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Faculty Positions at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University

by Kenji Doya

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (https://www.oist.jp) invites applications for new faculty positions as part of its planned expansion. Applications are invited in, but not limited to, the targeted areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and smart machines. Excellent scholarship and creativity are the main criteria for appointment. Successful candidates are expected to establish an active and independent research program, supervise Ph.D. students, teach graduate courses, and perform university services as required. Appointments will be Tenure-Track or Tenured. The starting date is negotiable. The application deadline is April 30, 2021. Please refer to application information: https://groups.oist.jp/facultypositions OIST offers a world-class research environment with an international research community and opportunities for interdisciplinary research, with currently 81 Research Units and no departmental boundaries (https://www.oist.jp/research-units) Each faculty will run an independent Research Unit with generous internal funding, including funds for several research staff. OIST provides cutting-edge core research facilities, including imaging, sequencing, instrumentation, nanofabrication, and high-performance computing, with dedicated support staff. Research and teaching are conducted in English. The campus is situated in a beautiful subtropical setting in Okinawa, Japan. Please see the video: https://www.oist.jp/news-center/videos/university-future The University strongly encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. Inquiries: Dr. Milind Purohit Dean of Faculty Affairs faculty-recruiting(a)oist.jp ---- 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

March 14, 2021

Postdoc positions in the cognitive computational neuroscience of decision making

by Ollie Hulme

We are searching for two researchers to contribute to an ambitious experiment addressing how risky decisions are made & why. Candidates to be at a postdoc level, though those without a PhD can be considered. One position is based at the London Mathematical Laboratory <https://lml.org.uk/>(behavior & theory focus), the other is based in Copenhagen at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance <https://www.drcmr.dk/>(neuroimaging focus). There will be substantive opportunities for exchange visits between sites, and (COVID-permitting) summer school training in Italy. Interdisciplinary training will be central to both positions. For more details on the London position see here <https://lml.org.uk/research/economics/research-positions-in-ergodicity-econ… > and for the Copenhagen position see here <https://drcmr.dk/vacancies/item/1114-postdoc-researcher-position-neuroecono…> . Twitter thread here <https://twitter.com/hulme_oliver/status/1369677808872603652?s=20>. -- Ollie Hulme Senior Researcher at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance <https://www.drcmr.dk/> Group leader: Computational neuroscience of reward group <https://www.drcmr.dk/reward-and-homeostasis> External Fellow at the London Mathematical Laboratory <https://lml.org.uk/> (+45) 2339 1399

March 12, 2021

Laboratory research coordinator position in systems/cognitive neuroscience

by Ella Striem-Amit

*Laboratory research coordinator position in systems/cognitive neuroscience* The Sensory and Motor Plasticity lab (SAMP Lab, PI: Ella Striem-Amit) at Georgetown University is looking for a full-time laboratory research coordinator. We examine the balance between innate brain organization and experience-dependent plasticity by studying people with sensory and motor deprivation (e.g., blindness, dysmelia) using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques. The Laboratory Research Coordinator will work on projects involving behavioral and fMRI testing of sensorimotor and visual processing, as well as perform administrative duties. The position is particularly suited for a recent graduate from a Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science or related undergraduate program who is seeking to work in an innovative research environment in preparation for graduate school. The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include: · Running Experiments for the lab: Recruit and interact with study participants and run experiments in the lab (behavioral, fMRI), as well as online behavioral experiments (e.g. Amazon Mechanical Turk). Administrative responsibilities associated with these experiments, including maintaining lab records, participant reimbursements, uploading and organizing data, and managing IRB documentation and reviews. · Maintaining Infrastructure: Responsibility for purchasing and maintaining lab equipment and managing data storage, including fMRI equipment, lab computers, and lab accounts on software and storage services. · Research Projects: Responsibility for carrying out independent research projects and assistance with the research projects of students and postdocs. These projects will involve a combination of behavior and fMRI of actions in healthy and special populations. The laboratory research coordinator will be expected to participate in all aspects of experiment design, analysis, and communication, including creating stimuli and experimental protocols, collecting and analyzing data, writing up results for publication, and presenting findings at conferences. · Additional administrative duties: Interaction with outside vendors, maintenance of laboratory records, assistance with coordinating lab meetings, conference trips and visits. Position duration: *At least two years of commitment is required. * Start time: Flexible, preferably May to August 2021 Requirements: BA/BS in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science or related scientific field Experience with scientific computing (Matlab, Python, or R) An ability to solve technical problems independently Strong organizational skills Ability to work well with others Some prior research experience (experience with fMRI analyses an advantage) *To learn more or apply for this position, please email your CV to Ella Striem-Amit (**striemamit(a)fas.harvard.edu* <striemamit(a)fas.harvard.edu>*) with the subject line: **Lab research coordinator **position.* Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. -- *Ella Striem-Amit (she/her)* Sensory and Motor Plasticity (SAMP) Lab Edwin H. Richard and Elisabeth Richard Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Georgetown University Medical Center 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, DC 20007 http://samp-lab.facultysite.georgetown.edu/

March 11, 2021

Postdoctoral positions in systems neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania

by Maria Geffen

The Geffen laboratory <http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing> at the University of Pennsylvania <http://www.upenn.edu/> has multiple postdoctoral positions open in systems neuroscience with the broad goal of understanding the neuronal circuits for auditory perception and memory. We are looking for energetic and talented scientists interested in studying the function of the brain. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to learn and apply a host of systems neuroscience techniques, including two-photon imaging of population activity, optogenetic manipulations, large-scale electrophysiology and behavior in mice. Prior experience with some of these methods is preferred, but not required. Depending on the candidate's interests, all projects provide an opportunity to learn and apply advanced computational methods, including dynamic systems analysis of neuronal population activity; Bayesian approaches for understanding the relation between neuronal activity and behavior; machine learning methods to understand large-scale neuronal activity. We currently have openings for postdoctoral fellows for three projects: (1) Neuronal mechanisms for predictive coding: Auditory perception relies on predicting statistics of incoming signals, be it identifying the speech of a conversation partner in a crowded room or recognizing the sound of a babbling brook in a forest. The human brain detects statistical regularities in sounds as a fundamental aspect of prediction, evidenced by reduced responses to repeated sound patterns and enhanced responses to unexpected sounds. Multiple studies demonstrate that the neuronal responses to regular signals are reduced through adaptation, which can contribute to prediction. However, adaptation alone is not sufficient to account for prediction and studies at cellular and neuronal population levels in animals thus far lend only partial support to existing theories of predictive coding. The goal of the project is to close this gap in knowledge and to determine the circuits that predict signals and detect statistical regularity and its violation in auditory behavior. Funded by NIH NIDCD. (2) Neuronal circuits for learning-driven changes in auditory perception: Everyday auditory behavior depends critically on learning-driven changes in auditory perception that rely on neuronal plasticity within the auditory pathway. By combining state-of-the-art optogenetic, electrophysiological, behavioral and computational approaches, the project seeks to identify the function of specific circuit elements in auditory learning. Funded by NIH NIDCD. (3) Neuronal mechanisms for hearing under uncertainty: In everyday life, because both sensory signals and neuronal responses are noisy, important cognitive tasks, such as auditory categorization, are based on uncertain information. To overcome this limitation, listeners incorporate other types of signals, such as the statistics of sounds over short and long time scales and signals from other sensory modalities into their categorization decision processes. This project will identify the contribution of specific cell types to categorization and the neuronal mechanisms for how contextual signals bias auditory categorization. In collaboration with Dr. Yale Cohen <https://auditoryresearchlaboratory.weebly.com/> and Dr. Konrad Kording <http://kordinglab.com/>, funded by NIH BRAIN Initiative. Our laboratory is a close community of fun-loving scientists, striving to help each other while exploring the mysteries of the brain. Our trainees have won numerous awards and have been awarded government and private foundation grants. We value diversity and promote equity in the scientific community and beyond <https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing/philosophy/>. The systems neuroscience community at the University of Pennsylvania is top-notch and highly collaborative, and postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to engage in interdepartmental initiatives, including MindCore <https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/>, MINS <https://www.med.upenn.edu/ins/> and CNI <https://www.cni.upenn.edu/>. Penn has a gorgeous campus and offers many cultural activities. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with world-class music, food and entertainment. To apply, please email Dr. Geffen at mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu <mailto:mgeffen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu> : a cover letter (summarize your prior research experience, why you are interested in the position, and your future plans) and your CV. __________________________ Maria N. Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Associate Professor Department of Otorhinolaryngology Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Stemmler Hall G14 3450 Hamilton Walk Philadelphia PA 19104 (215)898-0782 mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing Twitter: @neimarkgeffen

March 11, 2021

Towards a standard organization for animal electrophysiology: a new BIDS Extension Proposal

by Sylvain Takerkart

(apologies for cross-postings) Dear everyone, With this email, we would like to introduce a new BIDS Extension Proposal (BEP) dedicated to electrophysiological data recorded in animals (BIDS-animal-ephys). The BEP document is available here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oG-C8T-dWPqfVzL2W8HO3elWK8NIh2cOCPssRGv…> and we are now seeking feedback (e.g comments directly in the document, or posts in our discussion forum <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues>) from the community at large to make sure this suits the largestpossible array ofneeds in animal electrophysiology. A bit of context and history. BIDS <https://bids.neuroimaging.io/> is a simple and intuitive way to organize and describe neuroscientific data in a standardized manner, originally developed for human neuroimaging data (see the first paper on MRI-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fsdata.2016.44>), and widely extended since its original introduction to other data modalities (see e.g EEG-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0104-8>, or MEG-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.110>). A good number of exchanges have already taken place with electrophysiologists, with initial debates on whether adapting the hierarchical organization offered (and imposed) by BIDS (for other data modalities and recorded in human subjects) could suit the needs of the community of researchers working with animal models. Of course, it will change the habits of some, but a consensus has emerged that sticking to what BIDS suggests could suit the needs of a vast majority and that the long term benefits of such a standardization could be worth changing some habits. These observations have led to the formalization of this BIDS-animal-ephys Extension Proposal (BEP). For info, this BEP has been drafted by members of the INCF Working Group on Standardized Data Structures <https://incf.org/sig/incf-working-group-standardized-data>, that was initiated in 2020 to attempt standardizing the handling of neuroscientific data recorded in animal models. Note that at the present time (early 2021), the discussions in this Working Group are split to tackle two different issues: - How to handle animal data in a generic manner (i.e across data modalities, for both in vitro and in vivo data etc.)? The specific discussion about this topic is centralized here <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues/9>. - How to handle electrophysiological data recorded in animals, and how to standardize the associated metadata? This is the main objective of the present BEP. Please consider joining this working group if you would like to contribute to this effort (either directly on these topics, or for other questions / data modalities). You can also reach the moderators of the present BEP through our main discussion forum <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues>. Also, please do not hesitate to forward this message around you so that we reach as many electrophysiologists as possible! Thanks in advance for your feedback and contributions! -- Sylvain Takerkart Institut des Neurosciences de la Timone (INT) UMR 7289 CNRS-AMU Marseille, France tél: +33 (0)4 91 324 007 http://www.int.univ-amu.fr/_TAKERKART-Sylvain_?lang=en

March 11, 2021

2 PhD positions in Sensory Neurotechnology in the Reichenbach lab

by Tobias Reichenbach

2 PhD positions in Sensory Neurotechnology in the Reichenbach lab, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany The newly founded Chair for Sensory Neuroengineering, headed by Tobias Reichenbach, at the new Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering is looking for two PhD students. In close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, the lab researches on the neural foundations of hearing, as well as on new technology for better treatments of hearing impairment. The PhD students will develop and apply AI methods to analyse neurological data on human speech processing. They will also develop AI methods to construct audiovisual speech signals for better speech comprehension. FAU is the most innovative university in Germany and ranks second among the most innovative European universities. It is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Erlangen is a bicycle-friendly city with 100,000 inhabitants, former home of the Huguenots as well as a key location for Siemens. It is close to Nuremberg, a city with a population of half a million and a metropolitan flair. The mixture of academia, innovative companies, art and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds, keen athletes and nature lovers. More information is available here: https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/2-phd-studentships-in-sensory-neurotechnology-… <https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/2-phd-studentships-in-sensory-neurotechnology-…> ------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Tobias Reichenbach Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE) Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg Henkestrasse 91 91052 Erlangen http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

March 10, 2021

Postdoc position in Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis

by Tavoni, Gaia

POSTDOC POSITION IN THE TAVONI LAB Applications for a postdoc position at the interface between physics and neuroscience are open at the newly set up Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience lab at Washington University in St. Louis. The selected candidate will work on one or more computational problems, involving models of plasticity and learning, memory and decision-making. A brief description of the projects can be found at http://neurosci.wustl.edu/People/Faculty/Gaia-Tavoni. <http://neurosci.wustl.edu/People/Faculty/Gaia-Tavoni>The underlying research theme in the lab is the search for optimal principles of information representation and processing in the brain that underpin the flexibility of animal behavior. A range of approaches are used, including methods from statistical physics, information theory and dynamical systems. Washington University in St. Louis is ranked in the top 10 globally for Neuroscience and Behavior, and offers an outstanding intellectual environment for neuroscience research. This includes a strong interest in computational neuroscience (see https://sites.wustl.edu/compneuro) The lab is based at the Medical School in the Department of Neuroscience and the Institute for Informatics, and expects to develop strong links with the Departments of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. Job Requirements: Candidates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, engineering or computer science, good programming skills, familiarity with neuroscience topics or a keen interest in computational neuroscience, proficiency in English, intellectual curiosity and drive are welcome to apply. How to Apply: For further information and applications please contact Dr Gaia Tavoni (gaia.tavoni(a)wustl.edu) including a detailed CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests (max 2 pages), names and email addresses of 2 references. Please indicate "Post-doc application" as the subject of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Gaia Tavoni Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Washington University School of Medicine East McDonnell Medical Sciences, 312B St. Louis, MO 63110 email: gaia.tavoni(a)wustl.edu

March 9, 2021

New book: "The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds"

by Mark Humphries

For anyone interested in how neurons do what they do, my new book “The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds” from Princeton University Press is available now from your favourite bookseller in hardback, ebook, and audiobook. It’s a rollercoaster ride through your brain, from eye to hand and everywhere in between, that sweeps through 30 years of the deepest neuroscience to the frontiers of what we know about how neurons work. >From the blurb: “We see the last cookie in the box and think, can I take that? We reach a hand out. In the 2.1 seconds that this impulse travels through our brain, billions of neurons communicate with one another, sending blips of voltage through our sensory and motor regions. Neuroscientists call these blips “spikes.” Spikes enable us to do everything: talk, eat, run, see, plan, and decide. In The Spike, Mark Humphries takes readers on the epic journey of a spike through a single, brief reaction. In vivid language, Humphries tells the story of what happens in our brain, what we know about spikes, and what we still have left to understand about them.” Watch the animated introduction: https://youtu.be/Rn-FAvM6wbE Read the reviews and details: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691195889/the-spike Listen to a sample from the audiobook: https://soundcloud.com/user-671277267/the-spike-by-mark-humphries?in=user-6… Thanks! Mark Humphries This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

March 9, 2021

Online Bernstein Conference 2021 - Call for Satellite Workshop Proposals

by a.dorrn＠fz-juelich.de

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://bit.ly/BN_welcome> invites proposals for Satellite Workshops at the online Bernstein Conference 2021 ____ BERNSTEIN CONFERENCE Each year the Bernstein Network invites the international computational neuroscience community to the annual Bernstein Conference for intensive scientific exchange. It has established itself as one of the most renown conferences worldwide in this field, attracting students, postdocs and PIs from around the world to meet and discuss new scientific discoveries. Due to the ongoing pandemic the Bernstein Conference<https://bit.ly/BC21_online> will be held online, from Sep 21 – 23, 2021. ____ IM IMPORTANT DATES - Satellite Workshops: September 21, 2021, 2 pm – 10 pm CEST - Main Conference: September 22 – 23, 2021 - Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: May 10, 2021 - Notification of workshop acceptance: planned in June 2021 ____ WORKSHOP PROPOSALS Satellite Workshops of the Bernstein Conference provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a series of talks. The Workshop Selection Committee will take scientific excellence, topical relevance gender diversity and variety of career levels into account as their selection criteria. Workshop proposals are welcome as flexible formats of 4-8 hours (all workshops will start at 2 pm CEST, but will end based on individual schedules) Workshop Proposal Forms can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/BC21_workshops Please submit the completed form to bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de Deadline: May 10, 2021 – not to be extended Workshop organizers and all speakers will receive a waiver for the online conference. ____ WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE Marion Silies (Workshop Chair) Moritz Helias (Workshop Vice Chair) Matthew Botvinick Megan Carey Peter Dayan Brent Doiron Rainer Friedrich Julijana Gjiorgjieva (Program Chair) Ann Hermundstad Christian Machens (Program Vice Chair) Srdjan Ostojic Nathalie Rochefort Nicole Rust Gasper Tkacik ____ For any further questions, please contact: bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de -- Dr. Anja Dorrn Scientific Coordinator Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Juelich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 email: a.dorrn(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.dorrn@fz-juelich.de> web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 9, 2021

CfP: Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making - Entropy by MDPI. *Deadline is approaching*

by Domenico Maisto

Dear Colleagues, You are cordially invited to submit a manuscript to the Entropy Special Issue "Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making" https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/probabilistic_inference\ The firm deadline for manuscript submissions is 21 March 2021. Please find further information below. With best regards, Domenico Maisto ================================================================ Open Access Journal ENTROPY by MDPI Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Special Issue aims to focus on recent advances in probabilistic inference in goal-directed human and animal decision making, and we welcome submissions that: - Shed light on the computations of neuronal circuits involved in goal-directed decision making, with a focus on the inferential mechanisms involved; - Propose novel probabilistic models and methods in decision making including (but not limited to) information-theory approaches, statistical and free- energy minimization, hierarchical models, and deep networks; - Introduce decision-making applications in ethological, social, psychological, psychiatric, robotics, and computer science research. Guest Editors Dr Francesco Donnarumma Dr Domenico Maisto Dr Ivilin Stoianov Entropy is an Open Access Journal by MDPI with high visibility (indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), MathSciNet, Inspec, PubMed, PMC, and many other databases), excellent citescore (IF: 2.494; 2019 Scopus data: 3.7, which equals rank 8/62 (Q1) in 'Mathematical Physics', 14/54 (Q2) in 'Physics and Astronomy', 210/670 (Q2) in 'Electrical and Electronic Engineering', and 104/300 (Q2) in 'Information Systems'), and rapid publication. -- Domenico Maisto, PhD Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Italian National Research Council (CNR) Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli Italy Phone: +39 0644595208 (Rome), +39 0816139507 (Naples) Fax: +39 0644595243 (Rome), +39 0816139531 (Naples) e-mail: domenico.maisto(a)icar.cnr.it

March 8, 2021