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Postdoc for 3 years -- How to be flexible – organizing and optimizing task-dependent information processing in the visual system
by David Rotermund 03 May '24

03 May '24

The Computational Neurophysics lab at the University of Bremenheaded by Dr. Udo Ernst offers at the earliest date possible: *Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience **for 3 years* In this project we want to study organization and optimization of flexible information processing in neural networks, with specific focus on the visual system. You will use network modelling,numerical simulation, and mathematical analysis to investigate fundamental aspects of flexible computation such as task-dependent coordination of multiple brain areas for efficient information processing, as well as the emergence of flexible circuits originating from learning schemes which simultaneously optimize for function and flexibility. These studies will be complemented by biophysically realistic modelling and data analysis in collaboration with experimental work. Here we will investigate selective attention as a central aspect of flexibility in the visual system, involving task-dependent coordination of multiple visual areas. ============ = Official text = ============ The Computational Neurophysics lab at the University of Bremenheaded by Dr. Udo Ernst offers at the earliest date possible: *Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience (f/m/d)* German federal pay scale EG13 TV-L (100 %) *limited for 3 years*(according to § 2 WissZeitVG) *How to be flexible – organizing and optimizing task-dependent information processing in the visual system* In this project we want to study organization and optimization of flexible information processing in neural networks, with specific focus on the visual system. You will use * network modelling, * numerical simulation, * and mathematical analysis to investigate fundamental aspects of flexible computation such as task-dependent coordination of multiple brain areas for efficient information processing, as well as the emergence of flexible circuits originating from learning schemes which simultaneously optimize for function and flexibility. These studies will be complemented by biophysically realistic modelling and data analysis in collaboration with experimental work done in the lab of Prof. Dr. Andreas Kreiter, also at the University of Bremen. Here we will investigate selective attention as a central aspect of flexibility in the visual system, involving task-dependent coordination of multiple visual areas. *Requirements**:* Ideal candidates will have a PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, computer science or related fields. They must have a strong background in neural networks, dynamical systems, mathematics and/or data analysis, and experience in programming (we use Python in our lab). Above all, you must be highly motivated, responsible, have a strong desire to learn and be able to work proactively in an international research environment. Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required. The Computational Neurophysics Lab offers a good working atmosphere, direct involvement in international research and attractive facilities. You will have the opportunity to link your research to a wide range of other topics being studied in our lab, such as collective dynamics in neural systems, information processing in deep spiking networks, and the development of visual cortex prostheses. *General hints:* Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue international scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership. Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to dare new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and in the world. The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same. For questions of the research project please contact: Dr. Udo Ernst, E-Mail: _udo(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de_ For general information on this topic, see also: _https://www.uni-bremen.de/ernstlab <https://www.uni-bremen.de/ernstlab>_ _Detailed instructions for applicants_ Your application must comprise: *Motivation letter* Your 1–2-page essay should address the following questions: * What is your background? What areas have you worked in previously, and how do you think this will help you in this role? * What attracts you to computational neuroscience? * What computational neuroscience problem(s) are you most interested in? * What is your motivation for joining our project? * What are your plans for your future career? * When will you definitely be able to begin? *Curriculum Vitae* Send a tabular CV with your contact details, and all stages of education and employment. *List of skills, awards, publications* List your skills, especially language skills (including level of proficiency), that you think might be useful for the job. Also list any awards you have received and any peer-reviewed publications, if you have any. *Contact details of two academic references* One of the referees should be your PhD and/or MSc supervisor. Please inform your referees before listing their names so that they are not surprised when we contact them. You can apply in English or German, whichever language you are more comfortable with. Please explicitly address each of the specified requirements in your application (see detailed instructions below), and send your application documents until *31.05.2024*by indicating the *job id A189-24 to* Universität Bremen Institut für Theoretische Physik Frau Agnes Janssen Hochschulring 18 D-28359 Bremen or as one PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: _ajanssen(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de <mailto:ajanssen@neuro.uni-bremen.de>_. We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

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EBRAINS Brain Simulation Workshop 2024 - Bilbao, 3-7 June
by Mathieu Desroches 03 May '24

03 May '24

Dear all, We are organising the next EBRAINS <https://www.ebrains.eu/> event in Bilbao from 3rd to 7th June. All infos regarding the registration and the scientific program are available on the event’s webpage: https://www.bcamath.org/events/ebrains2024/en/ Best, Mathieu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Mathieu Desroches Research Director (Directeur de Recherche) MathNeuro <https://team.inria.fr/mathneuro/> Project Team Leader Inria Branch of the University of Montpellier, France https://www-sop.inria.fr/members/Mathieu.Desroches/

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Activities for Students and Postdocs at the FENS Forum 2024
by SHSC FENS 03 May '24

03 May '24

Apologies for cross-posting. Dear all, I would like to bring your attention to the activities for students and postdocs at the *FENS Forum 2024 <https://fensforum.org/>* (25th-29th of June in Vienna, Austria), organised by students from the host societies, the Austrian Neuroscience Association and Hungarian Neuroscience Society. To help you network during the forum, we invite you to sign up for the following events (the *activities are for free*, but you need to be a Forum participant to be eligible): - Meet the Experts <https://www.austrian-neuroscience.at/FENS2024-SHSC_Meet_the_Expert/>: a *coffee break session with the conference speakers*, where we pair you with 4 other students and an expert on your topic of interest at a cafe near the conference venue. Coffee and cake are paid by us! - Student buddy system <https://www.austrian-neuroscience.at/FENS2024-SHSC_buddysystem/>: we pair you with a local neuroscientist to help you navigate the city, answer questions, and make your trip to FENS 2024 unforgettable! *The deadline for signing up is May 15th.* Also check out our *booth at the conference venue*! There you can get advice for travel, restaurants, leisure, the scientific program, and other surprises! You will also find the brochure "Vienna Unveiled: Uncover Hidden Gems and Local Favorites" featuring our favorite spots in town. For detailed information please check out our website: austrian-neuroscience.at/FENS2024-SHSC/ <https://www.austrian-neuroscience.at/FENS2024-SHSC/> And for updates about our activity follow us on social media: instagram.com/austrianneuroscience/ <https://www.instagram.com/austrianneuroscience/> facebook.com/Austrian.Neuroscience.Association <https://www.facebook.com/Austrian.Neuroscience.Association> linkedin.com/in/austrian-neuroscience-association <https://www.linkedin.com/in/austrian-neuroscience-association> twitter.com/AustrianNeuros1 If you have any questions please email us at: shscfens(a)gmail.com See you at the FENS Forum 2024! Kind regards, FENS Forum Student Host Society Committee

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[CFP] Final deadline extension - 6 May - Modern Machine Learning methods for robust and real-time BCI - ESANN 2024
by Jaime Andres Riascos Salas 03 May '24

03 May '24

Sorry for cross-posting. CALL FOR PAPERS CFP – SPECIAL SESSION MODERN MACHINE LEARNING METHODS FOR ROBUST AND REAL-TIME BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES (BCI) FINAL EXTENSION - Paper Submission Deadline: 6 MAY 2024 EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS, COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING (ESANN 2024) OCTOBER 9-11, 2024 Bruges, Belgium. Online and on-site http://www.esann.org [1] Are you planning to participate? A short additional extension is possible, please contact the special session organizer: jariascos(a)correo.iue.edu.co THE EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS, COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING (ESANN) is a leading annual conference dedicated to cutting-edge research and applications within these fields. Since 1993, ESANN has provided a vital platform for researchers from academia, industry, and government to share their latest findings, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and network with others in the field. The conference covers core topics like artificial neural networks, computational intelligence, and machine learning, and explores wide-ranging applications in areas such as bioinformatics, engineering, and finance. The 32nd edition of ESANN (ESANN 2024) will take place in Bruges, Belgium in hybrid mode (both in-person and online participation), from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 October 2024. Bruges (also called the "Venice of the North") is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. Bruges is situated about 100 km. from Brussels and can very easily be reached by train from Brussels' main stations. Bruges is unique in Europe: a living city of human proportions where you can wander to your heart's content in virtually unspoiled surroundings. Inside ESANN 2024, the special session "MODERN MACHINE LEARNING METHODS FOR ROBUST AND REAL-TIME BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES (BCI)” aims to spotlight and consolidate the latest advancements, innovations, challenges, and prospects in modern machine learning algorithms for BCI, which are both accurate and fast enough for real-time use, and ideally assessed for real-time use. BCIs are communication and control systems that enable users to interact with computers using brain activity only. They are very promising for various applications, such as assistive technologies, rehabilitation, or mental state monitoring, but suffer from a lack of robustness. Their robustness mostly relies on advances in machine learning and signal processing. Simple models offer a quick response to real-time constraints but often without high accuracies. In contrast, artificial neural networks and more elaborate models compromise speedy responses for reaching sometimes higher accuracies. Thus, ideally, there is a need for a trade-off in complexity in signal processing and machine learning stages to obtain the best combination, i.e., both high accuracy and speed. Therefore, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and pave the way for future breakthroughs in this field. We invite authors to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies on the next topics: 1. Signal Processing and Feature Extraction: I. Novel methods for preprocessing EEG signals II. Feature extraction techniques for real-time BCI applications 2. Classification Algorithms: I. Advanced machine learning algorithms for BCI signal classification II. Deep learning approaches in BCI research 3. Real-time BCI Systems: I. Development of real-time BCI systems II. Applications and challenges in deploying BCI systems in real-time. Prospective authors are invited to contribute to the conference by electronically submitting papers through the ESANN portal following the instructions provided at https://www.esann.org/node/6 [2] and choosing our session's title as Target Session on the paper submission form. Papers must not exceed 6 pages, including figures and references. All papers will be submitted to a single-blind peer-review process. LaTeX and Word-style files are available. They must be used for generating the PDF file (see author guidelines at https://www.esann.org/author_guidelines [3]). Accepted papers will be presented as either talks or posters (in-person or online), to favor interaction with the ESANN attendees. There is no difference in quality between talks and posters; all papers will be published in the conference proceedings. At least one author must register for the conference and pay the registration fee. We ask prospective authors to send us an e-mail with the tentative title of their contribution to the special session as soon as possible. IMPORTANT DATES: FINAL EXTENSION - Paper submission deadline: 2 MAY 2024 6 MAY 2024 Notification of acceptance: 16 JUNE 2024 The ESANN 2023 conference: 9-11 OCTOBER 2024 SPECIAL SESSION ORGANZERS: Fabien Lotte (Inria, France) Marta Molinas (NTNU, Norway) Jaime A Riascos (Potsdam University - Institution University of Envigado, Germany - Colombia) Bests regards! -- Jaime A. Riascos Salas Links: ------ [1] http://www.esann.org/ [2] https://www.esann.org/node/6 [3] https://www.esann.org/author_guidelines

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Available Positions in Computer Science at the University of Plymouth
by Amir Aly 02 May '24

02 May '24

Dear All The University of Plymouth has several available positions in Computer Science (including games, cybersecurity, and AI). More details are available in this advertisement (deadline is 27th May 2024): https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DGN533/lecturer-associate-professor-in-computer-… If you have any remarks, pls 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

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2nd announcement: Dana Ballard memorial symposium at ICDL (May 20, 2024), UT Austin
by Reinoud Maex 01 May '24

01 May '24

________________________________ From: Brian Sullivan <brian.sullivan(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:brian.sullivan@bristol.ac.uk>> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 14:27 To: comp-neuro-owner(a)lists.cnsorg.org<mailto:comp-neuro-owner@lists.cnsorg.org> <comp-neuro-owner(a)lists.cnsorg.org<mailto:comp-neuro-owner@lists.cnsorg.org>> Subject: Dana Ballard memorial symposium at ICDL (May 20, 2024), UT Austin On May 20, 2024, a memorial symposium will be held as a remembrance and celebration of the life and scientific work of Dr. Dana Ballard (1946–2022), who was a pioneer in the study of computer vision, neural computation, human vision and motor coordination, and robotics. Dr. Ballard was a professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin and a member of the Center for Perceptual Systems. As part of the IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) 2024,https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024/<https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024>, we will host a morning seminar session celebrating Dana Ballard’s research with presentations by: Rajesh Rao, Jochen Triesch, Chen Yu, Virginia De Sa, Constantin Rothkopf, Janneke Jehee, and Ruohan Zhang. Memorial Session Website: https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/symposium%20_icdl/index.html<https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/symposium%20_icdl/index.html> Date: Monday May 20, 2024 Time: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA The session is free but we ask that you kindly register your plans to attend via the Google form listed on the session website, or via the direct link here: Registration for the Dana Ballard Memorial Symposium at ICDL 2024 (google.com)<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI5RRtrBBlKpEi3wcXw30MBM3nfe7mwCj…> Note that registration for the main conference is not required, but if you are interested in attending the main conference, you can register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/298b4f7f-1772-4c46-b774-f438a164f72f/summary<https://web.cvent.com/event/298b4f7f-1772-4c46-b774-f438a164f72f/summary> Information about accommodation is available on the main conference web page. Brian Sullivan & Chen Yu -- Please note I have shifted to honorary status at the University of Bristol and do not check this email regularly. -- Brian Sullivan brian.sullivan(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:brian.sullivan@bristol.ac.uk> Honorary Research Fellow Population Health Sciences Bristol Medical School BF7 Barley House University of Bristol Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK

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Final schedule released; fewer than 20 tickets left---Convention on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI (Rome, May 28-31st 2024)
by Battleday, Ruairidh 01 May '24

01 May '24

Dear All, We have just released the *final schedule* for our *Annual Convention on the Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI*: www.neuromonster.org We are very nearly out of tickets, so if you do want to come and join us, please go ahead and book now! We have a *fantastic line-up of speaker*s, and a *fantastic venue* near the Colosseum. A once-in-a-decade event? *Keynotes* Professor Peter Dayan (Max Planck Institute, Tübingen) Professor Sophie Deneve (ENS, Paris) Professor Wolfgang Maass (TUG) Professor Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL) Professor Anne Collins (UC Berkeley) Professor Kevin Ellis (Cornell) Dr Feryal Behbahani (Google DeepMind) Dr Giovanni Pezzulo (NRC of Italy, Rome) *Speakers* Professor Andrew Adamatzky (UWE) Professor Christine Grienberger (Brandeis) Professor Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) Professor Athena Akrami (UCL) Professor Nicolas Brunel (Duke) Dr Lea Duncker (Stanford) Dr Kris Jensen (UCL) Professor Dagmar Sternad (Northeastern) Professor Bill Thompson (UC Berkeley) Professor Samuel McDougle (Yale) Dr Maria Eckstein (DeepMind) Dr Fred Callaway (NYU / Harvard) Professor Najoung Kim (BU, Google) Dr André Barreto (DeepMind) Dr Sophia Sanborn (USB / UBC) Dr Wilka Carvalho (Harvard) ... and many more spotlight talks! All the best, The Organizing Committee -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking <http://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org> Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience of reward learning at NIMH
by Langdon, Angela (NIH/NIMH) [E] 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

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 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

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 28 Apr '24

28 Apr '24

[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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