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Postdoctoral Position in Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience

by rmgr＠bu.edu

Postdoctoral Position in Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience: Flexible, Theory-Driven Research Program on Human Perception and Cognition We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position in our lab at Boston University, directed by Rob Reinhart (website: https://reinhartlab.org/) Our work focuses on the computational and neural mechanisms of human perception and cognition. This position is supported by fully flexible research resources, offering an unusually high degree of freedom to co-develop a research program that most excites the postdoc and draws deeply on their expertise, in close intellectual partnership with the PI. The lab is fundamentally a basic science training environment, oriented toward building representational computational accounts of cognition. Our central goal is not merely to describe behavior and its correlates, but to identify and test the internal representations and operations that constitute the cognitive phenotype, and to articulate the causal mechanisms by which these representations are implemented in neural systems. Research Approach Our work aims to integrate: (1) Causal perturbation of neural systems, including high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) and temporal interference (TI) stimulation, to directly test mechanistic hypotheses. (2) Computational modeling across levels, including: Electric field models, Formal and normative models, Cognitive models, Neural spiking models and neural mass models. (3) Rich, theory-driven experimental design, using behavioral measures (e.g., psychophysics, eye movements) that feed directly into computational models, with behavior serving as a window into latent representational structure rather than an endpoint of interest. (4) Human neuroscience methods, including EEG and fMRI, integrated with perturbation and modeling. (5) Advanced machine learning and multivariate analysis, including representational similarity analysis (RSA), multivariate decoding and encoding models, pattern component modeling (PCM), cross-validated model comparison, dimensionality-reduction and manifold-learning methods, regularized and probabilistic models, and related techniques for interrogating representational geometry and latent structure in neural and behavioral data. Intellectual Environment The lab values theoretical clarity, mechanistic explanation, and close coupling between experiment and model. We are especially interested in candidates who think carefully about: (1) What representations are being computed? (2) What operations transform them? (3) How these computations are implemented neurally. (4) How causal perturbation constrains theory. The postdoc will have substantial latitude to shape the direction of their research, develop new paradigms or modeling approaches, and pursue questions that cut across cognition, computation, and neuroscience. Qualifications We welcome applicants from a broad range of academic backgrounds relevant to the study of cognition, including cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics. Applicants with strong theoretical and computational training from related fields such as physics, applied mathematics, or computer science who are motivated to translate this expertise to questions in cognitive neuroscience are also encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have: (1) a strong interest in computational and mechanistic explanations of cognition; (2) experience with at least one of the following: computational modeling, EEG/fMRI, brain stimulation, advanced data analysis, or experimental design; and (3) a desire for deep, theory-driven training. Training and Career Development This position is designed as a launchpad for independent academic research careers, with the goal of preparing scholars for tenure-track faculty positions at R01 universities. Training emphasizes intellectual ownership, methodological breadth, and rigorous theoretical foundations, with close mentorship paired with strong encouragement to develop a distinctive research identity. The Reinhart Laboratory is embedded within a highly interdisciplinary research environment at Boston University, with connections spanning human neuroscience, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience across Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Dr. Reinhart holds a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering and is an active member of multiple interdisciplinary research centers that support cross-field collaboration and independent research development. The lab is affiliated with the Center for Research in Sensory Communication and Emerging Neural Technology (CReSCNT) and the Center for Systems Neuroscience (CSN), which together foster collaborative, theory-driven research linking neural mechanisms to behavior, computational modeling, and technological innovation. Through these centers, trainees have access to a broad intellectual community at Boston University and across the greater Boston-area research ecosystem. Applicants should send a short cover letter, CV, and names of three references to rmgr(a)bu.edu.

March 25, 2026

CNeuro2026 Summer School in Computational Neuroscience, Beijing, July 2026

by Taniya Channa

*CN**EURO**2026* *Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Summer School* *7 to 14 July 2026 — Beijing, China* *This year: “C**ONNECTIONS BETWEEN **N**ATURAL* *AND **A**RTIFICIAL **I* *NTELLIGENCE**”* *www.cneuro.net* <http://www.cneuro.net> *Format* The course will bring together leading scientists in the field, who will deliver both introductory and advanced lectures, and take part in small-group discussions. Other activities will include homework sessions and student presentations, as well as the now popular “Life and Science” panel series, in which faculty and students can both share their personal experiences and views on research and career. *Faculty* Nathaniel Daw (Princeton University) Michael Häusser (The University of Hong Kong) Sukbin Lim (NYU Shanghai) Aravinthan Samuel (Harvard University) Haim Sompolinsky (Harvard University) Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN Institute) Matthieu Wyart (EPFL and Johns Hopkins University) *Organizers* Rava Azeredo da Silveira (University of Basel and Unievrsity of Zurich) Sen Song (Tsinghua University) Louis Tao (Peking University) Xiaoqin Wang (Johns Hopkins University and Tsinghua University) Quan Wen (USTC) Hang Zhang (Peking University) -- *Disclaimer: This e-mail and any attached files may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient (or have received this e-mail in error), please notify the sender immediately by replying to this e-mail and immediately complete the removal/destruction of this e-mail from your system. Any unauthorised copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this e-mail is strictly forbidden.*

March 25, 2026

PhD and Postdoc Jobs in Computational Neuroscience in Bonn

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

Dear friends and colleagues, the Tchumatchenko group at the University of Bonn has several open PhD and Postdoc positions, see ads [1] and [2] below. Please spread the word. Best, Tatjana Tatjana Tchumatchenko Professor for Computational Neuroscience of Behavior Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research Medical Faculty, University of Bonn Am Propsthof 49 53121 Bonn www.tchumatchenko.de [1] PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience are available in the Tchumatchenko group at the University of Bonn. The Tchumatchenko Group is seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to conduct research in the field of computational neuroscience. We work at the intersection between mathematics and biology and use both pen-and-paper calculations as well numerical simulations and data analysis methods. The choice of the methods is driven by the topic at hand which is often a question related to the circuit-level function of neural networks and synaptic dynamics. Our group is one of the leading computational neuroscience teams in Europe and obtained competitive prizes and third-party funding from several funding sources and has a track record of successful theses and research papers completed by mathematics/physics students that did not have prior exposure to biology. The projects you could work on could focus on a mathematical study of multiple attractors, time series analysis, numerical fitting procedures or involve tool development in python for the analysis of neural activity data. On the most applied end, machine learning applications to image segmentation (mRNA and protein) and analyses of behavioral tracking data are conducted in our group. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, team-oriented graduate interested in either pen-and-paper calculations, numerical algorithms or machine learning applications. Candidates should be enthusiastic about working and learning in an interdisciplinary research team in which members come from diverse scientific backgrounds. Good communication skills, a strong work ethic, excellent command of the English language are essential. Please send your application with a cover letter, a CV, copies of all relevant degree certificates to tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de. All salaries according to the public German salary scale. Start date negotiable. Information about our group can be found here: www.tchumatchenko.de We are looking forward to your application! [2] Two postdoc positions (m/f/d) are available in the Tchumatchenko group. The Tchumatchenko Group is seeking to attract two highly motivated postdoc candidates to conduct research in the field of computational neuroscience. Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko was recently appointed a Henriette Herz scout at the Alexander von Humboldt foundation and is looking to attract two international postdocs though this funding scheme [https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/bewerben/foerderprogramme/henriette-herz…] The ideal candidate will be an international, highly motivated, scientifically curious postdoctoral fellow with a strong work ethic and a PhD degree in life sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or similar disciplines who looking to answer open question in computational neuroscience. Great social skills, excellent command of the English language and enthusiasm for working in a competitive interdisciplinary research team are essential. Potential scientific projects could lie either at the boundary between behavioral analysis and circuit neuroscience or at the boundary between molecular dynamics and circuit neuroscience. How is the molecular dynamics organized across the brain and what are statistical differences across cell types? How can we relate learning at the level of synapses and circuits to behavioral changes observed in animals? Can we identify behavioral states and link them to particular circuit activity states? Please send your application together with a cover letter, a CV with contact details from one academic reference and copies of all relevant degree certificates to tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de. Please include in your subject line “AvH Application your name”. We are looking forward to your application! Duration and salary will be according to the fellowship scale of the Alexander von Humboldt foundation. Start date negotiable.

March 25, 2026

PhD position at the University of Antwerp

by Mohit Adhikari

Hello All, Daniele Bertoglio and I are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to work on an exciting new project at the Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp. The project aims to longitudinally study the beneficial effects of non-invasive multisensory stimulation at gamma frequency (40Hz) on brain function, brain clearance, and behaviour in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The project entails the acquisition of resting-state fMRI, intravoxel incoherent motion MRI, SynVesT-1-PET, and Tau-PET data, as well as computational and statistical analyses to link the imaging and behavioral readouts of the effect of this therapeutic strategy. For more information and application, please see: <goog_471538613> https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/jobs/vacatures/ap/?q=4284&descr=Doctoral-schol… The application deadline is midnight on April 6th, Central European Time. Kind regards, Mohit Adhikari Senior Researcher Bio-Imaging Lab University of Antwerp UC 1.17, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium. mohit.adhikari(a)uantwerpen.be

March 25, 2026

Faculty position at WashU

by Goodhill, Geoffrey

The Department of Neuroscience at WashU Medicine seeks tenure track investigators at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor with the passion to create knowledge, pursue bold visions, and challenge canonical thinking to join us in our new, state-of-the art 10-story purpose-built neurosciences research building. Applicants can be from any area of molecular, cellular, circuits, systems, cognitive, or computational and theoretical neuroscience. For more details please see https://facultyopportunities.wustl.edu/Posting/Detail/1011187 Best wishes, Geoff Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience Director, Center for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (ctcn.wustl.edu) Washington University School of Medicine 4370 Duncan Ave. St Louis, MO 63110 g.goodhill(a)wustl.edu https://neuroscience.wustl.edu/people/geoffrey-goodhill-phd

March 24, 2026

6th CN³ Summer School | Ulster University | 12–19 August 2026

by O'Donnell, Cian

[cn3 -white long export(a)2x.png] We are pleased to invite you to the 6th CN³ Summer School — Computational Neuroscience, Neurotechnology & Neuro-inspired AI — to be held at Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, UK, from 12 to 19 August 2026. Now in its sixth edition, CN³ brings together students, researchers, and industry professionals for an intensive eight-day programme at the intersection of brain science and artificial intelligence. The school combines expert-led lectures with hands-on sessions, providing both a rigorous foundation and exposure to the latest developments in the field. Please note: This edition is open for in-person participation only, with places limited to 20 attendees. Online participation will be available separately from 1 July 2026. Programme Topics covered across the eight days include: * Mathematical foundations of neuroscience * Computational modelling of neural-glial systems & cognition * NeuroAI & Neuro-Inspired AI * Neural data science * Cutting-edge neurotechnology * Neuromorphic computing & intelligent self-repairing machines * Cognitive robotics * Entrepreneurship in neurotech & AI Who Should Apply CN³ welcomes applications from MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, and industry professionals with an interest in computational neuroscience, neurotechnology, or AI. The programme is designed to be accessible across disciplines — prior knowledge in any one of these areas is sufficient to participate fully. Application Deadlines In-person applications are now open. Given the limited number of places, early applications are encouraged. Applicants requiring a visa: 30 April 2026 All other in-person applicants: 31 May 2026 Online registration opens: 1 July 2026 (separate process — details to follow) Apply: ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school> We look forward to welcoming you to Derry~Londonderry this August. Kind regards, The CN³ 2026 Organising Committee 6th CN³ Summer School — Computational Neuroscience, Neurotechnology & Neuro-inspired AI Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, UK ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school> This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

March 24, 2026

Final call: Tenure Track Research Positions in Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics

by Jaroslav Hlinka

Tenure Track Research Positions in Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics The Institute of Computer Sciences of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ICS CAS), Prague, Czech Republic, invites applications for tenure‐track positions in Computer Science and related areas fitting and/or expanding some of its current research areas. The Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group (https://cobra.cs.cas.cz/ <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>) invites applicants with interest to develop research agenda at the border of computer science & AI with neuroscience & complex systems research. For informal inquiries write to Jaroslav Hlinka at hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:hlinka@cs.cas.cz>. We offer a full-time position, which includes the following benefits: * Freedom and support to develop an independent research program. * Flexible working conditions, including the option to work part-time. * Initial salary matching the local price level (monthly gross salary 55-80 thousand CZK based on qualifications and experience – approximately 47-68 thousand CZK net salary including non-taxable benefits). Salary top-up based on regular evaluations and successful grant applications (20-100% / FTE on grants). * Annual bonuses based on research performance. * Social and health care insurance. * Five weeks of paid vacation on top of public holidays. * Travel package up to 100 000 CZK for conferences and research stays. * Child care facilities in the institute’s building. * Highly attractive and safe location (Prague). We encourage you to apply, if you: * Hold a Ph.D. degree, * have an excellent research record in a relevant field (relative to your career stage), * show the potential to build an independent research group and acquire research funding. Conditions of contractYou will be appointed for up to 3 years initially and your performance will be evaluated towards the end of this period. In case of a positive review, you will be eligible for an extension or a tenured appointment. Your involvement in graduate teaching programs and supervising graduate students will not be mandatory, yet welcomed by the Institute. To apply, submit your application to jobs(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:jobs@cs.cas.cz>, mentioning the Ref. No. 2026/4 and including the following: * Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position, * curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and a description of the three most important research achievements, * description of your scientific interests and plans, including potential collaborations within and outside of the institute.Contact hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz for consulting the outline prior to submission. * 3 letters of recommendation. The referees should send their recommendations directly to jobs(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:jobs@cs.cas.cz>. The closing date for application is 31th March 2026. About us: The Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group (https://cobra.cs.cas.cz/ <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>) focuses on the development and application of methods of analysis and modelling of real-world complex networked systems, with particular interest in the structure and dynamics of human brain function. Our main research areas are: Brain networks (Neuroimaging data analysis, Brain dynamics modelling), Causal interaction inference (Causality and information flow inference, Nonlinearity and nonstationarity), Complex network analysis (Graph theory, Machine learning and multivariate statistics, Application in neuroscience, climate research, economics, …). COBRA is a part of theDepartment of Complex Systems <https://www.cs.cas.cz/complex-systems/en>of theInstitute of Computer Science <https://www.cs.cas.cz/>of theCzech Academy of Sciences <https://www.cas.cz>. The Czech Academy of Sciences is the largest organization conducting foundational research in the Czech Republic. -- Jaroslav Hlinka Head of the Department of Complex Systems Deputy Director, Institute of Computer Science Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Vodarenskou vezi 2 Prague 8, 182 00, Czech Republic Tel: (+420) 26605 3808 E-mail: hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz Web: http://www.cs.cas.cz/hlinka/ Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics Group (COBRA): http://cobra.cs.cas.cz Brain Dynamics consortium project (BRADY): https://brady.cs.cas.cz/

March 23, 2026

Announcement: pymdp 1.0.0 (JAX backend for active inference modeling)

by Conor Heins

Dear colleagues, I would like to announce the release of pymdp 1.0.0, an open-source Python package for building and simulating active inference agents with discrete POMDP generative models. Repository: https://github.com/infer-actively/pymdp Documentation: https://pymdp-rtd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ Examples: https://pymdp-rtd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tutorials/notebooks/ Release notes: https://github.com/infer-actively/pymdp/releases/tag/v1.0.0 pymdp was originally developed as a NumPy-based library implementing core active inference routines for perception, planning, learning, and action selection. Version 1.0.0 is a substantial update that rebuilds the library around a JAX backend. Main changes in 1.0.0 include: - GPU/TPU-ready simulation of agents and environments - autodifferentiable inference, planning, learning, and action selection - JIT-compiled agent-environment loops for substantially faster execution - straightforward batching over agents and environments via vmap() - easier integration with JAX-native probabilistic programming tools such as NumPyro <https://github.com/pyro-ppl/numpyro> and pybefit <https://github.com/dimarkov/pybefit> In addition to the backend rewrite, the release includes several algorithmic and modeling improvements: - tree-search planning with sophisticated inference <https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.04120>, with compatibility with Monte Carlo Tree Search through DeepMind's mctx package - inductive inference, which augments planning with backward goal-reachability constraints and is particularly useful in long-horizon, deterministic or near-deterministic settings - exact HMM filtering and smoothing with associative scan - optimized differentiable implementations of marginal message passing and variational message passing - support for sparse dependency structure in large graphical models - more flexible many-to-many action dependencies between control factors and hidden-state factors One motivation for the JAX transition was to make active inference models easier to integrate into modern differentiable and probabilistic workflows. We expect this to be especially useful for researchers working in computational neuroscience, cognitive modeling, and computational psychiatry, where fitting decision-making models to behavior is a common goal. Feedback, bug reports, and contributions are very welcome. Best wishes, Conor Heins

March 23, 2026

Consciousness Commons (ASSC satellite): build a study in 2 days + $25,000 seed funding

by Lucia Melloni

Dear all, What if we created a space to move from ideas to concrete research on consciousness, together? Right after ASSC 2026, we are organizing Consciousness Commons: Building Collaborative Science with Open Consciousness Data, a two-day satellite workshop in Santiago, Chile (July 4–5, 2026). Consciousness Commons is designed for early-career researchers who want to move from ideas to concrete research. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants will develop hypothesis-driven projects using openly available datasets, including those from the Cogitate consortium, with a strong focus on reproducibility and preregistration. By the end of the workshop, each team will leave with a fully specified, preregistered study. Projects will also be eligible to compete for $25,000 in seed funding to support further development. Key details: Open to PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers (≤10 years post-PhD) Pre-event virtual kick-off: May 18–19 (TBC) Application deadline: April 13, 2026 More information: https://consciousness-commons.github.io/cc-assc-2026 Apply here: https://forms.gle/c1xpSTk2sJ3oTzHZ6 Please share this opportunity with interested students and colleagues. Best wishes, The Consciousness Commons Team -- Lucia Melloni

March 23, 2026

Registration is now open for BrainNet 2026 workshop!

by Pascal Helson

Dear all, We are thrilled to announce the BrainNet 2026 workshop, the event's 5th edition! If you're interested in exploring multidisciplinary approaches to brain data and brain functions, we cordially invite you to attend the BrainNet 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, from May 25th to 27th. Our interdisciplinary set of speakers will showcase state-of-the-art methods for analysing and explaining brain data, offering insights from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. This year’s theme is ”A multi-scale view of the brain". The event is hybrid, you can participate either in person or virtually. For on-site participants, you can submit an abstract for giving a contributed talk! Talk submission closes on 12th of April 2026 and on-site registration closes on 10th of May 2026. The confirmed speakers are: Cornelis Stam, VU University Medical Center Francesca Mastrogiuseppe, SISSA Alex Roxin, Centre de Recerca Matemàtica Marilyn Gatica, Northeastern London Stefano Sarao Mannelli, Chalmers and Gothenburg University Rikkert Hindriks, VU University Amsterdam Nicolas Brunel, Bocconi University Moritz Helmstaedter, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Tomoki Fukai, OIST Sofie Ährlund-Richter, MIT Ramòn Nartallo-Kaluarachchi, University of Oxford Gilad Silberberg, KI Sarah Vandenbulcke, KTH Madeleine Skeppås, Uppsala University Paolo Medini, Umeå University This is a unique opportunity to connect with the experts and the participants, the event is structured with ample time for discussions. You can find more details, including the registration link, on the BrainNet 2026 webpage <https://brainnet26.github.io/>. We look forward to seeing you there! Please distribute the link in your networks for anyone who might be interested in attending. Best regards, The BrainNet 2026 Organising Committee: Pascal Helson, IMN University of Bordeaux Arvind Kumar, KTH Henri Riihimäki, Nordita / Stockholm University Jason Smith, Nottingham Trent University Sarah Vandenbulcke, KTH BrainNet funding: BrainNet 2026 is supported by the Strategic Research Area Neuroscience (StratNeuro) [Karolinska Institute, Umeå University and KTH], the Wallenberg Initiative on Networks and Quantum Information (WINQ) program [Nordita institute] and Digital Futures [KTH, Stockholm University and RISE].

March 23, 2026