- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

PhD position - Inverse Reinforcement Learning

by Constantin Rothkopf

The Centre for Cognitive Science at Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany invites applications for a Ph.D. Position in Inverse Reinforcement Learning initially limited to a period of three years. Research area The Ph.D. student is expected to work in the domain of inverse reinforcement learning with the particular focus of elucidating human decision making and collective human decision making in the wild, i.e., under real world noisy conditions. The research project is a joint venture between the Bioinspired Communication Lab and the Psychology of Information Processing Lab, both members of the Centre of Cognitive Science at TU Darmstadt. Accordingly, the student will be advised by Prof. Heinz Koeppl, Department of Electrical Engineering and Prof. Constantin Rothkopf, Department of Psychology. Work will involve methodological research in machine learning, design of dedicated human behavioral experiments, and the analysis and further processing of gathered data. What we offer We offer a unique interdisciplinary environment to perform cutting-edge research at one of Germany’s leading universities in the domain of computer science and engineering. The student will be embedded in the ongoing research activities within the Centre for Cognitive Science and will hence have the opportunity to interact with many other cognitive science researchers. The conducted research is expected to culminate in a Ph.D. degree. We offer comprehensive support for dissemination of results through leading scientific journals and through participation in leading international conferences and workshops. Your profile Candidates should have a M.Sc. degree in one of the following fields: computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or cognitive science. Candidates are required to have a sincere interest in interdisciplinary research at the crossroad of psychology and computer science. Application Technische Universität Darmstadt is striving to increase the proportion of women in its staff and therefore particularly invites women to apply. Applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50% or equivalent are preferred in the case of equal aptitude. Part-time employment is generally possible. We look forward to receiving your application, consisting of a cover letter in which you rationalize your interest in the indicated research area, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and contact details of at least two academic references. Your application package should be sent as a single PDF file to application(a)bcs.tu-darmstadt.de

Dec. 14, 2018

"The Spike": the key stories about neuroscience, from neuroscientists

by Mark Humphries

If you're interested in keeping up with the cutting edge of neuroscience, you might like to know about The Spike: https://medium.com/the-spike [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*H6cV11b9xeYl-Q8ybx7Rmg.png]<https://medium.com/the-spike> The Spike – Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike> medium.com The science of the brain, from the scientists of the brain. The Spike's mission is to convey the triumphs, tragedies and challenges of systems and computational neuroscience to a broad audience; while keeping you, the reader, entertained along the way. Founded in 2016, we publish stories from a diverse array of writers. Our >400 unique visitors each day reflect a diverse readership from across AI, machine learning, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, clinical neurosciences, and beyond. And, of course, the public! Popular recent stories include: "Why you should (or shouldn't) get a PhD in Neuroscience" by Ashley Juavinett: <https://medium.com/the-spike/preparing-for-a-neuroscience-phd-6a0bb4ee5275?…> https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros… [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*X-GdSTSuz569RsB95GxGbA.jpeg]<https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros…> Why you should (or shouldn’t) get a PhD in Neuroscience<https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros…> medium.com A few good reasons why you should get a neuroscience PhD You’ll open doors to different careers, and higher (paying) positions. There are certain jobs that require a PhD. "Brains as Analog Computers" by Corey Maley: https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935 [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*J3tX8SxApeRHo7HwNBv19A.png]<https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935> Brains as Analog Computers – The Spike – Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935> medium.com Algorithms. One idea, explored in a previous blog post in this very forum, is that the brain is a computer because what it does can be described in terms of algorithms.Unfortunately, this view has ... "A not entirely serious future history of neuroscience" by me: https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro… [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*jvbMd-eEkRfqmzkN6wMkwQ.jpeg]<https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro…> A not entirely serious future history of neuroscience - Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro…> medium.com Author’s note: resting for a moment in a dark corner of the Society for Neuroscience conference’s poster hall, on the quiet solitude of the Wednesday afternoon in the History of Neuroscience ... How to keep up to date with The Spike: Bookmark the homepage Follow us on Medium Follow us on Twitter @markdhumphries Happy reading, Prof Mark Humphries <https://medium.com/the-spike> This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 13, 2018

Postdoctoral Position in the Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Laboratory (ECDL)

by Pulkit Grover

Dear all, Please see an exciting opportunity for a machine-learning postdoc position in an impactful and influential lab in University of Pittsburgh. Posting on behalf of Dr. Taylor Abel from University of Pittsburgh pediatrics neurosurgery. Best, Pulkit *Postdoctoral Position in the Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Laboratory (ECDL) * We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to work on a project that seeks to understand the neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying visual recognition and how these mechanisms emerge in human development. A background in machine learning analysis is ideal. A background in electrophysiology and behavioral methods is desirable. The project will involve collection and analysis of human brain recordings in epilepsy surgery patients, so candidates would ideally be comfortable working in a clinical environment. The ideal start date is Feb 2019, but application review will continue until the positions are filled. The position is initially for at least 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with relevant experience. University of Pittsburgh has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. The ECDL is based at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. There is close collaboration with Marlene Behrmann, Avniel Ghuman, and Pulkit Grover through the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition. Please send your CV to and provide 3 email addresses for reference to Dr. Taylor Abel abeltj(a)upmc.edu.

Dec. 13, 2018

Research associate / Postdoc for computational neuroscience - TU Dresden

by Dimitrije Markovic

The Chair of Neuroimaging<https://tu-dresden.de/mn/psychologie/ifap/ni?set_language=en> at TU Dresden, Germany is offering a postdoc position. The position is funded by the Excellence Cluster "Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop" (CeTI), https://www.ceti.one/. The position is available for three years initially but can be extended. CeTI-position_Kiebel_1 - Research associate / Postdoc for computational neuroscience Topic: Computational modelling of sequences of goal-directed actions and multisensory integration Tasks: This position will develop computational models how humans integrate multisensory sensory input while performing sequences of goal-directed actions. We will be using Bayesian inference techniques in combination with nonlinear dynamic systems to model the perception of observed human movements and the inference of intent. This position is embedded in the newly funded research excellence cluster 'Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI<https://www.ceti.one/>)' and will work alongside cognitive neuroscientists, roboticists, psychologists, engineers and computer scientists. In collaboration with experimenters, the candidate will use the developed models to experimentally test predictions about how humans use multisensory information during goal-reaching. Requirements: We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in computational neuroscience, physics, maths, robotics, computer science, or related fields, ideally with expertise in computational models of human behaviour. Additional expertise in Bayesian inference, EEG, eye tracking analysis, or multisensory integration is a plus. The excellence cluster CeTI and TU Dresden provide an outstanding scientific infrastructure and ideal environment for interdisciplinary collaboration. For computational work, the group has access to the TU Dresden high-performance computing clusters. Experiments by collaborators will be performed at the Neuroimaging Centre Dresden (http://www.nic-tud.de) All computing and experimental facilities are supported by experienced physics and IT staff. For questions about this position please contact Prof. Stefan Kiebel (stefan.kiebel(a)tu-dresden.de<mailto:stefan.kiebel@tu-dresden.de>). How To Apply: [X] Please submit your comprehensive application including the usual documentation (CV, cover letter including a brief summary of research interests, and two references), by January 18th, 2019 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service applies) with the reference "CeTI-position_Kiebel_1" in the subject header preferably via the TU Dresden SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de<https://securemail.tu-dresden.de/> or S/MIME encrypted by sending it as a pdf document to positions(a)ceti.tu-dresden.de<mailto:positions@ceti.tu-dresden.de> and stefan.kiebel(a)tu-dresden.de<mailto:stefan.kiebel@tu-dresden.de> or by mail to: TU Dresden, Sprecher des Exzellenzclusters CeTI, Herrn Prof. Frank H. P. Fitzek, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only as your application documents will not be returned. We look forward to your applications! The CeTI Team

Dec. 13, 2018

Tenure-Track Position in Systems Neuroscience - University of Ottawa

by John Lewis

Tenure-Track Position in Systems Neuroscience The Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa (Canada) is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor in systems neuroscience. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine experimental and computational approaches to study the neural mechanisms of animal behaviour. Application deadline is January 30, 2019 For details, please see https://www.uottawa.ca/vice-president-academic/faculty-relations/faculty-re… (under the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology tab) Specific questions can be directed to john.lewis(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:john.lewis@uottawa.ca>

Dec. 12, 2018

Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellowship

by Christina Atkinson

Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking to hire full time post-doctoral fellows for their Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Laboratory. This lab is headed by Dr. Vinod Menon who has broad multidisciplinary expertise that spans several scientific disciplines and has published extensively on various aspects of human cognition and brain function. Explore our lab website for more information: http://med.stanford.edu/scsnl.html Please distribute job posting (below) appropriately in your department. We thank you for your support. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BRAIN NETWORKS Currently Available: The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in computational modeling of human brain imaging data using deep neural networks. The successful candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary project that seeks to develop novel computational frameworks for robust identification of neurobiological signatures of psychiatric and neurological disorders combining deep learning and convolution networks and dynamic brain circuit analyses with task and resting-state fMRI. Clinical disorders currently under investigation include autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disabilities, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. We seek talented and highly-motivated individuals with a strong background in at least one of these areas: deep learning algorithms and optimization (theory and practical implementations); computational modeling, statistical inference, and machine learning, especially as applied to fMRI and MRI data. The candidate will have access to multiple large datasets and state-of-the-art computational resources, including HPCs and GPGPUs. Please email a CV, statement of research interests and relevant background, and have three letters of reference sent to Drs. Vinod Menon and Aarthi Padmanabhan at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com>

Dec. 12, 2018

EPFL Neuro Faculty Positions - deadline 14th December 2018

by Petersen Carl

Dear Colleague, The Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a new neuroscience initiative and as part of this initiative we are in the process of hiring three new professors in the field of neuroscience and engineering. The search is broad and we are interested in all aspects of neuroscience. We are hiring at the Assistant Tenure Track level, as well as the Associate Tenured level. https://professeurs.epfl.ch/page-158407-en.html NeuroSearch(a)epfl.ch If you are interested. then please apply for these faculty positions before 14th December 2018. Woman are particularly encouraged to apply. Thank you for your time and help. Best wishes, Carl. ------------------------------------------ Prof. Carl Petersen, Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. email: carl.petersen(a)epfl.ch www: http://lsens.epfl.ch/

Dec. 11, 2018

CFP: TAC | Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data

by Pablo Barros

2nd CALL FOR PAPERS IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data Website: https://www2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/omgchallenges/tacSpecialIssue201… I. Aim and Scope Research trends within artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences are still heavily based on computational models that attempt to imitate human perception in various behavior categorization tasks. However, most of the research in the field focuses on instantaneous categorization and interpretation of human affect, such as the inference of six basic emotions from face images, and/or affective dimensions (valence-arousal), stress and engagement from multi-modal (e.g., video, audio, and autonomic physiology) data. This diverges from the developmental aspect of emotional behavior perception and learning, where human behavior and expressions of affect evolve and change over time. Moreover, these changes are present not only in the temporal domain but also within different populations and more importantly, within each individual. This calls for a new perspective when designing computational models for analysis and interpretation of human affective behaviors: the computational models that can timely and efficiently adapt to different contexts and individuals over time, and also incorporate existing neurophysiological and psychological findings (prior knowledge). Thus, the long-term goal is to create life-long personalized learning and inference systems for analysis and perception of human affective behaviors. Such systems would benefit from long-term contextual information (including demographic and social aspects) as well as individual characteristics. This, in turn, would allow building intelligent agents (such as mobile and robot technologies) capable of adapting their behavior in a continuous and on-line manner to the target contexts and individuals. This special issue aims at contributions from computational neuroscience and psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and affective computing, challenging and expanding current research on interpretation and estimation of human affective behavior from longitudinal behavioral data, i.e., single or multiple modalities captured over extended periods of time allowing efficient profiling of target behaviors and their inference in terms of affect and other socio-cognitive dimensions. We invite contributions focusing on both the theoretical and modeling perspective, as well as applications ranging from human-human, human-computer and human-robot interactions. II. Potential Topics Given computational models, the capability to perceive and understand emotion behavior is an important and popular research topic. That is why recent special issues on the IEEE Journal on Transactions on Affective Computing covered topics from emotion behavior analysis “in-the-wild” to personality analysis. However, most of the research published by these specific calls treat emotion behavior as an instantaneous event, relating mostly to emotion recognition, and thus neglect the development of complex emotion behavior models. Our special issue will foster the development of the field by focusing excellent research on emotion models for long-term behavior analysis. The topics of interest for this special issue include, but are not limited to: - New theories and findings on continuous emotion recognition - Multi- and Cross-modal emotion perception and interpretation - Lifelong affect analysis, perception, and interpretation - Novel neural network models for affective processing - New neuroscientific and psychological findings on continuous emotion representation - Embodied artificial agents for empathy and emotion appraisal - Machine learning for affect-driven interventions - Socially intelligent human-robot interaction - Personalized systems for human affect recognition III. Submission Prospective authors are invited to submit their manuscripts electronically, adhering to the IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing guidelines ( https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=5165369) Please submit your papers through the online system ( https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/taffc-cs) and be sure to select the special issue: Special Issue/Section on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data. IV. IMPORTANT DATES: Submissions Deadline: 15th of January 2019 Deadline for reviews and response to authors: 06th of April 2019 Camera-ready deadline: 05th of August 2019 V. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Stefan Wermter, University of Hamburg, Germany Ognjen (Oggi) Rudovic, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America Hatice Gunes, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom -- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.dehttp://www.pablobarros.nethttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.htmlhttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

Dec. 11, 2018

International Student Fellowship at the PhD level in Computational Neuroscience

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the *Ruhr University Bochum* in Germany, invites applicants for an International Student Fellowship to be awarded through the international research training group “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes” (SFB 874). After successful completion of this 4 month fellowship, the student might be offered a PhD position for a further 3 years. The work will focus on studying the interaction between neocortex and hippocampus using spiking neural network models. The position is part of the project "Theory of the interplay between sensory cortices and hippocampus in memory formation and retrieval", which is funded by the German Research Foundation as part of the collaborative research center SFB 874. The appointment will be initially from 01.03.2019-30.06.2019. Candidates should have an excellent university degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering or a related field and be eligible to enroll in a relevant PhD program at the Ruhr University. Competence in mathematical modeling and excellent programming skillsare mandatory. Familiarity with computational neuroscience or computational cognitive modeling would be a further asset. Only candidates who have not previously lived in Germany will be considered. For further information regarding the IRTG fellowship please visit https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sfb874/integrated_research_training_group/fe… The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de> in a single PDF file. Please, also request from at least two academic referees that they send letters of reference directly to the same email address. The deadline for applications is 15.01.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

Dec. 11, 2018

Postdoc on resting state analysis in Glasgow

by Robin

Postdoc developing information theoretic methods for resting state analysis A 2-year postdoc position is available working with Dr. Robin Ince at the University of Glasgow. The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and will involve developing and applying multivariate information theoretic methods to resting state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project. The position will also involve collection of simultaneous EEG-fMRI resting state data in Glasgow. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise with numerical programming (MATLAB or Python) and be familiar with neuroimaging data and analysis. Glasgow is a friendly, lively and welcoming city with a reasonable cost of living and close proximity to the beautiful Highlands and a wide range of outdoor activities. International applicants should note that Glasgow voted 67% in favour of remaining in the EU and is the second most welcoming city to foreigners in the mainland UK (after London) [1], as well as being one of the safest cities in the UK [2]. The Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi) at the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology (INP) is a collaborative and stimulating environment with a full suite of world-class facilities, including EEG, MEG, 3T fMRI, 7T fMRI, EEG-fMRI, TMS, and extensive computational resources (~2500 cores, ~15TB RAM). The position is a Research Assistant on Grade 6 of the University of Glasgow salary scale: £28,660 - £32,236 (plus ~18% employer contributions to USS defined benefit pension). Apply online at https://www.gla.ac.uk/it/iframe/jobs/ Search for ref: 023869 Closing date for applications Jan 13th 2019. Flexible start date. Any questions about the project, position or application process please contact robin.ince(a)glasgow.ac.uk Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology College of Medical Veterinary & Life Sciences University of Glasgow [1] Eurostat Urban Europe Report 2016. [2] Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 2016.

Dec. 10, 2018