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PhD / PostDoc positions in the area of machine learning with spiking neurons

by David Rotermund

The Computational Neuroscience group at the University of Bremen headed by Prof. Dr. Klaus Pawelzik offers - under the condition of job release - at the earliest possible date a position until February 28, 2025 *Research Assistant /Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience (f/m/d)* German federal pay scale E13 TV-L (100 %) for the research project *Efficient Implementation of Spike-by-Spike Neural Networks using Stochastic and ApproximativeTechniques* The overarching goal of our project is to improve the efficiency of spiking artificial neural networks using hardware and algorithmic approximation techniques. Specifically, the project focuses on Spike-by-Spike networks since they offer a balance between computational requirements and biological realism which keeps the advantages of the biological networks while enabling a compact technical realization. To fully take advantage of the unique features of SbS in terms of robustness and sparseness, dedicated hardware architectures are required. You would join in with numerical simulations, theoretical analyses, as well as through the development of new ideas and approaches for boosting the performance and capabilities of the Spike-By-Spike model. Furthermore, you would also work on combining Spike-By-Spike networks with non spiking deep neuronal networks into hybrid models. Details can be found at https://www.neuro.uni-bremen.de/drupal/open-position-sbs *Requirements:* Ideal candidates have a master's or doctorate degree in Computational Neurosciences, Physics, Computer Sciences or in related fields. They must have a strong background in mathematics, programming (preferably in Python/Matlab), and machine learning as well as an intense interest in neuroscience. An optimal candidate should not be afraid of cooperating with engineers, since this is a joint project with a focus on hardware development. Above all, he/she must have a strong motivation, a sense for responsibility, a distinct desire to learn, and the ability to proactively collaborate in an international research environment. Fluency in English is required (both written and spoken). The Theoretical Neurophysics Lab offers a good working atmosphere, direct involvement in international research and attractive facilities. The university is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification priority will be given to disabled persons. Please explicitly address each of the specified requirements in the application. Detailed instructions are described below. Please send your application documents (motivation letter, CV, copy of your degree certificates including high school, list of skills, awards, publications, contact details of two academic reference) until December 9th, 2022 by indicating the job id A326/22 to: University of Bremen FB1 Theoretical Neurophysics lab Secretary of Prof. Dr. Klaus Pawelzik Mrs Agnes Janßen Hochschulring 18, Cognium D-28359 Bremen Tel.: +49 421 218 62000 in electronic form in a summarized PDF file via e-mail: ajanssen(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de. For questions of the research project please contact: Prof. Dr. Klaus Pawelzik, E-Mail: pawelzik(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de See also for general information on this topic: http://www.neuro.uni-bremen.de/content/open-position-sbs _Detailed instructions for applicants_ Your application must comprise: *Motivation letter* Your 1-2 page essay should reply the following questions: • What is your background? In which fields have you worked before and how do you think this can be useful for the present job? • What attracts you to the field of computational neuroscience? • Which problem(s) in computational neuroscience are you most interested in? • What is your motivation to join our project? • What are your plans for your future career? * * ** *Curriculum Vitae* Send a classical tabular CV with your contact details, and all stages of education and employment. *List of skills, awards, publications* List your skills, especially proficiency in languages (including the level of proficiency), that you think might be useful for the job. Also list awards you might have got and peer-reviewed papers, in case there are some. *Contact details of two academic references* One of the references should be your MSc advisor. Please contact the references prior to listing their names so that they are not surprised if they get contacted. Your application can be in English or German, whatever language you are more familiar with. -- *Dr. David Rotermund* *University of Bremen* Institute for Theoretical Physics Faculty 01 Physics/Electrical Engineering Hochschulring 18, D-28359 Bremen Cognium, room 2450 Tel. +49 421 218-62003 Fax +49 421 218-62014 davrot(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de www.neuro.uni-bremen.de <https://www.neuro.uni-bremen.de> www.isee.uni-bremen.de <https://www.isee.uni-bremen.de>

Nov. 28, 2022

Postdoc position - Computational neuroscience - Cheng Lab

by Vinita Samarasinghe

*Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at the Institute for Neural Computation, Faculty of Computer Science* Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation, Faculty of Computer Science at the Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full time (currently 39.83 hours/week) *Postdoctoral position (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. * The position starts as soon as possibleand is funded until 30.06.2025. *Job description* The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Extinction Learning” (SFB 1280) and studies the principles underlying spatial learning and its extinction with reinforcement learning models. A particular focus is the role of episodic-like memory in learning and extinction processes. The research group is highly dynamic and uses diverse computationalmodeling approachesincludingbiological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning to investigatelearning and memory in humans and animals. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. *Your Profile: * Candidates must have * a doctorate degreein neuroscience, physics, mathematics, electrical/biomedical engineering or a closely related field, * relevant experience in mathematical modeling, * excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), * excellent communication skills in English * the ability to work well in a team. Research experience in neuroscience would be a further asset. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a *single PDF file*, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references mustbe sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is December 31^st , 2022. Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to networkwith them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe, samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de> -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

Nov. 25, 2022

Postdoc and PhD positions in the area of predictive coding

by Christopher Laurie Buckley

Hi all, We are looking to recruit PhDs and a postdoc in the area of predictive coding. We are recruiting for the specific project below but there are various other sources of funding too. A postdoc and a PhD position are available at the University of Sussex between my own group and the group of Prof. Anil K Seth (Department of Informatics and Centre for Consciousness Science) on the EU-funded project entitled “A metapredictive model of synthetic awareness for enabling tool invention”. The project is a ground-breaking international and multidisciplinary project that aims at developing a novel computational model of cognition based on the predictive processing of metacognition and validating its utility in real robots in the context of conditional sequential tasks, operationalised by tool use, as well as by the novel challenge of tool creation. This will suit those interested in predictive processing and generally work at the intersection of cognitive science and ML. To apply for the postdoc please see, https://www.sussex.ac.uk/about/jobs/research-fel-in-computational-cognitiv-… The closing date is 9th December 2022. For the PhD positions, and all informal inquiries. please contact c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>.

Nov. 25, 2022

2 year Post-Doc in Brain Criticality at the University of Padova

by Samir Suweis

2 year Post-Doc in Brain Criticality at the University of Padova The groups of Judit Gervain <https://sites.google.com/site/juditgervain/?pli=1> and Samir Suweis <http://www.liphlab.com/> are recruiting a talented young postdoctoral researcher to participate in a project that is at the intersection of mathematics, physics, and neuroscience in the general area of brain criticality. In particular, the project will investigate how efficient learning during critical or sensitive periods early in life may be modelled. It will combine the theory of criticality in statistical physics with developmental cognitive neuroscience to offer a new model of perceptual attunement to the native language during the first year of life. The ideal candidate will have a quantitative background (e.g. PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science) along with (preferable but not mandatory) experience in applying this background to neuroscience. The post doc will join the Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, The Department of Physics and the Padova Neuroscience Center and live in highly active, stimulating interdisciplinary environment at the University of Padova, one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. The position is open immediately with primary location in Padova, a nice small university town near Venice. Ideally, the starting date is between January-April 2023, unless otherwise agreed. The position is funded for two years. Interested candidates should contact Prof. Samir Suweis (samir.suweis(a)unipd.it <mailto:samir.suweis@unipd.it>) and Prof Judit Gervain (judit.gervain(a)unipd.it <mailto:judit.gervain@unipd.it>).We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment, and encourage applications from members of any identity. Sorry for cross posting, please forward to who may be interested. Best Samir - - - - - - - - Associate Professor, LIPh Lab - www.liphlab.com <http://www.liphlab.com/>, Physics & Astronomy Dept. Padova Neuroscience Center University of Padova Tel: +39 049 827 71 74 @SamirSuweis https://suweis.github.io/ <https://suweis.github.io/> Why don't you join the next generation publishing experiment with "Peer Community In" - publish and read at no cost and inject more money into research! Check us out @ https://peercommunityin.org <https://peercommunityin.org/> https://youtu.be/4PZhpnc8wwo <https://youtu.be/4PZhpnc8wwo> @PeerCommunityIn

Nov. 25, 2022

4-year postdoc in “Insect-Inspired depth perception” at Edinburgh

by Barbara Webb

A postdoctoral research associate position is available to undertake computational and physical modelling studies to translate insect visual depth perception to robot systems, under the direction of Professor Barbara Webb, in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. The project will focus on newly discovered forms of retinal and receptor motion in the insect compound eye that could enable near-field high-resolution stereo vision. The key outcome would be the design of a compact, low power visual sensor, and associated processing algorithms, which is particularly suited to distinguish the 3D shape of small nearby objects. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with neurobiologists at the University of Sheffield. The position is available for 48 months starting in February 2023, and has a salary range of £35,333 - £42,155 per annum. Candidates are expected to have a PhD in a relevant area and a strong background in computational modelling, ideally of neural circuits for perception, with a track record of good journal publications. The candidate is also expected to have good system engineering skills, including experience in design, construction and testing of hardware systems. Informal enquiries can be directed to: Professor Barbara Webb (B.Webb(a)ed.ac.uk) Further information and application details are available here: https://edin.ac/3VGuxmX The closing date for applications is 21 December 2022 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.

Nov. 24, 2022

Postdoctoral position at Bern Hospital and University of Geneva

by Timothée Proix

A postdoc position is available under the shared supervision of Prof. Maxime Baud (https://www.neuro-elab.com/) a neurologist and experimental neuroscientist at Inselspital, Bern Switzerland and Dr. Timothée Proix (https://ndlab.ch/) a computational neuroscientist at the University of Geneva, Switzerland who both specialize in quantitative neuroscience research. Together, we are running a three-year clinical trial involving patients with epilepsy who received a minimally invasive EEG device beneath the scalp for the chronic recording (months) of brain signals during wake and sleep. To help with the analysis of massive amounts of EEG data, we are looking to hire a passionate postdoc with desire to build forecasting algorithms aiming at estimating the risk of seizures 24 hours in advance. *Start of project early 2023 **(Quarter 1)*, at the University of Bern. Yearly, renewable contract with Swiss salary in compliance with guidelines of the University. Required qualifications • Applicant should hold a PhD in any engineering field, physics, or neuroscience and have published scientific literature as a first author. • Strong abilities in computer programming (Matlab and/or Python) • Prior experience with machine learning methods, signal analysis and advanced data analysis techniques applied to neural timeseries (EEG > fMRI). • Strong interpersonal communication skills in English and good written English Preferred qualifications • Hands-on experience in human electrophysiology recordings is a significant advantage. • Experience with deep-learning, machine-learning or statistical model development Your tasks • Acquire domain knowledge in epileptology and sleep physiology • The project lies at the interface between machine learning and EEG data analysis. • The *goal of the project* is to develop *machine learning algorithms* to *forecast seizures*. To apply, please send a one-page motivation letter dedicated to this specific project, your up-to-date CV, and contact information for 2-3 references, as well as any other relevant documents to the Prof. Maxime Baud (maxime.baud.neuro (at) gmail.com) as well as Dr. Timothée Proix (timothee.proix (at) unige.ch). Screening of applications will start by November 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Nov. 23, 2022

Postdoctoral Positions at the University of Calgary

by Wilten Nicola

*Postdoctoral Position 1* We are currently looking for a postdoctoral researcher for a 2 year position in commercializing spiking neural network/neuromorphic technologies. This is a joint postdoc with Dr. Wilten Nicola and Dr. Aaron Gruber. The ideal postdoctoral researcher will have a strong background in hardware and software engineering, specifically with Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other neuromorphic-like platforms capable of spiking network emulation. Interested candidates should submit their application package including a cover letter, their CV with a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and their possible start dates in PDF format to Dr. Wilten Nicola at wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca. Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent as well. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Nicola. *Postdoctoral Position 2* We are currently looking for a postdoctoral researcher for a 2 year position investigating how networks of neurons can learn to create abstraction and semantic definitions from a few stimuli. In short, how do networks of neurons learn and know how to generalize in a meaningful way? The ideal postdoctoral researcher will have a PhD in mathematics, physics or engineering and will have extensive experience in working with feedforward or recurrent neural networks, either artificial or spiking. Interested candidates should submit their application package including a cover letter, their CV with a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and their possible start dates in PDF format to Dr. Wilten Nicola. Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent as well. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until this position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Nicola at wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca. https://www.nicolacomputationalneurosciencelab.com/ The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

Nov. 23, 2022

[jobs] Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

by Di Nuovo, Alessandro

The Computing Department as Sheffield Hallam is seeking an outstanding individual who can make a strong academic contribution to the area of artificial intelligence and robotics. Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at Sheffield Hallam University (jobs.ac.uk)<https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CUW183/lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-artificial-in…> You will join a large Computing Department that is engaged in both teaching and research. Within the Department, there is a group of colleagues who are dedicated to the teaching and research of artificial intelligence and robotics. You will join this group and be expected to play a key role in delivering both teaching and research. The Department has recently approved a new masters course in artificial intelligence (MSc AI) and you will be directly involved in the teaching of this. MSc AI forms the foundation of the teaching within the artificial intelligence group, and it has been designed to cover a wide spectrum of artificial intelligence topics. Prior teaching experience is essential, and you will be expected to develop exciting and engaging teaching materials, deliver lectures and tutorials in a vibrant manner and assess students. In addition, you will join the Smart Interactive Technologies (SIT) research laboratory, a vibrant interdisciplinary group, led by Prof. Alessandro Di Nuovo, that has a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. The laboratory hosts several prestigious research projects worth over £1 million funding from the European Union, for the European Training Network on PErsonalized Robotics as SErvice Oriented applications, and the EPSRC, for the projects ALDENS: Autonomous Learning and Development in Embodied Neuromorphic Systems, on embodied neuromorphic artificial intelligence, I'M-ACTIVE Intelligent Multimodal Assessment and Coaching Through Identification of Vulnerabilities in older people and the NetworkPlus EMERGENCE: Tackling Frailty - Facilitating the Emergence of Healthcare Robots from Labs into Service. The research laboratory is partner of Sheffield Robotics, a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, which is one of the leading international groups in intelligent systems and robotics and which has received considerable investment in equipment as well as in facilities and staff at both Universities, including state-of-the-art robotics equipment such as the iCub, the Care-o-bot 4, and the Fetch Mobile Manipulator, plus many other robotic platforms like the humanoids Tiago, Pepper and NAO. You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject; possess excellent communication skills, and an excellent research record and reputation, including publications of the highest quality suitable for submission to the REF (UK Research Excellence Framework). Experience of managing large research projects and contributing to external funding applications would be desirable. We welcome applications from people with strong backgrounds in artificial intelligence and robotics, and experience of programming in Python, C++, and ROS. Alessandro Di Nuovo, PhD Professor of Machine Intelligence Leader of Technological and Digital Innovations, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre College of Business, Technology and Engineering Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom Email: a.dinuovo(a)shu.ac.uk<mailto:a.dinuovo@shu.ac.uk>

Nov. 22, 2022

PhD Program in Brain & Cognitive Science at the University of Rochester

by Haefner, Ralf

The Department for Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester is inviting applications for its PhD program. We seek exceptional students from a broad range of backgrounds with a strong interest in understanding the neural and computational basis of perception, cognition and action using experimental and theoretical approaches. Application Deadline: December 4, 2022, strongly encouraged but late applications accepted Start Date: July or September 2023. Application Details & Link: http://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/graduate/admission.html Program Info: http://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/graduate/curriculum.html. We especially encourage applications from minority and/or underrepresented students. The BCS department<http://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/> is one of the leading places of research in Brain & Cognitive Sciences and at the center of a vibrant and supportive scientific community. It has particularly strong ties to the Center of Visual Science<https://www.cvs.rochester.edu>, the Department for Neuroscience<https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/neuroscience.aspx>, the Department for Computer Science<https://www.cs.rochester.edu>, the Department for Linguistics<http://www.sas.rochester.edu/lin/>, and the Data Science Institute<https://www.sas.rochester.edu/dsc/>. PhD students with interdisciplinary research programs are eligible for joint PhD degrees with several departments. Every admitted PhD student is guaranteed 5 years of funding at currently ~$31.5k/yr (currently equivalent to ~120% NIH rate) which affords a good standard of living in an inexpensive city. We also provide a single plan UR health insurance, full tuition scholarship, paid family leave, and enduring NY State social protections. Both University and city are exceptionally LGBTQIA+ friendly. We believe that being a successful scientist requires not just dedication and supportive mentorship, but also a good work/life balance and the ability to explore one's passions both within and outside the lab. There are lots of ways to enjoy your time here: world-class symphony, museums, and a wide range of outdoor activities: several parks within cycling distance, 20 min 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. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our beloved program administrator Kathy Corser<mailto:kcorser@ur.rochester.edu> or to any of our PIs directly.

Nov. 22, 2022

Open Rank Faculty Position at the Gatsby Unit, UCL

by Lin, I-Chun

Open Rank Faculty Position in Theoretical Neuroscience or Machine Learning at the Gatsby Unit Closing date: 6 December 2022 The Gatsby Unit seeks to appoint a new principal investigator with an outstanding record of research achievement and an innovative research programme in theoretical neuroscience or machine learning at any academic rank. In theoretical neuroscience, we are particularly interested in candidates who focus on the mathematical underpinnings of adaptive intelligent behaviour in animals, or develop mathematical tools and models to understand how neural circuits and systems function. In machine learning, we seek candidates who focus on the mathematical foundations of learning from data and experience, addressing fundamental questions in probabilistic or statistical machine learning and understanding; areas of particular interest include generative or probabilistic modelling, causal discovery, reinforcement learning, theory of deep learning, and links between these areas and neuroscience or cognitive science. The unit offers internationally competitive salaries and an award-winning work environment. Our staff are entitled to UCL's wide range of staff benefits, including family-friendly policies. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from groups, including women and those from an ethnic minority background, who are likely to be under-represented in UCL’s workforce in this type of role. For more information on the role and how to apply, please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/gatsby/vacancies About the unit: Established in 1998 through a generous grant from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the Gatsby Unit has been a pioneering centre for both theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. We share a purpose-built home with the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC). Our close connection with the SWC offers an unparalleled opportunity for theorists and experimentalists to work together towards understanding computation in neural systems. -- I-Chun Lin, PhD Scientific Programme Manager Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL www.ucl.ac.uk/gatsby | @GatsbyUCL

Nov. 22, 2022