June 2026 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control, University of Montreal

by Paul Cisek

Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Applications are invited for doctoral and postdoctoral studies in systems neuroscience in the laboratories of Andrea Green and Paul Cisek. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research group studying how the primate brain controls real-time, natural behavior in dynamic environments. Different projects address how we specify and plan potential actions such as reaching under changing conditions as we move through our environment, decide between actions even during ongoing behavior, control and learn to execute movements in different behavioral contexts (e.g., body stationary vs. in motion) and integrate multisensory cues to estimate and keep track of our motion through space. Research in our group involves single- and multi-electrode neural recording experiments in non-human primates, human behavioral studies using techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and galvanic vestibular stimulation, and computational modeling of the nervous system. New collaborative projects will combine use of sophisticated spatial motion systems and virtual reality environments to study naturalistic behavior in both humans and non-human primates and develop computational models of real-time action selection, planning and control. For more information, see: https://neurosciences.umontreal.ca/recherche/les-chercheurs/andrea-green/ and https://cisek.org/pavel/ Multiple positions are available. All students with a strong background in biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or psychology and an interest in system-level study of the brain are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Depending on the applicant's qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to Andrea Green (andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:andrea.green@umontreal.ca>) and Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca>). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but preference will be given to applications received before July 31st, 2026. Paul Cisek, PhD Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal Physical: 2960 chemin de la tour, local 4117 Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 CANADA Mailing: CP 6128 Succursale centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 CANADA e-mail: paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca> Web: www.cisek.org/pavel<http://www.cisek.org/pavel>

June 22, 2026

Andrew Barto speaking in Developing Minds Lecture Series on June 25

by Jochen Triesch

Dear colleagues, On June 25, the Developing Minds global online lecture series is proud to host Andrew Barto, Prof. Emeritus of Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst, USA, speaking on „Rediscovering Reinforcement Learning“. His talk will take place at: 10:00 am EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, USA) 14:00 UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) 16:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time) 23:00 JST (Japan Standard Time). The talk will be hosted via zoom: https://uni-frankfurt.zoom-x.de/j/62410045708?pwd=EmEDiJtB0NZ0XPbSBngt6sbx2… Meeting-ID: 624 1004 5708 Kenncode: 883974 Abstract: The idea of reinforcement learning (RL) as a key principle of animal learning has been around at least since Edward Thorndike proposed the “Law of Effect” in 1898. Machine implementation of this principle began with electro-mechanical machines in the 1930s, and the earliest idea for computer implementation was probably Turing’s 1948 proposal of a computer implementation of a “pleasure-pain system”. In this talk I review what has followed Turing’s unimplemented proposal, starting with the first computer experiments in 1954, up to what we now know as modern computational RL. Short Bio: Andrew Barto is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, having retired in 2012. He served as Chair of the UMass Department of Computer Science from 2007 to 2011. He received a B.S. with distinction in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1970, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science in 1975, also from the University of Michigan. He joined the Computer Science Department of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1977. Before retiring he co-directed the Autonomous Learning Laboratory at UMass Amherst, which produced many notable machine learning researchers. Professor Barto is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a Fellow and Life Member of the IEEE. He received the 2004 IEEE Neural Network Society Pioneer Award for contributions to the field of reinforcement learning, the IJCAI-17 Award for Research Excellence for groundbreaking and impactful research in both the theory and application of reinforcement learning, and a University of Massachusetts Neurosciences Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Most recently, he and his former doctoral student, Richard Sutton, were co-recipients of the 2024 Association for Computing Machinery’s A.M. Turing Award for developing the conceptual and algorithmic foundations of reinforcement learning, and he and Sutton received the 2026 IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Award for contributions to reinforcement learning and artificial intelligence. He has published over one hundred papers or chapters in journals, books, and conference and workshop proceedings. He is co-author with Sutton of "Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction," MIT Press, 1998. A much expanded second edition was published in 2018. The talk will be recorded and made available for later viewing. For more information on the talk series and recordings of previous events, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/developing-minds-series/home Best regards, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Chair for Theoretical Life Sciences Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Goethe University Frankfurt Recent publications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64234-z https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11204381?casa_token=RBlsm2RTa…

June 22, 2026

Funded postdoctoral position in non-human primate electrophysiology in the Michaels Lab

by Jonathan Michaels

Hi all, The Neural Control & Computation Lab at York University in Toronto, Canada, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow. Under the direction of Jonathan Michaels, Ph.D., the fellow will investigate the neural basis of learning, flexible neural computation, and skilled movement control using large-scale electrophysiology from single-neuron populations in non-human primates, including high-density Neuropixels recordings and our recently developed capability for wireless, chronic Neuropixels recordings during naturalistic behavior. The fellow will be encouraged to develop an independent line of research within these themes. The fellow will join an exceptional and fast-growing neuroscience community. The lab is housed in York’s brand new, state-of-the-art Neuroscience Facility, which includes lab and office space for multiple neuroscience research labs and access to shared infrastructure such as MRI and CT. York is home to a collaborative community spanning the Centre for Integrative and Applied Neuroscience (CIAN), the Centre for Vision Research (CVR), and the Connected Minds (Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society) initiative. Toronto – Canada’s largest and most diverse city – offers a dense concentration of neuroscience research and an incredible culture and environment. This is a two-year funded position, with the potential for extension, offering a competitive salary (starting at $65k/year), benefits, and a negotiable start date (earliest September 2026). Visa and moving support are provided for international applicants. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a closely related discipline. Favorable consideration will be given to candidates with expertise or substantial interest in one or more of the following: non-human primate electrophysiology, large-scale neural data analysis, computational modeling of neural circuits or motor control, and a strong record of research productivity. To apply, please email the following to Dr. Michaels: a cover letter describing your research experience and interests and how they align with the lab, a CV, one to two representative publications or preprints, and the names and contact information of two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. https://www.ncclab.ca/join-the-lab (link to job ad and more info) Best, Jonathan __________________________________ Jonathan A. Michaels, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Neural Control & Computation Lab School of Kinesiology & Health Science York University

June 21, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): June 24 2026 | From Cajal’s Spines to Digital Neurons: Connectomics View on Dendritic Computations | Idan Segev, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the VVTNS Sixth Season Closing Lecture Idan Segev The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on the topic of From Cajal’s Spines to Digital Neurons: Connectomics View on Dendritic Computations The lecture will be held on Zoom on June 24, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Dendritic spines are among the smallest structures in the brain, yet they hold some of the deepest clues to how neurons compute and store memories. In this lecture, I will revisit the classical question of spine biophysics in the new age of connectomics, where nanometer-resolution electron microscopy allows us to reconstruct whole neurons with thousands of synapses and spines. I will show how spine density, spine-neck resistance, and the irregular geometry of individual spines can shape local synaptic signals, generate fast voltage dynamics, influence excitatory/inhibitory gating, and affect communication between neighboring spines. I will then discuss how automated reconstruction pipelines and biophysical modeling now make it possible to build digital neurons at spine and synapse resolution, and how AI-based approaches, such as our new AI-based TwinProp algorithm, allow us to ask - and get answer - to a fundamental question: what can a neuron compute? I will end by claiming that we now enter a new age of connectomics that provides an essential constraint on understanding how synapses, neurons, and circuits perform their computational functions. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

June 21, 2026

Fully funded openings for international postdocs at the Tchumatchenko lab

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

Dear friends and colleagues, I am looking to recruit international postdoctoral fellows to my lab. It would be great to attract scientists who didn't have yet exposure to the German neuroscience community and who would bring complementary expertise and perspectives. *Two postdoc positions (m/f/d) are available in the Tchumatchenko group.* The Tchumatchenko Group is seeking to attract two highly motivated postdoc candidates (0-5 years post PhD) to conduct research in the field of computational neuroscience. Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko was recently appointed a Henriette Herz scout at the Alexander von Humboldt foundation and is looking to attract two international postdocs though this funding scheme [1]. The ideal candidate will be an international, highly motivated, scientifically curious postdoctoral fellow with a strong work ethic and a PhD degree in life sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or similar disciplines who looking to answer open question in computational neuroscience. Great social skills, excellent command of the English language and enthusiasm for working in a competitive interdisciplinary research team are essential. Potential scientific projects should lie either at the boundary between behavioral analysis and circuit neuroscience or at the boundary between molecular dynamics and circuit neuroscience: how is the molecular dynamics organized across the brain and what are statistical differences across cell types? How can we design computational models and conduct data analysis at the level transcriptomes and proteomes to understand the implementation of physiological and behavioral conditions across the brain? How can we relate learning at the level of synapses and circuits to behavioral changes observed in animals? Can we identify behavioral states and link them to particular circuit activity states? Please send your application together with a cover letter, a CV with contact details from one academic reference and copies of all relevant degree certificates to tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de. Please include in your subject line “AvH Application your name”. We are looking forward to your application! Duration and salary will be according to the fellowship scale of the Alexander von Humboldt foundation. Start date negotiable. [1] https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/bewerben/foerderprogramme/henriette-herz… Best wishes, Tatjana Tchumatchenko -- Tatjana Tchumatchenko Professor (W3) for Computational Neuroscience of Behavior Chair Bonn Center for Neuroscience co-Speaker TRA Life and Health __________________________________________________ Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research Medical Faculty, University of Bonn Am Propsthof 49 53121 Bonn www.tchumatchenko.de

June 20, 2026

Call for Abstracts – 2 July 2026, Uni. Porto, Workshop "Ethics and Politics of AI" [deadline: 20 June 2026]

by steven gouveia

[Call for Abstracts] Workshop Ethics and Politics of Artificial Intelligence 2 July 2026 | 10h00-17h00 | Casa dos Livros (Palacete Burmester - Rua do Campo Alegre, 1055, 4150-181 Porto - Portugal) The Workshop: Ethics and Politics of AI brings together researchers, academics, and graduate students to examine central ethical and political questions raised by contemporary artificial intelligence. The workshop welcomes contributions from moral and political philosophy, philosophy of technology, applied ethics, law, social theory, and related interdisciplinary fields. Its aim is to promote focused discussion on the institutional, normative, and democratic challenges created by AI systems in contemporary societies. The final deadline to submit proposals is June 20, 2026. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: * Chiara Cordelli is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. * Radu Uszkai is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and the Research Centre in Applied Ethics. Topics might include (but are not limited to): 1. AI, democracy, and political authority 2. Responsibility, accountability, and institutional design 3. Fairness, bias, and structural injustice 4. Transparency, explainability, and public justification 5. AI governance, regulation, and human rights 6. Privacy, surveillance, and data politics 7. AI, labour, education, and inequality 8. Misinformation, manipulation, and epistemic harms 9. Healthcare, Law and Educational Impact of AI 10. Environmental and infrastructural ethics of AI Language of the workshop: English. Attendance: Free. In-person only. Note: There will be no fee to participate as a speaker in this workshop. Please note that we are unable to provide financial support for travel, accommodation, or meals for accepted speakers. SUBMISSIONS: * Proposals should include two files in Word format (PDF formats will not be accepted): * (1) a cover page with identification and clear academic affiliation * (2) an anonymized title and abstract (maximum 250 words, up to 5 references) * sent to stevensequeira92(a)hotmail.com<mailto:stevensequeira92@hotmail.com> * Paper duration: 30 minutes (20 minutes presentation + 10 minutes for discussion); * Notification Info: notification of acceptance or rejection will be given after review of the submitted proposal; * Publications: selected papers may be considered for future publication projects; the publication process will be independent and optional; * Any doubts or concerns can be addressed to: stevensequeira92(a)hotmail.com<mailto:stevensequeira92@hotmail.com> Info: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/workshop-ethics-politics-ai Venue: Casa dos Livros, Palacete Burmester - Rua do Campo Alegre, 1055, 4150-181 Porto - Portugal Organization: Steven S. Gouveia (IF/UP) CEEC Project by FCT 2022.02527.CEECIND Mind, Language and Action Group (MLAG) Instituto de Filosofia da Universidade do Porto – UID/00502/2025 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)

June 17, 2026

Two NeuroAI / Comp Neuro faculty positions at UCL

by Daniel Bush

Hello all We are currently recruiting two computational neuroscientists to join the UCL Division of Biosciences (at Lecturer / Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level) One candidate will be based in the department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology (NPP<https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/npp>) and the other in Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB<https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/cdb>) Please see further details here<https://tinyurl.com/4wnzvjc2>. The application deadline is 10th July 2026 Many thanks Dan ---------------------------------------------------- Dr. Daniel Bush GM01, Medical Sciences Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT Principal Investigator, UCL Human Electrophysiology Lab<https://bushlab-ucl.github.io/> Associate Professor, UCL Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology<https://www.ucl.ac.uk/npp/> Section Editor, PLoS Computational Biology<https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/>

June 16, 2026

Graduate student and postdoctoral positions available in the Active Perception Laboratory at UR

by Poletti, Martina

Graduate student and postdoctoral positions are available in the Active Perception Laboratory (http://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu) at the University of Rochester to study the perceptual consequences of eye movements under the supervision of Dr. Martina Poletti and/or Dr. Michele Rucci. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates interested in investigating the roles of eye movements in establishing spatial representations, the spatiotemporal dynamics of foveal and extrafoveal processing, the interplay between eye movements, retinal anatomy, and attention, and the possible roles of eye movements in emmetropization and myopia. Research in the laboratory focuses on the interaction between vision and behavior. Our work relies on the integration of theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate how visual functions unfold in the presence of normal and abnormal motor activity, how vision guides behavior, and how changes in visual input signals and modulations associated with behavior contribute to perception. The laboratory is equipped with a unique array of tools, many developed in-house, to investigate the synergy between visual, motor, and cognitive processes (https://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu/facilities.html#<https://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu/facilities.html>). Approaches include human psychophysics with precisely controlled retinal stimulation, computational modeling, precise measurements of head and eye movements, high-resolution retinal imaging, and electroencephalography (EEG) during active vision. A full list of our publications can be found at https://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu/publications.html. The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in vision science, a background in related areas, and experience with data analysis and computer programming. Prior experience in eye-tracking, psychophysics, computational modeling, signal processing, and/or electroencephalography is a plus. Motivation and independence are important, as well as the ability to work well in a team. The University of Rochester offers a highly collaborative and stimulating research environment with excellent opportunities for interactions and training in vision science and neuroscience. The laboratory is located within the Center for Visual Science (http://www.cvs.rochester.edu/) and the department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences (http://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/) Ongoing collaborations at the University of Rochester include the Flaum Eye Institute (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/eye-institute.aspx) the Institute of Optics (http://www.hajim.rochester.edu/optics/) and the department of Neuroscience (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/neuroscience.aspx) To apply, please send curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, and the names of two references to Martina Poletti (martina_poletti(a)urmc.rochester.edu<mailto:martina_poletti@urmc.rochester.edu>) and Michele Rucci (mrucci(a)ur.rochester.edu<mailto:mrucci@ur.rochester.edu>). ------ Martina Poletti, PhD Associate Professor Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department of Neuroscience Center for Visual Science University of Rochester Active Perception Laboratory web: https://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/people/faculty/poletti_martina/index.html aplab.bcs.rochester.edu<http://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu/>

June 15, 2026

New Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme at SWC/Gatsby Unit, UCL

by Alison Cranage

Dear all, The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, based at UCL in London, have launched a Fellowship Sponsorship scheme. We are inviting expressions of interest from outstanding postdoctoral researchers seeking sponsorship to apply for external career fellowships, with the aim of establishing an independent research programme in the mechanistic theories of neural computation or learning. The successful candidate would be hosted at SWC and the Gatsby Unit, working at the interface of computational theory and experimental neuroscience, with access to mentorship and fellowship application support. Full details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on our website: https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/content/fellowship-sponsorship The closing date for expressions of interest is 16 July 2026. I would be very grateful if you could share this message with anyone who might be interested. Best wishes, Ali ALISON CRANAGE Research Communications and Engagement Manager Sainsbury Wellcome Centre 25 Howland Street  London  W1T 4JG   Email     a.cranage(a)ucl.ac.uk<mailto:a.cashin-garbutt@ucl.ac.uk>  Phone   +44 (0) 7917 922 068   Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/sainsburywellcome.bsky.social> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/sainsbury-wellcome-centre> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/SainsburyWellcomeCentre/> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/sainsburywellcomecentre/> | sainsburywellcome.org<https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/>   [cid:image001.png@01DCFA80.F4BC95F0]

June 15, 2026

Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series (6th season): June 17 2026 | From microcircuits to cortex-wide networks: connectivity and information-flow underlying goal-directed behavior| Arseny Finkelstein, Tel Aviv University

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Arseny Finkelstein Tel Aviv University on the topic of From microcircuits to cortex-wide networks: connectivity and information-flow underlying goal-directed behavior The lecture will be held on Zoom on June 17, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Regulation of information flow in neuronal circuits is fundamental to flexible, goal-directed behavior. In this talk, I will discuss how cortical circuits organize neural activity and connectivity across spatial scales, from local microcircuits to distributed cortex-wide networks. Using naturalistic multidirectional reaching in mice, combined with large-scale calcium imaging and causal connectivity mapping of >20,000,000 neuronal pairs, we identified connectivity motifs and population dynamics underlying goal-directed behavior. I will first describe the organizational principles of the motor cortex, where neurons are arranged into functional mini-columns with recurrent connectivity motifs linked to task-related activity, and discuss the potential computational advantages of this architecture. I will then show how these principles extend to larger spatial scales. Imaging ~1,000,000 neurons across 10 cortical regions revealed high-dimensional local population activity patterns alongside coordinated cortex-wide dynamics mediated by synchronized inter-areal communication. These distributed network dynamics supported high-dimensional representations of short-term memory for target location. Together, these findings reveal how cortical networks are organized across spatial scales to support cognition. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

June 14, 2026