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PhD position in decision-making at University of Balearic Islands
by Catalina Vich Llompart 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

A 3 year PhD student position starting on March-April 2021 is offered to work with Dr. Catalina Vich at Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), together with Dr. Jonathan Rubin at University of Pittsburgh (UPitt), and Dr. Tim Verstynen and Dr. Eric Yttri at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The PhD student will be involved in an international project between USA and Spain to investigate circuit-level mechanisms of adaptive decision-making. They will engage in research on learning algorithms in spiking networks with an emphasis on cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic networks and the role of dopamine, as well as on the relation between spiking dynamics and abstract decision-making frameworks. Required skills from the PhD student: We are looking for highly motivated and self-driven candidate with strong interest and experience in computational neuroscience and significant computational expertise. To be accepted in the PhD program, a MSc degree is required preferably in mathematical biology, computational biology or related disciplines. Students who do not hold a MSc degree but hold an undergraduate degree of 300ECTS are also encouraged to apply. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills (python and C) are essential. The accepted candidate will be mentored, supervised and trained by C.Vich, J. Rubin and T.Verstynen, and they will have to occasionally visit the USA team (when pandemic safety restrictions are lifted). Environment The Universitat de les Illes Balears (https://www.uib.eu <https://www.uib.eu/>) is located in Mallorca, the highest island of the Balearic Islands, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, an area declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, as well as being just a few kilometres from Mallorca’s finest beaches. It is also ranked among the top 5 Spanish universities in innovation and technological development and in research quality. The university is well connected with the main city, Palma, and other villages. It has good transport links to the whole of the archipelago. In fact, it has a bus and underground service with good timetables and frequencies. The accepted student will be a member of the group of Dynamical Systems (SSDD, http://www.ssdd.uib.es <http://www.ssdd.uib.es/>) and the institute of Applied Computing and Community Code (IAC3, http://iac3.uib.es <http://iac3.uib.es/>), with ample opportunities to interact with other young researchers in the fields of physics and mathematics in a highly interactive, dynamic, and multi-cultural environment. Salary Salary will be arranged in accordance to the University salaries for this purpose, which is around 16.000€/year (before TAX). To apply All applicants have to send their Curriculum Vitae, two letters of recommendation and an application letter expressing their interest to Dr. Catalina Vich at catalina.vich(a)uib.es <mailto:catalina.vich@uib.es> with subject “Phd position”. An interview may take place during the selection process. Documents can be written in either English, Catalan or Spanish. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of February. An objective rubric system will be used to score applications for the position, to avoid implicit bias. An online interview might be request. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, etc. Demographic and cultural diversity will be considered in the selection of the trainee. __________________________ Dr. Catalina Vich Llompart Universitat de les Iles Balears

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Postdoc position: Modeling age-related cognitive decline in rhesus monkeys (Boston, MA)
by Christina M. Weaver 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

*Computational Neuroscience postdoc position: Modeling mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline in rhesus monkeys* A postdoctoral research fellowship in computational neuroscience is available immediately with the interdisciplinary research team led jointly by Dr. Jennifer Luebke (Dept of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA), Dr. Christina Weaver (Dept of Mathematics, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA), and Dr. Patrick Hof (Dept of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY). The central goal of the NIH-funded project is to characterize changes in the prefrontal cortex and visual cortex during normal aging in the rhesus monkey, to gain insight into mechanisms that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The successful candidate will build computational models of cortical networks that incorporate age-related changes to individual neurons, and explore mechanisms of network dysfunction. The models will be constrained by our morphology, physiology, and behavior studies in rhesus monkeys, including new multiplexing data in collaboration with GE Healthcare. Our joint publications related to this project include Ibañez et al. *Front. Comput. Neurosci.* (2020), PMID 32009920; Rumbell et al., *J. Comput. Neuro*. (2016), PMID 27106692; and Amatrudo et al., *J. Neurosci.* (2012), PMID 23035077. The appointment as a Boston University School of Medicine research fellow will be for at least 1 year with possibility for extension based on performance. Applicants should have a strong background or interest in computational neuroscience and have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate modeling and empirical data in neuroscience research. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should attach the following: - A cover letter, - A current CV, - A brief statement of current and future research interests, - The contact information of three references. Please be aware that references may be contacted anytime after receipt of your application. *Requirements:* - PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, or a related field from an accredited institution is *required. * - Experience with NEURON compartmental modeling software and/or MATLAB scientific computing software is *required.* - Experience with differential equations-based mathematical models is *required.* - Excellent written and verbal communication skills is *required*. - Experience with conductance-based modeling of single neurons and/or excitatory-inhibitory networks is *preferred.* Please send inquiries and application materials to Dr. Christina Weaver, christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu . Christina M. Weaver, Ph.D. Department Chair, Mathematics Associate Professor Franklin & Marshall College P.O. Box 3003 Lancaster, PA 17604-3003 Email: christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu

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Funded PhD and Data scientist positions
by Abhishek Banerjee 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

Dear colleagues, Two funded *Ph.D. positions* are available in the newly established Adaptive Decision-making lab as a part of Neuroscience, Neurodisability and Neurological Disorders research theme, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, UK. The research carried out as part of th Ph.D fellowship will investigate the role of behaviourally relevant neural circuits in decision-making and its dysfunctions in neurological disorders using experimental and theoretical approaches (PNAS 2016; BRAIN 2019; bioRxiv 2020). Exciting local and international collaborations will ensure a high standard of training and mentorship. The position is funded (UK/EU rate) for up to 3.5 years and the application deadline is *6th January 2020*. Application details can be found here or by email provided below: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/mrc-dimen-doctoral-training-partnersh… . Additionally, the Banerjee Lab is also hiring a *Data Scientist* to be involved in projects that focus on understanding cortical computation during behaviour by combining large-scale recordings and imaging of neuronal populations. This person will be involved in analysing experimental data, developing software tools, and helping with data infrastructure. The application deadline is *31st January 2020*. Qualifications for the Data scientist position: - M.Sc. degree (or exceptional B.Sc.) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related technical field. - Programming experience in MATLAB is required, and additional experience in Python and LABView is preferred. - Background in computational neuroscience, image analysis, or machine learning is a plus. For informal inquiry, or if interested in applying for the Data scientist position, please submit a CV along with names of 3 referees to: Dr. Abhi Banerjee <abhi.banerjee(a)newcastle.ac.uk>. More details here: https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/11499/overview and http://neuronic.mit.edu/ Best wishes, Abhi -- Abhishek Banerjee Senior Lecturer Head, Adaptive Decision-making Lab Biosciences Institute Newcastle University United Kingdom I neuronic.mit.edu Skype: amiappu I @abhii_mit

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Post-doctoral position in Washington DC
by Rebekah Evans 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

Post-doctoral position in cellular and systems neuroscience The Evans Lab at Georgetown University is looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral fellow for cellular and systems neuroscience research in an NIH BRAIN Initiative-funded position. This post-doc will use two-photon calcium imaging with simultaneous optogenetics to probe dendritic integration and circuitry of the extended basal ganglia including brainstem and dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. In addition, in vivo optogenetics and fiber photometry will be used to probe these circuits during behavior. Experience in electrophysiology and/or microscopy is a plus, but we can train a highly-motivated person on these techniques. Start date is flexible, but summer/fall 2021 would be ideal. Please see the Evans lab website: https://sites.google.com/view/evans-lab/home and contact Dr. Evans at re285(a)georgetown.edu with a letter of interest and CV. Rebekah Evans M.Ed., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Georgetown University 3970 Reservoir Rd. NW, NRB EG31 Washington DC RebekahColemanEvans(a)gmail.com

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PhD position “Whole brain dynamics underlying flexible decision making in rodent” at Donders Centre for Neuroscience at Radboud University, the Netherlands
by Paul Tiesinga 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

PhD position "Whole brain dynamics underlying flexible decision making in rodent" at Donders Centre for Neuroscience at Radboud University, the Netherlands We are looking for A PhD candidate for a collaborative project in the groups of Liya Ma and Paul Tiesinga at the Donders Institute utilizing approaches from both experimental and computational neuroscience. You will study Reinforcement Learning (RL) processes in animal models using experimental and computational approaches. The experiments will establish a mathematical model for RL behaviour in mice, identify neural correlates for value-related parameters in the model using in vivo high-density electrophysiology, manipulate the neural correlates, and measure corresponding changes in RL-guided behaviour. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the neural mechanism by which value signals guide decision making. This will inform state-of-the-art deep learning approaches and shed light on novel interventions for psychiatric diseases. Guided and supported by our supervisory team, you will design and perform experiments in mice, analyse data, conduct computational modelling, and prepare manuscripts. You will also have the opportunity to write grants, peer-review journal articles, and contribute to teaching and event organization. We ask * A dedicated, reliable, detail-oriented, and well-organised team player. * Experience in animal behaviour preferred. * Experience in electrophysiology preferred. * Experience with MATLAB or Python preferred. * Good communication and writing skills in English. We are The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, 4. Neural computation and neurotechnology. State-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as excellent and recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. Paul Tiesinga's group aims to understand how information is processed in the brain by building computational models of the brain and developing methods to analyse signals recorded from the brain. Liya Ma's group studies how cognitive control processes are supported by cortical microcircuits and network-level long-range communications. You will be supported by the two teams' extensive expertise in high-density electrophysiology in behaving rodents, advanced data analyses and computational modelling. To help PhD candidates achieve their ambitions within and beyond academia, Radboud University provides various career training courses and coaching opportunities. Our groups are deeply committed to the professional development of doctoral candidates. PhD candidates at Radboud University receive a competitive salary with holiday pay, year-end bonus and other benefits. Their partners have access to Radboud University's Dual Career and Family Care Services. Please apply via the link in https://www.academictransfer.com/nl/296962/phd-candidate-in-neuroinformatic… before February 12th to receive full consideration. Best regards, Paul Tiesinga Professor of Neuroinformatics Donders Institute/Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

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Postdoc position in brain modelling at QIMR Berghofer, Brisbane, Australia
by Luca Cocchi 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

The Clinical Brain Networks Team, led by A/Prof. Luca Cocchi at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow. The role is a key part of an NHMRC-funded project to model large-scale brain dynamics underpinning symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The successful candidate will develop novel models of large-scale brain dynamics, and use these to uncover brain activity causing OCD. This will entail: (i) mathematical and computational modelling of brain dynamics at the whole-brain level; (ii) constraining models against empirical neuroimaging data, both structural and functional; and (iii) developing novel analysis tools and implementing them for wide adoption. The role will also include collaboration with Dr Paula Sanz-Leon, A/Prof. James Roberts, A/Prof. Andrew Zalesky and Prof. Leonardo Fontenelle. The successful candidate will have: - A PhD in physics, mathematics, computational neuroscience, computer science, or a related field; - Experience in mathematical modelling; - Proficiency in programming (MATLAB and/or Python). - A strong track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications. And ideally will also have experience in: - Pre-processing and analysis of neuroimaging data, including diffusion imaging and fMRI; - Modelling large-scale brain network dynamics; - Time series analysis and signal processing; and - Handling of large datasets. The position is in Brisbane, Australia, full-time for 3 years. Salary range is $82,506 to $88,522 p.a. plus super and salary packaging. When submitting an application, please include the following: letter of intent, curriculum vitae, list of publications. More details at: https://qimrberghofer.turborecruit.com.au/job/job_details.cfm?id=476191&fro… Closing date: 14 March 2021 Luca Cocchi Clinical Brain Networks Team QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

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PhD & post-doc positions: Neuronal basis of human epilepsy (UNIGE, Switzerland)
by Pierre Bastien Megevand 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Neuronal basis of human epilepsy: PhD student and post-doc positions PhD student and post-doctoral fellow positions are opening in May 2021 at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, to study the neuronal basis of epilepsy and cognition using microelectrode recordings in human patients. Lab and project: The Human Neuron Lab (@LabNeuron), led by Prof. Pierre Mégevand, is dedicated to advancing the detection and prediction of epileptic seizures. The lab also investigates the neuronal basis of human cognitive brain functions. For that purpose, the lab focuses on invasive neurophysiology in the human brain, including ECoG and stereo-EEG. Additionally, unique microelectrode recordings (using Utah arrays and microwire electrodes) give access to the activity of dozens of single neurons in the patient's brain in order to reveal novel markers of epileptic seizures at the neuronal population level. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for human invasive neurophysiology. It benefits from the powerful computing infrastructure of the University. Importantly, the lab is fully integrated with the epilepsy monitoring unit of Geneva University Hospitals, and thus boasts exceptional access to patients and recordings. This project focuses on defining novel markers of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy. Continuous intracranial EEG and microelectrode recordings will be acquired for several weeks. Single-unit activity will be tracked over time for multiple neurons. Activity within the neuronal population will be examined for the presence of patterns that are specific to the patient’s seizures. The performance of seizure detection and prediction using microelectrode recordings will be compared to existing algorithms based on intracranial EEG data. Research tasks: - Acquire, analyze, and curate a uniquely rich dataset of human intracranial EEG and microelectrode recordings - Build a pipeline for semi-automated single-neuron identification and tracking - Establish novel markers of neuronal population activity that identify seizures - Participate in the mapping of sensory, motor and language functions in epilepsy patients - Daily interactions with the patients and staff of the epilepsy monitoring unit Qualifications: - Background in biomedical engineering, signal processing, or neuroscience - Expertise with analysis of neurophysiological signals, like EEG - Expertise with microelectrode recordings or intracranial EEG is a plus - Strong expertise with scientific computing (Matlab, Python) - Expertise with machine learning is a plus - Working proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential - Conversational knowledge of French must be acquired if not yet mastered - Ability to work independently Work environment: The University of Geneva is a prestigious research hub in neuroscience, federating many labs that cover the full spectrum from basic to cognitive, translational and clinical research. The neuroscience community in Geneva is also strengthened by rich collaborations with other research institutions, including Campus Biotech, the Wyss Center, and the EPFL. This project is fully funded by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation. The PhD and post-doc positions are open for up to 4 years each. Swiss salaries are very attractive in international comparison. The positions will open from May 2021 onwards. Please send your application, including a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and at least two references, by e-mail to: Prof. Pierre Mégevand Division of neurology, Geneva University Hospitals Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland pierre.megevand(a)unige.ch

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Postdoc positions in computational cognitive science at Max Planck Institute in Tübingen
by Eric Schulz 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Our lab (PI: Eric Schulz) at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, is looking to hire 2 fully-funded postdocs. For the first position (which will be jointly with Georg Martius at the MPI for Intelligent Systems), we are looking for someone to work on computational theories of curiosity at the intersection between cognitive science and robotics: https://bit.ly/38s2p0S The second position is an open topic position, and we would like to hire someone to work on the cognitive science aspects of learning, decision making, and generalization. Knowledge of behavioral (or neuroscientific) experiments, advanced statistical analysis skills, and experience with supervising students would be a strong plus: https://bit.ly/3q2w5ry * Key Requirements * - hold (or expect to hold by start of position) a PhD in CogSci, Psych, Neuroscience, Machine Learning, CS or related disciplines - record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals is highly beneficial * Details * - Deadline: Feb 28th 2021 - Position will last for a minimum of 2 years (extension possible) - Start: April 2021 (negotiable) * Application * - please email a cover letter, CV and 1-2 representative publications, as well as the names and email addresses of 3 referees to Eric Schulz * Questions? * - check our lab website to learn more about us: cpilab.org - email Eric at eric DOT schulz AT tue.mpg.de * Links * - Position 1: https://bit.ly/38s2p0S - Position 2: https://bit.ly/3q2w5ry

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Feb 8/9 Virtual Symposium: Surprise, Curiosity and Reward: from Neuroscience to AI
by Wulfram Gerstner 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

You are all kindly invited to the EPFL Neuro Symposium on Surprise, Curiosity and Reward: from Neuroscience to AI <https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…> which will take place on _February 8 and February 9 2021 as a Webinar, _ _both days from 14h00 - 19h00 Lausanne Time (8am-3pm US East Coast) _ The Symposium will feature talks from 10 speakers performing research at the intersection of Neuroscience and AI. They will provide in-depth insights into the state of the art of surprise and curiosity as drives of learning in human, animals, and robots. Registration is open <https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…>! (mandatory - no fee) After each talk there will be time for questions so as to get, despite the virtual format, into a real discussion with the speakers. Speakers: A. Barto, M.G. Bellemare, J. Gottlieb, T. Griffiths, E. Koechlin, A. Modirshanechi, D. Ostwald, D. Pathak, E. Vassena --- the program will be available soon, best regards M. Herzog and W. Gerstner https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…

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GEM 2021 - Registration deadline update
by Vinita Samarasinghe 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

*GEM 2021 - Generative Episodic Memory: Interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, neuroscience and philosophy* https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021 <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021> 16-18 February 2021 This workshop will take place in virtual space and is free of charge. The program is available at https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021program <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021program> *The deadline for registration has been extended to 31.01.2021*. Please visit our website <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021> to register. *Abstract:* Episodic memories are widely regarded as memories of personally experienced events. Early concepts about episodic memory were based on the storage model, according to which experiential content is preserved in memory and later retrieved. However, overwhelming empirical evidence suggests that the content of episodic memory is – at least to a certain degree – constructed in the act of remembering. Even though very few contemporary researchers would oppose this view of episodic memory as a generative process, it has not become the standard paradigm of empirical memory research. This is particularly true for studies of the neural correlates of episodic memory. Further hindering progress are large conceptual differences regarding episodic memory across different fields, such as neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. This interdisciplinary workshop therefore aims to bring together researchers from all relevant fields to advance the state of the art in the research on generative episodic memory. FOR 2812 “Constructing scenarios of the past: A new framework in episodic memory” consists of 9 projects. Seven from the Ruhr University Bochum and two from the University of Münster. The consortium adopts an interdisciplinary approach and investigates generative episodic memory from a conceptual, modeling, and experimental perspective using a common conceptual framework: scenario construction. Keynote Speakers: Karl-Heinz Bäuml - University Regensburg, Germany Dorthe Berntsen - Aarhus University, Denmark Amy Criss - Syracuse University, USA Dorothea Debus - University of Konstanz, Germany David Huber - University of Massachusetts, USA Sarah Robins - University of Kansas, USA All questions regarding the workshop should be emailed to for2812(a)rub.de <mailto:for2812@rub.de> Coordinator - Vinita Samarasinghe Secretary - Christiane Dahl -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

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