- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

[Call for Participants] 1st International Whole Brain Architecture Workshop (Online, July 16 Evening JST)

by 山川宏

Dear Everyone, Hiroshi Yamakawa, Chairperson of the Whole Brain Architecture Initiative (WBAI), Japan. I'm pleased to announce that we will host the "1st International Whole Brain Architecture Workshop" as detailed below. This workshop is a key activity in WBAI's efforts to develop human-like artificial intelligence. Specifically, we aim to share and utilize standardized Brain Reference Architecture (BRA) data and related data papers as design specifications for human-like AI. This workshop marks the first of its kind. Brain-inspired AI systems with architectures similar to the human brain provide intrinsic high interpretability and human compatibility. This approach could effectively bridge the gap to more advanced artificial intelligence (AGI) This event will bring together researchers and experts from a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, to understand and emulate the computational capabilities of the brain, and to share and leverage such data We look forward to serving as a catalyst. We cordially invite you to participate in this exciting event. Details: Date & Time: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 18:00-21:03 JST Format: Online (via Zoom) Language: English Participation Fee: Free Program Highlights: - Keynote Lecture: Prof. Kenji Doya (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology) "Digital Brain Project of Brain/MINDS 2.0" - Oral Presentation Session (4 presentations) - Tutorial on BRA data construction To register, please fill out the form at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIqbu1oGUP6LE6ON0tHRDpFWUHmViz7-G… Registered participants will receive Zoom meeting information (URL) the day before and on the day of the event. Organizers: Organizer: The Whole Brain Architecture Initiative Supported by Transformative Research Areas (A) Biology of Behavior Change Operation: WBA Study Group Executive Committee Program Chair: Yoshimasa Tawatsuji Executive Chair: Hiroshi Yamakawa For more information, please visit: https://wba-initiative.org/en/24158/ If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at: bra-support(a)wba-initiative.org We look forward to your participation! Best regards, Hiroshi Yamakawa Whole Brain Architecture Initiative (WBAI)

July 8, 2024

REMINDER: Adam Tyson: Software Tools for Systems Neuroscience @ INCF/OCNS Software WG session on 9th July, 1500 UTC

by Ankur Sinha

Dear all, A reminder of tomorrow's session: ----------------------------------------------------- Dear all, Apologies for the cross posts. Please do spread the word to interested colleagues. Adam Tyson from the Neuroinformatics Unit at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre will talk about the software tools that their group develops at the next INCF/OCNS Software Working Group (WG) session on July 09 at 1500 UTC. There will be a Q&A/discussion session after the presentation, followed by any WG business. Please find the abstract and joining information below: - When: July 9, 1500 UTC - Where: Zoom: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/91017703246?pwd=RmdwMW9xL0FFaFVVL0Z6dUtnbkplZz09 - Web page: https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2024/06/26/wg-meeting-9-july-2024-softwar… Abstract: Understanding the brain requires processing and analysing large, multidimensional datasets. Systems neuroscience, in particular, has undergone a drastic transformation, with individual labs now commonly generating terabytes or even petabytes of data annually. While there has been an increase in software tools to process this data, many of these tools are single-purpose, inadequately maintained, or poorly integrated with the broader software ecosystem. This talk will outline some of the tools we are developing for computational neuroanatomy, video behavioural analysis, and data management. About the speaker: Adam Tyson is the Head Research Engineer at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre and Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit at University College London. He established the Neuroinformatics Unit, a research software engineering team dedicated to developing robust, maintainable, and user-friendly software tools for neuroscience and machine learning. Adam completed a PhD in neuroscience at King's College London before working as a software developer at the Institute of Cancer Research and the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre. Resources/links: - BrainGlobe: https://brainglobe.info/ - Movement: https://movement.neuroinformatics.dev/ - NeuroBluePrint: https://neuroblueprint.neuroinformatics.dev/ - Neuroinformatics Unit: https://neuroinformatics.dev/ - Sainsbury Wellcome Centre: https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/ - Gatsby Computational Neuroscience: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/gatsby/gatsby-computational-neuroscience-unit On behalf of the WG, -- Thanks, Regards, Ankur Sinha (He / Him / His) | https://ankursinha.in Research Fellow at the Silver Lab, University College London | http://silverlab.org/ Free/Open source community volunteer at the NeuroFedora project | https://neuro.fedoraproject.org Time zone: Europe/London

July 8, 2024

Online Vocational Training and Internship: Python programing and Hypothesis Testing

by PRANAV NERURKAR

Dear colleagues, Apologies for the cross posts. Please spread the word to interested colleagues. Greetings Hope you are doing well. We are launching an internship. Registration: https://internships.utkarshminds.com/ In summary this two months internship has: 1. Students will experience advanced data analysis and work on 25 projects 2. After completion they can get a internship completion certificate 3. They can add in their resume and increase chances of getting a job 4. Only a one time fee of Rs. 99 (USD 2/EURO 2) *Description:* This internship is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to become an Applied Python Developer. You will learn how to write efficient Python code, work with data structures, handle file operations, and build real-world applications using Python. *Key Highlights:* 1. Experience writing efficient Python code 2. Master data structures and algorithms in Python 3. Build real-world applications with Python *What you will experience:* 1. Write Efficient Python Code 2. Experience best practices for writing clean, readable, and efficient Python code 3. Data Structures and Algorithms 4. Master essential data structures and algorithms in Python for effective problem solving 5. Build Real-world Applications 6. Apply your Python skills to build practical applications and projects Regards *Pranav A. NERURKAR* Specialist - AI & Data science UTKARSH MINDS +91 961-999-77-97 pranav.nerurkar@ <amandine.deplantes(a)igonogo.io>utkarshminds.com www.utkarshminds.com Nirmala Sadan, Jaya Nagar, Kasturba cross road no. 1, Mumbai - 400066

July 8, 2024

[Call for Abstracts] - 3rd International Conference on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (3ICEAI) (19-25 September 2024)

by steven gouveia

[Call for Abstracts] 3rd International Conference on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (3ICEAI) University of Azores, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores 19-25 September 2024 (19-20 Online, 23-25 in-person) About: The third edition of this conference will be organized into two distinct segments. The first segment, scheduled for September 19-20, 2024, will be conducted exclusively online, featuring virtual presentations. The second segment, taking place from September 23-25, 2024, will consist solely of in-person sessions. ETHICS OF AI AWARD 2024 (in-person talks only): The best-submitted abstract will receive the opportunity to deliver a special Award Talk similar to a keynote talk (note: the selected author will have the fee waived). Previous winner (2023): Dr. Cristina Voinea (The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Uni. Oxford). We're also proud to announce a publication partnership with Palgrave Macmillan. Selected papers presented at the conference will be considered (following a peer-review process) for inclusion in the Palgrave Handbook of the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which will be edited by Steven S. Gouveia. The community is invited to submit proposals in different research fields until August 1st, 2024. KEYNOTES SPEAKERS: * Sabina Leonelli holds the Chair of Philosophy and History of Science and Technology at the Technical University of Munich, where she is also Research Director of the Ethical Data Initiative. * Pekka Mäkelä is an is a Research Coordinator in the Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (HSSH) at the University of Helsinki and the co-leader of the RADAR Group. * Ariane Hanemaayer is an Associate Professor at Brandon University, Canada, in the departments of Sociology and Gender and Women's Studies, and Affiliate Scholar at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. * Raul Hakli is a university researcher in practical philosophy and co-leader of the RADAR group. * Eleanor Drage is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. * Hasse Hämäläinen is AI Scientist at Mehiläinen, holding a PhD in Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. * Veridiana Cordeiro is a sociologist, a Professor at the Department of Sociology at the University of São Paulo, and a research fellow at the Center for Artificial Intelligence (IBM-Sao Paulo Research Foundation). Topics might include (but are not limited to): 1. Algorithmic Fairness and Bia 2. Privacy and Data Protection 3. Transparency and Explainability 4. Accountability and Responsibility 5. Human Rights and Social Justice 6. AI in Healthcare 7. AI in Autonomous Systems 8. Ethical Frameworks and Guidelines 9. AI and Decision-Making 10. Ethics of AI in Public Policy 11. AI and Environmental Ethics 12. Ethical Education and Awareness 13. AI in the Workplace 14. Global Perspectives on AI Ethics 15. Emerging Ethical Issues in AI 16. AI, Aesthetics and Cinema 17. Other topics related. FEES: * Professionals (posdoc, professor, tenure-track): € 160,00 * Students: (Master, PhD): € 110,00 Languages of the colloquium: English and Portuguese. SUBMISSIONS: * IMPORTANT: you should clearly state if you are submitting for the online segment (OS) (19-20 September) or the in-person segment (PS) (23-25 September). If (OS), you need to provide a preferred time schedule considering the Azores Time Zone (UTC - 1 hour). In-person submissions have a higher chance of being accepted (more slots available); * Proposals should include two files: (in word. format): (1) a cover page with identification, academic affiliation, and title (2) an anonymized title and abstract (maximum 250 words) and sent to interconfethicsofai(a)gmail.com * Paper duration: 30 minutes (20 minutes presentation + 10 minutes for discussion); * Information: in order to facilitate the request for funding of the accepted talks so speakers can prepare their travel in advance, notification of acceptance or rejection will be given in a 7-10 days period after the submission is submitted (and reviewed); * Papers presented at the colloquium are expected to be published in several projects (volumes, special issues, etc.) (this is optional - more information after the end of the conference); * Any doubts or concerns can be addressed to: interconfethicsofai(a)gmail.com Venue: University of Azores | Address: Rua da Mãe de Deus, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores. Organization: Mind, Language and Action Group | Institute of Philosophy | University of Porto Center for Humanistic Studies | University of the Azores Organizing Committee Steven S. Gouveia (Chair) Rui Sampaio da Silva (Local Organizer) Sofia Miguens Jaroslav Malík Romeu Ivolela Liberty Severs Support: CEEC Project by FCT 2022.02527.CEECIND TL Modern & Contemporary Philosophy RG Mind, Language and Action Group (MLAG) Instituto de Filosofia da Universidade do Porto – UIDB/00502/2020 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) Reitoria da Universidade do Porto + Center for Humanistic Studies University of the Azores

July 5, 2024

Reminder: PhD-Researcher and Lecturer, Neurocomputation of Language, Tilburg University (1.0 fte, six years)

by Harm Brouwer

Reminder, the deadline (July 21st) is approaching for the following position: PhD-Researcher and Lecturer, Neurocomputation of Language, Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University (1.0 fte, six years) The Neurocomputation of Language (NCL) lab from the Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) at Tilburg University invites applications for a 6-year position. The successful applicant for this position would spend 60% of their time as a PhD student and 40% as a lecturer. The PhD project would be determined by the successful applicant and the lab director but should employ advanced statistical modeling and/or neurocomputational modeling to address one or more of the core themes of the lab: the nature and time course of language comprehension, the neural representation and computation of meaning, and the cortical organization of the language network. The educational tasks of the candidate could include leading practical sessions, grading assignments and exams, and (eventually) supervising thesis students. Requirements * Master’s degree in (computational) cognitive (neuro)science, neurobiology of language, or a related field. If you expect to obtain your degree before August 2024, you are also eligible. * Good knowledge of statistics and machine learning (practical experience with large language models is a plus). * Excellent knowledge of English and good academic writing skills. What we offer * A full-time position. * The selected candidate will receive a contract for six years. * You will receive a temporary employment contract for the duration of 12 months. A 5-year extension is offered upon a positive assessment. After one year your UFO profile will change to PhD Candidate / Lecturer. In the second year your initial education assignment is 40% and your research assignment is 60%. * A minimum gross salary of €3226- per month up to a maximum of € 4036- in the 6th year. For the duration of 12 months, you are entitled to a allowance. The amount is the difference in salary of scale 10 level 0 and scale PR level 0. * A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually). * Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation). The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. Note that the 30% rule will be scaled back from 1 January 2024. For new applications, during a five-year term, the scheme will gradually decrease to a 10% rule. More specifically, this means that during the first 20 months of the term, 30% of the salary will be reimbursed untaxed. In the next 20 months, this percentage drops to 20% and during the last 20 months, the untaxed reimbursement is 10% of the salary. * Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees). * Benefits such as an options model for terms and conditions of employment and reimbursement of moving expenses, also including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sports facilities. The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies. Information and application More detailed project information can be provided on request: please contact dr. Harm Brouwer (h.brouwer(a)tilburguniversity.edu<mailto:h.brouwer@tilburguniversity.edu>), PI of the Neurocomputation of Language lab. To apply, please submit: * a motivation letter in which you describe why you want to be considered for this position, and why you are the right person to do it; * a full curriculum vitae, demonstrating academic excellence, including publications (if applicable); academic transcripts of your Bachelor and Master’s degrees; * a sample of writing, such as your Master’s thesis or a relevant paper; * contact details of two academic referees. The only way to apply is online<https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=…>. The first deadline for application is July 21, 2024, the position is open until filled. The starting date of this position is negotiable but preferably no later than October 1st, 2024. Neurocomputation of Language lab The Neurocomputational of Language (NCL) lab combines neurocomputational modeling with empirical experimentation to investigate the neural basis of language. Grounded in principles of neural information processing, and informed by empirical insights on the nature and time course of comprehension, our models aim to offer mechanistic explanations of how an interpretation is constructed in real time as spoken or written linguistic signal unfolds on a, more or less, word-by-word basis. See the lab website for more information: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/tshd/departments/dca/lab/ne… The department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) The Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence department (https://csai.nl/) at Tilburg University is part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. The department emphasizes innovative research spanning a wide array of fields including computational linguistics and language technology, data-science, human-robot interaction, virtual reality and serious games. CSAI is a member of the Benelux Association for Artificial Intelligence, participates in the Special Interest Group for AI (SIG AI), and also participates in the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE). Tilburg University and the CSAI department offer a vibrant international environment, with current CSAI staff originating from more than 10 countries. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of four departments: Communication and Cognition, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Culture Studies and Philosophy; several research institutes and a faculty office. Also the University College Tilburg is part of the School. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 2000 students and 250 employees. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences<https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/humanities/> Recruitment code Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode<https://kmt.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/download/?id=21374> of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP). Disclaimer The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled. -- [ Dr. Harm Brouwer, Associate Professor [ Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University [ E-mail: h.brouwer(a)tilburguniversity.edu<mailto:h.brouwer@tilburguniversity.edu> [ http://www.hbrouwer.eu/

July 3, 2024

Ph.D. position in Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience - Deadline 29th July 2024.

by Eleonora Russo

One Ph.D. position is available within the National Ph.D. Program in ‘Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience’. The Ph.D. will be held in the Brain Dynamics Lab<https://www.santannapisa.it/en/institute/biorobotics/brain-dynamics-laborat…> at the Biorobotics Institute of Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa (Italy) in collaboration with the Kelsch Group<http://www.synapticwiring.com/index.html> at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz (Germany). Information about the call can be found here<https://www.unicam.it/bandi/2024/bando-n0046958-del-28062024>. The deadline for applying to the position is at 13:00 on 29 July 2024. The project description can be found here<https://www.unicam.it/sites/default/files/bandi/2024/06/ANNEX%201_TAN_ciclo…> under ‘Code 4.2’. Project title: Functional modeling of brain dynamics: understanding reinforcement learning through the lens of dynamical systems. Keywords: neural coding, neuronal manifolds, modelling, dynamical system reconstruction, RNN, statistical mechanics, machine learning, reinforcement learning, dopamine. Host Institution: Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, BioRobotics Institute Reference person/supervisor: Russo Eleonora; eleonora.russo(a)santannapisa.it Research topic description Understanding the dynamical systems governing neuronal activity is crucial for unraveling how the brain performs cognitive functions. Historically, various forms of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have been proposed as simplified models of the cortex. Recently, due to remarkable advancements in machine learning, RNNs' ability to capture temporal dependencies has been used to develop tools for approximating unknown dynamical systems by training them on observed time-series data. This approach allows us to use time series of electrophysiological multi-single unit recordings as well as whole brain ultra-high field functional imaging (fMRI) to parametrize neuronal population dynamics and build functional models of cognitive functions. The objective of this research project is to investigate the neuronal mechanisms underlying the reinforcement and depreciation of perceived stimuli in the extended network of the mouse forebrain regions. Research team and environment The PhD student will carry out his/her/their studies primarily at the BioRobotics Institute of Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies. The project will expose the student to a highly international and interdisciplinary context, in tight collaboration with theoretical and experimental neuroscientists in Italy and abroad. At the BioRobotics Institute, the research groups involved will be the Brain Dynamics Lab, the Computational Neuroengineering Lab, and the Bioelectronics and Bioengineering Area. Moreover, the project will be carried out in tight collaboration with the experimental group of Prof. Wolfgang Kelsch, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. During the PhD, the student will have the opportunity to spend a period abroad. Preferred Research Skills and Competences The ideal candidate has a strong interest in neuroscience and a background in physics/math/biomedical engineering with computational and programming skills (ideally, knowledge of Matlab and/or Python). The ideal candidate carries out his/her/their work in a diligent, independent, and highly collaborative manner. The project will not require any experimental work. Best wishes, Eleonora Russo --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eleonora Russo, Ph.D. PI of the Brain Dynamics Laboratory Assistant Professor at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, The BioRobotics Institute, P.za Martiri della Liberta', 33 56127 Pisa, Italy

July 2, 2024

12th rTAIM Online Seminar | Francesco Prinzi (Uni. Palermo) | 24 July 2024 - 2pm Lisbon Time Zone | Zoom

by steven gouveia

Dear All, Following the 11th rTAIM Online Seminar (by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Duke University) available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL8fYl-I0d8, we are happy to announce the final seminar of this academic year, the 12th rTAIM Online Seminar, with the participation of Professor Francesco Prinzi (University of Palermo, IT), 24th July 2024, 14h-15h30 Lisbon Time Zone, via Zoom. Title: From Theory to Practice: Overcoming Challenges in Implementing AI-Based CDSSs in Healthcare Abstract: In recent years, the adoption of computer-assisted tools employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques has increased in several fields. These tools, which harness machine-learning and deep-learning architectures, have been pivotal in Medicine with the development of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs). CDSSs are designed to assist clinicians in critical healthcare processes, where understanding the decision-making process and ensuring system reliability are paramount. Despite the potential of data-driven AI, its application in medicine remains fraught with challenges, including the creation of high-performing yet non-interpretable CDSSs. Consequently, only a few CDSSs have transitioned from theoretical frameworks to clinical practice. Several factors hinder this transition: insufficient clinician involvement in data preparation, limited datasets, a lack of external validation, etc. The engagement of clinicians in model interpretation is crucial, as relying solely on accuracy metrics raises significant concerns about the models' validity. Regulatory agencies have responded by proposing frameworks and guidelines such as the GDPR and the AI Act to address concerns about applications of machine learning models. This presentation aims to elucidate these critical challenges and provide recommendations for implementing reliable CDSS. In particular, the discussion will focus on achieving explainability in AI models, highlighting the importance of transparent and interpretable results. The concept of Trustworthy AI is central to this integration, emphasizing that explainability, one of the key features in trustworthy AI, is essential for developers to technically validate results, for clinicians to align models with clinical literature, and for patients to understand the decisions. The presentation will cover methods to achieve explainability in both shallow and deep learning architectures, considering tabular and image inputs. Additionally, a new paradigm addressing the accuracy-explainability trade-off will be discussed, offering insights into future developments in this field. Short Bio: Francesco Prinzi received his Ph.D. in biomedicine, neuroscience and advanced diagnostics in 2023, University of Palermo. He is currently Assistant Professor at University of Palermo and affiliated with the Computer Laboratory of the University of Cambridge (UK). His research is focused on the development of diagnostic and predictive models through Machine Learning, Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Medical Imaging Analysis methods. Link: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/93235662066?pwd=4JGunJeQskC2DOVbALXGu2P… ID Meeting: 932 3566 2066 Password: 761386 We are also happy to announce that the Call for Abstract for the 3rd International Conference on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence that will happen in the São Miguel Islands in the Azores (Portugal), between 19-25 September 2024 (online and in-person), is OPEN for submissions (notifications of acceptance/rejectance) are given in 7-10 days). Pending peer review/editorial board acceptance, some of the papers accepted at the 3ICEAI will be selected for inclusion in the Palgrave Handbook of the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, currently under development with Palgrave Macmillan. We will also have the ETHICS OF AI AWARD 2024 (in-person talks only): the best-submitted abstract will receive the opportunity to deliver a special Award Talk similar to a keynote talk (note: the selected author will have the fee waived). You can find the information related to the 3ICEAI here: https://trustaimedicine.weebly.com/3iceai.html Organizer

July 2, 2024

Two postdoc positions in decision-making and learning at the University of Zurich, Switzerland

by mailinglists.4svr4＠simplelogin.com

Postdoc in neuroscience of reward learning The successful candidate will work with Prof. Todd Hare and other SNS Lab researchers on the neuro-computational basis of human learning and decision making using cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques. For example, the successful candidate will work on a project aimed to determine if reward learning and corresponding striatal responses incorporate causal knowledge during Pavlovian conditioning. Using theoretically grounded and empirically verified reward learning predictions – blocking, conditioned inhibition, and overexpectation – we will test how Pavlovian conditioning operates over stimuli that are known to be either causal generators or correlated predicters of reward outcomes. Knowledge of the causal mechanisms should, in principle, determine how a reward learning agent summates predictions over two or more conditioned stimuli and whether a specific conditioned inhibitor will block a given causal state. We will test these hypotheses using modified versions of the standard conditioned inhibition and overexpectation paradigms together with functional neuroimaging. The results of these studies will provide important new insights into the fundamental nature of reward learning. They will reveal if Pavlovian conditioning mechanisms, which are generally thought to be model-free, incorporate model-based knowledge of cause-and-effect relationships in the environment or if instead they remain agnostic about causality and operate via predictiveness alone. https://jobs.uzh.ch/offene-stellen/postdoc-in-neuroscience-of-reward-learni… Postdoc in physiology of learning and decision making The successful candidate will work with Prof. Todd Hare and other SNS Lab researchers on projects testing the dynamic interplay between decision-making and attention, arousal, memory, emotion regulation and executive functions. These studies will make use of eye-tracking, pupil dilation, cardiac and respiratory data in combination with behavioral paradigms, validated questionnaires, and computational modeling. The use of neuroimaging data (EEG, fMRI), pharmacological manipulations, or brain stimulation is also possible. https://jobs.uzh.ch/offene-stellen/postdoc-in-physiology-of-learning-and-de…

July 1, 2024

Postodoc Research Fellow Position at Birkbeck/UCL, London, UK

by Fabrizi, Lorenzo

Dear all, Please see below for a postdoctoral position at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London with Prof. Emily Jones (with co-I’s Dr Lorenzo Fabrizi at University College London and Dr Judith Meek at University College London Hospital). Postdoctoral Researcher at Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (1864) - Birkbeck, University of London<https://cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoctoral-researcher-at-centre-for-brain-…> cis7.bbk.ac.uk<https://cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoctoral-researcher-at-centre-for-brain-…> The project will be examining sensory processing in infants born prematurely and later trajectories of neurodevelopment, using a variety of neurocognitive methods. Infants were recruited as neonates and the postholder will be leading and conducting the follow up visits (when the infant is 18 months). The post would suit someone who is interested in infant development, neurodevelopmental conditions and has experience with infant/toddler EEG and eye tracking. Closing date: 24th July, online interviews: 26th July Lorenzo Fabrizi, PhD Associate Professor Medical Research Foundation Fellow Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology Department Room G17A, Medawar Building Bloomsbury Campus University College London Gower St, London WC1E 6BT office tel. 02031081888 (int. 51888)

July 1, 2024

Open PhD position at the University of Bern

by jeanpascal.pfister＠unibe.ch

The Theoretical Neuroscience Group of the University of Bern is seeking applications for a PhD position, funded by a Swiss National Science Foundation grant titled “Why Spikes?”. This project aims at answering a nearly century-old question in Neuroscience: “What are spikes good for?”. Indeed, since the discovery of action potentials by Lord Adrian in 1926, it has remained largely unknown what the benefits of spiking neurons are, when compared to analog neurons. Traditionally, it has been argued that spikes are good for long-distance communication or for temporally precise computation. However, there is no systematic study that quantitatively compares the communication as well as the computational benefits of spiking neuron w.r.t analog neurons. The aim of the project is to systematically quantify the benefits of spiking at various levels by developing and analyzing appropriate mathematical models. The PhD student will be supervised by Prof. Jean-Pascal Pfister (Theoretical Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bern). The project will involve close collaborations within a highly motivated team as well as regular exchange of ideas with the other theory groups at the institute. The PhD candidates should hold a Master degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience, Neuroscience or a related field. She/he should have keen interests in developing theories that can be tested experimentally. Preference will be given to candidates with strong mathematical and programming skills. Expertise in stochastic dynamical systems, point processes, control theory, information theory and nonlinear Bayesian filtering will be a plus. The applicant should submit a CV (including contacts of two referees), a statement of research interests, marks obtained for the Master, and the abstract of the Master thesis in electronic format to Jean-Pascal Pfister (jeanpascal.pfister(a)unibe.ch<mailto:jeanpascal.pfister@unibe.ch>) The position is offered for a period of three years and can be extended. Salary scale is provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (http://www.snf.ch/SiteCollectionDocuments/allg_doktorierende_e.pdf) The application deadline is August 8, 2024, or until the position is filled. ---------------------------------- Prof. Jean-Pascal Pfister Theoretical Neuroscience Group Department of Physiology University of Bern Bühlplatz 5 3012 Bern, Switzerland https://physio.unibe.ch/~pfister/group/ Tel: ++ 41 31 631 87 78

July 1, 2024