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PhD and postdoc positions in computational and theoretical neuroscience || University of Texas at Dallas

by Muller, Lyle

PhD and postdoctoral positions are available in a growing cluster of computational neuroscience labs at the University of Texas at Dallas. The Muller Lab (http://mullerlab.io<http://mullerlab.io/>) and the Lakshminarasimhan Lab (https://neuralalgorithms.github.io<https://neuralalgorithms.github.io/>) are recruiting new trainees in computational and theoretical neuroscience. PhD positions start in Fall 2027. Postdoctoral start dates are flexible. Research across the cluster combines computational analysis of neural data, applied mathematics, and machine learning to understand computation in biological and artificial neural networks in close collaboration with experimental groups. Projects in the Muller Lab include traveling waves in neural systems (link<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39076-2>) and analyses of spikes in large neural populations (link<https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.03804>). The group has an active collaboration with the Fields Institute through the Lab for Network Computation<https://www.fields.utoronto.ca/activities/fields-lab-network-computation>. The Lakshminarasimhan Lab develops computational theories of learning, memory and decision-making that link synaptic plasticity, neural dynamics and behavior. Ongoing projects in the lab include developing and testing normative theories of dopamine signaling (link<https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.18.643990v2.full>) and representational drift. The two labs are building shared training in computational neuroscience and NeuroAI at UTD. Trainees will join a growing computational neuroscience community in the Dallas area, including connections to UT Southwestern and the Texas Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (TAIRI). Prior experience with scientific computing, signal analysis, applied mathematics, or machine learning is preferred. Prospective PhD students should apply to the Cognition and Neuroscience PhD program at UTD (link<https://bbs.utdallas.edu/departments/neuroscience/graduate-programs/cogniti…>) before December 1, 2026. Prospective postdocs can write to lyle.muller(a)utdallas.edu or kaushik.laksh(a)utdallas.edu with a CV and short statement of interest. -- Lyle Muller http://mullerlab.io

Oct. 19, 2026

Faculty position in computational neuroscience || University of Texas at Dallas

by Muller, Lyle

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a tenure-system faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank in computational neuroscience, starting Fall 2027. The position is part of a cluster hiring initiative to build an internationally recognized computational neuroscience research and training program at UT Dallas. We are looking for candidates with expertise in neural coding, computation and dynamics, or working at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, including large language models. The ideal candidate would do highly collaborative dry-lab research connected to departmental strengths in learning and memory, decision making, motor control, affective neuroscience, sensory perception and pain, or neurogenomics. The position includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent in neuroscience, computer science, mathematics or a related field. The new hire will join a rapidly growing computational neuroscience cluster at UTD, with close ties to the Texas Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (TAIRI), the Texas Biomedical Device Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Full position description and application: https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/32729. Priority will be given to applications received by December 31, 2026. -- Lyle Muller http://mullerlab.io

Oct. 19, 2026

World wide VVTNS series: Seventh season opening lecture, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 am EDT - Richard Hahnloser, ETH Zurich

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 seventh season opening lecture of the online VVTNS series. It will be delivered by Richard Hahnloser ETH Zurich on the topic of The Algorithm(s) of Birdsong Learning The lecture will be held on zoom on October 21, 2026, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *How do songbirds acquire and refine their complex vocal repertoires? Learning a song requires both evaluating sensory evidence and determining which changes in behavior improve performance. These challenges have traditionally been studied in separate experimental paradigms: auditory-feedback adaptation, reinforcement learning, and imitation. In this talk, I will examine the behavioral and neural algorithms underlying each and ask how they might fit within a common learning architecture. First, when auditory feedback is shifted in pitch, birds change their vocal pitch in the opposite direction. As in humans, compensation is typically incomplete and becomes proportionally smaller for larger shifts. This pattern is consistent with Bayesian causal inference: birds combine internal predictions of pitch with auditory evidence while discounting feedback that is unlikely to have been self-generated. Second, I will show why classical policy-gradient reinforcement learning falls short in explaining the nonlinear pitch trajectories observed in conditioning experiments. A normative extension accounts for these trajectories and aligns with the modular organization of the brain’s song-control system. In this architecture, a learning component generates exploratory variation and is updated by reward. Other components contribute to motor output but are not updated by reward on every trial. Third, I will turn to imitation learning. Songbirds simplify this computational challenge by acquiring vocal units—syllables—independently of their sequential order. The intrinsic reward guiding the acquisition of this vocal inventory can be characterized by a simple sum–max rule: each target syllable contributes a partial reward determined by its best pitch match among the bird’s developing vocalizations, and these rewards are summed across targets. A light-tailed pitch-similarity function ensures that large mismatches contribute little reward. Together, these findings identify complementary mechanisms for interpreting sensory feedback, assigning credit to motor actions, and matching vocal output to remembered targets. The next challenge is to explain how these mechanisms interact within a unified theory of birdsong learning. I will conclude with initial attempts to use AI to develop this synthesis, with the aim of turning a collection of task-specific algorithms into a coherent framework with testable predictions and potential relevance beyond the avian brain. ᐧ

Oct. 18, 2026

AICES 2027: early registration October 27

by David Silva - IRDTA

******************************************************** 2nd INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ON HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION IN THE ERA OF AGENTIC AI AICES 2027 Bilbao, Spain May 3-6, 2027 https://aices.irdta.eu/2027/ ******************************************************** Co-organized by: University of Deusto IRDTA – Institute for Research Development, Training and Advice ******************************************************** Early registration: October 27, 2026 ******************************************************** SCOPE The rapid emergence of agentic AI systems capable of planning, reasoning, making decisions and acting with increasing autonomy is transforming the relationship between humans and intelligent machines. Understanding how humans and AI agents can collaborate effectively, safely and responsibly has therefore become a major scientific, technological and societal challenge. AICES 2027 will address this challenge from a broad interdisciplinary perspective, bringing together leading researchers and experts from academia and industry. The scientific program will examine the societal, cognitive, ethical, economic and governance dimensions of agentic AI, with particular emphasis on human–AI collaboration, trust, human oversight and control, the future of work, regulation and governance, explainability, responsible AI, education, democracy, media ecosystems, economic transformation, and the wider implications of increasingly autonomous AI systems. The school will feature 13 monographic three-hour courses, 2 keynote lectures, 1 round table and 1 symposium. Leading academics and industry experts will share their knowledge, research and perspectives with participants. Interaction, discussion and networking will be central elements of the event, while full live online participation will also be available. ADDRESSED TO AICES 2027 is intended for graduate students, researchers, academics, industry professionals and policymakers from a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, cognitive science, economics, sociology, philosophy, law, public policy and business. There are no formal academic prerequisites, and researchers and professionals at all career stages are welcome. The school will provide participants with an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of one of the most rapidly evolving areas of AI, interact with experts from different disciplines, establish new collaborations, expand their professional networks, and explore the profound changes that agentic AI may bring to work, institutions and society. VENUE AICES 2027 will take place in Bilbao, in northern Spain. Once a major industrial centre, Bilbao has undergone a remarkable urban, cultural and economic transformation over recent decades and is today one of Spain's most dynamic cities. The venue will be: University of Deusto Avenida de las Universidades, 24 48007 Bilbao https://www.deusto.es/ STRUCTURE Two/three courses will run in parallel throughout the event. Participants will be free to select the sessions they wish to attend and may move between courses at any time. In addition to the courses and keynote lectures, the program will include a round table and a symposium devoted to current research and industrial developments. All lectures will be video recorded and made available to participants for 45 days after the event. Full live online participation will be possible. Nevertheless, participants are strongly encouraged to attend in person whenever possible, as direct interaction, discussion and networking are essential components of research training events of this kind. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Eszter Hargittai (University of Zurich), Myths vs. Measures: Digital Inequality and AI Skills Katia Sycara (Carnegie Mellon University), Human-AI: Collaboration rather than Substitution PROFESSORS AND COURSES Ana Bazzan (University of São Paulo), [introductory/intermediate] Autonomous Agents, Multiagent Systems, Swarm Intelligence and Reinforcement Learning: What Are These and Why They Matter in the Current AI Agenda Justine Cassell (Inria Paris), [introductory/intermediate] Building Agents that Collaborate with People rather than Replacing Them Pierre Dillenbourg (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne), [introductory] Productive Noise: The Benefits of Misunderstandings in Collaboration Steven Drucker (Particle Prismatics LLC), [introductory/intermediate] Attention Is All You Have: Human-Centered AI in the Agentic Era Peter Flach (University of Bristol), [introductory/intermediate] Classifier Calibration: A Prerequisite for Trustworthy AI James Hollan (University of California San Diego), [intermediate] The Future of HCI: Generative AI, Negotiated Agency, and Co-Adaptive Systems Andreas Holzinger (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences), [introductory/intermediate] Trustworthy Agentic AI: Human-AI Collaboration, Explainability, and Verifiable Autonomy Jason Hong (Carnegie Mellon University), [introductory/intermediate] Challenges in Human-AI Interaction Christian Lebiere (Carnegie Mellon University), [intermediate] Metacognition and Theory of Mind in Humans and Machines Sijia Liu (Michigan State University), [introductory/advanced] Safety Alignment for AI Agents: From Centralized to Distributed Solutions Simon Parsons (University of Lincoln), [introductory] Agents and Agentic AI Simone Stumpf (University of Glasgow), [introductory/intermediate] Explainable AI (XAI) and Debugging in the Era of Agentic AI Lyle Ungar (University of Pennsylvania), [introductory] From Tools to Teammates: How AI Changes Human Work and Relationships SYMPOSIUM A symposium will give participants, research groups and companies the opportunity to present ongoing research projects, innovative ideas and industrial developments related to the themes of AICES 2027. Presentations will consist of 15-minute oral contributions. Participants interested in presenting should submit a one-page abstract including the title, authors, and a brief summary to david(a)irdta.eu. Submission deadline: April 19, 2027. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Pablo García Bringas (Bilbao, Local Chair) Carlos Martín-Vide (Tarragona, Program Chair) Santiago Montes (Tarragona, Webpage) Sara Morales (Luxembourg, Finances) David Silva (London, Organization Chair) REGISTRATION Registration is available at: https://aices.irdta.eu/2027/registration/ During registration, participants will be invited to indicate six courses they are particularly interested in attending. This selection is tentative and non-binding and will be used only to estimate demand and facilitate logistical planning. As the capacity of the venue is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close once maximum capacity has been reached. Early registration is therefore strongly recommended. FEES Registration fees include access to all school activities and lunches. Several early-registration deadlines are available, with fees depending on the date of payment. Fees are the same for on-site and for online participation. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation suggestions will be made available in due time at: https://aices.irdta.eu/2027/accommodation/ CERTIFICATE Participants will receive a certificate documenting 40 hours of academic activities. This certificate should be suitable for participants seeking ECTS or equivalent academic recognition from their home institutions. SPONSORS Companies, institutions and organizations interested in supporting AICES 2027 are invited to consult the sponsorship opportunities available for the event. The sponsorship leaflet can be downloaded from: https://aices.irdta.eu/2027/sponsors/ QUESTIONS AND FURTHER INFORMATION david(a)irdta.eu ACKNOWLEDGMENTS University of Deusto IRDTA – Institute for Research Development, Training and Advice

Oct. 17, 2026

Göttingen Symposium "Living Networks": Nov 30-Dec 2 2026

by Priesemann, Viola

Dear all, Please spread the word: This symposium is interesting to anyone wanting to understand the similarities and difference in network dynamics across sociology, (animal) group behavior and living neural networks. It is free of charge and we have a great international speakers. Best wishes, Viola Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce "Living Networks" - an international symposium on self-organization, manipulation, and information flow in neural and social systems. We bring together experts on adaptive networks from societal dynamics, animal groups, living neural networks, and complex systems. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues, students, group members, and collaborators. We warmly welcome you to Göttingen - free of charge. Dates: 30 November–2 December 2026 Venue: Manfred-Eigen-Hörsaal, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany 🔗 More information and registration (free of charge): https://priesemann-group.github.io/living-networks/ The symposium poster is available for download here: https://owncloud.gwdg.de/index.php/s/LCp1TDN87tWHRG6 We look forward to welcoming you to Göttingen. Best wishes, From the organization team: Julia Fischer, Greta Jasser, Thomas Kneib, Piklu Mallick, Viola Priesemann Living Networks: Self-Organization, Manipulation and Information Flow in Neural and Social Systems Abstract Living Networks, including societies, groups and also brains, are continuously reshaping their structure, interactions, and information flow among nodes - yet their large-scale structure and function remain largely invariant. Classic examples are scale-free network properties and robust information processing despite variable neural representation. We want to explore whether these networks are shaped by similar self-organization principles, show similar emergence of robustness and resilience, and are potentially also vulnerable tosimilar manipulation mechanisms. By combining the perspective of complex systems with expertise from sociology and neuroscience, our aim is to identify common principles, but also core differences, that drive the emergence of structure, dynamics, and information flow - from neural networks to societal dynamics. Background: From November 30 to December 2nd, 2026, at the University of Göttingen, we bring together international experts across disciplines - including physics, data science, neuroscience, law, and social and political sciences. With invited and contributed talks, ample time for discussions and poster presentations, we will sharpen our understanding of how self-organization mechanisms drive structure and information flow in social networks, as well as neural networks, with implications for understanding disinformation, polarization, and societal resilience. The symposium is organized by the CIDAS Section "Complexity, Information, Cognition, Society" (CICS), funded by the University of Göttingen, and aims to foster future collaborative research initiatives across disciplines. _____________________ Prof. Dr. Viola Priesemann Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization & Georg-August-University Göttingen Am Fassberg 17, 37077 Göttingen viola.priesemann(a)ds.mpg.de<mailto:viola.priesemann@ds.mpg.de> https://priesemann-group.github.io<https://priesemann-group.github.io/>

Oct. 17, 2026

[Invitation] rTAIM Seminar #31 | John Dorsch — Epistemically Trustworthy AI & Collective Accountability | 23 October 2026

by steven gouveia

[??] UPCOMING SEMINAR | rTAIM SEMINAR SERIES #31 [??] Why We Need Epistemically, Not Morally, Trustworthy AI: Decision Support and the Need for Collective Accountability [???] Speaker: John Dorsch (Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics — Prague) [??] Date: 23 October 2026 (Friday) [??] Time: 3:00–4:30 PM (Lisbon Time) [??] Format: Online | Microsoft Teams [??] Free and Open to Everyone! Can artificial intelligence really be trustworthy? And who should be held accountable when AI influences human decisions? The discussion will explore crucial questions concerning AI-assisted decision-making, epistemic trust, institutional accountability, and the implications of the EU AI Act. Join us for the 31st seminar of the Rebuilding Trust in AI Medicine (rTAIM) series, featuring John Dorsch, a researcher specialising in AI Ethics and Philosophy of Cognitive Science. Short bio: John Dorsch is a postdoctoral researcher in AI Ethics and Philosophy of Cognitive Science. Previously, he worked at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich in the interdisciplinary institute Munich Interactive Intelligence Initiative (MI3), member of the lab Cognition, Values, and Behavior (CVBE). His research focuses on philosophical and scientific problems surrounding metacognition, as well as AI technology exerting an influence on metacognitive capacities, whether by enhancing or hijacking them. [??] Seminar details and access: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/348952916094000?p=fPGkR9WtycP2UVboJD ID: 348 952 916 094 000 Password: tp9aU3Ut Everyone interested in the philosophy and ethics of AI, epistemology, technology, and healthcare is warmly invited to attend! Feel free to share this event with colleagues, students, and researchers.

Oct. 16, 2026

Postdoctoral positions in Neuromorphic Computing @ The Hotchkiss Brain Institute

by Wilten Nicola

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Neuromorphic Opportunities, Ventures, & Acceleration (NOVA) program. Job Description: The Hotchkiss Brain Institute invites applications for the HBI Neuromorphic Opportunities, Ventures, & Acceleration (NOVA) program. NOVA sits at the interface of neuroscience, AI, and hardware engineering and supports fellows in translating principles of neural computation into new computing architectures. NOVA aims to attract ambitious early career researchers interested in advancing neuromorphic hardware, algorithms, and software development, through novel developments in brain-inspired technologies to create the next-generation of AI accelerators. The ideal candidates will develop an independent research program in one of the following areas: - Energy-efficient analog and mixed-signal neuromorphic computing - Learning algorithms for neuromorphic systems, including on-chip and biologically inspired learning - Large-scale neural-system emulation using FPGAs and existing neuromorphic platforms such as Intel Loihi and SpiNNaker - Next-generation neuromorphic hardware, including emerging approaches such as neurophotonics Scholars are appointed for an initial term of 2 years, with potential to renew up to a total of 5 years contingent on successful annual review. This award pays an annual stipend of $100,000 CAD and a separate research allowance of $25,000 CAD per year. Successful candidates will be supported by a primary mentor as well as a mentoring committee with diverse experience relevant to the project. Potential mentors, and more information about neuromorphic computing and computational neuroscience at the HBI, can be found here: https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/computational-neuroscience/NeuromorphicComputing [ https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/computational-neuroscience/NeuromorphicComputing] *Qualifications:* Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant domain (Electrical/Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or relevant adjacent fields) and experience relevant to one of the topic areas above. Some prior post-doctoral research is an asset but not required. *Application Details:* Applications should include a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, a CV and names of three potential references. Please email materials to: wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca. Applications will be reviewed as they are received up until the deadline (November 30th 2026). The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website <https://research.ucalgary.ca/postdocs>. https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/18230209-postdoctoral-scholar-in-the-neuro…

Oct. 16, 2026

Funded PhD Opportunities at the University of Toronto: NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience

by Helena Liu

Funded PhD Opportunities: NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Toronto I am recruiting PhD students to join my new lab at the University of Toronto for Fall 2027. We study how brains and artificial neural networks learn from experience, form useful representations, assign credit to past events, and generalize to new situations. Our work combines computational neuroscience, machine learning, mathematical modeling, and neural and behavioral data, and has appeared in PNAS, NeurIPS, ICLR, and ICML. Research directions include how biological mechanisms support learning from delayed feedback; how neural circuit structure and learning dynamics shape representations, generalization, and continual learning; and methods for inferring learning processes from neural and behavioral data. As one of the founding students, you can begin with a concrete project in one of these directions, with room to bring your own interests into the work and help shape the lab’s culture. You can learn more about our work at helena-yuhan-liu.github.io<https://helena-yuhan-liu.github.io/>. Who should apply: Students from computer science, engineering, statistics, physics, applied mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, and related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong quantitative background and experience with scientific programming are important; applicants should be comfortable with linear algebra, probability/statistics, and computational problem solving. Prior training in neuroscience or psychology is not required. We especially value students who are intellectually curious, creative, self-motivated, and able to take ownership of a project and carry it through to completion. What we offer: Close, direct mentorship with individualized support for research and career development; interdisciplinary training in computational methods and scientific thinking; and opportunities to present at conferences and publish in machine-learning and neuroscience venues. Students will benefit from U of T’s strengths in AI, neuroscience, and cognitive science, with opportunities to connect and collaborate across disciplines. Toronto combines a vibrant research community with diverse neighborhoods, a lively arts scene, and excellent food. Admission and funding: This is a funded PhD opportunity through U of T’s Psychology graduate program. The program uses direct admission to a supervisor’s lab. Direct entry from a bachelor’s degree is available for eligible applicants; applicants with a master’s degree are also welcome. The application deadline is December 1, 2026. Please see the program’s application page<https://www.psych.utoronto.ca/prospective-graduate-students/application-inf…> for application requirements and instructions. Interested? Please apply through the U of T Psychology PhD program and list me as a prospective supervisor. If you have questions about research fit, feel free to email me with your CV attached. Best, Helena Liu ________________________________________ Y. Helena Liu Postdoctoral Research Associate, Princeton University Incoming Assistant Professor (January 2027), Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Website: https://helena-yuhan-liu.github.io/

Oct. 16, 2026

M2 / PhD positions in computational neuroscience / NeuroAI at CERCO, Toulouse, France

by Messagerie CNRS

Hi all, We have two fully funded M2 / PhD positions in computational neuroscience / NeuroAI at CERCO, Toulouse, France: 1) Modeling visual learning in bees with deep neural networks. We are looking for an M2 and/or PhD student. More details here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5jnm96coewyiwv9szh6l9/Bees_M2-PhD_2026.pdf?r… 2) From Synaptic Delays to Neural Sequences: Modeling Temporal Neural Coding with Spiking Neural Networks We are looking for an M2 student. More details here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v9lvbs02uifz3feofscuz/CerCo_M2_Offer_2027.pd… Please forward, distribute, etc. Cheers, Tim ___________________________________________________________________ Timothée Masquelier - timothee.masquelier(a)cnrs.fr - http://cerco.cnrs.fr/pagesp/tim

Oct. 15, 2026

Summit on Open Problems for AI (London, Nov 25-27th)

by Ruairidh Battleday

Dear all, Thinking About Thinking has put together a Summit on Open Problems for AI <https://www.algopreneurship.org/>, to occur in London Nov 25-27th. We believe that this is an extremely important time to discuss frontier breakthroughs, threats, and applications in AI, especially in an open-access manner. *The three days:* - Wednesday 25 November: AI Research Breakthroughs and Infrastructure - Thursday 26 November: AI Safety, Enterprise and Society - Friday 27 November: AI Entrepreneurship and Applications *Our speakers include:* Prof Zoubin Ghahramani (DeepMind), Prof Tim Rocktäschel (Recursive), Dr Raia Hadsell (Google DeepMind), Dr Danyal Akarca (Callosum), Prof Jakob Foerster (Oxford/Meta), Dr Ed Hughes (Inherent), Dr Katja Hofmann (Microsoft), Prof David Barber (UCL), Dr Talfan Evans (Cursive), Dr Jonathan Richard Schwarz (Reuters), Dr Leon Chlon (Hassana Labs & PhysicsX), Dr Vassia Simaiaki (Wayve), Dr Artemis Seaford (formerly ElevenLabs) Dr Phil Lorenz (Basecamp Research) and Dr Hannah Madan (Prima Mente), and many more. We would love to see some of you there. All the best, Ruairidh and the team -- [image: Thinking About Thinking] Dr. Ruairidh McLennan Battleday Chief Executive Officer Thinking About Thinking battleday(a)thinkingaboutthinking.org • thinkingaboutthinking.org <https://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org/> • LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruairidh-battleday-648a2b65/>

Oct. 14, 2026