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ReScience C : special issue on 2019 ICLR Reproducibility Challenge in machine learning
by Nicolas Rougier May 23, 2019

May 23, 2019

Dear all, It’s my great pleasure to announce that selected papers from the 2019 ICLR Reproducibility Challenge in machine learning (coordinated by J.Pineau) have been published in ReScience C and are freely accessible at: ReScience C, volume 5, issue 2 (2019), ICLR Reproducibility Challenge 2019 https://rescience.github.io/read/#volume-5-2019. If you’re interested in organizing a challenge or editing a special issue, feel free to contact me. Nicolas Rougier, ReScience C editor-in-chief.

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Call for Papers: Special Issue "Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience"
by Dimitrije Markovic May 22, 2019

May 22, 2019

Dear Colleagues, You are cordially invited to submit a manuscript to Special Entropy Issue "Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience" https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/Computational_Neuroscie… Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2020 With best regards, Claudius Gros and Dimitrije Markovic Abstract ====== Brains empower living organisms with extraordinary information processing capabilities. Complex spatio-temporal dependencies present in their environments may be learned, long- and short-term memories of experiences and plans regarding the future. Importantly, information processing in the brain happens over multiple spatio-temporal scales, from single synapses and synaptic terminals to dendritic trees and neuronal bodies, all the way up to neuronal networks and large brain areas. Hence, it is not surprising that information theory has led to many exciting developments in computational neuroscience, providing tools essential for our modern understanding of the computational principles that govern the development, structure, physiology, and dynamics of the nervous system. In this Special Issue, we aim to bring together neuronal models and neuronal plasticity mechanisms that are grounded in information theory principles, modern inference, and learning algorithms. We welcome submissions that use information theory as the basis for defining generative principles of neuronal dynamics over multiple spatio-temporal scales, which informs our understanding of information processing in the brain. ============================= Dr. Dimitrije Markovic Post-Doc at Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany Lab website: https://tu-dresden.de/mn/psychologie/ifap/ni Phone: +49-351-463-43146 Personal website: http://dimarkov.github.io/ =============================

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Post-doctoral post in Madrid Brain Dynamics of addiction
by jose luis perez velazquez May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

*Post-Doc position*: *Dynamics of brain activity in addiction and compulsive reward-seeking* Responsible for electrophysiological recordings in behaving animals (rats) using rodent models of reward-seeking and addiction. One year*, starting immediately* Location: Madrid-Spain Dedication: Full time Experience with in vivo electrophysiological recordings in freely behaving animals is required. It would be an asset if the incumbent has some experience with the Skinner box, but is not required (teaching will be provided). Data analysis will involve the scrutiny of brain dynamic patterns in the rodents’ brains during addictive behaviours, using MATLAB codes already available from the investigators. Experience with basic data analysis will be an advantage as well. Contact: Fivos Panetsos, Professor fivos(a)ucm.es Director, Neuro-computing & Neuro-robotics Research Group Complutense University of Madrid Director, Neural Plasticity Research Group Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid

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ICTALS 2019 registration open
by Goodfellow, Marc May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

Dear All, Registration is now open for ICTALS 2019 at the University of Exeter 2-5th September 2019. Please see: www.exeter.ac.uk/ictals2019/registration/<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/ictals2019/registration/> Early bird registration is open until 31 July 2019 at the following rates: Students £250 Faculty/ Clinician £400 Industry £500 Lived experience (non-scientist) £30 for the first 20 registrants. Spaces are limited, so we would encourage you to register as soon as possible. The International Conference for Technology and AnaLysis of Seizures, 2019 (ICTALS2019) will take place at the University of Exeter, September 2nd - 5th 2019. The goal of this conference is to bring together neurologists, neuroscientists, researchers from quantitative disciplines and people with lived experience of epilepsy in order to work as a community to advance our understanding of epilepsy and develop practical ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. This is the second ICTALS conference, which is an evolution of the previous International Workshop on Seizure Prediction (IWSP) series. The theme for this year's conference will be: "The Epilepsy Journey: from first seizure to treatment and beyond". We will emphasise how advances in our understanding of the dynamics of brain networks can be used to make a difference to people with epilepsy at all points of their journey: from elucidating the causes of the first seizure to diagnosing epilepsy, understanding how ictogenic networks give rise to recurrent seizures and how this insight can inform personalised treatment. To encourage this focus on translatable output of research we will seek to include all relevant communities. In addition to focussing on current scientific, clinical and technological advances, we will take steps to increase accessibility for people with lived experience of epilepsy. For further information see http://exeter.ac.uk/ictals2019 We look forward to seeing you in Exeter in September! Best wishes Marc Goodfellow, on behalf of the local organising committee.

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Places left for training courses before INCF's Neuroinformatics 2019
by Malin Sandström May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

Dear all, there are still som places left for the (free) training courses we are arranging in Warsaw on August 31, the day before Neuroinformatics 2019. All courses are free to attend for registered participants. The TVB WS explains fundamental principles of full brain network modelling using the TVB open source neuroinformatics platform. Lectures & hands-on sessions allow participants to immediately apply concepts from the lectures to their simulations. http://bit.ly/2Hs9L7h The HBPBrainSim short course introduces participants to the Brain Simulation Platform (BSP). After the course participants will be able to use the BSP to access HPC systems to configure & run simulations and visualize & analyze simulation results. http://bit.ly/2Ht7AQN The course ‘Neuroscience data integration through use of digital brain atlases’, a combination of lectures & hands-on training, introduces participants to a workflow for spatial integration of morphological features in a 3D reference atlas. http://bit.ly/2HqnPOh See https://www.neuroinformatics2019.org/ for more information. Best regards, Malin -- Malin Sandström, PhD Community Engagement Officer malin.sandstrom(a)incf.org International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 15 A SE-171 77 Stockholm Sweden http://www.incf.org

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PhD position in computational neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam (deadline June 6)
by Jorge Mejias May 20, 2019

May 20, 2019

Dear all, A PhD position in computational neuroscience is available at the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). The main objective of the project is to investigate the neural mechanisms of multisensory perception and sensory predictions, within the context of a novel theoretical framework of perception and consciousness that is being developed in the Group. These neural mechanisms will be investigated using theoretical and computational approaches based on both biophysically detailed models of corticothalamic circuits and neural network models trained with deep learning strategies. The research is partially funded by the Human Brain Project and will benefit from collaborations with local experimental teams and with other European research groups. The project will be supervised by Jorge Mejias (leader of the Computational Neuroscience Team) and Cyriel Pennartz (head of the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group). We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate with a Master's degree in neuroscience (with strongly developed quantitative skills) or in a related field, including physics, mathematics, computer science, or biomedical engineering. The candidate is expected to have a solid mathematical background (calculus, differential equations, dynamical systems) and strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python). Knowledge in methods of computational neuroscience and deep learning is a plus. English is the official language of the lab, therefore good English communication skills are expected. We offer a full-time appointment for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive performance evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance to courses and (international) meetings. The gross monthly salary will range from €2,325 in the first year to €2,972 in the final year, according to the Dutch salary scale for PhD candidates. Additional benefits include a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus (8% and 8.3% of the gross annual salary, respectively) and generous vacation, pension and social security conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. Candidates coming from abroad might also be eligible for highly attractive tax benefits. The lab is located in the state-of-the art facilities of the Science Park at the University of Amsterdam, with good communications with other academic facilities and research centers in the city. The University of Amsterdam is one of the top research universities in Europe, with a strong focus on the research area of brain and cognition. Amsterdam is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with a rich historical and cultural heritage that includes the UNESCO World Heritage city center and canals, dozens of world-class museums and restaurants, and an exciting nightlife. The city promotes a healthy lifestyle with plenty of outdoor life, parks and recreational areas, an excellent bicycle path network, and an expat-friendly environment. The deadline for applications is June 6th, 2019. Applications may only be submitted online by following the link below (where additional information is also provided): https://www.uva.nl/en/content/vacancies/2019/05/19-292-phd-candidate-in-com… Your application must include a CV (including contact details of two academic references) and a letter of motivation. Please combine these documents in one single attachment and also mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience. To enable us to process your application immediately, please quote vacancy number 19-292 and the position you are applying for. For informal inquiries, you may contact Dr. Jorge Mejias (j.f.mejias at uva.nl) of Prof. Cyriel Pennartz (C.M.A.Pennartz at uva.nl). Kind regards, Jorge F. Mejias, PhD Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences Amsterdam, the Netherlands -- Jorge F. Mejias, PhD Assistant Professor Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam The Netherlands www.ugr.es/~jmejias

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Postdoc Position: Modeling Language in the Human Brain Using Artificial Neural Networks
by Christopher Honey May 19, 2019

May 19, 2019

MODELING LANGUAGE IN THE HUMAN BRAIN USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS A joint postdoctoral position is available in the labs of Christopher Honey and Tal Linzen at Johns Hopkins University. ( https://www.honeylab.org and https://caplabjhu.org ) The goal of this project is to use state-of-the-art artificial neural networks to understand the mechanisms and architectures that enable the human brain to integrate linguistic information at the levels of syllables, words and sentences. For this purpose, the project lead will have access to high-fidelity intracranial recordings from the surface of the human brain, as people process sentences and narratives. In parallel, this project is expected to generate new computational models and analytic methods for natural language processing (NLP), informed and constrained by human data. Johns Hopkins is home to a large and vibrant community in neuroscience and computational linguistics, and the training environment will span the Departments of Cognitive Science, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Computer Science. The postdoctoral researcher will be affiliated with the Center for Language and Speech Processing, one of the world’s largest centers for computational linguistics (https://www.clsp.jhu.edu/) For candidates who wish to collect new datasets, Hopkins provides a top-notch neuroimaging center, including 3T and 7T scanners; new TMS and EEG facilities housed in the PBS department; and access to human intracranial experiments via neurology collaborators in Baltimore and Toronto. The postdoctoral researcher will have access to a large number of GPUs for training neural networks and other computational models through the Maryland Advanced Research Computing Center. The position is available immediately, though start date is somewhat flexible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The initial appointment is for one year, with the opportunity for renewal thereafter. We especially encourage applications from women and members of minorities that are underrepresented in science. *Qualifications*: Candidates should have (i) a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, physics, psychology, mathematics, or computer science) by the start date; (ii) a publication record that includes computational modeling and empirical data analysis. The ideal candidate will have a combined background in computational linguistics, machine learning and neuroscience. *Application Instructions*: To apply, please email a cover letter (including a brief summary of previous research accomplishments and future plans), a current CV, and a relevant publication to neural.language.modeling.jhu(a)gmail.com. In the CV or cover letter, please include contact information for three references. For any questions, feel free to email Chris Honey (chris.honey(a)jhu.edu) and Tal Linzen ( tal.linzen(a)jhu.edu)

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Postdoc position on causal learning in France
by Mehdi Khamassi May 17, 2019

May 17, 2019

*Post-Doc position in Computational Neuroscience on causal learning * *Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris (UMR7222)* *Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique, Lyon (UMR 5824)* *General Information* Workplace: LYON/PARIS Employer: CNRS Type of contract: FTC Scientist Contract Period: 18 or 24 months Expected date of employment: 2 September 2019 Proportion of work: Full time Remuneration: between 2643 and 3766 Euros gross monthly salary depending on the candidate’s experience Desired level of education: PhD Experience required: indifferent *Missions*: The objective of our project is to investigate the neural and computational bases of causal learning. In particular, we will focus on causal learning in the context of goal-directed instrumental behaviors, which rely on learning rules determined by the contingency//between actions and outcomes. In order to unravel the neural and computational bases of action-outcome causal learning, we need to lift two key barriers. The first barrier is the lack of neurocomputational models that formalise the above-mentioned theoretical framework to make precise predictions about the underlying neural computations. The second barrier is the lack of clear understanding of the brain network dynamics supporting action-outcome causal learning. *Activities: * The selected candidate will contribute to lift the first barrier, by developing neurocomputational models that: i) formalise internal representations and computations predicted by causal learning theories (/rational /and /Bayesian /frameworks); ii) make predictions about the dynamics of neural activity (i.e., neurobiological plausibility) and fit single-participant behavioral patterns (i.e., computational flexibility). Among the possible learning models, two seem to provide the adequate theoretical and computational framework: Active Inference and Reinforcement learning. The former is a Bayesian approach postulating that human behaviour can be reduced to the minimization of variational free energy, which is an upper bound on Shannon surprise (Friston, 2010). The latter provides a complementary view and formalizes human behavior as a process that aims at maximizing cumulative (extrinsic or intrinsic) reward (Sutton & Barto, 1998). The selected candidate will help designing a new experimental protocol to test the specific predictions of these computational frameworks, and compare them with Bayesian model comparison methods. The experiment will involve human subjects and be realized with the facilities of the GATE (Experimental Economics) laboratory in Lyon, France. Then we will derive a computational model which best accounts for human behavior while they learn causalities, and make model-driven predictions for a new task involving brain imaging (fMRI, MEG, SEEG) performed in humans by partners of the project. *Skills*: Applicants should be highly motivated, have a PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, computer science, or related fields, with a track record of publications. Confirmed experience in computational modelling and programming skills are mandatory. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in causal learning models in neurosciences. *Work context*: We have obtained funding from the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche for 4 years project aiming at lifting the previously mentioned two barriers. The project involves both theoreticians (Mateus Joffily in GATE, Lyon, France; Mehdi Khamassi in ISIR, Paris, France; David Lagnado in UCL, London, UK) and experimentalists (Andrea Brovelli in INT, Marseille, France; Julien Bastin in GIN, Grenoble, France). This 2 years post-doctoral research position is available to work at the interface between two laboratories: the GATE in Lyon and the ISIR in Paris. *Additional Information*: The position is available immediately and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be hired for a period of 18 to 24 months with a salary corresponding to the level of research scientist according to the standards of the National Center of Scientific research (CNRS). Salary will include social security, health and retirement benefits. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter briefly describing experience, motivation and skills adapted for the position, as well as research interests; 2) complete CV and publication list; and 3) two letters of reference that should be sent directly to us by the evaluators. Notification of interest should be sent to both Mehdi Khamasi (mehdi.khamassi(a)upmc.fr <mailto:mehdi.khamassi@upmc.fr>) and Mateus Joffily (joffily(a)gate.cnrs.fr <mailto:joffily@gate.cnrs.fr>). Applications shall be done through the following website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5824-TAIDAO-009/Default.aspx?lang=EN. -- Mehdi Khamassi, PhD, HDR Permanent research scientist (CRCN) at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics Sorbonne Université, Paris, France http://www.isir.upmc.fr Director of Studies for the Cogmaster program Ecole Normale Supérieure, EHESS, Univ. Paris Descartes http://sapience.dec.ens.fr/cogmaster/www/ Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems National Technical University of Athens, Greece https://www.iccs.gr/en/?noredirect=en_US Visiting Researcher at the Department of Experimental Psychology University of Oxford, UK https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk Main contact details: Mehdi Khamassi Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie - ISIR - BC 173 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France tel: + 33 1 44 27 28 85 cell: +33 6 50 76 44 92 email: mehdi.khamassi(a)upmc.fr http://people.isir.upmc.fr/khamassi

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Open PhD position, application deadline May 31st
by Jochem Rieger May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Dear list, The Applied Neurocognitive Psychology Lab at the University Oldenburg in collaboration with the Division of Energy at OFFIS offer a PhD position in the project: "Neurophysiology and modelling of expert cognition and decision making¨ The projects goal is to develop a model-based understanding of neuronal processing differences between expert and novice controllers of safety critical systems (e.g. power grids) that allows human performance prediction. Methodologically, the project combines brain activation measurements in fNIRS and/or MRI during realistic simulations of control tasks with machine learning for data driven human modeling. The position is available *from July 16th, 2019* until July 15th, 2022 (German TV-L E13, 65%). The full job announcement can be found here: https://uol.de/stellen/?stelle=66622 You can contact me for further questions regarding the position. The *application deadline is May 31st, 2019*. Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, a list of potential referees, links to recent publications, and copies of certificates for academic grades to Prof. Rieger as an email attachment (preferred) in one pdf file to jochem.rieger(a)uol.de <mailto:jochem.rieger@uol.de>. Regards, Jochem -- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jochem Rieger Head of Applied Neurocognitive Psychology Head of Neuroimaging Unit Faculty VI Carl-von-Ossietzky University 26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49(0)4417984533 Fax: +49(0)4417983865

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Workshop: Spike Sorting and Reproducibility for Next Generation Electrophysiology
by Matthias Hennig May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Spike Sorting and Reproducibility for Next Generation Electrophysiology 24. and 25. June 2019 Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh Registration deadline: 31. May 2019 The analysis of extracellular recordings is a computationally and conceptually complex task with multiple sources of error and bias that can affect subsequent data interpretation. The advent of high-density extracellular micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) now allows recording from hundreds to thousands of channels that poses significant challenges. Additionally, current analysis workflows lack standardisation, and few attempts have been made to make perform systematic comparisons between different solutions and approaches. This workshop will bring together electrophysiologists and developers of tools for the analysis of extracellular recordings, with the following goals: - to showcase new approaches to analyse large scale recordings - to discuss approaches for validation and quality control - to discuss how elements of reproducibility and provenance can be added to typical analysis workflows Invited Speakers: Alessio Buccino, Oslo David Jaeckel, MaxWell Espen Hagen, Oslo Felix Franke, ETHZ Samuel Garcia, CNRS James Jun, Flatiron Institute Jeremy Magland, Flatiron Institute André Marques Smith, UCL Olivier Marre, Institut de la vision Hernan G Rey, Leicester Evelyne Sernagor, Newcastle Olivier Winter, Champalimaud Pierre Yger, Institut de la vision Registration is free (workshop dinner cost is £30). More info: http://workshops.inf.ed.ac.uk/ssnge/ Organisers: Matthias Hennig, Edinburgh Cole Hurwitz, Edinburgh Jeremy Magland, Flatiron Alessio Buccino, Oslo -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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