SER model is a classical cellular automaton model used to study all sorts of complex systems, ranging from forest fire dynamics to self-organized criticality in the brain. Despite of the simplicity of its setup, it is capable of generating complex emergent dynamics with absolutely non-trivial higher-order statistical properties. To learn more about the SER model and its applications, you might want to check out these references: - Messe et al. (2018). Toward a theory of coactivation patterns in excitable neural networks. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006084 - Haimovici et al. (2013). Brain Organization into Resting State Networks Emerges at Criticality on a Model of the Human Connectome. doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.178101 - Damicelli et al. (2019). Topological reinforcement as a principle of modularity emergence in brain networks. doi.org/10.1162/netn_a_00085 Check it out and any feedback/suggestions/bug reports are more than welcome (simply open an issue: https://github.com/fabridamicelli/ser/issues) All the best, Fabrizio Damicelli

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Save the date: UK Neural Computation meeting July 8-10th, Sheffield
by Mark Humphries 13 Jun '24

13 Jun '24

Save the date! The UK Neural Computation meeting is in Sheffield for 2024, the gathering of the UK’s computational and systems neuroscience community 8 July: ECR day 9-10 July: main meeting 11 invited speakers, 4 talks from abstracts and loads of posters Abstract submission and registration opening soon Please spread the word! More details: https://neuralcomputation.uk/ Enquiries: uknc24(a)sheffield.ac.uk<mailto:uknc24@sheffield.ac.uk> Organisers Hannes Saal (Sheffield) Stuart Wilson (Sheffield) Mark Humphries (Nottingham) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

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Post-doc position available - Rennes, France - Neuro-inspired models of recurrent epileptic seizures
by fabrice.wendling＠inserm.fr 31 May '24

31 May '24

Post-doc position offer (ref: INSERM-RECSEIZ) Neuro-inspired models of recurrent epileptic seizures for the investigation of mechanisms underlying repeated tDCS sessions Context. Epilepsy refers to a neurological disorder that affects about 1% of the general population. Recent findings indicate that non-invasive brain transcranial current stimulation (tCS) is safe and of therapeutic promise in epilepsy. However, it is not yet indicated as a standard treatment due to major scientific limitations: unknown mechanisms of action, insufficient account for patient-specific factors, poor understanding of short- and long-term effects. The ambition of the GALVANI Project (ERC-SyG 2019; 2020-26) is to transform the care of a large fraction of patients living with drug-resistant epilepsies by solving a fundamental problem: to efficiently target and control large-scale epileptic brain networks with tCS-induced neuromodulatory weak electric fields (https://www.galvani-lab.eu/) Rationale. The mechanisms underlying long-term effects of neuromodulation induced by weak electric fields remain poorly understood. To gain insights into these mechanisms, a new generation of experimentally-validated computational “hybrid” brain models is being developed in the project. These models combine neurophysiological models of neuronal networks with biophysical models of weak field effects. We recently developed a full human computational brain model able to generate realistic surface EEG and intracranial signal similar to those recorded in epileptic patients (see Wendling et al., CLINPH, 2024). Objective. The objective of the proposed research position is to design novel neuro-inspired models able to explain why and how the repetition of tDCS sessions (over days and weeks) impacts the seizure occurrence frequency. Methods. Mesoscale (neuronal population level) computational models allowing for the simulation of a single epileptic seizure will be used. They will be extended to account for the recurrence of seizures, as observed in human focal epilepsies. Then, tCS-induced weak electric fields will be integrated into the models and their cumulative effects on seizure occurrence will be studied, explaining why some patients respond to multi-sessions of tDCS while others do not. Models will use the Neural Mass Model (NMM) formalism. They will be developed in Python. They will extend models developed in the lab. Strong background is available. Scientific domains. Engineering (computational, biomedical); Physics (biophysics, electromagnetism); neuroscience; Medicine (neurology); Computer Science (computing in maths, engineering and Medicine) Scientific environment. GALVANI involves three partners: LTSI-Inserm (Rennes), AMU-APHM (Marseille) and Neuroelectrics (Barcelona). It is intended to develop the next generation of brain stimulation solutions. GALVANI can be viewed as a distributed lab (Rennes-Barcelona-Marseille) working under a common policy to ensure coherence of research and intense collaboration and cross-fertilization. Fellows will be co-supervised in a unique, shared environment with exposure to science, technology and clinical experience. Candidate profile. The research project is at the interface between biomathematics (neuro-inspired models), biophysics (electric field models), and neuroscience/neurology (epilepsy). The Post-doc fellow (PhD+experience) will preferably have a strong background in computational neuroscience/systems biology or in electrical engineering with experience in bio-signal processing. Knowledge in electrophysiology and/or EEG analysis would be an asset. The post-doc fellow will join a multidisciplinary team including research scientists in biomedical engineering, neurophysiological modeling, bio-physics, signal processing, electrophysiology, neurology. Contract The position will be opened Sep. 1st, 2024. The contract is for 2 years with possible extension (1 year). The competitive salary will be according to experience (2600 Euros net, minimum). The candidate will also have access to the French system benefits. Location in the city of Rennes, France. LTSI-Inserm laboratory, University of Rennes. In addition, the post-doc fellow will have the opportunity to perform visits and to actively collaborate with engineers, researchers and clinicians of the Marseille & Barcelona groups. Contact (please provide resume, cover letter and 2 reference letters) Fabrice Wendling (DR Inserm, LTSI, France) Email: fabrice.wendling(a)inserm.fr. https://perso.univ-rennes1.fr/fabrice.wendling

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Postdoctoral research position Rennes, France - Neuro-inspired models of recurrent epileptic seizures
by fabrice.wendling＠inserm.fr 31 May '24

31 May '24

Post-doc position offer (ref: INSERM-RECSEIZ) Neuro-inspired models of recurrent epileptic seizures for the investigation of mechanisms underlying repeated tDCS sessions Context. Epilepsy refers to a neurological disorder that affects about 1% of the general population. Recent findings indicate that non-invasive brain transcranial current stimulation (tCS) is safe and of therapeutic promise in epilepsy. However, it is not yet indicated as a standard treatment due to major scientific limitations: unknown mechanisms of action, insufficient account for patient-specific factors, poor understanding of short- and long-term effects. The ambition of the GALVANI Project (ERC-SyG 2019; 2020-26) is to transform the care of a large fraction of patients living with drug-resistant epilepsies by solving a fundamental problem: to efficiently target and control large-scale epileptic brain networks with tCS-induced neuromodulatory weak electric fields ( <https://www.galvani-lab.eu/> https://www.galvani-lab.eu/) Rationale. The mechanisms underlying long-term effects of neuromodulation induced by weak electric fields remain poorly understood. To gain insights into these mechanisms, a new generation of experimentally-validated computational hybrid brain models is being developed in the project. These models combine neurophysiological models of neuronal networks with biophysical models of weak field effects. We recently developed a full human computational brain model able to generate realistic surface EEG and intracranial signal similar to those recorded in epileptic patients ( <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38520800/> see Wendling et al., CLINPH, 2024). Objective. The objective of the proposed research position is to design novel neuro-inspired models able to explain why and how the repetition of tDCS sessions (over days and weeks) impacts the seizure occurrence frequency. Methods. Mesoscale (neuronal population level) computational models allowing for the simulation of a single epileptic seizure will be used. They will be extended to account for the recurrence of seizures, as observed in human focal epilepsies. Then, tCS-induced weak electric fields will be integrated into the models and their cumulative effects on seizure occurrence will be studied, explaining why some patients respond to multi-sessions of tDCS while others do not. Models will use the Neural Mass Model (NMM) formalism. They will be developed in Python. They will extend models developed in the lab. Strong background is available. Scientific domains. Engineering (computational, biomedical); Physics (biophysics, electromagnetism); neuroscience; Medicine (neurology); Computer Science (computing in maths, engineering and Medicine) Scientific environment. GALVANI involves three partners: LTSI-Inserm (Rennes), AMU-APHM (Marseille) and Neuroelectrics (Barcelona). It is intended to develop the next generation of brain stimulation solutions. GALVANI can be viewed as a distributed lab (Rennes-Barcelona-Marseille) working under a common policy to ensure coherence of research and intense collaboration and cross-fertilization. Fellows will be co-supervised in a unique, shared environment with exposure to science, technology and clinical experience. Candidate profile. The research project is at the interface between biomathematics (neuro-inspired models), biophysics (electric field models), and neuroscience/neurology (epilepsy). The Post-doc fellow (PhD+experience) will preferably have a strong background in computational neuroscience/systems biology or in electrical engineering with experience in bio-signal processing. Knowledge in electrophysiology and/or EEG analysis would be an asset. The post-doc fellow will join a multidisciplinary team including research scientists in biomedical engineering, neurophysiological modeling, bio-physics, signal processing, electrophysiology, neurology. Contract The position will be opened Sep. 1st, 2024. The contract is for 2 years with possible extension (1 year). The competitive salary will be according to experience (2600 Euros net, minimum). The candidate will also have access to the French system benefits. Location in the city of Rennes, France. LTSI-Inserm laboratory, University of Rennes. In addition, the post-doc fellow will have the opportunity to perform visits and to actively collaborate with engineers, researchers and clinicians of the Marseille & Barcelona groups. Contact (please provide resume, cover letter and 2 reference letters) Fabrice Wendling (DR Inserm, LTSI, France) Email: <mailto:fabrice.wendling@inserm.fr> fabrice.wendling(a)inserm.fr. <https://perso.univ-rennes1.fr/fabrice.wendling> https://perso.univ-rennes1.fr/fabrice.wendling --- Fabrice WENDLING DR Inserm LTSI, Inserm UMR1099 - Université de Rennes Co-directeur équipe Cinetyks Campus de Beaulieu - Bât. 22 35042 Rennes Cedex - France - Tel: +33 2 23 23 56 05 / 62 20 - +33 6 58 25 75 30 Email: <mailto:fabrice.wendling@inserm.fr> fabrice.wendling(a)inserm.fr <https://www.ltsi.univ-rennes1.fr/> https://www.ltsi.univ-rennes1.fr/ <https://perso.univ-rennes1.fr/fabrice.wendling> https://perso.univ-rennes1.fr/fabrice.wendling <https://www.galvani-lab.eu/> https://www.galvani-lab.eu/

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Postdoctoral Research Position - University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
by Carmen Paz Suárez Araujo 30 May '24

30 May '24

Postdoctoral Research Position Institute: Institute of Cybernetic, Enterprise and Society (IUCES). University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) City: Las Palmas de Gran Canari, Canary Islands, Spain Closing Date: 7 June 2024 Dear Colleagues, The Research Division of Computational Neuroscience (COMCIENCIA) belonging to the IUCES has a PostDoc position in one of our Projects. We are recruiting a team of outstanding researchers from Artificial Neural Networks, Computational Neuroscience, Clinical Decision Support Systems using Intelligent Computing and AI/ML, to work with us on achieving the project’s ambitious objectives. The main tasks will be concerning: - Development and supervision of research in the area of "Artificial and Biological Neural Networks: Design of New Architectures". - Supervision and development of research in the field of Intelligent Computing Systems and their application for Designing and Developing Clinical Decision Support Systems for diagnosis and prognosis of neurocognitive pathologies associated with aging (dementias), infectious diseases (COVID) necessarily adjusted to the project in which he/she is hired. - Scientific dissemination of the research developed. For further information and to apply, please see: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/240289 If you've any question, please you don't hesitate to contact with Prof. Carmen Paz Suárez Araujo Best Regards Carmen Paz Suárez Araujo Catedrática de Universidad/Full Professor. Directora de la División de Investigación de Neurociencia Computacional. Directora de la Catedra de Neurociencia Computacional, Marie Curie Instituto de Cibernética, Empresa y Sociedad (IUCES) Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria tel. +34928458725; +34629822298 carmenpaz.suarez(a)ulpgc.es www.ulpgc.es ORCID 0000-0002-8826-0899 EDIFICIO DE INFORMÁTICA, OFFICE 2-5 CAMPUS UNIVERSITARIO DE TAFIRA S/N 35017, LAS PALMAS DE GC [Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]

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Postdoc + PhD positions in ERC funded project ACTOR
by Constantin Rothkopf 30 May '24

30 May '24

The lab of Constantin Rothkopf (https://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/) at the Centre for Cognitive Science @ TU Darmstadt is looking for PhD and Postdoc applicants interested in becoming part of the ERC project ACTOR. While some positions are focused on human behavioral experiments others are more focused on computational work. The goal of this project is to use both human behavioral experiments and computational modeling to understand human sequential behavior in tasks including continuous psychophysics, visual behaviors such as gaze selection and blinking, sensorimotor control involving intuitive physics, navigation, and food preparation in the framework of sequential decision making/planning/optimal control/RL. Our group is part of the Centre for Cognitive Science and the AI Center at TU Darmstadt, which are home to an internationally outstanding group of PIs and junior researchers working in the areas of computational cognitive science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. We are part of several research consortia and engage in multiple fruitful research collaborations. The lab has state of the art equipment for eye and body tracking, VR, naturalistic task monitoring, psychophysics and access to one of the most generous computing infrastructures in Germany. We foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment driven by scientific curiosity and mutual respect and we maintain close interactions with other research groups including joint lab meetings. While some of the positions are geared towards more behavioral work others are strongly focused on computational modeling. Applicants may therefore have a background in computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, engineering, or related fields. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. Please send the official application to the dean of the department of human sciences dekanat(a)humanw.tu-darmstadt.de including a CV, a two page cover letter explaining your research interests, motivation, and your long-term career goals, and contact information for 2-3 references in a single pdf file. The code for the PhD position is “167” and for the Postdoc position “168”. Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis. The Frankfurt-Darmstadt metropolitan area is located in the heart of Europe and is one of the most international regions in Germany with a diverse community and rich culture repeatedly earning high rankings in worldwide surveys of quality of living. Frankfurt recently reached 7th place worldwide in a ranking of attractiveness by the Economist and Darmstadt has repeatedly ranked among the top innovation driving cities in Germany. Finally, to get a better idea about some of our work, here some publications by our group: - Tatai, F., Straub, D., Rothkopf, C. A. (2023). People use Newtonian physics in intuitive sensorimotor decisions under risk. In Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (Vol. 45, No. 45). https://escholarship.org/content/qt0rg3z8f6/qt0rg3z8f6_noSplash_c1cad85c077… - Kadner, F., Willkomm, H., Ibs, I., & Rothkopf, C. (2023). Finding your Way Out: Planning Strategies in Human Maze-Solving Behavior. In Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (Vol. 45, No. 45). https://escholarship.org/content/qt94t1t8kw/qt94t1t8kw_noSplash_3a5e798a923… - Kessler, F., Frankenstein, J., Rothkopf, C. A. A dynamic Bayesian actor model explains endpoint variability in homing tasks, bioRxiv, 2022. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.09.515854v1 - Straub, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2022). Putting perception into action with inverse optimal control for continuous psychophysics, eLife 11, e76635. https://elifesciences.org/articles/76635 - Schultheis, M., Straub, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2021). Inverse optimal control adapted to the noise characteristics of the human sensorimotor system. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 34, 9429-9442. https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper/2021/hash/4e55139e019a58e0084f194f758f… - Neupärtl, N., Tatai, F., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2020). Intuitive physical reasoning about objects’ masses transfers to a visuomotor decision task consistent with Newtonian physics. PLoS computational biology, 16(10), e1007730. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007730 - Hoppe, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2019). Multi-step planning of eye movements in visual search. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37536-0 - Hoppe, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2016). Learning rational temporal eye movement strategies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(29), 8332-8337. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1601305113 All the best, Constantin Rothkopf https://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de/ https://hessian.ai/

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow - University of Stirling, UK
by Elena Gheorghiu 30 May '24

30 May '24

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department: Psychology, University of Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom Closing Date: 10 June 2024 Duration: fixed term 27 months Salary: Grade 7 (£37,099 - £44,263 p.a.) A cross-disciplinary team of researchers from the Universities of Stirling, York, Cardiff, Manchester, and Southampton are working together on an EPSRC-funded project, Edgy Organism, to develop a novel end-to-end neuromorphic design approach drawing inspiration from how data is processed and represented in the brain and build an efficient hardware architecture based on spiking neural networks. The project aims to develop novel computing solutions, that can autonomously and reliably detect illegal or harmful activities in crowded public spaces, with minimum intrusion of personal space and privacy. We are recruiting a team of outstanding researchers from Visual Neuroscience, Psychology, Edge Computing, AI/ML, and Neuromorphic Engineering, to work with us on achieving Edgy Organism project’s ambitious objectives. As part of this project, Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling is offering a fixed term (27 months) full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to work with Dr Elena Gheorghiu and the cross-disciplinary team of researchers. Candidates should have a PhD, or equivalent research experience, in Computer Vision/ Computer Science, Visual Neuroscience, Psychology, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, or similar technical area and possess specialist knowledge in computer vision/ image processing/ object detection and tracking, and machine learning to work with established software/ research programmes. For further information and to apply, please see: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/work-at-stirling/list/details/?jobId=4051&jobT… Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Elena Gheorghiu, elena.gheorghiu(a)stir.ac.uk<mailto:elena.gheorghiu@stir.ac.uk> --------------------------------------------------------- Dr Elena Gheorghiu University of Stirling, Faculty of Natural Sciences Department of Psychology, Cottrell building Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467649 email: elena.gheorghiu(a)stir.ac.uk<mailto:elena.gheorghiu@stir.ac.uk> https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/257378 ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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