- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Master’s Thesis Project – Recruiting a Student: Information Under Fire:,POMDP Models of Information Seeking in VR Threat Environments
by Sara Ershadmanesh Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

*Master’s Thesis Project – Recruiting a Student:* *Information Under Fire:*** *POMDP Models of Information Seeking in VR Threat Environments* ** **Responsible co-supervisor:*Sara Ershadmanesh* Formal supervisor:*Peter Dayan* Supervising Collaborator:*Dominik Bach (Bonn)* ** The Department of Computational Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics focuses on building and testing theories and computational models of neural processing, with a particular emphasis on decision-making, learning, and representation. In dangerous or unpredictable environments, humans must decide whether to keep collecting rewards (e.g., food) or to seek information that helps them stay safe. In this project, you will analyse how people plan under threat and how they trade off explicit reward against information-seeking for safety. We have build a scenario in which biological agents forage for food and must stay clear of threats. We have also collected data from humans performing this task in virtual reality. The goal of the project is to develop computational models based on Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs). These models characterize belief formation about a threat‘s distance and speed, and how these beliefs guide planning in this situation. We will study both optimal behavior and heuristics computational strategies that may explain individual differences in this experiment. *What is available:* * Behavioral dataset from a VR experiment * Collaboration with researchers at the University of Bonn (VR expertise and behavioral analyses) * The active and rich environment at the Computational Neuroscience lab (supervised by Peter Dayan), where you are expected to participate in group activities as well as pursue your Master’s project. *Q**ualifications**/Experience:* * Strong programming skills are essential (Python or R) * Knowledge of POMDPs and experience implementing related models (more experience is a plus) *Student tasks:* * Improve and clean existing code * Extend POMDP model to generate optimal behavior * Compare model predictions to human behavior * Writethe Master thesis Remuneration is based on qualifications and professional experience. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer: Handicapped individuals are strongly encouraged to apply, and so are women in areas in which they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgroundsand aim for a fair hiring process—so applicants should not include a photo in their application documents. Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Kybernetik Max-Planck-Ring 8 72076 Tübingen www.kyb.mpg.de <http://www.kyb.mpg.de/>

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PhD Position: Deep Learning & EEG for Mental Health Diagnostics (Fall 2026) – Univ. of North Texas
by Korani, Wael Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

Hello everyone, The Lab: The Korani Lab in the Department of Data Science at the University of North Texas (UNT) is recruiting two PhD students to start in Fall 2026. Our research sits at the intersection of Computational Neuroscience, Biomedical Signal Processing, and Explainable AI. We focus on developing diagnostic tools to predict and detect mental disorders (Major Depressive Disorder) and evaluate treatment outcomes (rTMS, SSRI) using high-dimensional EEG data. The Project: The successful candidate will work on building and optimizing custom CNN and RNN architectures to decode complex patterns in EEG signals. This is not just applying off-the-shelf models; we are developing novel optimization algorithms (e.g., Mother Tree Optimization) and fusion techniques to improve diagnostic accuracy and interpretability in clinical settings. We are looking for: * Background: BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, or a related quantitative field. * Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Python (PyTorch/TensorFlow) and MATLAB. * Domain Knowledge: Experience with Time-Series Analysis or Signal Processing is highly desired. Prior work with EEG data is a significant plus. * Math: Comfort with linear algebra and optimization theory. Why Join? * Impact: Your code will directly contribute to tools intended for clinical use to improve mental health treatment outcomes. * Environment: UNT is a Tier 1 Research University. You will collaborate with clinical partners (including international collaborations) and have access to large-scale clinical datasets. To Apply: Please email a CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), and a brief statement of research interests to Dr. Wael Korani ([wael.korani(a)unt.edu] Please use the subject line: "PhD Application Fall 2026 – [Your Name]". Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the two positions are filled. Dr. Wael Korani Assistant Professor Department of Data Science University of North Texas [Link to your Faculty Profile or Lab Website]

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Call for Papers Now Open | Submit Your Work to ISCS 2026 | June 03–05, La Rochelle, France
by MOURCHID Youssef Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

📢 Call for Papers – ISCS 2026 The International Conference on Complex Systems (ISCS 2026) invites researchers and practitioners to submit original contributions on all aspects of Complex Systems. Submission formats * Long Papers: up to 12 pages * Short Papers: up to 8 pages * Extended Abstracts: 3–4 pages 🗓 Submission deadline: March 2, 2026 🔗 Submit via CMT: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/ISCS2026/ (Please select “ISCS 2026”) 🌐 Conference website: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/iscs/ Join us in shaping the future of Complex Systems Science and engaging with an international, interdisciplinary community. — ISCS 2026 Organizing Committee [cid:image001.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360] Youssef MOURCHID Enseignant-Chercheur UR 7527 Tel : +33 (0)7 88 33 17 65 22 B Rue du Cap Vert, 21800 Quetigny [cid:image002.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.facebook.com/CESIingenieurs> [cid:image003.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.facebook.com/CESIingenieurs> [cid:image004.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.youtube.com/user/groupecesi1> [cid:image005.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupe-cesi/> [cid:image006.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.instagram.com/cesi_officiel/> lineact.cesi.fr<https://lineact.cesi.fr/>

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Postdoc in statistical/computational models of birdsong
by Peter Dayan Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

The Computational Neuroscience lab led by Peter Dayan of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen, in collaboration with the Neurobiology of Vocal Communication Lab led by Lena Veit, invites applications for a Postdoc Research Fellow (m/f/d; E13 TVöD, 100%, 2 years). This role involves developing statistical and computational models for characterizing and understanding the structure of animal vocal communication, starting with the songs of the Bengalese Finch. This position is suited for researchers who have finished or are about to finish their PhD in a relevant discipline, such as computational neuroscience, cognitive (neuro-)science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, or psychology. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, comfortable with both analytic and critical thinking, and has a strong background in computational neuroscience, machine learning, or related fields. Relevant areas of expertise include computational modelling, signal processing, machine learning, and cognitive modeling. The applicant should have excellent programming skills, experience with advanced data analysis, and a strong publication record. The candidate should have a solid knowledge of the literature in relevant areas, and ideally have experience working in close collaboration with experimentalists. The working language is English; command of the German language is not necessary. What we offer: The position, initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of an extension, is part of a newly established DFG research unit "Neural Basis of Vocal Communication" (FOR 5768), which investigates, through a collaborative approach across four research sites, how vocal communication is produced, coordinated, and learned across vertebrate species by mapping and comparing the underlying neural networks. Using behavioral studies, neurophysiological recordings, and computational modeling, we aim to uncover shared principles and species-specific adaptations of vocal communication. The position will be supervised by Peter Dayan and Lena Veit. We offer remuneration in accordance with TVöD (collective wage agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States) in addition to all the customary benefits granted to employees working in Public Services. The position is based at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics along with the Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience which are both in Tübingen. There are no formal teaching duties, allowing full flexibility for conducting research. There will be opportunities to mentor and work with PhD and MSc students working on related topics. About Tübingen: Tübingen is a scenic university town on the Neckar River in South-Western Germany. The quality of life is exceptionally high, and the atmosphere is diverse, inclusive, and most locals speak English. Tübingen offers excellent research opportunities due to the University, three Max Planck institutes, the University Hospital, and Europe’s largest AI research consortium. You can find out more about Tübingen here: https://www.tuebingen.de/ How to apply: If you are interested in the position, please get in touch with Peter Dayan via email (agpd-applications(a)tue.mpg.de) enclosing your CV. For formal applications, please send a motivation letter, your CV, up to two representative publications, and the contact information of two referees as a single PDF to Susan Fischer (susan.fischer(a)tuebingen.mpg.de) The MPI for Biological Cybernetics is an equal opportunities employer. Applications of qualified women academics are especially encouraged; applications of disabled persons will be given preferential treatment to those of other candidates with equal qualifications. Preference will be given to applications received by 28th February 2026, but applications might be considered thereafter until the position is filled.

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EMBO Dendrites 2026: Abstract submission deadline extended to Feb. 9th
by marouso_velissariou＠imbb.forth.gr Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

Dear Colleagues, In response to popular demand, we have extended the deadline for abstract submission until Feb. 9th, 2026. Please register and submit your abstract online at: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-dendrites No payment is required for abstract submission. Notifications will be provided by February 28th, 2026 Registration payment due by March 15th, 2026 Potential attendees are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract as presenters will have registration priority. For more information about the conference, please refer to our web site or send email to embo2026(a)artion.com.gr We look forward to seeing you in person at DENDRITES 2026, in Heraklion, Crete, on 19-22 May 2026! The organizers, Panayiota Poirazi, Lucy Palmer, Mark Harnett -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control
by Andrea Green Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Applications are invited for doctoral and postdoctoral studies in systems neuroscience in the laboratories of Andrea Green and Paul Cisek. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research group studying how the primate brain controls real-time, natural behavior in dynamic environments. Different projects address how we specify and plan potential actions such as reaching under changing conditions as we move through our environment, decide between actions even during ongoing behavior, control and learn to execute movements in different behavioral contexts (e.g., body stationary vs. in motion) and integrate multisensory cues to estimate and keep track of our motion through space. Research in our group involves single- and multi-electrode neural recording experiments in non-human primates, human behavioral studies using techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and galvanic vestibular stimulation, and computational modeling of the nervous system. New collaborative projects will combine use of sophisticated spatial motion systems and virtual reality environments to study naturalistic behavior in both humans and non-human primates and develop computational models of real-time action selection, planning and control. For more information, see: https://neurosciences.umontreal.ca/recherche/les-chercheurs/andrea-green/ and https://cisek.org/pavel/ Multiple positions are available. All students with a strong background in biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or psychology and an interest in system-level study of the brain are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Depending on the applicant's qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to Andrea Green (andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:andrea.green@umontreal.ca>) and Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca>). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but preference will be given to applications received before March 16, 2026.

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Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Marcella Noorman, University of Chicago
by David Hansel Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Marcella Noorman University of Chicago on the topic of *Continuous representations in small, discrete circuits* The lecture will be held on zoom on February 4, 2026, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Many animals rely on persistent internal representations of continuous angular variables for working memory, motor control, and navigation. Theories have proposed that such representations are maintained by a class of recurrently connected networks called ring attractor networks. These networks rely on large numbers of neurons to maintain continuous and stable representations and to accurately integrate incoming signals. The head direction system of the fruit fly, however, seems to achieve these properties with a remarkably small network. These findings challenge our understanding of ring attractors and their putative implementation in neural circuits. In this talk, I will show analytically how small networks can overcome the constraints of their size to generate a ring attractor and are hence capable of stably maintaining an internal representation of a continuous, periodic variable. Further, I will show how ring attractors emerge in small threshold linear networks through the coordination of a discrete set of line attractors. More broadly, this work informs our understanding of the functional capabilities of small, discrete systems. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.*

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Accepting applications: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026
by Maria Neimark Geffen Jan. 30, 2026

Jan. 30, 2026

Dear Colleagues, I’m writing as a co-director of the upcoming *CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Course: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026*, now open for applications. This intensive course is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers interested in this field. Hosted at the *Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown*, this three-week course focuses on *bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and experimental neuroscience*. It provides intensive training in neural coding, network dynamics, and advanced data analysis, combining high-level lectures with hands-on Python-based projects to model complex brain functions and interpret large-scale neuronal datasets. 📍 *Location:* Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal 📅 *Dates:* 13 - 31 July 2026 ⏳ *Application Deadline:* 27 February 2026 🔗 *Apply now:* https://form.jotform.com/Cajal_training/computational-neuro2026 *Course Directors* - *Alfonso Renart* - Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal - *Julijana Gjorgjieva* - Technical University of Munich, Germany - *Maria Geffen* - University of Pennsylvania, USA - *Omri Barak* - Technion, Israel Institute of Technology *Course Themes & Topics:* - *Neural Modeling & Dynamics*: Mastering the mathematical foundations of brain function, from single-cell biophysical models like Hodgkin−Huxley to the complex behavior of excitatory-inhibitory networks. - *Neural Coding & Data Analysis*: Learning how populations of neurons represent information using advanced computational tools like dimensionality reduction to decode large-scale neural datasets. - *Cognitive & Normative Theory*: Exploring high-level functions through Bayesian inference and reinforcement learning to understand how the brain optimizes decision-making and motor control. *Speakers include:* - Larry Abbott (Columbia University, USA) - Haim Sompolinsky (Harvard University, USA & Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) - Susanne Schreiber (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany) - Francesca Mastrogiuseppe (SISSA – International School for Advanced Studies, Italy ) - Il Memming Park (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Jakob Macke (University of Tübingen, Germany ) - Wiktor Młynarski (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Laura Busse (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Yiota Poirazi (IMBB–FORTH, Heraklion, Greece ) - Adrienne Fairhall (University of Washington, USA) - Agostina Palmigiano (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK) - Joe Paton (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Dmitri Chklovskii (Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, USA) - Brent Doiron (University of Chicago, USA) - Gilles Laurent (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) - Alex Cayco Gajic (École Normale Supérieure – PSL, France ) - Rafal Bogacz (MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, University of Oxford, UK) ________________________________ Maria Neimark Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Professor Co-director, Penn Computational Neuroscience Initiative Department of Otorhinolaryngology: HNS (primary) Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania 5 Ravdin 3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia PA 19104 Tel.: 215.898.0782 My zoom <https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/my/mgeffen?pwd=eWVFbUJFUGRJZ3g1eU9YZEZic2VwZz09> mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing https://bsky.app/profile/geffenlab.bsky.social

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Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces
by João Barbosa Jan. 30, 2026

Jan. 30, 2026

Dear all, The Neuromodulation Institute (Paris) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position (full-time, 2-year contract with the possibility of extension) to join a human brain–computer interface project led by Philippe Domenech <http://computationalbrainteam.com/en/people> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) in direct collaboration with João Barbosa <http://jbarbosa.org/> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) and Guillaume Bellec <http://guillaume.bellec.eu/> (Technical University of Vienna). The work will be carried out in the center of Paris and the newly created Neuromodulation Institute. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. About the Project This position is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving computational neuroscientists, clinicians, and engineers. The goal is to establish model-driven, multi-site stimulation experiments in human patients and move towards novel therapies for psychiatric disorders through the control of human brain dynamics via closed-loop stimulation. As an initial step toward these broader goals, the postdoctoral researcher will work with electrophysiological data collected from epilepsy patients implanted with ~124 intracranial LFP electrodes, enabling simultaneous recording and multi-site stimulation. We already collected several datasets (open-loop) and up to 4 subjects are collected per month through a national network of clinicians. The work carried out by the successful applicant will sit at the intersection of machine learning, computational neuroscience and data analyses of human intracranial electrophysiology. The medium-term ambition is to expand this work to additional patient populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to incorporate recording techniques such as large-scale multi-unit activity and sub-second neuromodulation (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, etc) detection using ML-augmented voltammetry. Key responsibilities include developing data-driven state-space models of neural dynamics for optimal control policies for stimulation as well as inference pipelines for predicting network responses of intracranial recordings. The position emphasizes computational modeling, theory, and algorithmic development, rather than hands-on experimental data collection. Candidate Profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and computational skills, and demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas: machine learning, simulation-based inference, reinforcement learning, generative/diffusion models and dynamical systems. Required Skills and Experience - Strong scientific programming skills in Python, in particular proficiency in PyTorch, Jax or related - Demonstrated experience in machine learning - Excellent written and spoken English. - Direct experimental experience is not required. However, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about interacting with clinicians, neurosurgeons, and patients during experimental planning and execution. Preferred but not required - Experience working with time series data, in particular intracranial recordings (LFP, ECoG, depth electrodes) in humans or other animals. We strongly encourage applications from individuals that are underrepresented in academia. What We Offer - Opportunity to contribute to multiple ongoing projects at the forefront of human intracranial research - A highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive neuroscience - A collaborative lab culture with close mentorship from senior investigators. - Support for career development, including opportunities to co-supervise students, present at conferences and workshops - Paris has an increasingly tight network of systems and computational neuroscience and offers many possibilities for collaborations How to apply Please send a statement of your past work and future research interests (one page each), CV and at least one manuscript demonstrating required experience to palerma(a)gmail.com with the subject “Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces”. Joao Barbosa

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Special Year on Modeling Fly Vision (forwarded from Sebastian Seung)
by Reinoud Maex Jan. 30, 2026

Jan. 30, 2026

Begin forwarded message: From: Sebastian Seung <sseung(a)princeton.edu<mailto:sseung@princeton.edu>> Could you post the attached announcement to the comp-neuro mailing list? Thanks in advance! You could also include a link to the announcement: https://www.ias.edu/sns/csb#special-year<https://www.ias.edu/sns/csb#special-year> Sebastian -------------- Subject: 2026-27 special year IAS program on Modeling Fly Vision During the 2026-27 academic year, the Simons Center for Systems Biology in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study will have a special program on Modeling Fly Vision co-organized by Misha Tsodyks (IAS) and Sebastian Seung (Princeton University). New kinds of brain maps are driving a renaissance of visual neuroscience, starting with the fruit fly Drosophila. The fly connectome yielded as a corollary the first wiring diagram for an entire visual system. Transcriptomics is identifying the ion channels and synaptic receptors in fly visual neurons. Using such detailed information, it is now possible to model the fly visual system with unprecedented realism. Our program will address the perception of motion, color, polarization, form, and objects, as well as complex visually guided behaviors such as navigation and courtship. The program promises to have historic impact by helping to refound theoretical and computational neuroscience on the bedrock of twenty-first century brain maps. Senior participants include Axel Borst (MPG), Dimitri Chklovskii (Flatiron), Damon Clark (Yale), Carina Curto (Brown), Tobi Delbruck (INI-UZH), Dezhe Jin (Penn State), and Shih-chii Liu (INI-UZH). The program will benefit from interactions with experimental research on fly neural circuits and connectomics at Princeton and other universities in the New York metropolitan area. We invite applications for membership in the special year program from researchers at all career levels. Post-doctoral membership is for one year with the possibility of extension. Postdocs receive full stipend support and are free to select their own research topics. Sabbatical membership can be from one term to the entire academic year, and is for researchers with faculty or equivalent independent positions. Partial stipend support may be available, depending on the amount of support being provided by the member’s home institution, or by an outside fellowship. The deadline for applications is rolling. We will begin reviewing applications on January 15 and continue until the positions are filled. Applicants should submit: * a CV that includes a list of publications, * and a research statement explaining interest in the topic of the special year. * Post-doctoral applicants should also request three letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed to Audrey Smerkanich at audrey(a)ias.edu<mailto:audrey@ias.edu>. The subject line of the email should say “Special Year on Modeling Fly Vision.”

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