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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience of reward learning at NIMH
by Langdon, Angela (NIH/NIMH) [E] April 30, 2024

April 30, 2024

The Unit on the Neural Computations in Learning at the National Institute of Mental Health/NIH, led by Dr Angela Langdon, is looking for a creative and enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow to join the lab! Research in the lab is focused on the computational neuroscience of reward prediction and learning. Broadly, we study how timing, inference processes and goal selection modulate learning in reward-guided tasks in animals and humans, and how these processes are instantiated in neural activity across the reward learning circuits of the brain. We have a particular interest in how reward learning is altered in compulsive behaviors and in addiction. We are looking for a postdoc who is interested in developing approaches from reinforcement learning, dynamical systems theory and Bayesian inference to understand the online regulation of reward prediction and learning in neural activity and behavior. We have a broad network of collaborating labs that span rodent, NHP and human studies, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a highly interdisciplinary environment to pursue novel and translational insights into the neural basis of reward learning. This opening is an excellent opportunity for a computational neuroscientist who wishes to apply theoretical ideas to understand empirical data, with the opportunity to collaborate on novel paradigms to test computational models of reward learning in the brain. Interested candidates should have strong quantitative and programming skills, a background in neuroscience, psychology or cognitive science and a record of scientific contributions in an area relevant to research in the lab. Applicants should send a brief research statement, cv and the names of two academic references to Dr Angela Langdon (angela dot langdon at nih dot gov). Informal enquiries are welcome!

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GRE requirements and grad school applicant numbers
by Brascamp, Jan April 29, 2024

April 29, 2024

Dear collegues at United States graduate programs, To inform our graduate program’s application policy in future years, we are trying to understand the relation between whether a graduate program requires applicants to submit GRE results, and the number of applications received. We put together a short Qualtrics survey to learn what our colleagues’ experience at other graduate programs has been in this context. If you are at a US graduate program and could save a few minutes, we would be grateful if you could fill out the survey. https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7P3H69NQgtoMCXA <https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7P3H69NQgtoMCXA> Thank you, Jan Brascamp

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World wide VVTNS series: Wednesday, May 1st 2024 at 11am (EDT), Lorenzo Fontolan, Université Aix-Marseille| "Neural mechanisms of memory-guided behaviour"
by David Hansel April 28, 2024

April 28, 2024

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Lorenzo Fontolan Université Aix-Marseille on the topic of "Neural mechanisms of memory-guided behaviour*"* The lecture will be held on zoom on *May 1st, 2024*, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the zoom link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *Persistent, stimulus-dependent neuronal activity has been observed in numerous brain areas during tasks that require the temporary maintenance of information. Several competing hypotheses for the neuronal mechanisms underlying persistent activity have been proposed. We have employed data-driven models in conjunction with optogenetic disruptions of neural circuits within memory-guided motor tasks. Our findings revealed a mechanism governed by dynamic attractors, pivotal in sustaining neuronal activity. This mechanism, shaped by time-varying inputs reflecting temporal predictions, is instrumental in regulating the impact of sensory information on the premotor cortex, thereby preserving memory traces from distracting stimuli. We then asked how persistent activity driven by attractor dynamics emerges during motor learning. It has been proposed that activity-dependent synaptic plasticity underpins motor learning, as it can reconfigure network architectures to produce the appropriate neural dynamics for specific behaviors. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated how the mouse premotor cortex acquires specific neural dynamics that govern the planning of movement at different stages of motor learning. We developed network models that replicated the effects of acute manipulations of synaptic plasticity. The models, which display attractor dynamics, also explain flexible behavior after learning has ended. By leveraging the model's predictions, we can formulate testable hypotheses regarding the distinct mechanisms governing movement planning at various stages of the learning process. *About VVTNS : Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ ᐧ ᐧ ᐧ -- "В каждой шутке есть доля шутки" 'Life is good ..' (Carl van Vreeswijk, 1962-2022) --------------------------------------- David Hansel Directeur de Recherche au CNRS Co-Group leader Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity and Learning lab., CNRS 45 rue des Saints Peres 75270 Paris Cedex 06 Tel (Cell): +33 607508403 - Fax (33).1.49.27.90.62 ᐧ

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[Meetings] [CFP] (3nd Call) Call for Submission: NeuroDesign EXPO in HRI Student Showcase Competition at ICRA 2024 (USD $1800 in cash)
by NeuroDesign in HRI April 28, 2024

April 28, 2024

[Meetings] [CFP] (3nd Call) Call for Submission: NeuroDesign EXPO in HRI Student Showcase Competition at ICRA 2024 (USD $1800 in cash) —------------------------------------------------------------ =============================== Call for Submission =============================== NeuroDesign EXPO in HRI Student Showcase Competition ($1800 USD for your participation) 2nd Workshop on NeuroDesign in Human-Robot Interaction: The making of engaging HRI technology your brain can’t resist IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2024) Yokohama, Japan May 17, 2024 https://neurodesign-in-hri.webflow.io/ Dear Colleagues, Are you working on a human-interactive robot project that already has prototypes or some initial research findings? Perhaps you're pondering how to evolve these into more human-centric, real-world applications with a seamless, intuitive "brain"-centered experience, aiming to connect robots more deeply with our bodies, minds, and souls. Worry not! We're excited to announce the NeuroDesign EXPO in HRI Showcase Competition at ICRA 2024, in conjunction with the NeuroDesign in HRI workshop (https://neurodesign-in-hri.webflow.io/) This event will feature a panel of world-renowned experts from diverse fields such as Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cognitive Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Psychology, Art & Design, RoboEthics, and the Startup community. These professionals will offer live, integrated-perspective feedback and recommendations to help refine your projects into more impactful research and commercial products. We invite students at the BSc, MSc, and PhD levels to submit your projects. Submissions can fall into, but are not limited to, the following categories: - Affective Computing - Social and Service Robot - Industrial Collaborative Robot - Wearable Robot/ Device - Brain-Machine/Computer Interface - Haptics and Tele-operation - Soft Robotics - VR/AR & Metaverse - Cyborg and Bionic System - Healthcare Robotics - Exoskeleton and Rehabilitation Robot - LLM and Foundation Model for Human Robot Interaction - Brain Dynamics and Psychology for Cognitive and Physical HRI (cHRI/pHRI) - Human-Drone/AutoVehicle Interaction - Assistive Technology - Intelligence Augmentation and Human 2.0 Technologies - Supernumerary Limbs - Biometric Information Processing - Pervasive-Ubiquitous/Spatial Computing - Smart Home/Internet of Things (IoTs) - Edge-Fog-Cloud Computing - Speech/Gesture Recognition or Image/Audio Processing - Big Data, AI & Machine Learning for Multimodal Interaction - Smart Tutoring/Chatbot System - RoboEthics - RoboFashion, Clothing and Robot Skin - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for HRI Technologies Participation Procedure: Our selection process is on a rolling basis, and we aim to choose 10 projects for the final on-stage pitch presentation. We especially encourage those who have already submitted their work as posters or papers to ICRA 2024 or have publications elsewhere to participate in our event. This competition offers a fantastic opportunity to increase the visibility of your research globally. Submission Options: Submissions can be made in one of three formats: 1. A concise 100-word abstract and a 1-2 minute video, offering a brief yet engaging overview. 2. A 100-word abstract accompanied by 5 detailed slides for a short but thorough presentation. 3. A 2-page extended abstract (Please follow IEEE ICRA format: https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/word.php) for a more in-depth submission. *4. Participants are also welcome to submit using any combination of the above formats. Final Round and Presentation: The selected 10 projects will each have a 5-minute pitch presentation on stage during the final round. If the final project team is unable to attend in person in Japan, we will provide a Zoom link for virtual presentation. Alternatively, you may submit a polished, pre-recorded 5-minute video presentation, which we will play on stage. Exhibition and Virtual Participation: All submitted projects will receive a dedicated booth for poster and prototype demonstrations. For participants unable to travel to Japan, we will print your posters and display them on the bulletin boards at our venue. The event is designed to be "Hybrid" to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their ability to travel to Japan. A Zoom link will be provided for your virtual participation. Awards: We are thrilled to present two distinguished award categories at the competition. The "Best Innovation in HRI NeuroDesign Award" will be awarded to 3 outstanding projects, as recognized by our panel of speakers and committee members. The *First Prize* will be awarded for USD 1000 USD and the* 2nd Prize* will be awarded 800 hundred for the prototyping. These projects will exemplify groundbreaking innovation within Human-Robot Interaction NeuroDesign. Additionally, the "Most Popular Project in HRI NeuroDesign Award" will be given to 2 projects, for which the First Prize will be awarded for “Full Waiver” for the submission to Journal of Frontiers in Robotics and AI in that capture the hearts of our workshop attendees and audience, determined through a popular vote. Winners in both categories will receive certificates acknowledging their achievements. Timeline: - Submission Deadline: Your entries must be submitted by *May 1, 2024*. Please note that our selection process is rolling, so early submissions are encouraged. - Announcement of Final Project Teams: The teams selected for the final round will be announced on May 3, 2024. - Competition Date: The competition will take place on May 17, 2024, where finalists will present their projects to the panel and attendees. Submission Website: https://forms.gle/fQMxJtkXb8JEU2WR6 If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're looking forward to seeing you at ICRA 2024! Best regards, Organizing Committee 2nd Workshop on NeuroDesign in Human-Robot Interaction: The making of engaging HRI technology your brain can’t resist https://neurodesign-in-hri.webflow.io/

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Videos posted for AE Spring Summit on Fundamental Challenges for AI (Algorithm Developement)
by Battleday, Ruairidh April 28, 2024

April 28, 2024

------------------------------ Last week we held a Summit on the Fundamental Technical Challenges <http://www.algopreneurship.org/program> for ML/AI Development at the Computer History Museum in Palo Alto (April 15th). The videos are now available free-of-charge at the below link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA59nMLAkDyjuCkh7_6E5QSYv8ZNzXipf&si=mZo… *Keynotes* Professor Jay McClelland (Stanford / DeepMind) Professor Bin Yu (UC Berkeley) Professor Diyi Yang (Stanford) Professor Sergey Levine (UC Berkeley) *Panels* New Landscapes for AI Research New Professional Pathways Challenges for AI in Biomedicine Fundamental Challenges We hope you enjoy! The Thinking About Thinking Team <http://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org> -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

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Postdoc position available at UChicago
by Jorge Jaramillo April 26, 2024

April 26, 2024

Dear Comp-Neuro community, https://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/postdoctoral-fellow-computational-neurosc… We are looking for an outstanding applicant to develop large-scale circuit models for decision making within a collaborative consortium that includes the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics, New York University, and the University of Chicago. This ambitious NIH-funded project requires the creativity and expertise to integrate multimodal data sets (e.g., connectivity, large-scale neural recordings, behavior) into a comprehensive modeling framework. The successful applicant will join Jorge Jaramillo’s Distributed Neural Dynamics and Control Lab at the Grossman Center at the University of Chicago. The Grossman Center Core Faculty | Neuroscience Institute<https://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/grossman-center-core-faculty> Throughout the course of the postdoctoral training, there will be opportunities to visit the other sites in Seattle (Karel Svoboda) and New York (Adam Carter, Xiao-Jing Wang) for additional training and collaboration opportunities. Appointees will join as Grossman Center Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Chicago and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and additional opportunities for collaboration with exceptional experimental labs within the Department of Neurobiology, as well as other labs from the departments of Physics, Computer Sciences, and Statistics. The Grossman Center offers competitive postdoctoral salaries in the vibrant and international city of Chicago, and a rich intellectual environment that includes the Argonne National Laboratory and the Data Science Institute. Postdoctoral fellows will also have the possibility to work in additional projects with other Grossman Center faculty members. Application: Please send your application before May 1st 2024 as a single PDF file including: i) a CV with publications highlighted; ii) a motivation letter specifying how you can contribute to large-scale circuit modeling and data analysis based on current and previous work; iii) the contact details of two academic references to jorgejaramillo(a)uchicago.edu<mailto:jorgejaramillo@uchicago.edu>. A doctoral degree and sufficient computational background is required; informal enquiries are welcome. Starting date: The position is available immediately, starting date can be defined via mutual agreement. The University of Chicago is committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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SAB 2024 Paper Submission Deadline Extended to May 15th
by Jeffrey L Krichmar April 26, 2024

April 26, 2024

Dear Colleagues, Due to many requests, the submission deadline for SAB 2024 has been extended to May 15th! Because of the tight schedule, THERE WILL BE NO MORE EXTENSIONS. From Animals to Animats: 17th International Conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2024) More information can be found at: https://sites.uci.edu/sab2024/ CALL FOR PAPERS - SAB 2024 ------------------------------------------- The Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB) interdisciplinary conference brings together researchers in artificial intelligence, artificial life, computer science, cybernetics, ethology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, robotics, and many other fields, to further our understanding of the behaviors and underlying mechanisms that allow natural animals and artificial agents to adapt and survive in complex, dynamic and uncertain environments. Animats denote the connection between animals and synthetic agents. The conference focuses on models and experiments designed to help characterize and compare various organizational principles and architectures underlying adaptive behavior in real animals and in animats. SAB 2024 solicits contributions dealing with any aspect of adaptive behavior. We especially invite submissions from researchers who connect biology and natural behavior to synthetic agents. Conference papers are peer-reviewed and accepted papers will be published in “From Animals to Animats 17. SAB 2024.” Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Springer Nature. Venue -------- CalIT2 Auditorium University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697 USA Important Dates ——————————— May 15, 2024: Deadline for paper submission May 15, 2024: Deadline for Workshop and tutorial proposals June30, 2024: Notice of acceptance July 15, 2024: Camera-ready papers September 9-12: Conference dates Jeff Krichmar Department of Cognitive Sciences 2328 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 jkrichma(a)uci.edu http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma https://sites.uci.edu/sab2024/

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[Jobs] Available Ph.D. Position at the intersection of AI / Psychology / Human-Robot Interaction
by Amir Aly April 25, 2024

April 25, 2024

Dear All *Apologies for cross-posting* We are pleased to announce an opportunity for a funded PhD studentship (*Delivering Functional Imagery Training via Generative AI To Improve Access to Effective Psychological Interventions for Health*) at Plymouth University, UK. The closing date for applications is *29**th May 2024 (**midnight, UK time) **(**The difference in tuition fees between national and international students will be waived for excellent international candidates**)*. Join our interdisciplinary team to shape the future of mental health care. *AI models like ChatGPT* fundamentally change the landscape for the automated delivery of psychological interventions. These models will likely make it possible to deliver *psychologically-informed treatment* at scale, meeting a substantial unmet need for these services. This project will develop datasets and software to deliver *Functional Imagery Training (FIT)* via mobile devices and, ultimately, via *embodied agents (robots)*. As a person-centred intervention, FIT presents an interesting challenge: the practitioner or AI must tailor responses to the content of what the 'client' says, and guide mental imagery exercises based on that personal content. By building an interdisciplinary team of psychologists and machine learning experts this project will deliver real-world impact with broad implications for mental healthcare. More details *about the topic *and *how to apply* are available at: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DHA540/phd-studentship-fit-for-all-delivering-fu… <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DHA540/phd-studentship-fit-for-all-delivering-fu…> PhD Studentship: FIT for All: Delivering Functional Imagery Training via Generative AI To Improve Access to Effective Psychological Interventions for Health at University of Plymouth <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DHA540/phd-studentship-fit-for-all-delivering-fu…> jobs.ac.uk are now advertising a PhD Studentship: FIT for All: Delivering Functional Imagery Training via Generative AI To Improve Access to Effective Psychological Interventions for Health. Discover exciting PhD opportunities on jobs.ac.uk. www.jobs.ac.uk If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK ------------------------------ <http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass>

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Postdoc in signal processing and cognitive neuroscience with ECOFEC project
by Elif Köksal April 25, 2024

April 25, 2024

*Context.* Epilepsy is a multi-causal neurological disorder affecting more than 50 million of the population worldwide. Epilepsy is known for its clinical manifestations (seizures) and subclinical manifestations (interictal epileptic discharges - IEDs -). Although subclinical*, **IEDs perturb neuroplasticity processes* by altering the physiological activity of cortical networks. *IEDs have long-term adverse effects on developing brain circuits and can cause long-term cognitive deficits in children* that negatively impact their lives as much as seizures do. Yet, one of the most recurrent questions in epilepsy neuro-pediatric clinics is whether IEDs should be treated or not. While research studies have advanced our understanding of the relation between some cognitive impairments and IEDs, their translation to clinical practice is limited due to a lack of *quantification* of the long-term relationship between interictal EEG abnormalities and cognitive functions and the *accessibility* of this information with available techniques. *Objective*. The ECOFEC (Evolution of COgnitive Functions in Epileptic Children) aims to (i) understand how the relation between the electrophysiology and neuropsychological tests evolved over the years in children with epilepsy and (ii) unveil the electrophysiological biomarkers that may lead to a IEDs and cognitive deficits treatment if there are any. *Mission*. Neuropsychological test scores and EEG recordings collected during four years of the patient’s follow up and MRI will be considered as clinical data. Low-resolution EEG analysis enhanced by machine-learning techniques will be considered to detect the biomarkers that can be related to the cognitive dysfunctions. In the first stage of the project, the post-doctoral researcher will focus on resting-state scalp EEG signals to define the intrinsic networks, detect the IEDs and define their spatiotemporal and connectivity features (e.g. IED morphology, frequency, functional connectivity etc.). All the analyses will be done in the source-space after solving the inverse problem on patient-specific anatomical models. In the second stage of the project, the interactions between the intrinsic connectivity networks and IED networks will be studied to capture network-level variations and to define whether there is a relationship between these variations and neuropsychological assessments. *Profile*. The ECOFEC project is at the interface between signal processing (EEG, independent component analysis, and inverse problem), cognitive neuroscience (neuropsychological) and clinics (epilepsy, neuropediatry). The post-doctoral fellow should have a strong background in electrophysiology, EEG analysis and processing, functional connectivity and statistical analysis. Knowledge on machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroanatomy would be an asset. The post-doc fellow will join a multidisciplinary team including research scientists in biomedical engineering, neurophysiological modeling, bio-physics, signal processing, electrophysiology, neurology, and interact with clinicians. *Contract*. The 1-year contract is supported by the Institute of Clinical Neuroscience of Rennes (INCR, https://www.incr.fr/) starting as soon as suitable candidates are identified. *Location*. The position is located in Signal and Image Processing Labrotory (LTSI, https://ltsi.univ-rennes.fr/) Rennes, France. LTSI is affiliated to INSERM and University of Rennes. *Contact*. Applicants should send a CV and a list of two reference via e-mail to Elif Köksal-Ersöz (elif.koksal-ersoz(a)inserm.fr) and Isabelle Merlet (isabelle.merlet(a)inserm.fr) Please put [ECOFEC post-doc application] in the subject of the mail.

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FENS satellite symposium "Convergence, Divergence, and Computational Optimization in Neural Circuit Evolution", 23-24 June 2024, Vienna and online
by von Behren, Christina April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

Dear all, We would like to draw your attention to the upcoming FENS satellite symposium "Convergence, Divergence, and Computational Optimization in Neural Circuit Evolution<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/682787.html>" taking place in Vienna and online on June 23-24, 2024. The event is organized by SPP 2205 "Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing". You are welcome to submit a poster abstract. If you plan to attend the FENS meeting anyway, you can easily go to Vienna a few days earlier... Please register by May 20, 2024. Feel free to spread the news. Best regards, on behalf of the organizers **************** Dr. Britta Korkowsky Coordinator Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN) Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Graduate Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience SPP 2205 Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing University of Goettingen Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12 37073 Göttingen Tel.: +49-551-39-26675

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