- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Doctoral Position in Theoretical Biophysics at Center for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior

by Ahmed El Hady

Doctoral position in Theoretical Biophysics (Deadline : 1st November 2025) We are seeking a doctoral student with a quantitative background. Ideally, the candidate should have a master degree in physics but other quantitative backgrounds will be considered. The researcher will be based in the Integrative Biophysics group at the University of Konstanz and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, located in Konstanz, Germany. The Integrative Biophysics group <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/about-us/people/integr…> is led by Dr. Ahmed El Hady. The group focuses on a diverse set of theoretical biophysics problems. The doctoral project is a collaboration between the integrative biophysics research group and the research group of Prof. Ilya Nemenman at Emory University, Altanta, US. The doctoral student will have the opportunity to have research stays at Emory University. The project summary is as follows: *Project Title*: /Inferring dynamical interactions in social groups/ *Project Abstract*: Social interactions are one of the most foundational building blocks of group behaviors, shaping decision making strategies across ecologies. Social groups consist of small number of individuals in contrast with collectives that consist of large number of agents. Despite the importance of social groups as a building block of living systems, there is little understanding of mechanistic details of the nature of those social interactions and how they shape emergent social functional properties. This stands in contrast with physics of collectives, which usually focus on the dynamics of very large group of individuals and have been thoroughly studied. In an experimental sys-tem or in field observations tackling social behaviors, we do not know a priori the social forces, nature of those interactions and their dynamics. Recent advances in software and hardware allow us to track the behavior of multiple individuals over extended spatio-temporal scales. Thus it is crucial to develop methodologies to infer dynamical social interactions and social forces from experimental observations. This relates closely to work done inferring "social forces" from dusty plasmas. Recent theoretical work has developed an information theoretic approach to estimate intrinsic motivation, based on maximizing an agent's empowerment (defined as the mutual information between its past actions and future states). This approach can be used to study social behaviours, where individuals choose actions without an explicit reward signal. In this project, we are planning to apply this framework to infer and understand social behaviour of small animal groups specifically locusts, mice and marmosets monkeys offering not only a mechanistic insights into mechanisms of social organization but also make quantitative evolutionary comparison of social behaviours. *Relevant publications:* 1. Yu, Wentao, Eslam Abdelaleem, Ilya Nemenman, and Justin C. Burton. "Physics-tailored machine learning reveals unexpected physics in dusty plasmas.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 122, no. 31 (2025): e2505725122. 2. Tiomkin, Stas, Ilya Nemenman, Daniel Polani, and Naftali Tishby. "Intrinsic motivation in dynamical control systems.” PRX Life 2, no. 3 (2024): 033009. The doctoral position will be embedded within the highly collaborative environment of the cluster for advanced study of collective behavior at the University of Konstanz. The expected starting date is 01/12/2025 and deadline for application is 01/11/2025. For more information and application , please visit the website: https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/09992aa34cc8da9cb6416ec16df7ece3… and the application portal is here: https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/en/jobposting/09992aa34cc8da9cb6416ec16df7e… If you have any questions or need more information concerning the position, please contact Ahmed El Hady on : ahmed.el-hady(a)uni-konstanz.de

Sept. 30, 2025

Postdoctoral Fellow – Computational Neuroscience of Working Memory in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

by Klaus Wimmer

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for an NIH-funded project investigating the neural circuit mechanisms of working memory decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The postdoc will be based at Boston University in the laboratory of Dr. J. Luebke<https://www.bumc.bu.edu/anatneuro/luebke-lab-2/> in Boston, MA and work primarily on computational modeling of large-scale prefrontal cortex networks, under the remote supervision of Dr. Klaus Wimmer<https://www.crm.cat/_neuroscience/> (Centre de Recerca Matematica, Barcelona, Spain). The project combines computational and empirical approaches, and the postdoc will develop large-scale spiking network models that incorporate biologically realistic perturbations such as myelin changes, synapse loss, and neuronal hyperexcitability. The position offers close interaction with experimental collaborators, opportunities to generate testable predictions, and strong support for publishing and presenting work internationally. Qualifications * PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field. * Strong programming skills (Python; experience with simulation environments like Brian2, NEST, or NEURON a plus). * Background in neural network modeling, systems neuroscience, or dynamical systems. Position Details * Initial appointment: 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding. * Start date: Flexible, ideally Fall/Winter 2025. * Salary and benefits follow NIH/BU guidelines. How to Apply Please send a CV, a short cover letter describing your research interests, and contact details for 2–3 referees to kwimmer(a)crm.cat<mailto:kwimmer@crm.cat>. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY NOTICE: This message and the documents that might be attached, are addressed exclusively to their(s) recipient(s) and may contain privileged or confidential information. The access to this information by people other than those designated is not authorized. If you are not the indicated recipient, you are notified that the use, disclosure and / or copying without authorization is prohibited under current legislation. If you have received this message in error, please kindly inform the sender immediately and proceed to its destruction. We inform you that the personal data contained in this document, and in particular your contact information and professional position, are protected in accordance with current legislation on the protection of personal data. Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) will process the data only for the purpose of managing the relationship you have with us. The data will be kept while the purpose for which it was collected remains. You can exercise at any time your rights to access, rectification and erasure of your personal data, as well as the right to object and restriction of processing. For this, you must contact CRM by email to dpo(a)crm.cat.

Sept. 30, 2025

Assistant Professor job in Canada

by Luczak, Artur

Our Department of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. It is a nice place to work. More information is here: https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/postings/8586 Our dept: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/artsci/neuroscience/our-faculty Best, Artur Luczak Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge https://people.uleth.ca/~luczak/

Sept. 29, 2025

Full Professor Artificial Intelligence for Biology

by Jolivet, Renaud (MACSBIO)

Our department has an opening for a Full Professor Artificial Intelligence for Biology affiliated with the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. Come be my colleague! All details available here https://vacancies.maastrichtuniversity.nl/job/Maastricht-Full-Professor-Art…. Cheers, Renaud — Prof. Dr. Renaud B. Jolivet, FISC André Mischke YAE Prize for Science and Policy 2023 and MCAA Career Award 2022 Chair of Neural Engineering and Computation, MaCSBio, Maastricht University User Team Leader, ISOLDE, CERN ERA Forum Stakeholder Representative, European Commission Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, EBRAINS Polymath Fellow, GCSP +41798302129 (mobile) ‭+31433881741 (office)‬ r.jolivet(a)maastrichtuniversity.nl <mailto:renaud.jolivet@unige.ch> twitter.com/RenaudJolivet <https://twitter.com/RenaudJolivet> linkedin.com/in/renaud-jolivet-63b5534 <http://linkedin.com/in/renaud-jolivet-63b5534> scholar.google.ch/citations?user=9Ozwv7EAAAAJ <http://scholar.google.ch/citations?user=9Ozwv7EAAAAJ>

Sept. 29, 2025

Postdoc opening: Smith Lab - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

by Gordon Smith

The Smith lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to study the development of large-scale networks in the developing brain. Our lab employs optical approaches to study the mechanisms of cortical network formation in the developing brain. We have recently obtained funding to use wide-field and 2-photon optogenetics to investigate how perturbations of early network function impact development. Preferred candidates will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or related field, and experience in one or more of the following areas: multiphoton imaging, optogenetics, calcium imaging, *in vivo *electrophysiology, and / or analysis of large-scale datasets. Applicants without prior experience in these areas but with a strong interest in systems neuroscience and applying optical approaches to investigate circuit function are also encouraged to apply. Please apply by sending a cover letter stating your interest in the project, your CV, and a brief research statement (1-2 pages) as a *single pdf* to Gordon Smith (gbsmith(a)umn.edu) with the subject line “Smith Lab Postdoc 2025”. References will be requested after initial review. This is a fully funded multi-year position with excellent benefits. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and will meet or exceed NIH levels. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For additional information please see our website: https://www.smithneurolab.org/positions. -- Gordon Smith, Ph. D. Associate Professor Associate Director of Graduate Studies Graduate Program of Neuroscience Optical Imaging and Brain Science Medical Discovery Team Department of Neuroscience Center for Magnetic Resonance Research University of Minnesota smithneurolab.org CMRR 1-311C 2021 6th Street S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-8823

Sept. 26, 2025

GCNU-SWC Joint PhD Programme: Applications now open!

by Lin, I-Chun

Gatsby Unit and Sainsbury Wellcome Centre Joint PhD Programme Deadline: 17:00 GMT, Monday 3 November 2025 The Gatsby Unit (GCNU) and Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) have launched a 4-year joint PhD programme that aims to bridge the gap between theory and experiments. This PhD programme is designed to immerse students in both experimental and theoretical thinking, providing a rigorous preparation for an interdisciplinary research career. Courses in the first year provide a comprehensive introduction to systems neuroscience, theoretical/computational neuroscience, and machine learning. Students will be part of the broader trainee cohort across both centres, interacting and engaging in scientific discussion with both SWC and GCNU researchers with equal emphasis. GCNU and SWC provide a unique opportunity for a critical mass of theoreticians and experimentalists to interact closely with one another and with researchers at the ELLIS Unit at UCL and related UCL departments/domains such as UCL Neuroscience Domain; Artificial Intelligence; Computer Science; Statistical Science; and the nearby Francis Crick and Alan Turing Institutes. Applicants should have a strong analytical and mathematical background, a keen interest in neuroscience, and a relevant first degree (e.g., in Computer Science, Cognitive Psychology, Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Statistics). Full funding is available regardless of nationality. We also welcome applicants who have secured or are seeking funding from other sources. For programme details (including the key differences between the Gatsby Unit PhD programme, the SWC PhD programme, and the joint programme) and how to apply, see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/gatsby/study-and-work/gcnu-swc-joint-ph…. -- I-Chun Lin, PhD Scientific Programme Manager Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL

Sept. 25, 2025

AAAI 2026 workshop "Neuro for AI & AI for Neuro: Towards Multi-Modal Natural Intelligence"

by Anton Arkhipov

Dear Colleagues, Join us for the Workshop “Neuro for AI & AI for Neuro: Towards Multi-Modal Natural Intelligence” at the AAAI 2026 conference in Singapore on January 27, 2026. We are bringing together researchers in neuroscience and AI to explore how brain principles can inspire multimodal models, and how AI can push the frontiers of neuroscience. Please see details below and at https://neuroai-multimodal-workshop.github.io/. We invite submissions of full papers or abstracts that describe new research, work in progress, or position statements on relevant topics. The full paper submissions should be 8 pages maximum, excluding references, and the abstract submissions should be 2 pages maximum, excluding references, in the AAAI two-column format. Please submit your work by October 30, 2025 at https://openreview.net/group?id=AAAI.org/2026/Workshop/NeuroAI. Invited speakers include * Dmitri "Mitya" Chklovskii (Flatiron Institute, NYU) * Andreas Tolias (Stanford University) * Martin Schrimpf (EPFL) * Guozhang Chen (Peking University) * Adeel Razi (Monash University) * Mike Zheng Shou (National University of Singapore) Organizing Committee: * Reza Abbasi-Asl, University of California, San Francisco * Asim Iqbal, Tibbling Technologies / Weill Cornell Medicine * Sophia Sanborn, Stanford University * Shinya Ito, Allen Institute * Anton Arkhipov, Allen Institute Description of workshop: This workshop will unite researchers in artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience, and neuromorphic engineering to explore the critical two-way exchange between biology and machine learning. Our main objective is to bridge these fields to accelerate foundational progress in multimodal natural intelligence. The “Neuro → AI” theme will investigate how principles from cortical microcircuits, such as sparse coding, dendritic nonlinearities, and cell-type diversity, can inspire novel, efficient, and robust AI architectures like transformers and graph-based models. Conversely, the “AI → Neuro” theme will showcase how advanced machine-learning techniques are revolutionizing neuroscience, enabling new insights into neural dynamics through AI-driven analysis of large-scale imaging, electrophysiological, and behavioral data. By bridging the gap between biologically grounded inductive biases for AI and scalable computational tools for neuroscience, this workshop aims to catalyze research that unifies theory, experiment, and application. Topics: * Biologically inspired machine learning architectures * Neuro-inspired mechanisms for efficiency (e.g., sparsity, inhibitory-excitatory balance) * AI-driven analysis of large-scale neuroscience data * Unsupervised representation learning and causal inference for circuit discovery * Gradient descent-based training of bio-realistic neural models * Open-source software and reproducible research in NeuroAI * Neuromorphic engineering and hardware implementation Format of Workshop: This will be a one-day, in-person workshop. The format is designed to be highly interactive, featuring a series of invited talks from world-renowned experts, two panel discussions for in-depth Q&A, and spotlight presentations for high-impact contributed papers. A central poster session will provide a forum for detailed discussion and networking. The day will conclude with a roundtable discussion to identify key community challenges and a sponsored social gathering to foster continued collaboration. Attendance: We welcome researchers and practitioners from academia and industry with an interest in the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. At least one author of each accepted submission must be present at the workshop. The maximum number of attendees is to be determined by the room size and will be communicated by AAAI. Please reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Singapore! Best regards, Reza Abbasi-Asl, Asim Iqbal, Sophia Sanborn, Shinya Ito, and Anton Arkhipov. Anton Arkhipov Investigator, Allen Institute antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> alleninstitute.org<https://alleninstitute.org> brain-map.org<https://portal.brain-map.org/>

Sept. 23, 2025

Open Postdoc Positions: Center for Computational Neuroscience at Flatiron Institute

by Allison Ong

Applications are invited for postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRFs) at the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) <www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neuroscience/> within the Flatiron Institute at the Simons Foundation. The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function. CCN takes a vertically-integrated “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. In addition to carrying out an independent research program, FRFs are expected to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations, publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. FRFs also have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. FRF positions are two-year appointments and are generally renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRFs receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s world-class scientific computing resources. FRFs may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCN. This is a full-time in-person position located at the Simons Foundation office in New York City. Applications will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria: Past research accomplishments Proposed research plans Synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCN research groups and projects *Additional details and the application submission link can be found here: https://apply.interfolio.com/173400 <https://apply.interfolio.com/173400>*

Sept. 23, 2025

Call for applications: Gatsby Unit PhD Programme 2026 entry

by Lin, I-Chun

4-Year PhD Programme in Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning Deadline: 17:00 GMT, Monday 3 November 2025 We welcome applications for 2026 entry to the Gatsby Unit PhD programme at University College London (UCL). Our research focuses on the mathematical principles of learning, perception and action in brains and machines. Ours is one of the original programmes to bring together neuroscience and machine learning, creating a critical mass for interaction amongst theoreticians in related fields. First-year courses provide training in machine learning as well as theoretical and systems neuroscience, after which PhD project may specialise in machine learning, theoretical neuroscience or encompass both. Students are encouraged to work closely with colleagues in the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour and/or the ELLIS Unit at UCL; and we have strong links to many world-class research groups at UCL and beyond. Applicants should have a very strong analytical and mathematical background, a keen interest in neuroscience, machine learning or both, and a relevant first degree, for example in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Neuroscience or Cognitive Psychology. Full funding is available regardless of nationality. The unit also welcomes applicants who have secured or are seeking funding from other sources. Applications should be submitted directly to us via the Gatsby Recruitment Portal. See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/gatsby/study-and-work/gatsby-unit-phd-pr… for details. Further information The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit is a leading research centre focused on theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. We study (un)supervised and reinforcement learning in brains and machines; inference, coding and neural dynamics; Bayesian and kernel methods, and deep learning; with applications to the analysis of perceptual processing and cognition, neural data, signal and image processing, machine vision, network data and nonparametric hypothesis testing. We are a community of around 50 academic and research staff, students and support staff. We function as far as possible as a single large research group, interacting closely through regular unit-wide research activities. Many leading researchers in both machine learning and neuroscience have studied or worked in the Unit. Over 40% of our PhD and postdoctoral alumni hold a faculty position and about 30% work in research development in companies such as Google DeepMind (itself founded by two of our alumni), Meta and Anthropic. * Information on our research: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/gatsby/research * Read more about our faculty members: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/life-sciences/gatsby/people

Sept. 23, 2025

Doctoral Position in Developmental Artificial Intelligence at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies

by Jochen Triesch

We are looking for a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d) to join the group of Jochen Triesch at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS). The position is part of a new initiative within the German Excellence Cluster The Adaptive Mind (TAM) and is expected to start in early 2026. The application deadline is October 15, 2026. To submit your application, visit: https://jobapplication.hrworks.de/en?companyId=amb4af72&id=f39623 About the position The vacant position will be funded by the new German Excellence Cluster „The Adaptive Mind". Our goal is to reveal the computational and learning principles underlying the fascinating development of cognitive abilities in infants and toddlers through embodied computational modeling. To accomplish this goal, we will closely collaborate with Developmental Psychologists to develop embodied computational models of how infants and toddlers learn to perceive and understand the world, control their bodies and plan their behavior. These models will make use of our MIMo (Multimodal Infant Model) platform (see: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10382408) Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the development of abstract multimodal sensory representations, body know-how, and models of the self. About FIAS The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) is a hub for theoretical and computational research located on the science campus of Goethe University Frankfurt (Campus Riedberg). Our fellows pursue interdisciplinary approaches to address fundamental questions in the natural sciences. The group of Jochen Triesch at FIAS is seeking a doctoral student in the area of Developmental AI and computational modeling of cognitive development. About TAM The Adaptive Mind (TAM) is an excellence cluster funded within Germany’s excellence strategy, which aims to strengthen Germany’s position as an outstanding research hub in the long term and further improve its international competitiveness. The Adaptive Mind is a research cluster that brings together scientists from Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Artificial Intelligence in order to understand how the human mind successfully adapts to changing conditions, and what happens when these adaptive processes fail. For more information please visit: https://www.theadaptivemind.de/ We are looking for a candidate with: • An excellent master’s degree in machine learning, cognitive science, robotics, physics, engineering or related field • A strong quantitative background • Prior knowledge in Cognitive Development is advantageous, but not required. We offer: • an inspiring work atmosphere • excellent research infrastructure and dedicated mentoring • outstanding opportunities for training and career development. You will be affiliated with the Excellence Cluster „The Adaptive Mind“, Goethe-University and a fellow of FIGSS, the graduate school of FIAS • rich possibilities to collaborate with experimental groups • the opportunity to live in Frankfurt am Main, a vibrant and exciting cosmopolitan city in the heart of Europe, which consistently earns high rankings in worldwide surveys of quality of life • a funded PhD position with a competitive salary (65%, based on the TV-H E13 pay scale). Required documents: • a motivation letter, highlighting why you want to do a PhD in the field and in our lab • a detailed curriculum vitae containing academic qualifications, research experiences, skills, possibly a publication list where you highlight your specific contributions • names and contact information of at least two scientists who can give references • detailed transcripts of records of your Master’s and Bachelor’s programs. The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. In accordance with the German General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), all qualified applicants will be given equal consideration. Where qualifications are equal, preference will be given to applicants with a disability. Please note that any costs incurred in connection with a personal interview will not be reimbursed. For questions, please contact: Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main triesch(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de https://fias.uni-frankfurt.de Best regards, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Chair for Theoretical Life Sciences Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Goethe University Frankfurt http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Sept. 22, 2025