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Master Program in Computational Neurosciences - Lyon (FR)

by DI VOLO MATTEO

Dear colleagues, We are excited to invite applications for the new Master's Program in Computational Neurosciences at the University of Lyon 1 (France): https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/ This program offers a strong theoretical foundation combined with extensive hands-on practical experience. Students will develop their skills through project-based learning and laboratory work. The initial courses focus on building solid knowledge in neuroscience, mathematics, programming, and statistics, forming the basis for advanced courses covering biophysical models of neurons, neural networks, and models of behavior. Students can personalize their curriculum through optional units exploring cutting-edge fields such as clinical neuroscience, cognition, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnologies. The second semester is entirely dedicated to a full-time research internship in a laboratory, providing a unique opportunity for immersion in active research environments. For more information please contact Matteo di Volo (matteo.di-volo(a)univ-lyon1.fr) or Jérémie Mattout (jeremie.mattout(a)inserm.fr)

April 28, 2025

Janelia Farm Junior Scientist Workshop on Theoretical Biophysics ( October 26 - 31, 2025 )

by Ahmed El Hady

*Janelia Farm Junior Scientist Workshop on Theoretical Biophysics* October 26 - 31, 2025 *Application Deadline*: *June 10, 2025 *(11:59pm ET.) *Website:*https://www.janelia.org/you-janelia/conferences/junior-scientist-workshop-on-theoretical-biophysics-0 Organized by Ahmed El Hady ( University of Konstanz / MPI Animal Behavior ) , Magdalena Schneider ( Janelia Farm) , and Allyson Sgro ( Janelia Farm ) , this workshop is intended as a "by the students, for the students" meeting. Other than the organizers and invited speakers, participants will include only students and postdocs working on a variety of problems in theoretical biophysics, broadly defined. Topics include but not limited to : ·Physical principles underlying biological function in molecular, cellular, multicellular systems ·Theory of organismal development ·Theory of animal behavior, ecological systems, and evolutionary dynamics ·Data driven identification of principles in biophysical systems ·Physics of active matter ·Non–equilibrium thermodynamics of living systems Attendees will have the opportunity to present as well as learn from one another. They will give 20-minute talks on their own research questions, as well as in-depth 45-minute whiteboard tutorials on techniques central to their research. To promote spontaneous interactions and community discussions, tutorials will be chalk talk style. We are interested in those who will be able to participate in and actively contribute to all activities, so space is limited and participants are expected to stay for the full duration. We see this workshop as a unique learning opportunity for everyone involved and intend for it to be a valuable and enjoyable experience. Janelia will cover the cost of accommodation, meals and reasonable travel expenses for accepted participants. We especially encourage applications from women and those who identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science *To be considered, applicants must apply online <https://arc.hhmi.org/applicant/application/THB25/home>and provide:* 1. Research Abstract 2. Tutorial Abstract 3. Answers to Scientific Thought Questions 4. Interest Statement 5. Current CV 6. PI Recommendation Letter If you have any questions , please let me know , On behalf of the organizers , Ahmed El Hady Dr. Ahmed El Hady Research Group leader Integrative biophysics group Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907 Postbox 687 Tel.: +49 7531 88-4742

April 28, 2025

Postdoctoral positions -- modeling of dopamine in rhythm perception

by Jonathan Cannon

*[Information here is similar to a previous posting, but our search is now focused on postdoctoral modelers, with an emphasis on negotiable salary]*McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario The METRE lab (Models and Experiments in Timing, Rhythm, and Entrainment, metre.mcmaster.ca), led by Jonathan Cannon (joncannon.net) is initiating a collaboration with Dan Bang’s group at University of Aarhus, Denmark, funded by the Human Frontier Science Program. The project will collect electrophysiological and electrochemical data from human basal ganglia during deep brain stimulator implantations while patients listen to and entrain movement to auditory rhythms. Data will be used to evaluate and develop models of the role of dopamine in rhythm perception, movement, and prediction. Dr. Cannon is looking to welcome at least one postdoctoral researcher *as soon as possible* to develop both neurophysiological and interpretive (Bayesian predictive processing, reinforcement learning) models of rhythm perception. They may also help to analyze intracranial data and pursue other projects at the intersection of computational neuroscience/cognition, experimental neuroscience/psychology, and music perception, in a rapidly growing new Canadian lab focused on rhythm in the brain and what it can tell us about the experience of being human. - Duration: Up to four years (with appointment extended one year at a time) - Start Date: ASAP - Salary: *Negotiable, competitive* - Location: McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario, Canada - *We will start contacting applicants on May 1 -- please apply ASAP!* Research Environment The METRE lab is a rapidly growing, international group with diverse interests and backgrounds. Lab members generally attend at least one conference per year, which may include COSYNE or auditory/music/rhythm-focused conferences. Postdocs will have access to teaching and professional development opportunities through the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching & Leadership Program <https://mccallmacbain.mcmaster.ca/>. Hamilton is a family-friendly city with hiking trails everywhere. 1-2hrs to Toronto by car or public transportation. Application Process *Please submit* a cover letter, a CV, and email addresses for two academic references. We will notify applicants before contacting references. *Send materials by email* to Jonathan Cannon: cannoj9(a)mcmaster.ca *Subject line:* HFSP postdoc/phd positions

April 25, 2025

Lab Associate and Research Scientist positions at the NYU Center for Brain Imaging

by Chrysa Papadaniil

The Center for Brain Imaging at New York University <https://as.nyu.edu/research-centers/cbi.html> has two open positions for a Laboratory Associate and a Research Scientist at our MRI facility. Please see the position summaries below - the full details can be accessed through the direct links: *Laboratory Associate *(https://apply.interfolio.com/166760) <https://apply.interfolio.com/166760> The New York University Center for Brain Imaging seeks a full-time Laboratory Associate to oversee the efficient and safe operation of a research MRI facility, including training and supervision of researchers. The role also involves troubleshooting equipment issues and MRI data handling. Qualified applicants should have (among other things): - Bachelor's degree in a science-related field; - Minimum 2 years post-BA/BS with outstanding research competence; - Experience with magnetic resonance equipment, technical facility management, training and/or teaching experience; - Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based applications (e.g., HTML). *Research Scientist *(https://apply.interfolio.com/166773) <https://apply.interfolio.com/166773> The New York University Center for Brain Imaging seeks a full-time Research Scientist to oversee the efficient and safe operation of a researchMRI facility, including training and supervision of the researchers. This position involves collaborating with researchers, MRI data management and analysis. The Research Scientist will also contribute to extramural research funding efforts. Qualified applicants should have (among other things): - Minimum 1 year post-PhD in a science-related field; - Highest research competence, attested to by PhD and equivalent level independent research and publications. - Experience with magnetic resonance imaging, grant writing, technical facility management, training and/or teaching experience. - Ability to troubleshoot both software and hardware, work with databases, web-based applications (e.g., HTML), and good coding, computer, networking, statistics, and/or modeling skills. To apply for the positions, please use the direct links provided above. For informal inquiries, you can reach out to Chrysa Papadaniil ( chrysa(a)nyu.edu) or cbi-info(a)nyu.edu. Please share this email with anyone you think would be a good fit for these opportunities!

April 25, 2025

Postdoc position on modeling Metacognition in Inria Bordeaux, France

by Frederic Alexandre

The Mnemosyne team of the Inria centre of the University of Bordeaux (France) is looking for a talented postdoctoral fellow with confirmed competences in the domain of Machine Learning for the development of a modeling framework of Metacognition . Metacognition is the cognitive process by which, instead of just learning to associate a response or a behavior with a situation, animals (and mainly primates) monitor the functioning (and particularly errors) of simple cognitive processes, learn to inhibit automatic responses and promote instead contextually appropriate behavioral rules. Better understanding and modeling this process is important for several reasons. In cognitive neuroscience , it paves the way to exploring higher cognitive functions like reasoning, imagination and other kinds of deliberation-based thoughts. In Artificial Intelligence , it stands on the same grounds as Generative AI and proposes different processes and algorithms that might remedy several weaknesses of GenAI and suggest innovative brain-inspired extensions. Located in Bordeaux (France), the role of the postdoctoral fellow to be recruited is to participate to a research program, under the following axes: Axis 1: Specification of Metacognition and its main computational mechanisms: Metacognition is generally described through three main mechanisms: (i) the possibility to monitor cues indicating difficulties in the process of problem solving (errors or conflicts between resources), in order to inhibit elementary default responses, (ii) working memory to keep in sustained activity the different aspects to be integrated (goals and subgoals, predictions, constraints) and (iii) cognitive flexibility corresponding to new goals and contextual rules that can be learned and integrated in the process of problem solving. Existing models (including from our team) indicate possible correspondence with cerebral circuitries and adaptive operations. Nevertheless, they are many and split these general mechanisms in different pieces which are not always consistent and may differ under several aspects. A major contribution will be to carry out a thorough analysis of these elements, to propose a synthesis associating both a precise description of the mechanisms and a map of their functional dependencies. Axis 2: Definition of relevant tasks in the domain of visual reasoning: Although many standard tasks have been defined and shared for simple sensorimotor control, it is not yet the case for cognitive control, generally corresponding to much more complex behaviors. A variety of tasks have been proposed in models evoked above but they differently integrate fundamental constituents such as hierarchical and temporal dependencies. In a similar view of standardization as in the axis above, the goal will be consequently to enumerate properties that have to be assessed when developing such metacognitive models and propose or design corresponding tasks. Subsequently, the postdoctoral fellow will work on integrating the insights from Axis 1 and task definitions in this Axis, with an architecture that integrates selected mechanisms from the different frameworks, particularly under the perspective of extending and evaluating models proposed in our team with novel properties. Axis 3: Organization of an international network of collaboration on the topic: We have already begun to identify and contact international (mainly European) teams working on the topic and willing to contribute to the elaboration of such a roadmap, toward more ambitious international projects. A corresponding goal will be to interact with these partners and to help with the preparation of such projects. This postdoc position is proposed for 18 to 24 months, preferably starting on November 1 st , 2025 and will be located in the Mnemosyne team, in Bordeaux, France. Please send CV + motivation letter to [ mailto:Frederic.Alexandre@inria.fr | Frederic.Alexandre(a)inria.fr ] for preliminary contact and interview. Deadline for application: June 1 st , 2025 References: Dagar, S., Alexandre, F., & Rougier, N. (2022). From Concrete to Abstract Rules: A Computational Sketch. In M. Mahmud, J. He, S. Vassanelli, A. van Zundert, & N. Zhong (Eds.), Brain Informatics . Springer International Publishing. [ https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15037-1_2 | https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15037-1_2 ] Kruijne, W., Bohte, S. M., Roelfsema, P. R., & Olivers, C. N. L. (2020). Flexible Working Memory Through Selective Gating and Attentional Tagging. Neural Computation , 33 (1), 1–40. [ https://doi.org/10.1162/neco_a_01339 | https://doi.org/10.1162/neco_a_01339 ] van den Berg, A. R., Roelfsema, P. R., & Bohte, S. M. (2023). Biologically plausible gated recurrent neural networks for working memory and learning-to learn. bioRxiv , 2023-07. Alexander, W. H., & Brown, J. W. (2015). Hierarchical Error Representation: A Computational Model of Anterior Cingulate and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex. Neural Computation , 27 (11), 2354–2410. [ https://doi.org/10.1162/NECO_a_00779 | https://doi.org/10.1162/NECO_a_00779 ] Botvinick, M. M., Braver, T. S., Barch, D. M., Carter, C. S., & Cohen, J. D. (2001). Conflict monitoring and cognitive control. Psychological Review , 108 (3), 624–652. Collins, A., & Koechlin, E. (2012). Reasoning, Learning, and Creativity: Frontal Lobe Function and Human Decision-Making. PLOS Biology, 10(3), e1001293+. [ https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001293 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001293 ] Domenech, P., & Koechlin, E. (2015). Executive control and decision-making in the prefrontal cortex. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences , 1 , 101–106. [ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.10.007 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.10.007 ] Miller, K., Eckstein, M., Botvinick, M., & Kurth-Nelson, Z. (2024). Cognitive model discovery via disentangled RNNs. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems , 36 . -- Frederic A LEXANDRE

April 25, 2025

Postdoc position in computational neuroscience

by pedro goncalves

Dear all, The Verstreken Lab and our lab are based in Leuven, Belgium and part of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, and NERF and VIB.AI, respectively. The Verstreken lab is developing advanced multielectrode array systems to mimic human brain circuits relevant to Parkinson’s disease, and has been supported by the ERC for the past 15 years. Our lab is currently exploring a range of exciting topics at the intersection between computational neuroscience and probabilistic machine learning, in particular, to derive mechanistic insights from neural data. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral colleague with strong computational skills in the analyses of complex data sets to join our teams. More details about the position and the labs can be found at https://jobs.vib.be/j/110908/postdoc-position-computational-methods-for-neu… Best wishes, Pedro Gonçalves --------------- Pedro Gonçalves Principal Investigator at NERF, a joint research initiative by imec, VIB, and KU Leuven Associate Professor at the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, KU Leuven Affiliated PI at VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology https://goncalveslab.sites.vib.be/en

April 24, 2025

FRCCS 2025 Program is Live – Join Us in Bordeaux!

by Hocine Cherifi

Dear colleagues, The final program for *FRCCS 2025* is now available! 📅 *May 21–23, 2025* 📍 *Bordeaux, France* 🔗 Program : https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/program_/ This year’s edition brings together a vibrant mix of research and community, including: - 5 keynote speakers: Caterina A. M. La Porta, Mikko Kivelä, Elsa Arcaute, Ulrik Brandes, and the René Thom Award presentation - 3 workshops on timely topics in complex systems - 8 oral sessions and 2 poster sessions - Welcome reception, gala dinner, and awards Whether you're presenting or simply passionate about complex systems, we’d love to see you in Bordeaux! 🎟️ Registration is open: 🔗 : https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/registration/ Please share with your network — and get ready for three inspiring days of science and exchange! Warm regards, The FRCCS 2025 Organizing Committee

April 24, 2025

Workshop of Ideas in Neuroscience - Decoding the Brain: from methods to meaning, June 2-4th

by Mateusz Kostecki

Hello! We are super happy to announce the next *Workshop of Ideas in Neuroscience, that will take place **at the Paris Brain Institute, June 2–4th.* This time, the topic is *Decoding the brain: from methods to meaning*. Applying machine learning and other models to decode behavioral parameters from neural activity is now a standard procedure in neuroscience. These approaches are often used to demonstrate that a specific neural population processes information related to behavior, or that certain patterns of brain activity represent external stimuli. However, this framework has not been without its critics. The notion that the brain’s primary role is to encode and decode information has been questioned by neuroscientists and philosophers alike. Ambiguity often surrounds the concept of "encoding," including what is meant by it and the criteria required for neural activity to be considered as encoding a particular feature. The aim of this workshop will be to perform an in-depth analysis and discussion of this framework and see examples of how, when, and why it should be applied – or challenged. With our speakers, we will try to trace different meanings of "encoding", discuss shortcomings of methods applied to decode information from neural signals – and how those considerations can improve our experiments! *Our speakers are:* - Mazviita Chirimuuta (University of Edinburgh) - Henry Yin (Duke University) - Romain Brette (Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics) - Farid Zahnoun (University of Antwerp) - Heike Stein (Sorbonne Université Paris) The workshop will follow the tradition of our *Schools of Ideas in Neuroscience*, with long, in-depth talks, discussions, and interactions in an informal environment! The deadline for application is *May 11th*. Please find more info and the link here – https://nenckiopenlab.org/decoding/. Best, Mateusz Kostecki -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

April 24, 2025

Deadline for Satellite Workshops at the Bernstein Conference 2025 is coming up

by Bernstein Communication

+++ The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites proposals for Satellite Workshops of the Bernstein Conference 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. +++ ____ Bernstein Conference Each year, the Bernstein Network invites the international computational neuroscience community to the annual Bernstein Conference for intensive scientific exchange. It has established itself as one of the most renowned conferences worldwide in this field, attracting students, postdocs, and PIs from around the world to meet and discuss new scientific discoveries. https://www.bernstein-conference.de/ ____ Satellite Workshops Satellite Workshops of the Bernstein Conference 2025 provide a forum to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches, and challenges in computational neuroscience and related fields. Ideally, the format should foster extensive scientific discussions and debates, and go beyond a mere series of talks. https://bernstein-network.de/bernstein-conference/call-for-satellite-worksh… ____ Important Dates Satellite Workshops: September 29 - 30, 2025 · Monday, Sep 29, 14:00 - 18:30 CEST · Tuesday, Sep 30, 8:30 - 12:30 CEST Main Conference: September 30 - October 2, 2025 Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: May 7, 2025 – 15:00 CEST Notification of Satellite Workshop acceptance: End of May 2025 ____ For each workshop, the organizers will receive one fee waiver for the Satellite Workshops, which they can award to one of the workshop speakers. We strongly recommend that the waiver is issued under the consideration of aspects of inclusion. ____ INVITED SPEAKERS Alison Barker (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) Upinder S. Bhalla (National Centre for Biological Sciences, India) Albert Compte (Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain) Luca Mazzucato (University of Oregon, USA) Tirin Moore (Stanford University, USA) Edvard Moser (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway) Katherine Nagel (NYU School of Medicine, USA) Panayiota Poirazi (Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Greece) Viola Priesemann (Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Germany) Andreas Tolias (Stanford University, USA) ____ CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Jochen Triesch (Conference Chair) Matthias Kaschube (Conference Host) Tatiana Engel (Program Chair) Tim Vogels (Program Vice Chair) Wiktor Młynarski (Workshop Chair) Katharina Wilmes (Workshop Vice Chair) & Athena Akrami, Nicolas Brunel, Alex Cayco-Gajic, Mehrdad Jazayeri, Jennifer Li, Scott Linderman, Ashok Litwin-Kumar, Ida Momennejad, Christina Savin, Andrew Saxe, Daniela Vallentin. ____ For any further questions, please contact: bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:bernstein.conference@fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Dr. Stephanie Bauer (stellv. Vorsitzende), Prof. Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens, Prof. Dr. Laurens Kuipers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 24, 2025

Deadline approaching - Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience

by Bernstein Communication

Dear Colleagues, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites nominations for the Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience. The Valentin Braitenberg Award honors outstanding scientific achievements in the field of computational neuroscience. Following Baritenberg's scientific tradition, special attention is paid to theoretical studies that reveal functional significance of brain structure and their neuronal dynamics. The awardee receives €5.000 prize money, donated by the Autonome Provinz Bozen Südtirol, as well as an invitation to the Bernstein Conference 2025 (including registration fee, travel- and accommodation expenses). The award will be presented together with a Golden Neuron pin in a special award ceremony at the Bernstein Conference, followed by a lecture of the Braitenberg Awardee. Nominations may be submitted by scientists working in the field of computational neuroscience and should include the following documents: - One-page laudation, in which the scientific work of the candidate is honored with regard to the award criteria - CV and list of publications Deadline for nominations is April 30, 2025 by email to a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> Please note that self-nominations are not permitted. The call for nominations can be found under the following URL: https://bernstein-network.de/en/network/awards-and-initiatives/valentin-bra…<http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2018/braitenberg_award> For inquiries please contact a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de>. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Dr. Stephanie Bauer (stellv. Vorsitzende), Prof. Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens, Prof. Dr. Laurens Kuipers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 23, 2025