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Fwd: World wide VVTNS series (7th season): November 11, 2026 | Dynamical stability in biologically plausible attractor neural networks | Uri Cohen, The Weizmann Institute of Science
by David Hansel Nov. 8, 2026

Nov. 8, 2026

[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 Uri Cohen Weizmann Institute for Science on the topic of Dynamical stability in biologically plausible attractor neural networks The lecture will be held on Zoom on November 11, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: * Recurrent neural networks are canonical models of biological memory, but previous theoretical approaches to auto-associative memory have studied only highly restrictive conditions that do not readily apply to biological neural circuits. Those approaches ensured memory stability by engineering the model dynamics (e.g., to follow the gradient of a Lyapunov function), so they do not apply to more general classes of dynamical systems. We present an alternative approach that uses a general dynamical system where memory stability is not guaranteed but emerges for certain parameter choices. We develop a theory of the local stability of discrete fixed points in a broad class of networks with graded neural activities and in the presence of noise. Using methods from random matrix theory, we analyze the bulk and outliers of the eigenvalue spectra of the Jacobians that characterize network dynamics around fixed points. We find that either all fixed points are stable or all are unstable, depending on whether their number is below a “critical load for stability”, which differs from the classical “critical capacity”, which measures the maximal number of achievable fixed points regardless of stability. By analyzing how this critical load for stability depends on experimentally measurable quantities that characterize memory-pattern statistics and neuronal activation functions, our analysis highlights the computational benefits of sparse-like patterns and threshold-linear activation functions and offers testable predictions for neural circuits supporting memory. Focusing on hippocampal area CA3, a neural circuit previously suggested to implement auto-associative memory, we partner with experimental collaborators to test the prediction that CA3 pyramidal neurons should use threshold-linear activation. Curating a large dataset of in vivo patch-clamp results for CA3 pyramidal neurons from behaving mice, we provide initial support for this prediction. *About VVTNS: VVTNS is a weekly digital seminar on Zoom targeting the theoretical neuroscience community. Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. 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 are 45 min long followed by a discussion and are held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

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Fellowships in the Center for Studies in Physics and Biology at Rockefeller University
by jzavatoneveth＠rockefeller.edu Nov. 6, 2026

Nov. 6, 2026

Dear colleagues, The Center for Studies in Physics and Biology expects to have a small number of postdoctoral fellowships available for appointments in September 2027. We are seeking theoretical physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists with a demonstrable interest in the interface between their discipline and biology. The Fellows are to be at that stage of career as to function as independent members of the Center, free to work alone or in collaboration with any members of The Rockefeller University faculty. The appointment is nominally for two years, with a third year implicit, but based on mutual satisfaction. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, a 3-page (maximum) research statement and three letters of recommendation by November 30, 2026. The contents of all letters should be addressed to: Director, Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 75, New York, NY 10065-6399. Applications should be submitted here: https://cspbfellow.rockefeller.edu Consideration will be given to late received applications. Best regards, Jacob Jacob Zavatone-Veth Assistant Professor and Head of Laboratory Laboratory of Theoretical Neuroscience The Rockefeller University

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Summer school in Brazil March 2027
by Kalel Rossi Nov. 6, 2026

Nov. 6, 2026

Dear comp-neuro members, The ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research (ICTP-SAIFR) is offering a summer school in Brazil on Brain Dynamics <https://www.ictp-saifr.org/sbd2027/> in March 2027. The school will introduce concepts and methods from nonlinear dynamics with applications to neuroscience, with lectures headed by Aneta Koseska, Bard Ermentrout, Elif Koksal, Mauro Copelli, Rubén Moreno Bote and Xiao-Jing Wang. The school will take place in Sao Paulo, at ICTP-SAIFR <https://www.ictp-saifr.org/2027-activities/>, from 15-26 March 2027. *Registration* is free and open until 3 December 2026. Link to the registration is available at https://www.ictp-saifr.org/sbd2027/. For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact kalel.rossi(a)mpinb.mpg.de or bruna(a)ictp-saifr.org. Best On behalf of the school’s organizing committee Kalel Rossi, PhD

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Postdoc & PhD student positions
by Haefner, Ralf Nov. 6, 2026

Nov. 6, 2026

Postdoctoral and graduate student positions available How does the brain infer causal relationships in the world? How do beliefs about the causal structure of a scene influence motion perception? How can the underlying computations be modeled using Bayesian inference, and how can these computations be tested using neurophysiological experiments? For this collaborative project between the computational neuroscience lab of Dr. Ralf Haefner, and the neurophysiology lab of Dr. Gregory DeAngelis, both at the Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester, we are looking to recruit two postdoctoral fellows and PhD students. This project is highly collaborative with all researchers being involved in most aspects of the project from experimental design to data collection to data analysis & theory development. The project is based on our prior collaborative work [1,2] and we will have two related posters at the upcoming SfN meeting [3,4]. For the theoretical/computational efforts, candidates are expected to have a background in a quantitative field like computational neuroscience, machine learning, math & psychology, etc.. For the experimental efforts, candidates are expected to have a background in neuroscience, experimental psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field, and previous research experience in systems neuroscience is highly beneficial. If interested, please submit your CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact information for three references to ralf.haefner(a)rochester.edu or gdeangelis(a)ur.rochester.edu. Ralf will also be at SfN to answer any questions. The UR/BCS department is at the center of a vibrant and supportive scientific community. It has particularly strong ties to the Center of Visual Science, the Department for Neuroscience, the Department for Computer Science, the Department for Linguistics, and the Data Science Institute. Rochester in upstate NY is family-friendly and affords a high quality of life with access to a world-class symphony, museums, and a wide range of outdoor activities: several parks within cycling distance, 20min by car to sandy beaches on Lake Ontario, 1h to Finger Lakes / wine country / skiing, 3h to great hiking in the Adirondacks. We also have a balanced 4 season climate with weather for every occasion: Lilac Festival in the spring, beautiful sunny summers (<10 days above 90 degrees), gorgeous fall foliage, and guaranteed snow in the winter. More info here: https://www.visitrochester.com. [1] Shivkumar, S., DeAngelis, G. C., & Haefner, R. M. (2025). Hierarchical motion perception as causal inference. Nature Communications, 16(1), 3868. [2] Lengyel, G., Shivkumar, S., DeAngelis, G. C., & Haefner, R. M. (2026). Bayesian causal inference unifies perceptual and neuronal processing of center-surround motion in area MT. eLife. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.110621.1 [3] Dong et al. (2026). Neural correlates of speed-dependent relative motion perception in area MT. SfN Poster# PSTR184.01 / AA2, WCC Halls A-C, Nov 16, 1-5pm [4] Yuan et al. (2026). Motion perception as causal inference: testing the causality assumption. SfN Poster# PSTR184.02 / AA3, WCC Halls A-C, Nov 16, 1-5pm

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Computational Neuroscience job search at University of Maryland (College Park)
by Daniel A. Butts Nov. 5, 2026

Nov. 5, 2026

The Department of Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), invites applications from individuals using computational approaches to study fundamental questions in neuroscience for a tenure-track or tenured position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Computational neuroscience is defined broadly; research areas of interest include: biophysical and statistical modeling, computational neurogenetics, neural population codes, and the intersection of biological intelligence and AI ("NeuroAI"). Preference will be given to applicants with computational research programs that integrate experimental data (including multi-modal data) to address important issues in basic and translational neuroscience. This position is intended for applicants with research programs that have minimal or no wet lab components. The successful candidate will be expected to: Establish and sustain a vigorous, externally funded, independent research program in computational neuroscience. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in neuroscience and/or quantitative biology and contribute to larger campus initiatives in neuroscience, quantitative biology, and/or NeuroAI. Participate in departmental, college, and university service and contribute to a collaborative academic environment. This position is part of a new Quantitative Biology Initiative in the Department of Biology supporting postdoctoral fellows and supports a new Predictive Biology Hub for Human and Environmental Health dedicated to fostering collaborative research and new educational programs in Quantitative Biology. Members of the Department work with colleagues across UMD, including in the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), the Brain and Behavior Institute (BBI), the UMD Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), and the Institute for Systems Research (ISR). Faculty participate in a number of relevant graduate programs, including Neuroscience and Computational Science (NACS), Biological Sciences (BISI), Biophysics, and Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation (AMSC). The Department also supports undergraduate programs in Biological Sciences (BSCI) and Neuroscience (NEUR). UMD is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which is home to major national institutions and medical centers (e.g., the National Institutes of Health) and proximate to the Rockville Biotech corridor. Details and information on applying: https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMCP/job/University-of-Maryland-College-P…

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Recruiting Ph.D students in computational cognitive neuroscience
by Stefano Anzellotti Nov. 5, 2026

Nov. 5, 2026

I am looking for a Ph.D student interested in using computational approaches, behavioral methods and/or neuroimaging to study one or more of the following areas: 1. Recognition of objects, actions and events 2. Multi-task learning 3. Agent understanding 4. Individual variation in autism and other psychiatric disorders The laboratory collaborates with Computer Science and Physics PIs, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary training. The position starts in Fall 2027, the deadline for applications is December 15, 2026. For inquiries please contact anzellos(a)bc.edu sending a CV and a brief statement of skills and research interests. Stefano Anzellotti (he/him) Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Chair, Research Computing Committee Boston College https://sccnlab.bc.edu/

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[COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026] Program Announced – Join Us in Granada!
by Hocine Cherifi Nov. 4, 2026

Nov. 4, 2026

Dear colleagues, 🌐 *The scientific program of COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026 is now available!* Join us in *Granada, Spain, December 2–4, 2026*, for the *15th International Conference on Complex Networks and Their Applications*. 🎙️ *Five distinguished keynote speakers* Alexandra Brintrup · Nitesh Chawla · Kimmo Kaski · Bruno Lepri · Eckehard Schöll 📚 *A rich interdisciplinary program* 27 thematic oral sessions, 3 spotlight sessions, and 5 poster sessions covering network science, graph learning, complex systems, computational social science, and applications across disciplines. 🎓 *Tutorials — December 1* Fariba Karimi · Huijuan Wang 🤝 *More than a conference* COMPLEX NETWORKS is a unique meeting place where researchers from diverse backgrounds exchange ideas, engage in stimulating discussions, and build new collaborations. *Whether presenting or simply attending, everyone is welcome!* 📋 *Explore the program:* https://complexnetworks.org/program/ 🎟️ *Register:* https://complexnetworks.org/registration/ We look forward to welcoming you in Granada for this special 15th edition! Please share this invitation with colleagues and students who may be interested. Best regards, Hocine Cherifi General Co-Chair, COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026 Join us at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026 <https://www.complexnetworks.org/> *-------------------------* Hocine CHERIFI Laboratoire* I*nterdisciplinaire *C*arnot de *B*ourgogne - ICB UMR 6303 CNRS Université Bourgogne Europe Editor in Chief Plos Complex Systems <https://plos.org/complex-systems-research-journal/#:~:text=PLOS%20Complex%2….> Founding & Adisory Editor Applied Network Science <https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> Editorial Board member IEEE ACCESS <https://ieeeaccess.ieee.org/?http%3A%2F%2Fieeeaccess_ieee_org%2F>, Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/srep/>, Journal of Imaging <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jimaging>, Quality and Quantity <https://www.springer.com/journal/11135/>, Computational Social Networks <https://computationalsocialnetworks.springeropen.com/>, Complex Systems <https://www.complex-systems.com/> Evolutionary Intelligence <https://link.springer.com/journal/12065>

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Fully-funded PhD position in neuroimaging studies at USC
by Z S Nov. 3, 2026

Nov. 3, 2026

Dear all, Description: Dr. Sha’s lab (https://shazhiqiang.wixsite.com/sha-lab) at the University of South Carolina is seeking *PhD students in neuroimaging studies *in the Department of Psychology. Our lab is affiliated with the Carolina Autism & Neurodevelopment Center, the Institute for Mind & Brain, and working closely with the McCausland Center for Brain Imaging in Columbia, center of SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Our lab explores the mechanisms of atypical brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders) by leveraging computational modeling (e.g., deep learning models) to bridge neural circuitry, exposure (e.g., early life adversity) and psychopathological phenotypes, and treatment outcomes. These innovative projects will leverage state-of-the-art machine learning models and neuroimaging, supported by the brand-new Brain Imaging Center (with 3T and 7T MRI scanners) and the Biobehavioral Research Center at the University of South Carolina. This position provides an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated student to gain hands-on experience with neuroimaging (e.g., MRI) and biomedical research techniques. The candidate will have full access to rich in-house and public datasets, and advanced neuroimaging platforms. Our lab fosters a collaborative and productive environment, and we actively support PhD students in generating high-quality research publications, applying for fellowships and securing their future career paths. Key roles: · Data analysis; present results and publish papers under the PI’s supervision · Keep up-to-date on relevant studies and methods, and actively discuss them with the PI · Present your work at national and international conferences Requirements: · Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., neuroscience, math, data science, biostatistics, biomedical engineering) · Experience with neuroimaging MRI data analysis is preferred. · Candidates with coding experience are preferred. How to apply: Please submit your CV to Dr. Sha (zsha(a)mailbox.sc.edu)

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Fwd: World wide VVTNS series (7th season): November 4 2026 |Learning to Oscillate: Hebbian Plasticity Imprints Limit Cycles in Neural Networks| Pierfrancesco Urbi IPhT, Saclay France
by David Hansel Nov. 1, 2026

Nov. 1, 2026

[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 Pierfrancesco Urbi IPhT, Saclay France on the topic of Learning to Oscillate: Hebbian Plasticity Imprints Limit Cycles in Neural Networks The lecture will be held on Zoom on November 4, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: * Oscillatory activity is a hallmark of brain dynamics, yet how neural circuits learn to generate rhythmic patterns through biologically plausible mechanisms remains an open question. In this work, we investigate high-dimensional, non-linear dynamical systems—prototypical models of recurrent neural networks—exposed to incoherent periodic inputs and Hebbian-like synaptic plasticity. Our analysis reveals a striking phenomenon: depending on the interplay between the strength of the periodic drive and synaptic plasticity, the system’s phase diagram exhibits a regime where, once both inputs are removed, the network spontaneously settles into a limit cycle . This demonstrates that periodic drives can "imprint" lasting rhythmic patterns into the network’s connectivity, effectively teaching it to oscillate autonomously. Using dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) and finite-size numerical simulations, we characterize this memorization phase , where the system retains a "memory" of the rhythm. We identify distinct dynamical attractors—chaotic, fixed-point, and limit cycle phases—and show that the limit cycle’s robustness depends on the metabolic time window between stimulation and plasticity halting. This work bridges the gap between driven and autonomous dynamics, offering a theoretically tractable yet biologically inspired mechanism for rhythm learning.

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Assistant Professor position at University of Arizona, Department of Philosophy, Consciousness Studies/ Philosophy of Mind
by Charles, Andrew Vincent - (andrewvcharles) Oct. 31, 2026

Oct. 31, 2026

Job category: Junior faculty / Tenure-track or similar Consciousness studies (construed broadly), or philosophy of mind and the philosophy of at least one special science relevant to the interdisciplinary study of consciousness such as cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, AI, linguistics, or physics. AOC :Open Workload: Full time Vacancies 1 Organization's reference number: req27296 Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States Start date August 2027 Job description: The Department of Philosophy at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, specializing in research on consciousness. In addition to candidates with a research focus on traditional philosophical questions regarding consciousness, we also encourage applications from candidates with strong research programs involving consciousness-adjacent areas of scientific inquiry. The Department seeks a researcher and teacher to contribute to its emerging interdisciplinary degree programs in Consciousness and to the overall philosophical life of the department. Candidates must have earned a PhD in Philosophy or another field relevant to consciousness research by the date of employment. Applicants whose PhD is not in Philosophy should include clear evidence of their research and teaching qualifications pertinent to a leading PhD program in philosophy. All applicants must demonstrate evidence of a commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching. The standard teaching load in the department is 2 courses per semester. The individual hired will be expected to teach half of their courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in the philosophy of consciousness, and in other core related topics such as those listed in the AOS description; or also e.g. general philosophy of science; philosophy of biology; the philosophy of religion; neuroethics; AI ethics; or aesthetics. The individual hired will also be expected to engage actively in scholarship and participate in departmental, college, and university service, including participating actively in the long-established Center for Consciousness Studies, whose role is now expanding as a cross-disciplinary university center for both research and teaching. They will also be expected to participate actively in the graduate and undergraduate degree programs in Cognitive Science. The University of Arizona has a long history as a pioneer in the development of consciousness studies. Recently, the university has received significant donor support to create its new educational programs in consciousness studies for undergraduates and graduate students. To date we have created a unique undergraduate curriculum in consciousness studies, with increasing numbers of students; a parallel graduate program is under development. The programs now have an endowed chair in this area, with annually increasing funds for novel collaborative projects, with established programs in the cognitive sciences, information science, and neuroscience, among others. Applications should be submitted by November 7, 2026 for full consideration and include the following documents: • A brief cover letter • A curriculum vitae • A research statement, of no more than 2 pages • A statement of teaching interests and philosophy, of no more than two pages • Evidence of teaching excellence • A writing sample • At least three and no more than four letters of reference. Applicants with a PhD in a field other than Philosophy should be sure to have letters from at least two philosophers. For any questions please contact Dennis Tamblyn dtamblyn(a)arizona.edu. Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. https://talent.arizona.edu/ How to apply Application type: Online Instructions Letters of Recommendation can be submitted the following ways: 1. Attach the letters as a single document and upload to the application. 2. Email the letters directly to Dennis Tamblyn, dtamblyn(a)arizona.edu. 3. Send the letters through Interfolio to Dennis Tamblyn, dtamblyn(a)arizona.edu. Web address to apply https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/... Deadline for full consideration: November 7, 2026, 11:59am MST Hard deadline No deadline specified (applications considered on an ongoing basis) Contact Web address for more information https://philosophy.arizona.edu Contact name Dennis Tamblyn Contact email dtamblyn @arizona.edu Contact phone 520-621-5045

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