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Registration for the Virtual Workshop on Functional Logic of Neural Circuits: Diamonds in the Rough

by Aurel A. Lazar

Registration for the Virtual Workshop on Functional Logic of Neural Circuits: Diamonds in the Rough, June 10-11, is now open at https://sites.google.com/njit.edu/diamonds <https://sites.google.com/njit.edu/diamonds>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

May 21, 2021

23 positions available to study The Adaptive Mind

by Constantin Rothkopf

The Universities of Giessen, Marburg, and Darmstadt together with the University of Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) aim strategically to further strengthen research in the field of Mind, Brain, and Behavior by establishing a cluster project The Adaptive Mind. Supported by the Hessen State Ministry for Higher Education, Research and the Arts, applications for 11 Doctoral researcher positions (65%, 75% or 100%) and 12 PostDoc positions (100%) are invited. The positions are available immediately and are fixed maximally up to 31.03.2025. If the requirements are met, the position will be paid according to pay group 13. The place of employment will be Giessen, Marburg, Darmstadt or Frankfurt. In The Adaptive Mind, we combine rigorous behavioral and neurophysiological research methods and theories from experimental psychology, with the unique patient-oriented insights of psychiatry and clinical psychology and the power of quantitative analysis and computational modeling by artificial intelligence. Our goal is to observe empirically, describe quantitatively, and model computationally how the human mind continually adapts in an ever-changing and often unpredictable world. Further details about the cluster project, the Key Research Areas, the Principle Investigators and conditions of application can be found at www.theadaptivemind.de. For the doctoral researcher positions, we invite the application of highly qualified applicants with a Masters degree from life-, biomedical- and natural sciences including psychology, or computer science. The successful PostDoc applicants will have a doctorate in any of the following areas: experimental psychology, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensorimotor control, computational psychiatry, or other allied fields. Experience in motion tracking, virtual reality, machine learning or other computational approaches are beneficial. The successful applicants will join a thriving research community with strong regional, national and international connections as documented among others by numerous high-profile individual (e. g., 8 ERC grants) and group grants (e.g., the Collaborative Research Center (SFB/TRR 135) on Cardinal Mechanisms of Perception, the IRTG 1901 The Brain in Action, the Research Unit RU 2107 Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, the Centre for Cognitive Science and the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence - hessian.AI, as well as other collaborative research endeavors). All participating institutions are committed to increasing the proportion of women in science, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for the positions. All participating institutions are family-friendly institutions, applicants with children are warmly welcomed. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference over other candidates with equal suitability for the position. Application and interview costs cannot be refunded. For further information, please contact Dr. Filipp Schmidt (filipp.schmidt(a)psychol.uni-giessen.de) Please send your application (incl. CV, Research statement, 2 Reference letters, Scans of degree certificates) mentioning reference number 293/06 as a single PDF file to Dr. Filipp Schmidt, Research Coordinator Mechanisms of Perception and Adaption (filipp.schmidt(a)psychol.uni-giessen.de) before June 11, 2021. Application procedure: All applications are received centrally by the research coordinator of the priority research area "Perception and Adaptation", Dr. Filipp Schmidt at Justus-Liebig University Giessen. The application documents will be made available to the selection committee, consisting of the cluster PIs and of representatives of the partner universities, following the highest standards for data protection. Please specify in your application to which of the research fields specified below you are applying. Staff representatives of all partner universities will be invited to the job interviews. Employment is at the partner university the position is assigned to, following the salary scales applicable locally. Research areas: All research in our Cluster tries to combine Experimental Psychology and Movement Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Computational Cognitive Science, as well as Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry. The focus for each position will be as follows:. At Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen (JLU) Experimental Psychology and Movement Sciences (4 PostDoc and 4 Doctoral researcher positions 75%). At Philipps-Universität Marburg (UMR) Experimental Psychology (2 Doctoral researcher positions 75%), Computational Cognitive Science (1 PostDoc position), Clinical Psychology (1 PostDoc position), Psychiatry (2 PostDoc und 1 Doctoral researcher positions 75%). At Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUDa) Artificial Intelligence and Computational Cognitive Science (4 PostDoc and 2 Doctoral researcher positions 100%). At Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main (GU) Experimental Psychology (1 Doctoral researcher position 65%). At FIAS Computational Cognitive Science (1 Doctoral researcher position 65%). -- Prof. Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD phone: +49 6151 16-23367 Director, Centre for Cognitive Science http://www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de/ Head, Psychology of Information Processing Group, http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ Institute of Psychology, Technical University of Darmstadt https://hessian.ai/ Adjunct Fellow, Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies. https://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~rothkopf/

May 21, 2021

5 year postdoctoral position in Insect Robotics Group, Edinburgh

by Barbara Webb

A research associate position is available to investigate insect-inspired grasping mechanisms on the EPSRC funded project GRASP, under the direction of Professor Barbara Webb, in the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. The position is available from September 1, 2021, for 5 years. The primary role of the candidate will be to undertake biological experiments, behavioural analysis and modelling aimed at establishing how ants solve the 'grasp of unknown object in clutter' problem. This will include the development of new tracking and behavioural analysis methods, and the development and implementation of functional hypotheses as computational models of the antʼs behaviour. In collaboration with a second research associate, the key principles will be replicated on a mobile robot platform capable of both navigation and manipulation under natural conditions. Candidates are expected to have a PhD (or be near completion) in experimental or computational biology or neuroscience, including substantial experience in computational methods for behavioural analysis and modelling. A track record of good journal publications in this area should be demonstrated. The candidate is also expected to have good programming and system engineering skills, and ideally, practical skills in the design and utilisation of novel experimental methods. Candidates with direct experience and knowledge of insect research will be preferred. For informal enquiries please contact Professor Barbara Webb (B.Webb(a)ed.ac.uk) Full details and applications (deadline June 10) via: https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1… The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th’ ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.

May 20, 2021

Excellence ASTROTECH PhD Project in Modeling the Neuron-Glial-Vascular Unit

by Maurizio De Pittà

Dear colleagues, Please disseminate it. I am happy to announce that the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM) in Bilbao (Spain) is opening one Excellence Ph.D. Fellowship as part of the H2020 ASTROTECH Consortium. The Fellowship is for a 3-year project to be carried out at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) under the supervision of Drs. Maurizio DE PITTA (BCAM) and Christophe BERNARD (Aix-Marseille University). The project aims to “Computational Glioscience approaches to volume signalling transmission in the Neuron-Glial-Vascular Unit (NGVU)” to develop a mathematical model of neuron-glial-vascular interactions based on biophysical principles of volume transmission in the brain parenchyma. The candidate will collaborate tightly with industry representatives and will implement the model in an open-source simulation platform adopted in the clinical practice. The candidate, in conjunction with biologists and medical doctors, will test the NGVU model built by this project by brain-wide simulations of epileptic seizures, with emphasis on new venues for their diagnosis and treatment. We are seeking excellent candidates with multi-disciplinary interests in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Biology and Medicine. An essential requirement is capacity for mobility. The candidate’s reference residence will be in Spain at BCAM, with an enrolment in the University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) to obtain a doctoral degree. She/He will spend extensive periods of time out of Spain, including mandatory training of 1 to 3 months, respectively at Aix-Marseille University (Marseille, France), at University of Bari Aldo Moro (Bari, Italy), at Italian Research Council in Rome (Italy), and at CODEMART (Romania). Furthemore, the candidate will be required to participate in mandatory training schools and technical workshops (2-3 per year) organized by the ASTROTECH Consortium at different locations in Europe, for the entire duration of the project. The ASTROTECH Consortium (http://www.astrotechproject.eu) is a European high-level training-by-research consortium federating world-leading European groups working to develop new technologies to explore astrocyte functions in the brain. Becoming Ph.D. candidate of the network offers unique training and interaction opportunities with other ASTROTECH members, in addition to the specific research conducted at the host labs. The fellowship comes with a competitive salary within the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions scheme, including funds to participate to training and conferences. Selection process. The top-ranked candidates will be interviewed orally, and the successful candidate will be chosen based on a competitive, equal-opportunities procedure. Interested candidates are encouraged to make a parallel inquiry, writing to me directly (Email object: “ASTROTECH PhD Position”), including a CV along with the name of two references and any other information that they may wish to share. Contact: Maurizio DE PITTA, mdepitta(a)bcamath.org Requirements for application. -- MSc degree, preferably in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or Computer Sciences. -- High proficiency in spoken and written English. Skills. -- Proven record of excellence in the Master’s training. -- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to effectively communicate ideas to an heterogeneous audience of biologists, medical doctors, and physicists. -- Ability to work in a fast-changing, international environment. -- Ability to meet deadlines. -- Openness towards inclusive science, racial and LGBTQ+ minorities. -- Excellent capacity for planning, independence, and creativity. -- Programming proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Python/C++/Julia. -- Familiarity with HPC and GPU/CUDA programming is a plus. -- The preferred candidate will have a strong interest in neurobiology and aims to pursue a career in multidisciplinary research in neurosciences, quantitative medicine or computational psychiatry. Application deadline is June 30, 2021, 2pm CET (UTC+1) Starting Date is November 2021. Open ASTROTECH Info day: May 26, 9.45am -- 1pm CET (UTC+1) https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/653571365 Application is submitted online through the BCAM portal: http://www.bcamath.org/en/research/job/phd-position-for-h2020-project-astro… For more information: https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/jobs?authuser=0 ----- Maurizio De Pitta' https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

May 19, 2021

„Bridging grant” from the German Society for Cognitive Science (GK) for BA-, MA- and PhD students

by Constantin Rothkopf

The German Society for Cognitive Science (GK) would like to support students who find themselves in a difficult (emergency) situation caused by the Corona pandemic with a bridging grant. The grant consists a funding for maximum of three months á 500 € per month. The GK is able to offer up to eight grants. The grant is meant as financial support allowing to finish the respective degree (Bachelor or Master) or providing some financial relief during an important PhD thesis phase (e.g. finishing a paper). The selection will be done by the members of the steering committee of the German Society for Cognitive Science (GK). The committee will consider all emergency cases as long as they have been caused by the Corona pandemic within the context of the studies and/or doctoral programme and are sufficiently substantiated with proof. Target group: This funding is intended for students who are enrolled and/or registered in a German university. In particular, only the following persons are eligible for funding: (1) Bachelor or Master students within a Cognitive Science Programme who, ideally, will be able to graduate soon, and (2) PhD students registered in one of the subjects belonging to Cognitive Science (e.g. Philosophy, Psychology, Informatics, AI, Linguistics, Neurosciences) who are working on a cognitive science project. Persons who already received a bridging grant from the GK are not eligible to apply. Paradigmatic case: A student pursuing a Master degree has fallen behind with her master thesis because due to the Corona-pandemic she could not arrange the childcare and had to take care of the child herself. The funding could be used to pay for a privately organised childcare. Application and Proof: To submit: - a statement comprehensibly describing applicant’s emergency situation (cases with evidence are preferred) and indicating the use of the funding. - BA and MA students: - - Enrolment confirmation and Transcript of Record - - A letter from the faculty’s/program’s advisor confirming the regular continuation of studies, anticipated graduation (within the winter term 2021/2022) - PhD students: - - A short statement from the first supervisor roughly sketching the cognitive science related project and describing the project’s progress The application shall be emailed with the subject „Application Bridging Grant“ to the following email: Chair of the GK, Prof. Dr. Barbara Kaup, barbara.kaup(a)uni-tuebingen.de; Application deadline: 15.06.2021

May 18, 2021

Data analyst position at the European Neuroscience Institute

by googlemail

The European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen (Germany) is seeking a Neuroscience data analyst (f/m) start date will be September 1st, 2021, the contract is initially limited to 3 years with extension options, full-time salary according to TV-L. The European Neuroscience Institute is looking to fill the position of a data analyst (full time). We are looking for a data analyst with interest and experience in systems neuroscience. Research at the European Neuroscience Institute ranges from molecular biology to human psychophysics and involves a range of model organisms (from drosophila to non-human primates), techniques and approaches (electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, fMRI, EEG, behavior). The data analyst is expected to work closely with all of the research groups at the European Neuroscience Institute, supporting research efforts, e.g., through modelling and statistical analyses of high-dimensional data, image processing, and programming/development of experiments. S/he will have the opportunity to develop and publish, e.g., analytical tools that arise from this work. • The applicant should possess a university degree (minimally M. Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field, e.g., statistics, biostatistics, informatics, or similar. Prior experience in the field of systems neuroscience is highly desired. • The applicant should have experience in a research setting utilizing quantitative methods and statistics. The applicant shall demonstrate strong analytical skills and knowledge of novel and emerging analysis techniques is highly desired. Future/forward thinking in the area of big data analytics/informatics and applying them to contribute to the research groups’ scientific process is expected. • The applicant should be skilled in the analysis of multivariate datasets to reveal patterns and build models; conduct exploratory data analysis, and communicate with team lead/team members; identify improvements for existing data management and recommend requirements for new systems. • Contribute to replicability by making suggestions for existing data management and recommend requirements for new systems and identify potential data integrity issues. We are committed to open data/open science and appreciate interest and expertise in this area. • Utilize programming languages such as Python, Matlab and/or C++. • Good command of English is mandatory. The University Medical Center Göttingen takes flexible account of the individual design of working hours at the workplace. It is interested in implementing the wishes of its employees as far as possible. If you are interested in this job and have specific questions about working hours, please contact us. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. We look forward to receiving your application by June 15th, 2021 University Medical Center Göttingen European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen Dr. Jan Clemens Group Leader Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen Tel.: 0551/39-61351 E-Mail: j.clemens(a)eni-g.de Web: http://www.eni-g.de/ Please send your application only via e-mail as a single PDF-file. Jan Clemens European Neuroscience Institute Neural Computation and Behavior group Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen, Germany janclemenslab.org

May 17, 2021

[jobs] 4 PhD@IIT in Bioengineering and Robotics - Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies

by Francesco Rea

PhD course in Bioengineering and Robotics - Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies In the spirit of the doctoral School on Bioengineering and Robotics the PhD Program for the curriculum "Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies" provides interdisciplinary training at the interface between technology and life-sciences. The 4 fully funded fellowships are offered this year by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) and Università degli studi di Genova (course code 8638) as part of this curriculum by the Robotics Brain and Cognitive Sciences<https://www.iit.it/web/robotics-brain-and-cognitive-sciences> Unit (RBCS) guided by Giulio Sandini and by the Unit COgNiTive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies (CONTACT) guided by Alessandra Sciutti: * ENABLING ROBOTS TO UNDERSTAND AND ADAPT TO HUMANS * ASSESSING AND TRAINING VISUO-HAPTIC EXPLORATION * PROACTIVE MEMORY IN COGNITIVE ARCHITECTURES FOR HUMAN ROBOT INTERACTION * ADAPTATION IN COGNITIVE ARCHITECTURES FOR HUMAN ROBOT INTERACTION * TRUST AND SHARED PERCEPTION IN COGNITIVE ROBOTICS http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/media/PhD%20themes%2037o%20-%20Cognitive%… All IIT units involved in this curriculum are located in the "Erzelli" site of the Italian Institute of Technology and share research facilities including, beside two iCub humanoid robots, eye-tracking and motion capture facilities. All research themes are available at the Admission - Research Themes 2021<http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php/how-to-apply> (http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php/how-to-apply) web page. Visit the program page<http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php> (http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php) for more information. To apply: full information is available at the general web page of the 37th cycle Ph.D.call - 2021/2022<https://unige.it/usg/it/dottorati-di-ricerca> of the Università degli studi di Genova. Applicants can download the complete notice of competition (the Call for applications)<https://unige.it/sites/contenuti.unige.it/files/documents/Bando_XXXVII_Engl…>, with general condition on Phd Courses and the application, the list of PhD programs<https://unige.it/sites/contenuti.unige.it/files/documents/ANNEX_A_XXXVII%20…>, containing the Course description. Please follow the steps listed: 1. Choose the programme, 2. Review the application, 3. Get in contact with the supervisors, 4. Apply, following the detailed instructions<https://unige.it/sites/contenuti.unige.it/files/documents/Guida_eng_XXXVII.…> and using the online procedure<https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/post-laurea/dottorato/domanda> .

May 17, 2021

2021 NEURON Online Course

by Ted Carnevale

The 2021 NEURON Online Course will start on Thursday, June 3, 2021, and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays thereafter until Tuesday, August 3. This course maps the first half of the NEURON Summer Course into a series of interactive online workshops about building and working with models of single neurons. It is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. Although it focuses on modeling individual cells, the topics it covers are the foundation for modeling networks with NEURON. Space is limited, and applications will be considered in the order received. The registration deadline is Monday, May 31, 2021. No applications will be accepted after that date. For more information and the on-line registration form, see https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/web2021/june.html --Ted

May 17, 2021

You don't want to miss the "Modeling Electrophysiological Activities" Online Course

by Mary

Dear researchers, We are less than two weeks away from the "Modeling Electrophysiological Activities: From Single Neuron to Nervous Tissue" Online Course, which will be held by Dr. Damien Depannemaecker, Post-Doc researcher at Department of Integrative and Computational Neuroscience, Paris Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, France (Click HERE for more information about his researches and background). This course is coming after an introductory webinar, which you can watch now using the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/modeling-electrophysiological-activities/ This course aims to discuss models in neuroscience and particularly models of electrophysiological activities. During the course, we will discuss the field of application of such models. We will introduce the concepts of dynamical systems. Then we will implement these models during lab sessions. Finally, we will discuss the results of simulations in relation to the data obtained experimentally. Prospective Overview of Sessions: ➢ Session 1 (May 25th): • Systems and complex system in neurosciences • Origines of electrophysiological signals and measurements • Electrophysiology and relevant features for computational modeling (Membrane potential, Raster plot, Local field potential) ➢ Session 2: • Understanding the time evolution of the electrophysiological signals from a dynamical systems point of view. • Introduction to dynamical systems for neurosciences (Differential equations, Phase space representation, Stability and domain of attraction) • Unidimensional and bi-dimensional models (Dynamics of integrate-and-fire models, Repertoire of 2 D models, Reduction of Hodgkin-Huxley model) ➢ Session 3: • 2D and Higher dimensions models (Particular role of the reset, Possibility of chaos) • Models of synapses • Limits of models (Biophysical and mechanistic description, Phenomenology) • Introduction to the first lab session (with Brian2 simulator) ➢ Session 4: • First Lab Session: - Repertoire of electrophysiological patterns - Models of networks - Global measure on simulations ➢ Session 5: • Second lab session: - analysis of the results - relations to the data • Conclusive discussion • Due to time zone differences, the recorded sessions will be provided for the participants. • A certificate is granted by ScienceBeam upon completion of the course. • In case of group registration (more than 3 people), you benefit from a 15% discount on your registration fees. Register NOW using the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/online-course-modeling-electrophysiological-activit… If you require more information, don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely Mary Reae Human Neuroscience Department Manager www.ScienceBeam.com WhatsAppno: 008613380781282

May 16, 2021

PhD position in computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits, EPFL, Lausanne Switzerland

by Auke Ijspeert

The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ <https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob>) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open *PhD student position* in *computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits*. The position is part of the ERC Synergy Salamandra project that will start in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (KI Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-… The goals of the position are (i) to develop numerical models and simulations of the locomotor circuits in the spinal cord of the salamander, (ii) to analyze their dynamics when coupled to a simulated mechanical model of the body (interactions between central and peripheral mechanisms), and (iii) to investigate their regenerative properties after spinal cord lesions. The models will be based on integrate-and-fire neuron models. The positions are fully funded for 4 years. EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure. *Requirements:* Candidates need to have a Master degree in a field related to computational neuroscience, e.g. in computer science, neuroscience, or physics. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong numerical modeling background, good programming skills, good math background (e.g. in dynamical systems), and interest in locomotion and robotics. *How to apply for the position:* Step 1: The position is only open to applicants who have been accepted by the EPFL doctoral school (see http://phd.epfl.ch/ <http://phd.epfl.ch/>). The first step is therefore to fill the applications for one of the relevant EPFL doctoral programs in neuroscience, or related fields (e.g. computer science or robotics). Step 2: In parallel to step 1, or once accepted by one of the doctoral programs (please specify which doctoral program and the date of acceptance), the application to the position should be sent by email to Prof. Auke Ijspeert and consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it) and a copy of the doctoral program application. Informal inquiries about the relevance of an application can be sent to auke.ijspeert(a)epfl.ch <mailto:auke.ijspeert@epfl.ch> (e.g. before or while submitting an application to the doctoral school), but responses can be slow because of a heavy schedule and a filled mail box. *Deadline and starting date:* *The ideal starting date is September 2021* (with some flexibility). Applications will be considered starting *from May 31 2021*, and then continuously until the positions are filled. *Instructions to apply* can be found here: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ Best regards, Auke Ijspeert -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

May 16, 2021