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Open Master, PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany
by Tatjana Tchumatchenko Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear friends and colleagues, I would appreciate if you could spread the word among your students and postdocs. My group which is now at the University of Bonn is looking for Master Students, PhD Students and Postdocs Master Students, PhD Students or Postdocs interested in understanding how neuronal networks work, how they respond to stimuli and what role connectivity and single neuron dynamics play for the activity of the brain. Though the focus of my research is on the theory side, my lab has close ties to experimentally oriented labs and Master projects could include both theory and experiments. We are looking for bright and hard-working students with a life-science or quantitative background (physics, math, biology etc). The following PhD projects are currently open: 1) A project exploring the intersection of protein dynamics and machine learning 2) A project designing models describing protein dynamics in dendrites and analyzing imaging data, https://jobrxiv.org/job/institute-of-experimental-epileptology-and-cognitio… The postdoctoral position will address the relation between neurological diseases, protein dynamics and network activity. When applying please attach a CV (with a publication record) and a current copy of academic transcripts and mention at least one academic reference. For more information, please contact Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko via email tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de https://twitter.com/TTchumatchenko www.tchumatchenko.de

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PhD position in cognitively-inspired reinforcement learning for robotics at Sheffield, UK
by Aditya Gilra Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear all, Announcing a PhD position with Dr Aditya Gilra and Dr James Law at the University of Sheffield, UK on "Incorporating self- and world-models in neural networks for flexible robot learning and control". The position is funded for 3.5 years by the EPSRC. Details at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/incorporating-self-and-world-models-i… Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis as the applications come in. International (non-UK) candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the 7th March deadline. Don't hesitate to email back for further details. Best, Aditya. -- Aditya Gilra, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Machine Learning Group <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/research/groups/machine-learning> & Neuroscience Institute <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/neuroscience-institute/research/computational-a…> , Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, UK. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/people/academic/aditya-gilra http://www.adityagilra.net/

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Three Post-Doc / Research Associate positions in 'Causal eXplainable Reinforcement Learning' project at Sheffield / Vienna / Lille
by Aditya Gilra Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear All, Announcing three post-doc / research associate openings to work closely together as part of a ~3 year Chist-Era project, to develop causal inference methods for explainable actions in reinforcement learning ( https://www.chistera.eu/projects/causalxrl) starting in ~Q2, 2021: -> At the University of Sheffield with Dr Aditya Gilra and Prof Eleni Vasilaki, with an emphasis on biologically-plausible neural circuits -- https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CEH708/research-associate-in-causal-explainable-… (Deadline: 18th March 2021, but might be extended). -> At the University of Vienna with Prof Moritz Grosse-Wentrup, with an emphasis on causal inference and brain-computer interfaces -- https://ni.cs.univie.ac.at/ (ad to appear). -> At INRIA Lille with Prof Philippe Preux, with an emphasis on reinforcement learning and applications -- https://jobs.inria.fr/public/classic/en/offres/2020-03209 (Deadline: 31st March 2021). Please feel free to email back for any further information. Best, Aditya. -- Aditya Gilra, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Machine Learning Group <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/research/groups/machine-learning> & Neuroscience Institute <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/neuroscience-institute/research/computational-a…> , Department of Computer Science <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs>, University of Sheffield <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/>, UK. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/people/academic/aditya-gilra http://www.adityagilra.net/

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Call for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
by Sidarus, Nura Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Dear colleagues, Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Researcher to work with Dr Nura Sidarus as part of the ESRC funded project “A Computational Approach to Understanding Maladaptive Cognition in Depression”, at Royal Holloway University of London. The project will investigate the neurocomputational mechanisms of maladaptive cognition underlying depressive symptoms, through online, clinical, and neuroimaging studies focusing on attribution and value-based decision-making and learning. We are looking for talented, highly-skilled and motivated researchers with a PhD in a related field (e.g. neuroscience, psychology or cognitive science), with considerable experience applying mathematical modelling techniques to data. Strong abilities in programming and statistics are essential. Expertise in neuroscience of mental health and fMRI are highly desirable. The preferred start date is Summer 2021, or as soon as can be arranged, for up to December 2022. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Nura Sidarus at Nura.Sidarus(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:Nura.Sidarus@rhul.ac.uk> and more information about the grant can be found here<https://gtr.ukri.org/project/87F3B93A-C9BD-4240-BBDC-7596C165DFBF>. Deadline: 6 April 2021 Full details and how apply at: https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=0221-029<https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=0221-029> Best wishes, Nura. __________________________________________________________ Dr Nura Sidarus (she/her) Lecturer | Department of Psychology Royal Holloway University of London | Egham | Surrey | TW20 0EX Office: Wolfson 248 | Tel: +44 (0) 1784 44 3717 Affiliate Member | Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL nura.sidarus(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:%20nura.sidarus@rhul.ac.uk> | www.nurasidarus.com<http://www.nurasidarus.com/> __________________________________________________________ This email, its contents and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. In certain circumstances, it may also be subject to legal privilege. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted. If you have received this email in error, please notify us and immediately and permanently delete it. Any views or opinions expressed in personal emails are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Royal Holloway, University of London. It is your responsibility to ensure that this email and any attachments are virus free.

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Tenure Track in Complex Systems/Neurophysics
by Andre Longtin Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Tenure-track Position in Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science The Department of Physics of the University of Ottawa seeks to fill a tenure-track position in theoretical physics of complex systems. Theoretical neurophysics/artificial intelligence is the main target area for this search, but strong applicants working in complex systems more broadly applied to biological physics, condensed matter physics, photonics, statistical physics, and nonlinear dynamics will be considered. Title of the position: Assistant level but exceptional candidates at higher academic levels are also encouraged to apply. Duties: The functions of a member of the academic staff include, in varying proportions: a) teaching activities; b) scholarly activities pertaining to research and/or professional work; c) academic service activities, d) supervision of graduate students. Terms: Tenure-track position. Wage: As per collective agreement. Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete compensation package which includes long term disability, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, University of Ottawa Pension Plan, optional life insurance and paid leaves (including maternity, parental and academic leaves: https://hrdocrh.uottawa.ca/info/en-ca/apuo/index.html) Location of work: Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, STEM Complex, 150 Louis-Pasteur, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5. Contact information: James Harden, Chair, Department of Physics: phychair(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:phychair@uottawa.ca> . Skills requirements: * Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics. * Work experience: Due to the bilingual nature of our major undergraduate program, the successful candidate should be able to teach in French within a year of the appointment. The candidate is expected to lead a vigorous research program, and to contribute to teaching in the major and honors BSc in Physics as well as at the graduate level. We expect a demonstrated interest in interacting with other theorists and experimentalists in the department as well as in the Centre for Neural Dynamics and the Brain and Mind Research Institute, the Centre for Research in Photonics, the Max Planck-uOttawa Centre for Extreme and Quantum Photonics, and/or the Centre for Advanced Materials Research. Posting No.: 21016-SCI www.uottawa.ca/vice-president-academic/faculty-relations/faculty-recruitmen… Application deadline: April 30, 2021. The application material consists of a CV, a two-page summary of research plans and a one-page teaching statement, along with the contact information for three referees. The application should be emailed to Sophie Grimard (sgrimard(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:sgrimard@uottawa.ca>), secretary to the Chair Prof. James Harden, by April 30, 2021. The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous persons, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identiﬁcation Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application. Please take note of this posting number. This questionnaire can be found online. According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at 613-562-5958. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence. The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language. At the time of tenure, professors are expected to have the ability to function in a bilingual setting. Notice of Collection of Personal Information In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario) and with University Policy 90, your personal information is collected under the authority of the University of Ottawa Act, 1965 and is intended to be used for the purpose of and those consistent with your employment application and the administration of your employment relationship, if established. If you have any questions regarding this collection of personal information, please contact Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at (613) 562-5958 or by email at vra.affairesprofessorales(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca>.

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'What is self-organizaton?' -- Entropy sepcial issue
by Claudius Gros Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Dear colleagues Together with Damian Zanette, we are editing a an Entropy special issue around a question, that is of particular interest to the neurosciences: 'What is self-organizaton?' Deadline: 15 October 2021 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/self_organzation ------ info ------ Many of us have used the notion of `self-organization' in our studies. What is it precisely, though? A constituent element could be, e.g., the emergence of non-trivial properties from comparatively simple rules. What would simple, non-trivial or complex emergence mean in this context? In this Special Issue, we invite viewpoints, perspectives, and applied considerations on questions regarding the notions of self-organization and complexity. Examples include: Routes In how many different ways can self-organization manifest itself? Would it be meaningful, or even possible, to attempt a classification? Detection Can we detect it automatically, either the process or the outcome? Or do we need a human observer to classify a system as `self-organizing'? This issue may be related to the construction of quantifiers, e.g., in terms of functions on phase space, such as entropy measures. Complexity Is a system self-organizing only when the resulting dynamical state is `complex'? What does `complex' mean exactly? Are there many types of complexity, or just a single one? E.g., it has never been settled whether complexity should be intensive or extensive, if any. Domains Where do we find self-organizing processes? Are the properties of self-organizing systems domain-specific or universal? In which class of systems does self-organization show up most clearly? We are looking forward to your contribution! Claudius Gros %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ### ### Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros ### http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ### ### Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer ### A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13/15) ### ### Life for barren exoplanets: The Genesis project ### https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10509-016-2911-0 ###

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INCF/OCNS Software WG: Dev sessions on Brian (11th Feb) and NeuroFedora (16th Feb)
by Ankur Sinha Feb. 22, 2021

Feb. 22, 2021

Hello everyone, Apologies for the cross-posts. The INCF/OCNS Software Working Group (WG)[1] is happy to announce its first set of "Dev sessions" where members of the developer teams of commonly used neuroscience software will introduce their software and then discuss their *development* pipelines. The aim of these sessions is to stimulate discussion of the development practices and tools used by different teams to improve the software we use while also improving our knowledge of these practices and tools. We also hope to encourage more users of these tools to contribute to their development to ensure their longevity. Two sessions are currently scheduled: - Marcel Stimberg will speak about the development of the Brian simulator on Feb 11, 2021 1700 UTC[2]. Zoom link: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/91389216854?pwd=cFVWaXRYVFRUdll2c09Xb3dBS2FWQT09 - Ankur Sinha will speak about the development of the NeuroFedora Linux distribution on Feb 16, 2021 1700 UTC[3]. Zoom link: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/94964460359?pwd=MTJmWEY1NHRxd3l4ZGdtTS9NQ1FaZz09 (To prevent spamming/trolling during these sessions, you will need to login to your Zoom account to join them. These sessions will be recorded and made available for later viewing also.) Sessions on GeNN and Neurolib will also follow shortly. If you develop software for neuroscience, we would love to hear about your development pipeline. Please get in touch with the Software WG either on INCF's Neurostars platform[4] or on our GitHub repository[5]. The WG is a community based group that is open to everyone at all levels of their careers (academic or otherwise). Please introduce yourself to the community on our channels to get involved. [1] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/pages/about.html [2] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2021/02/07/dev-session-marcel-stimberg-br… [3] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2021/02/07/dev-session-ankur-sinha-neurof… [4] https://neurostars.org/t/ocns-infrastructure-software-tools-sig-meet-and-gr… [5] https://github.com/OCNS/SoftwareWG/issues On behalf of the WG, -- Thanks, Regards, Ankur Sinha (He / Him / His) Research Fellow at the Silver Lab | http://silverlab.org/ Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, & Pharmacology University College London, London, UK Time zone: Europe/London

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PhD Student position at the interface of neuroscience and machine learning
by Rava A. da Silveira Feb. 20, 2021

Feb. 20, 2021

The lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira invites applications for a *PhD Student position* at the *interface of computational neuroscience and machine learning*, at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) in Switzerland, an associated institute of the University of Basel. Research projects will involve modeling and data analysis; some projects will be carried out in the framework of collaborations with experimental labs. Questions will be chosen from a range of topics involving neural representations as relating to behavior, neural coding, dynamics and learning. Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, computer science, and engineering are welcome. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods, in addition to familiarity with mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure, eagerness, and drive. The positions will come with highly competitive work conditions and salaries. *Application deadline:* For full consideration, please apply by 15 March 2021. *How to apply:* Please send the following information *in one single PDF, to * *silveira(a)iob.ch* <silveira(a)iob.ch>*:* 1. letter on motivation and interests; 2. curriculum vitæ; 3. transcripts of undergraduate and Master grades. In addition, please arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same email address. In all email correspondence, please include the mention “APPLICATION-PHD” in the subject header, otherwise the application will *not* be considered. *** *The Silveira** Lab* focuses on a range of topics, which, however, are tied together through a central question: How does the brain represent and manipulate information? Among the more concrete approaches to this question, the lab analyses and models neural activity in circuits that can be identified, recorded from, and perturbed experimentally, such as visual neural circuits in the retina and the cortex. Establishing links between physiological specificity and the structure of neural activity yields an understanding of circuits as building blocks of cerebral information processing. On a more abstract level, the lab investigates the representation of information in populations of neurons, from a statistical and algorithmic—rather than mechanistic—point of view, through theories of coding and data analyses. These studies aim at understanding the statistical nature of high-dimensional neural activity in different conditions, and how this serves to encode and process information from the sensory world. In the context of cognitive studies, the lab investigates mental processes such as inference, learning, and decision-making, through both theoretical developments and behavioral experiments. A particular focus is the study of neural constraints and limitations and, further, their impact on mental processes. Neural limitations impinge on the structure and variability of mental representations, which in turn inform the cognitive algorithms that produce behavior. The lab explores the nature of neural limitations, mental representations, and cognitive algorithms, and their interrelations.

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Postdoc opening at the interface of cognitive science and machine learning
by Rava A. da Silveira Feb. 20, 2021

Feb. 20, 2021

The lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira invites applications for a *Postdoctoral Researcher* position at the *interface of theoretical/computational cognitive science and machine learning* at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) in Switzerland, an associated institute of the University of Basel. Research questions will be chosen from a range of topics involving models of decision making, learning, and memory, with a particular focus on the structure of human inference, the nature of internal representations/latent variables, and behavioral variability. While the projects will be primarily theoretical, they will involve data analysis and may be complemented with behavioral experiments or carried out in collaboration with experimental labs. Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, computer science, engineering, and psychology are welcome. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods, in addition to familiarity with neuroscience topics and mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure, eagerness, and drive. The positions will come with highly competitive work conditions and salaries. *Application deadline:* For full consideration, please apply by 15 March 2021. *How to apply:* Please send the following information *in one single PDF, to * *silveira(a)iob.ch* <silveira(a)iob.ch>*:* 1. letter of motivation; 2. statement of research interests, limited to two pages; 3. curriculum vitæ including a list of publications; 4. any relevant publications that you wish to showcase. In addition, please arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same email address. In all email correspondence, please include the mention “APPLICATION-POSTDOC” in the subject header, otherwise the application will *not* be considered. *** *The Silveira** Lab* focuses on a range of topics, which, however, are tied together through a central question: How does the brain represent and manipulate information? Among the more concrete approaches to this question, the lab analyses and models neural activity in circuits that can be identified, recorded from, and perturbed experimentally, such as visual neural circuits in the retina and the cortex. Establishing links between physiological specificity and the structure of neural activity yields an understanding of circuits as building blocks of cerebral information processing. On a more abstract level, the lab investigates the representation of information in populations of neurons, from a statistical and algorithmic—rather than mechanistic—point of view, through theories of coding and data analyses. These studies aim at understanding the statistical nature of high-dimensional neural activity in different conditions, and how this serves to encode and process information from the sensory world. In the context of cognitive studies, the lab investigates mental processes such as inference, learning, and decision-making, through both theoretical developments and behavioral experiments. A particular focus is the study of neural constraints and limitations and, further, their impact on mental processes. Neural limitations impinge on the structure and variability of mental representations, which in turn inform the cognitive algorithms that produce behavior. The lab explores the nature of neural limitations, mental representations, and cognitive algorithms, and their interrelations.

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Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience - call for nominations!
by Alexandra Stein Feb. 18, 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

Dear Colleagues, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites nominations for the Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience. The Bernstein Network presents the award biennially to a scientist in recognition of outstanding research that contributes to the understanding of the functioning of the brain. The major criterion for the award is the impact or potential impact of the recipient's research on the field of brain science. In the spirit of Valentin Braitenberg's own research, special emphasis is given to theoretical studies elucidating the functional implications of brain structures and their neuronal network dynamics. The awardee receives €5.000 prize money, donated by the Autonome Provinz Bozen Südtirol, as well as a Golden Neuron pin. The award will be presented in a special award ceremony at the online Bernstein Conference 2021, followed by a keynote lecture of the Braitenberg Awardee. Nominations may be submitted by scientists working in the field of computational neuroscience and should include the following documents: - One-page laudation, in which the scientific work of the candidate is honored with regard to the award criteria - CV and list of publications Deadline for nominations is April 30, 2021 by email to a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> Please note that self-nominations are not permitted. The call for nominations can be found under the following URL: https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/the-network/awards/Call_Braitenberg_2020<http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2018/braitenberg_award> For inquiries please contact a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de>. Best regards, Alexandra Stein -- Dr. Alexandra Stein Head of Bernstein Coordination Site Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9583 mobile: (+49) 0151 67114645 mail: a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> Twitter: BernsteinNeuro YouTube: Bernstein TV LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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