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Postdoctoral position in systems neuroscience - freely moving optophysiology - University of Bonn, Germany - Circuit Mechanisms of Behavior Lab

by Rose, Prof. Tobias

Dear all, Our research group “Circuit Mechanisms of Behavior” at the University Hospital Bonn (lab Tobias Rose) invites applications for a full-time (38.5 hours/week) position as: Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d): Detailed description: <https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/12803739/postdoctoral-researcher-m…> Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) - Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE) job with Universitätsklinikum Bonn | 12803739<https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/12803739/postdoctoral-researcher-m…> nature.com<https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/12803739/postdoctoral-researcher-m…> [favicon.ico] <https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/12803739/postdoctoral-researcher-m…> Closing date: 31st of August 2023 Start date: flexible Contact: Tobias Rose, Tobias.Rose(a)ukbonn.de The selected candidate will investigate the "Encoding of Landmark Stability and Stability of Landmark Encoding”: You will study visual landmark encoding at the intersection of hippocampal, thalamic, and cortical inputs to retrosplenial cortex. You will use cutting-edge miniature two-photon Ca2+ imaging (https://tinyurl.com/mini2pCA1) enabling you to longitudinally record activity in defined, large neuronal populations and long-range afferents in freely moving animals. You will carry out rigorous neuronal and behavioral analyses within the confines of automatized closed-loop tasks tailored for visual navigation. This will involve the application of advanced tools for dense behavioral quantification, including multi-angle videography, inertial motion sensing, and egocentric recording with head-mounted cameras for the reconstruction of retinal input. Our aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the immediate and sustained multi-area neuronal representation of visual landmarks during unrestricted behavior. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms through which stable visual landmarks are encoded and the processes by which these representations are stabilized to facilitate robust allocentric navigation. Ideal candidates for this position should hold a doctorate in neuroscience, engineering, physics, or a related discipline, and should be deeply committed to rigorous neuroethology and technical development. We seek individuals with a "tinkering spirit", i.e., a strong penchant for problem-solving and creativity. Essential competencies include the demonstrated ability to design and carry out complex neuroscience experiments, robust programming capabilities, and a foundational knowledge of machine learning methodologies. Valuable experience would include a familiarity with rodent behavior, both in freely moving and head-fixed contexts. Although not mandatory, a background in visual neuroscience or navigation neuroscience would be viewed favorably. We are looking for a driven candidate with a solid record of accomplishment who is enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will be prepared to bring their skills and experience to our innovative and collaborative research environment. While this role is tailored towards a specific project, we are equally enthusiastic about supporting the development of your individual research pursuits. Applicants should send their application in a single pdf file, including a cover letter explaining your research interests and motivation for joining the team, CV, and contact information for two references. Applications will be shortlisted based on the above selection criteria. Please send your formal application to Prof. Tobias Rose via email until 31.08.2023. The Expected start date is September 2023 or at the earliest possible date thereafter. Informal enquires about the post are welcome. For more information on our research, please visit www.troselab.de (mastodon: @trose_neuro@neuromatch.social, twitter: @trose_neuro). -- Prof. Dr. Tobias Rose Circuit Mechanisms of Behavior Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research University of Bonn Medical Center Life and Brain Center (Building 76) Venusberg-Campus 1 53127 Bonn Tel.: +49-228-6885 331 www.troselab.de<http://www.troselab.de/> ________________________________ Vorstand: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Wolfgang Holzgreve, MBA, Vorstandsvorsitzender und Ärztlicher Direktor • Clemens Platzköster, Kaufmännischer Direktor und Stellv. Vorstandsvorsitzender • Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernd Weber, Dekan der Med. Fakultät • Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexandra Philipsen, Stellv. Ärztliche Direktorin • Alexander Pröbstl, Vorstand Pflege und Patientenservice • Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heinz Reichmann • Gerichtsstand Bonn • Finanzamt Bonn Innenstadt • USt-IdNr.: DE811917555 • Bankverbindung: Sparkasse KölnBonn • BIC COLSDE33 • IBAN DE52 3705 0198 0010 6506 61

Aug. 10, 2023

*Deadline extended* INCF Short Course: Introduction to Neuroinformatics

by INCF

**Deadline extended* INCF Short Course: Introduction to Neuroinformatics* In coordination with the University of Washington and the West Big Data Innovation Hub October 2-4 Seattle, Washington, US Application deadline: August 31 50% discount for INCF members <https://www.incf.org/join-incf/individuals>! Registration has been extended for this Short Course on Neuroinformatics! This course will teach neuroscientists and researchers from related fields about neuroinformatics: the science & engineering of brain data. Speakers include: - Maryann Martone, University of California San Diego - Matthew Glasser, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis - Ariel Rokem, University of Washington - Ashley Juavinett, University of California, San Diego - Franco Pestilli, University of Texas at Austin - Yaroslav Halchenko, Dartmouth College, Center for Open Neuroscience - Dimitri Yatsenko, DataJoint ...and more! Topics covered include: - AI & machine learning - How to write a data management plan - Neuroethics, data governance, & international data sharing - Data science & reproducibility - Neuroinformatics - Neuroscience & neuroanatomy ...and more! Learn more: bit.ly/INCFcourse2023 Register here: bit.ly/INCFcourse2023reg

Aug. 10, 2023

1st EBRAINS National Node Germany Workshop ***26.09.2023 in Berlin, Germany***

by Frings, Maren

Dear Colleagues, We would like to kindly invite you to participate the 1st EBRAINS National Node Germany Workshop which will take place on September 26, 2023 in Berlin from 09:00-13:30 CET. Guest Speakers: Dr. Seán Froudist-Walsh, University of Bristol Prof. Dr. Thomas Wachtler, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Prof. Dr. Lena Oden, FernUni Hagen & FZ Jülich Prof. Dr. Bryan Strange, Technical University Madrid Dr. Andreas Rowald, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg Prof. Dr. Petra Ritter, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Prof. Dr. Thanos Manos, Cergy Paris University For further details and for registration please browse to our <https://flagship.kip.uni-heidelberg.de/jss/HBPm?m=SgD&mI=254> event website. The EBRAINS National Node Germany (NNG) invites to the 1st EBRAINS NNG Workshop as a back-to-back event of the Bernstein Conference 2023 in Berlin, Germany. You will hear about the EBRAINS RI, its usage, an Expert Discussion on Digital tools to bridge the gap between experimental and computational neuroscience and will have the opportunity to network during our NNG lunch. <https://ebrains.eu> EBRAINS is a unique digital Research Infrastructure (RI), created by the EU-funded Human Brain Project. It is an open platform providing an extensive range of data and tools to enhance brain-related research. EBRAINS is a pan-European distributed network of services, that will in the future be organized through National Nodes. The <https://www.ebrains.eu/national-nodes/germany> EBRAINS NNG currently encompasses about 40 universities and research institutions across Germany joining forces to develop a common scientific and technical strategy, addressing the major scientific challenges of our time. The EBRAINS NNG partners offer unique services, including science liaison activities, for basic neuroscience, medical applications, and industry in the fields of: * High-Performance Computing * Neuromorphic Computing * Artificial Intelligence * Simulation * Robotics * Information privacy and security Programme Committee: Nicola Palomero-Gallagher, Petra Ritter, Fabrice Morin, Francesca Cavallaro, Björn Kindler, Sandra Diaz, Maren Frings In case of further questions please dont hesitate to contact ebrains-nng(a)fz-juelich.de <mailto:ebrains-nng@fz-juelich.de> Kind regards Maren Frings on behalf of the Programme Committee Dr. Maren Frings Project Manager, EBRAINS National Node Germany Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation Tel +49 2461 61-6431 Fax +49 2461 61-6656 <http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc> www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc ------------------------------------------------------------------- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens, Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior -------------------------------------------------------------------

Aug. 10, 2023

Job opportunity at the Gatsby unit, SWC and NeuroGEARS

by Joaquin Rapela

Hello list, We have an open position for a research software engineer (machine learning and neuroscience) in London (UK) at the Gatsby Unit, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) and NeuroGEARS Ltd. Deadline: 25 August 2023 We invite applications for a Research Software Engineer (RSE) position with expertise in: . software development and/or . machine learning and/or . neural data analysis and/or . experimental control (ideally with the Bonsai ecosystem) to contribute to the recently funded project ``Machine Learning for Neuroscience Experimental Control'' https://gow.bbsrc.ukri.org/grants/AwardDetails.aspx?FundingReference=BB%2FW… The initial appointment will be for two years. Salary will be in the range of £50,085-£63,291; a competitive supplement may be offered to candidates who match well the knowledge, skills and experience required for this role. We offer the unique research environment of the Gatsby Unit, the SWC and NeuroGEARS, as well as an unparalleled learning experience. By interacting with our scientists and engineers you could acquire unique skills in computational neuroscience, statistical neural data analysis, machine learning, experimental neuroscience and research software engineering. For detailed information and how to apply, please visit the UCL Job Portal (Ref B02-05510): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?jobId=13635. For informal inquiries about the position, please contact me at j.rapela ‘at’ ucl.ac.uk. Cordially, Joaquin

Aug. 7, 2023

Integrative Biophysics Group Opportunities

by Ahmed Elhady

The Integrative Biophysics group (https://twitter.com/IntBioPhysics ) headed by Dr. Ahmed Elhady at the Cluster for Advanced study of collective behavior in the university of Konstanz , focuses on understanding theoretical foundations of biophysical phenomena from excitability up to social foraging. The group is part of the Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective behavior. We are a *Cluster of Excellence* within the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments. Being a cooperation between the University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, we use the extensive expertise in the region to create an interdisciplinary environment for the study of collective behaviour that is unique worldwide. "The Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour" is dedicated to the study of collective behaviour across a variety of species and across different organizational levels. For more information on the Cluster of Excellence, please visit: Collective Behaviour | exc.uni-konstanz.de <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/>. There are several opportunities to do research with us at the Integrative Biophysics group : 1. Postdoctoral position focused on theoretical analysis of social foraging involving theoretical modeling and advanced data analysis ( deadline: September 15th) . For more details , please check this : https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/4418ec7f80f7b2371d7a0e963fab434a… 2. Postdoctoral fellowships: we are very happy to discuss potential fellowship proposals relating to theoretical biophysics of collectives ( from cells to animals) that we can host in our group. Get in touch to discuss your ideas ! 3. University of Konstanz offers this unique independent postdoctoral fellowship ( deadline: October 10th), check it out here: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskolleg/fellowships/postdoctoral-fellows… . If you are granted this fellowship, you can have a collaboration with us at the Integrative biophysics group. To get in touch and discuss ideas and potential projects, please email Dr. Ahmed elhady at : ahmed.el-hady(a)uni-konstanz.de All the best regards, Ahmed Elhady Dr. Ahmed El Hady Research Group Leader Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907 Postbox 687 Tel.: +49 7531 88-4742

Aug. 6, 2023

Re: ChatSOME: A neural model of how children learn language meanings

by Grossberg, Stephen

Dear Comp-Neuro colleagues, I am writing to call your attention to an article that I just published Open Access which is relevant to many current themes in neural modeling: Grossberg, S. (2023). How children learn to understand language meanings: A neural model of adult–child multimodal interactions in real-time. Frontiers in Psychology, August 2, 2023. Section on Cognitive Science, Volume 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1216479 Here is its Abstract: ++++++++++++++++++++++ This article describes a biological neural network model that can be used to explain how children learn to understand language meanings about the perceptual and affective events that they consciously experience. This kind of learning often occurs when a child interacts with an adult teacher to learn language meanings about events that they experience together. Multiple types of self-organizing brain processes are involved in learning language meanings, including processes that control conscious visual perception, joint attention, object learning and conscious recognition, cognitive working memory, cognitive planning, emotion, cognitive-emotional interactions, volition, and goal-oriented actions. The article shows how all of these brain processes interact to enable learning of language meanings to occur. The article also contrasts these human capabilities with AI models like ChatGPT. The current model is called the ChatSOME model, where SOME abbreviates Self-Organizing Meaning. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ These contributions build upon results that are described in my recently published Magnum Opus: Conscious Mind, Resonant Brain: How Each Brain Makes a Mind https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Mind-Resonant-Brain-Makes/dp/0190070552 that I wrote to be self-contained and non-technical in a conversational style for the general public. Best, Steve Stephen Grossberg Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems Director, Center for Adaptive Systems Emeritus Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering Boston University sites.bu.edu/steveg/ steve(a)bu.edu<mailto:steve@bu.edu> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Grossberg http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3BIV70wAAAAJ&hl=en https://sites.bu.edu/steveg/files/2021/08/Grossberg-CV-8-14-21.pdf https://youtu.be/9n5AnvFur7I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hBye6JQCh4

Aug. 5, 2023

ESI SyNC 2023: September 14 - 15

by El Mahmoudi, Nada

[https://www.esi-frankfurt.de/img/esisync/esisync2023_header.jpg] Linking hypotheses: where neuroscience, computation, and cognition meet Dear Neuroscientists, We are happy to announce that the Ernst Strüngmann Institute Systems Neuroscience Conference (ESI SyNC) 2023 will take place in-person and online this year, on September 14 and 15 at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute in Frankfurt, Germany. This year’s topic is: Linking hypotheses: where neuroscience, computation, and cognition meet. Eleven speakers will discuss their research and views on the intersection of systems, behavioral, and computational neuroscience from a wide array of viewpoints: from basic network interactions in the brain probed at the electrophysiological and mechanistic levels, to complex animal behavior and cognition. This year’s conference is an outstanding platform bringing together sub-fields in the neurosciences that find themselves, regrettably often, treated in isolation. Young researchers will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and raise questions in formal and informal discussions. There will also be a poster session in person for which we welcome submissions. This conference is free for online participants and researchers in Frankfurt am Main. Registration Link: https://survey.academiccloud.de/index.php/763913?lang=en List of speakers: https://www.esi-frankfurt.de/newevent/ Best Regards, ESI-Sync Organizing Committee

Aug. 4, 2023

Postdoc position in computational systems neuroscience, Voigts Lab, Janelia

by Voigts, Jakob

The Voigts Lab at HHMI Janelia Research Campus is recruiting postdocs to work on how neocortex learns and applies models of the world to enable complex cognitive abilities. We will study flexible cognition by examining naturalistic behaviors that require animals to perform sequential computations, yet are learned quickly. We'll be able to throw whatever technology is needed at the problem of combining sufficient measurements with complex naturalistic behavior in mice, e.g. large-scale electrophysiology or calcium imaging, unrestrained behavior in large complex environments, closed-loop manipulations, circuit reconstruction, etc., but more importantly we'll work on the challenge of modeling, analyzing, and ultimately learning from data when there are no strictly repeated trials to average over. The postdoc position could focus on experimental and/or computational approaches to these questions, depending on the interests and experience of the candidate. We're part of the new Mechanistic Cognitive Neuroscience research area at Janelia. Postdocs will have access to an unusual amount of resources and support, allowing us to make rapid progress on these challenging questions. We'll also work closely with experimental, theoretical, methods, and machine learning researchers in- and outside of Janelia to make this research program possible, collaborative, and fun. Our lab website is https://www.voigtslab.org<https://www.voigtslab.org/>. To apply, please send a brief statement of research interests and CV to voigtsj(a)janelia.hhmi.org<mailto:voigtsj@janelia.hhmi.org>

Aug. 3, 2023

Two postdoc positions in neuroAI

by Rui Ponte Costa

Dear all, We are seeking to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Scientists to join the Neural and Machine Learning Group part of the world-class Oxford Neuroscience and the Oxford Neurotheory initiative. You will carry out research at the intersection between computational neuroscience and machine learning, closely informed by experimental observations. More details here: shorturl.at/hkwG3<https://t.co/d7ugbOLFDV> and of our group: neuralml.github.io<https://neuralml.github.io/> Best wishes, Rui Ponte Costa Group Leader, Neural and Machine Learning group<https://neuralml.github.io/> Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour | Oxford Neurotheory Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics Department of Experimental Psychology (honorary member) University of Oxford, UK

Aug. 2, 2023

[Job][PhD] at Inria Bordeaux, FR: From Reservoir Transformers to BrainGPT

by Xavier Hinaut

PhD position available at Inria, Bordeaux, France: "From Reservoir Transformers to BrainGPT" # Keywords Transformers; Reservoir Computing; Computational Neuroscience # Duration & start date 3 years starting 1st October 2023 (estimated) # Contact & Application Informal contact/questions and application: email to xavier dot hinaut at inria dot fr Application & More info: https://recrutement.inria.fr/public/classic/en/offres/2023-06611 All positions available: https://github.com/neuronalX/phd-and-postdoc-positions Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. A candidate will be selected as soon as a suitable profile is found. # Context This PhD thesis is part of the BrainGPT "Inria Exploratory Action" project. In the wake of the emergence of large-scale language models such as ChatGPT, the BrainGPT project is at the forefront of research in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Neuroscience. These models, although remarkably powerful, do not reflect the way in which our brains process and learn language. BrainGPT is rising to the challenge by focusing on the development of models that are more faithful to human cognitive functioning, inspired by data on brain activity during listening or reading. The ambition is to create more efficient models that are less dependent on intensive calculations and massive volumes of data. BrainGPT will open up new perspectives on our understanding of language and cognition. # Project and Work description The rapid rise in performance of language models, as demonstrated by the recent appeal of ChatGPT, is undeniable. However, the computational cost and environmental impact associated with such models are often overlooked [1]. These models rely on Transformers [2], which facilitate unsupervised learning on a large volume of data. These same models are used to predict brain activity from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or magnetoencephalography (MEG), an application our team also exploits [3]. The main ambition of the BrainGPT project is to combine the explainability of mechanistic models with the predictive power of Transformers to analyze brain imaging data. Today, on the one hand we have explanatory but less predictive mechanistic models, such as those based on Reservoir Computing, and on the other hand, high-performance predictive models, but not explanatory, like Transformers. Our goal is to combine the best of these two approaches, to develop more efficient ("sample efficient") models inspired by Transformers, which more faithfully reflect the how the brain works, while improving the predictive power of mechanistic models. Towards this ambition, the BrainGPT project seeks to identify the key mechanisms that allow Transformers to predict brain activity. Furthermore, our project strives to build models that are more biologically plausible than Transformers, incorporating the most relevant components for predicting brain activity, while integrating constraints derived from human cognition studies. The long-term objectives of the BrainGPT project are as follows: - Making Transformers more biologically plausible, which could improve the prediction of brain activity by imaging (fMRI, MEG, etc.). - Proposing new perspectives and computing paradigms that do not rely exclusively on gradient backpropagation, given its high computational and energy cost. - Reducing the energy footprint of Transformers by minimizing the computational costs associated with their learning. In summary, the thesis will mainly consist of developing new bio-inspired models inspired by the mechanisms, learning methods, and emerging behaviors of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Transformers. Subsequently, in collaboration with our collaborators, these models will be tested to assess their ability to predict brain activity from imaging data. [1] Bender, E. M., Gebru, T., McMillan-Major, A., & Shmitchell, S. (2021, March). On the dangers of stochastic parrots: Can language models be too big?🦜. In Proc. of the 2021 ACM conference on fairness, accountability, and transparency (pp. 610-623). [2] Vaswani, A. et al. (2017) Attention is all you need. In Proc. of Advances in neural information processing systems. [3] Oota, S. R., Trouvain, N., Alexandre, F., & Hinaut, X. (2023, August). MEG Encoding using Word Context Semantics in Listening Stories. In Proc. of INTERSPEECH 2023. # Skills Ideal Candidate Profile: - Holds an engineering or scientific degree and/or a PhD in digital sciences (computer science, automation, signal processing). - Has a first professional experience (6 months of internship or more) in Machine Learning and Python development. Especially in one or more of the following: Recurrent Neural Networks (in particular Reservoir Computing), Transformers, Large Language Models. - Possesses strong expertise in the scientific Python software and scientific stack (numpy/scipy). - Demonstrates a solid grasp of linear algebra concepts. - Proficiency in technical English is crucial, as it enables efficient collaboration with our international partners and effective presentations at conferences. - Has proven experience with version management, familiarity with Git, and proficiency in using the GitHub platform. # Advisor & Location Xavier Hinaut Inria Bordeaux & Institute for Neurodegenerative diseases (Pellegrin Hospital Campus, Bordeaux). Best regards, Xavier Hinaut Inria Research Scientist www.xavierhinaut.com -- +33 5 33 51 48 01 Mnemosyne team, Inria, Bordeaux, France -- https://team.inria.fr/mnemosyne & LaBRI, Bordeaux University -- https://www4.labri.fr/en/formal-methods-and-models & IMN (Neurodegeneratives Diseases Institute) -- http://www.imn-bordeaux.org/en --- Our Reservoir Computing library: https://github.com/reservoirpy/reservoirpy

Aug. 2, 2023