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Deadline extension: CFP Workshop on Spatio-temporal Aspects of Embodied Predictive Processing - STEPP @ ICDL2021

by Stefan Heinrich

Call For Contributions - Workshop on Spatio-temporal Aspects of Embodied Predictive Processing - STEPP @ IEEE ICDL2021 Deadline extended! Aims and Scope: Understanding human intelligence and building strong AI systems is a key challenge for our generation. A particularly puzzling aspect is that the human brain seems to cope very well with the highly variable and uncertain nature of perception and action, regarding both their signal characteristic and how they extend over time. Furthermore, it seems apparent that the information processing in the brain always involves previous bodily experiences and all our senses, thus is embodied and crossmodal. For explaining these characteristics, there are strong accounts that the brain is constantly predicting sensory input and feedback while minimising free energy in the prediction and is hierarchically abstracting the perception as well as hierarchically composing action. Furthermore, it is also hypothesised that mechanistic priors in the brain’s information processing induce a failure of hierarchical inference in the brain, accounting for atypical perception and action of psychiatric disorders. For example, some brains might have developed to focus too strongly on current sensory input while others might focus too strongly on memorised previous experience. A typically developed brain, in contrast, would show a fine balance compared to these two extreme priors. The big open mystery is: how is the brain developing this on a mechanistic level and thus how can this get learned within an AI system? Thus, to lift this mystery, we further need to bring together research from computational neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence. With this workshop, we particularly want to wrap up different recent hypotheses, models, and experiments and discuss in-depth how to shape future imaging, behavioural, and developmental robotics studies as a complement to computational modelling and bio-inspired artificial intelligent algorithms. As a guiding theme, we aim to approach the following central questions: - How does the brain learn spatio-temporal stochasticity in perception and action? - What is the role of priors in learning spatio-temporal adaptive prediction? - How can developmental robotics help us to study spatio-temporal stochasticity as an analogy to infant learning? We examine these questions with the insight from invited key speakers from complementary fields as well as original contributions in breakout sessions in order to conclude the next steps within in a panel discussion. All information online: https://sites.google.com/view/stepp21/home Keynotes/Panellists: - Jun Tani, Cognitive Neurorobotics, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) - Marcel van Gerven, Artificial Cognitive Systems, Donders Institute, Radboud University - Takuya Isomura, Brain Intelligence Theory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science - Takamitsu Watanabe, Brain Network Dynamics, International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN), The University of Tokyo Contributions: We invite submissions of extended abstracts on ongoing research that focuses on one or several of our guiding questions as contributions. In addition to the live presentation and discussion during the workshop, the contributions will be made public in workshop proceedings. - Extended abstract submission deadline: 25.07.2021 (extended) - Decision & Notification: 01.08.2021 (latest) - Camera-ready version due: 08.08.2021 - Workshop online: 22.08.2021 Submission website: https://sites.google.com/view/stepp21/ => Contribute Organisers: Stefan Heinrich, IRCN, The University of Tokyo, Japan Shingo Murata, Dept. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Keio University, Japan Yukie Nagai, IRCN & Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Japan Yuichi Yamashita, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan -- ************************************************************* Dr. Stefan Heinrich Postdoctoral Project Researcher Cognitive Developmental Robotics Lab The University of Tokyo, Institutes for Advanced Studies, International Research Center for Neurointelligence Email: heinrich.stefan(a)ircn.jp https://developmental-robotics.jp/en/members/stefan_heinrich/ https://ircn.jp/en/ https://stefanheinrich.net/ *************************************************************

July 11, 2021

Brain Connectivity, Dynamics, and Complexity--please submit abtracts--deadline extended

by Stephen José Hanson

We are still looking for a few more submissions especially related to Resting state and fMRI..theoretical papers as well. The deadline is extended for submission till Aug 1. https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20807/brain-connectivity-dynami… send queries through the website. thanks. Steve Hanson -- Stephen José Hanson Professor Director RUBIC (University- Wide) Department of Psychology (NK) Cognitive Science Center (NB)

July 9, 2021

Post doc in Cognitive-Computational Modelling at UCL (Dominik Bach) in collaboration with MPI Tübingen (Peter Dayan) - 1 week left to apply

by Dominik R. Bach

*Post doc in Cognitive-Computational Modelling at University College London: discrete and continuous human action control under threat* We are looking for a research fellow in an ERC-funded research project "Action selection under threat - the complex control of human defence" led by Dominik Bach (http://bachlab.org <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbachlab.or…>) at University College London in collaboration with Peter Dayan, Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen (https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/de/computational-neuroscience <https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/de/computational-neuroscience>). The position will be based at Max-Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry (https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mps-u…>) and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/ <http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/>). The overarching goal of the project is to understand the cognitive-computational control of human action selection under acute, immediate threat. We investigate this in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, in which people can move to avoid a large number of different threats. As part of this project, the candidate will build explicit computational models of discrete and continuous action control and action updating under constraints of time pressure and unaffordable costs. These will be tested by the experimentalists in our interdisciplinary team, composed of VR experts, psychologists, and movement scientists. There is a possibility to get involved in the experimental work, including behavioural experiments, motion capture and OPM-MEG. Within the topical focus, the project offers unique freedom to explore and develop novel directions and formalisms at the interface of classical discrete-space decision models and continous action control. We seek applicants with established cognitive-computational modelling skills and a PhD in computational neuroscience, robotics with focus on action planning, computer science/mathematics/physics with a focus on decision science, or in a related area. We are looking for an individual who is strongly motivated to pursue an academic career and is excited by the opportunities for personal and career development this position can provide. The post is available from October 2021 and funded for up to 3 years with initial appointment for 1 year. Starting salary is on UCL grade 7, ranging from £36,028 to £43,533 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, superannuable. More information and access to the UCL online application portal: https://is.gd/VwTJCA <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fis.gd%2FV…> Please contact d.bach(a)ucl.ac.uk <mailto:d.bach@ucl.ac.uk> for any queries about the project or role. *Closing date: 16 July 2021* Interviews will be held remotely in July. Apologies for cross-posting. -- ----------------------- Dominik R Bach MBBS PhD Principal Research Fellow Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London http://bachlab.org | @bachlab_cog

July 9, 2021

Postdoctoral positions: modeling, imaging, and optogenetics (Boston U School of Medicine)

by Christina M. Weaver

Postdoctoral positions in modeling, imaging, and optogenetics (Boston University School of Medicine) The Luebke & Medalla labs (Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine) use state-of-the-art approaches in imaging, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and computational modeling to explore neural mechanisms underlying executive function in the mammalian prefrontal cortex. We seek highly motivated, detail-oriented postdoctoral research fellows to join our interdisciplinary team related to several exciting, federally funded projects. Read more about our research here <https://www.bumc.bu.edu/anatneuro/research/cellular-neurobiology/>. Modeling: This project, led jointly by Dr. Jennifer Luebke, Dr. Christina Weaver (Dept of Mathematics, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA), and Dr. Patrick Hof (Dept of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY), aims to characterize changes in the prefrontal cortex and visual cortex during normal aging in the rhesus monkeys. We seek candidates with experience building differential equations-based mathematical models using MATLAB, Python, and/or NEURON compartmental modeling software. Experience with conductance-based modeling of single neurons or excitatory-inhibitory networks preferred. The successful candidate will build computational models to explore mechanisms of network dysfunction, constrained by our data from aging studies in rhesus monkeys, including new multiplexing data in collaboration with GE Healthcare. Imaging: This project, led by Dr. Luebke and Dr Klaus Wimmer (Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Barcelona, Spain) and funded by the Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, focuses on the computational and neural mechanisms underlying working memory and age-related changes to working memory and other executive function in the rhesus monkey. We seek candidates with an excellent track record using magnetic resonance imaging and image processing techniques to explore scientific questions with high health relevance. The successful candidate will lead analyses of structural MRI (T1 TFE scans), resting state fMRI, and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) brain scans to assess brain morphometry and connectivity. Data generated from brain scans will be correlated with behavioral, physiological and other anatomical data collected across the adult life span to inform sophisticated computational models. The project includes unique cross-national training opportunities for researchers in Boston and Barcelona alike. Optogenetics: One project, newly funded by NIH, uses multi-scale neuroanatomical, in vitro, and in vivo electrophysiological, pharmacologic and optogenetic techniques to study inhibitory circuits in the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex (ACC and LPFC) of rhesus monkeys, and how limbic input from the amygdala influences communication within the ACC-LPFC network. We seek candidates with expertise in optogenetics, imaging of voltage-sensitive dyes, patch-clamp recording and multiphoton microscopy. The successful candidate will combine anatomical and viral tracing with in vivo electrophysiological recordings in anesthetized preparations, as well as optogenetic stimulation and whole cell patch-clamp recording in in vitro slices, to investigate the cellular and synaptic properties of prefrontal circuits involved in cognitive and emotional control and integration. Each appointment as a Boston University School of Medicine research fellow will be for at least 1 year with the possibility for extension based on performance. Competitive salary based on experience. Interested applicants should attach the following: - A cover letter, - A current CV, - A brief statement of current and future research interests, - The contact information of three references. Please be aware that references may be contacted anytime after receipt of your application. Contact: Dr. Christina Weaver, christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu or Dr. Jennifer Luebke, jluebke(a)bu.edu Christina M. Weaver, Ph.D. Associate Chair of Mathematics Associate Professor Franklin & Marshall College P.O. Box 3003 Lancaster, PA 17604-3003 Email: christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu

July 8, 2021

Call for Visiting Scholars in Theoretical Sciences at OIST (Application by August 15)

by Kenji Doya

We are pleased to announce Visiting Scholars in Theoretical Sciences at OIST for a flexible term of 1 to 12 months as below. ***** As part of an initiative to develop a vibrant program in theoretical sciences, OIST invites applications for Visiting Scholars in the Theoretical Sciences. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is a research institution with a Ph.D. program. Outstanding graduate students and faculty are being attracted internationally. OIST is beautifully situated on the tropical island of Okinawa, Japan. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and be independent researchers, i.e., should have an academic standing equivalent to senior postdoc, junior group leader, or faculty member at a research-intensive institution. The position has a flexible term of 1 to 12 months taken continuously starting between October 2021 and March 2022 with a preference for longer-term visitors. The appointment may be taken while on leave or sabbatical from another university and comes with housing, research funds, and moving allowance. Successful candidates will be eligible to apply for support with salary, where this is necessary to facilitate the visit. No teaching duties come with the position. OIST is an institution with no departments, aiming to eliminate barriers between people working in different fields. It provides a family-friendly working environment including the multilingual Child Development Center and has proactive policies designed to promote a culture of diversity. OIST is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator, and employer. Further details can be found at https://www.oist.jp/. Applicants should submit a CV including a list of publications, a brief description of their research to date and proposed research while visiting OIST, and the desired period of visit. All visits are subject to the availability of funding. Applications received by August 15, 2021, are guaranteed full consideration. If you have any questions, please send inquiries to: tsvp(a)oist.jp To apply, please go to our Interfolio page, http://apply.interfolio.com/88541 ---- Kenji Doya <doya(a)oist.jp> Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan Phone: +81-98-966-8594; Fax: +81-98-966-2891 https://groups.oist.jp/ncu

July 8, 2021

Announcing free online spiking neural network workshop Nov 8-9, reg & submissions open

by Goodman, Daniel F M

We are delighted to announce the second edition of the "SNUFA" spiking neural network online workshop, taking place this November 8-9. Free registration and abstract submission is now open at http://snufa.net/2021 This online workshop brings together researchers in the field to present their work and discuss ways of translating these findings into a better understanding of neural circuits. Topics include artificial and biologically plausible learning algorithms and the dissection of trained spiking circuits toward understanding neural processing. We have a manageable number of talks with ample time for discussions. This year’s executive committee comprises Chiara Bartolozzi<https://www.iit.it/people/chiara-bartolozzi>, Sander Bohté<https://homepages.cwi.nl/~sbohte/>, Dan Goodman<https://neural-reckoning.org/>, and Friedemann Zenke<https://fzenke.net/>. The workshop will take place 8-9 November, 2021. Abstract submission will close 1 October, 2021. The workshop will feature invited speakers: * Tara Hamilton<https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Tara.Hamilton>, University of Technology Sydney * Dylan Muir<http://dylan-muir.com/>, SynSense<https://www.synsense-neuromorphic.com/> * Katie Schumann<https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/catherine-d-schuman>, Oak Ridge National Laboratory * Henning Sprekeler<https://www.sprekelerlab.org/henning/>, TU Berlin The format will be: * Two half days (European afternoon times) * 4 invited talks * 8 contributed talks * Poster session * Panel debate: “What should be the next big breakthrough in spiking neural networks?” (speakers to be decided) You can see last year’s talks on Crowdcast<https://www.crowdcast.io/e/snufa2020> or the talks and one of the recorded discussions on YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL09WqqDbQWHFvM9DFYkM_GfnrVnIdLRhy>. This workshop was great fun last year and we had around 700 participants! This year should be even better with your contributed talks and posters. Looking forward to seeing you all there! And please forward this announcement to any colleagues or local distribution lists. Many thanks, Dan, Chiara, Sander and Friedemann

July 7, 2021

Postdoctoral Researcher position on fMRI study of spontaneous thoughts and natural task

by Mingbo Cai

*Postdoctoral Researcher position on fMRI study of spontaneous thoughts and natural task* We seek a talented neuroscientist with extensive experience in the areas of advanced fMRI analysis, (such as encoding or decoding models) and the design of experiments using naturalistic tasks and assessing spontaneous thoughts. A 2.5-year postdoctoral position is available at Dr. Mingbo Cai’s lab <https://cailab-ircn.org/> at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence <https://ircn.jp/en/>, The University of Tokyo. You will work on an exciting international collaboration project directed by both Dr. Cai <https://ircn.jp/en/mission/people/mingbo-cai> and Dr. Nicolas Schuck <https://schucklab.gitlab.io/> at Max Planck Institute for Human Development. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate remotely with Dr. Quentin Huys <https://quentinhuys.com/> at the University College London. The project will focus on understanding the contents and dynamics of spontaneous thoughts using fMRI decoding and natural tasks. In the later stage of the project, we also plan to examine the clinical implication of differences in spontaneous thoughts. Applicants with experience working on populations with mental disorders are also highly encouraged to apply. The working language is English. The working location is at The University of Tokyo, Japan. Contract duration: renewed annually up until Jan 2024 (future renewal depends on performance and budget), with a probation period of 6 months. Starting date: negotiable Requirements (1) Applicants must hold, or be expected to hold by the time of appointment, a PhD, M.D. or equivalent degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Machine Learning, Statistics or related fields. (2) Experience in conducting fMRI experiments and data analysis (evidenced by publications, conference presentations or writing samples). (3) Familiar with at least one of the following tools: AFNI, FSL, nilearn, BrainIAK. (4) Good speaking and scientific writing skills in English. (5) Good programming skills. (6) Willing to collaborate and help colleagues. Requirements 2 and 3 may be replaced by two or three of the preferred skills below: Preferred skills: (1) Research experience with fMRI experiments involving natural tasks and multivariate pattern analysis. (2) Experience with experiments investigating spontaneous thoughts. (3) Research experience with investigations of psychiatric disorders. (4) Knowledge of and experience with deep learning. Application procedure: Please send an email with the title “[Postdoc Application] + your name” to mingbo[doc]cai[at]ircn[dot]jp. Please include a cover letter describing your background and research interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2-3 recommendation letters (ideally you can also request your referees to send their letters directly to the above email address). To increase the chance of being considered, we suggest you include writing samples or a copy of a poster or other presentation. Informal inquiry can also be sent to Dr. Cai. Application deadline: The application deadline is July 31. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications starts as soon as they are received. Mingbo Cai Assistant Professor International Research Center for Neurointelligence The University of Tokyo https://cailab-ircn.org/

July 7, 2021

PhD and Postdoc opportunities in Germany

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

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 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 projects typically involve modelling and data analysis. We are looking for bright and hard-working students with a life-science or quantitative background (physics, math, biology etc). The following PhD and Postdoc positions are currently open: 1) A PhD position in a project exploring the intersection of protein dynamics and machine learning. This involves analyzing the collective motion of multiple receptors in a cell. 2) A PhD position in project designing models describing protein dynamics in dendrites and analyzing imaging data 3) A postdoc or PhD position in a project addressing 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

July 6, 2021

Call for applications at the paris Brain Institute

by Jean Daunizeau

Dear colleagues, This is to let you know that the Paris Brain Institute is seeking to recruit a team leader at the starting, junior or mid-career level, working in computational and/or theoretical neuroscience. Please visit this page for more info: https://institutducerveau-icm.org/en/actualite/call-for-applications/ Best regards, Jean Daunizeau. -- Jean Daunizeau Motivation, Brain and Behaviour group (ICM) web: http://sites.google.com/site/jeandaunizeauswebsite/

July 5, 2021

PhD/Postdoc Positions at the Interface of Neuroscience and Machine Learning

by Jian Liu

*PhD/Postdoc Positions at the Interface of Neuroscience and Machine Learning* The lab of Dr Jian Liu invites applications for several PhD/Postdoc positions at the interface of computational neuroscience and machine learning, at the School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds. Research projects will involve theoretical analysis, computational modeling, and data analysis, with worldwide collaborations of neuroscience experimentalists, clinicians, and robotic engineers. We are working on a wide range of topics, from fundamental neuroscience questions to robotic applications. For representative examples and publications, please visit: http://jiankliu.github.io Candidates with a quantitative background are welcome. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a spirit of intellectual adventure. The positions will come with competitive work conditions. Generous traveling budgets are available. Please send the following information in one single PDF, to j.liu9(a)leeds.ac.uk: - Detailed CV with publications; - Letter on motivation and interests; - Other relevant materials of interest; The School of Computing conducts ranging from fundamental advances in algorithms and our understanding of computation, through to highly applied research into new display technologies for clinical diagnosis, energy-efficient data centres, and profound insight into data through visualisation. We are parents with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s premier research centre for data science and artificial intelligence. The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine holds the Gold award. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. We will make the working patten inclusive and flexible. If female candidates are selected, the maternity leave will be fully guaranteed and the children care responsibilities will be satisfied (e.g. working in part time). We will also actively promote gender equality in education and employment opportunities through workshops, seminars, webinars, and university open days.

July 5, 2021