- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

PhD positions, Excellence Cluster 'The Adaptive Mind' @ Cognitive Science, TU Darmstadt

by Constantin Rothkopf

As part of the DFG Cluster of Excellence "The Adaptive Mind" (TAM), a four-year PhD-student position is available in the lab of Constantin Rothkopf at TU Darmstadt. In TAM (https://theadaptivemind-excellencecluster.de/) the universities of Giessen, Marburg, and Darmstadt, in collaboration with the University of Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), conduct interdisciplinary research in mind, brain, and behavior. We combine state-of-the-art behavioral and neurophysiological research with approaches from psychiatry and clinical psychology, as well as quantitative analyses and computational modeling using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. We measure and model the continuous adaptation of natural human behavior in a constantly changing and unpredictable world. Possible research directions include human navigation under uncertainty, active learning and active sensing, sensorimotor control and intuitive physics, and causal reasoning in natural behavior. Our research environment includes large-scale VR and naturalistic experimental setups, infrastructure for tracking eye and body movements, strong collaborations in cognitive science, neuroscience, and AI, and access to excellent computing infrastructure. Our group (https://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de) is part of the Centre for Cognitive Science and the AI Center at TU Darmstadt, which are home to an internationally outstanding group of PIs and junior researchers working in the areas of computational cognitive science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. We are part of the two Excellence Clusters, “The Adaptive Mind” and “Reasonable AI”, the Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE), and engage in multiple fruitful research collaborations. Our lab fosters an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment driven by scientific curiosity and mutual respect. We maintain close interactions with other research groups, including joint lab meetings. We are looking for candidates with an M.Sc. in cognitive science, machine learning, AI, computer science, neuroscience, psychology, engineering, or related fields, with an interest in combining theory, experiments, and computational models, and strong programming and quantitative skills. For informal inquiries, please reach out to constantin.rothkopf(a)tu-darmstadt.de. Please apply through the central application portal at https://www.career.tu-darmstadt.de/tu-darmstadt/job/54045 The Frankfurt-Darmstadt metropolitan area is located in the heart of Europe and is one of the most international regions in Germany, with a diverse community and rich culture, and has repeatedly earned high rankings in worldwide surveys of quality of life. Frankfurt has recently achieved a top worldwide ranking of attractiveness according to The Economist, and Darmstadt has consistently ranked among the top innovation-driving cities in Germany.

March 16, 2026

final call for contributions for the International Conference on Biological Physics (ICBP), Genova June/July 2026

by Daniele Marinazzo

Message posted on behalf of the organizers To the Biological Physics community: a reminder about the International Congress in Biological Physics, to be held in Genova, Italy, 28th June to 3rd July 2026. The abstract submission deadline is close: 25th March. The conference is the triennial global meeting point for the community. Check out the programme with plenary and invited speakers, and the range of session topics here: https://www.icbp2026.org/ The IUPAP medal for the Physics of Life will also be awarded at the meeting. Please spread the word - and act quickly to submit your work. Hoping to see many of you in Genova! Daniele Marinazzo Department of Data Analysis 1 Henri Dunantlaan, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium How to reach my office<https://soleway.ugent.be/routes/1250> https://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php My working days and hours may not be yours. Please do not feel obliged to reply outside of your normal working hours.

March 14, 2026

BCCN CNS MSc - Application Deadline Extended to 15 April

by Graduate Programs

Dear Computational Neuroscientists, as a result of the updated application procedure, the TU Berlin and BCCN Berlin have decided to extend the application deadline for the Computational Neuroscience master program from March 15th to *April 15th, 2026*. Please refer to the application page <https://www.bccn-berlin.de/master-program-application.html> on our website for further information. Best regards and I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend, Lisa Velenosi -- Dr. Lisa Velenosi Teaching Coordinator of the SFB1315 & BCCN Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Philippstraße 13, Haus 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Tel: +49 (0)30 2093-98503 Tuesdays - Fridays; 9 - 14:00

March 13, 2026

2 days to submit: 7th International Conference on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI (Rome, 9-12th June 2026)

by Ruairidh Battleday

2 days to submit: 7th International Conference on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI (Rome, 9-12th June 2026) -------------------- Two days remaining to submit abstracts for the 7th International Conference on the Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI, to be held in the Villa Wolkonsky, Rome, Italy, 9-12th June 2026: www.neuromonster.org In this high-profile conference we bring together researchers and theorists working on the biological, mathematical, and computational foundations of intelligence across neuroscience, cognitive science, machine learning & artificial intelligence, and related fields. We hear from leading researchers over four days, spanning neural data, neural theory, cognitive science, and machine learning & artificial intelligence (AI). Each day will have keynotes, invited speakers, a poster session, and 5 spotlight talks invited from abstract submissions. *Speakers* Prof. Tatiana Engel (Princeton) Prof. Xiao Jing Wang (NYU) Prof. Marcella Noorman (Chicago) Prof. Marius Pachitariu (Janelia) Prof. Gyorgy Buzsaki (NYU) Prof. Eric Schulz (Helmholtz Munich) Prof. Noah Goodman (Stanford) Dr Sophia Sanborn (Stanford) Dr Joel Lehman (Lila) Dr Blaise Agūera y Arcas (Google) Prof. Irina Rish (Mila & Montreal) Dr Asma Ghandeharioun (DeepMind) Dr Zeb Kurth-Nelson (Independent) Dr Clare Lyle (DeepMind) Dr Felix Sosa (Prior) Dr Christian Shewmake (New Theory AI) Dr Andy Keller (Harvard) Will Dorrell (UCL) Dr Kiah Hardcastle (Harvard; TBC) Jin Hwa Lee (UCL) *Session Chairs* Dr Hannah Haberkern (Wuerzburg; TBC) Dr Kris Jensen (UCL) Jesseba Fernando (Northeastern) Dr Sebastian Musslick (Osnabrück) Prof. Lucy Lai (UCSD) Prof. William Thompson (Berkeley) Dr Chen Sun (DeepMind) Dr Ivana Kajic (DeepMind) *Location* The convention will be held at the Villa Wolkonsky, in San Giovanni, Rome (10 minutes walk from the Colosseum). *Submissions* The submission format is an abstract of 250 words, and we invite submissions for each session via the following Google form: https://forms.gle/dnpQL8HaxiP9snu79 These will be accepted for poster presentation, with the best 5 papers in each session category given an additional spotlight talk. Submission deadline is 14th March AOE. *Early bird tickets* A limited number of early-bird registrations have been posted on our website! Regular registration will follow. Come and join the fun! Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday (Thinking About Thinking) Dr James Whittington (Thinking About Thinking & Oxford) Dr Giovanni Pezzulo (National Research Council of Italy) *The Organizing Committee.* -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking

March 12, 2026

postdoc opportunity in Cambridge

by Máté Lengyel

Dear All, We are looking for a postdoc to study the neural circuits and computational mechanisms of visual decision-making, learning, and attention, in a collaborative project in the labs of Jasper Poort and Máté Lengyel, based at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. The project combines two-photon imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulation of different cell types and neural projections in visual and decision-making brain areas to understand how mice learn to become experts in different visually-guided decision-making tasks and flexibly switch attention between tasks. We are looking for candidates with advanced data analysis skills and experience with computational modelling, and previous experience in electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and behaviour in mice. For more information about the labs see https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/svl/ and https://lengyellab.org/ . Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Jasper Poort (jp816(a)cam.ac.uk) and for further info about the position see https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/research-assistant-associate-in-visual-neuroscie… Both Jasper Poort and Máté Lengyel attending COSYNE 2026 until Sunday, 15 March, so if you are around and interested in the position, we will also be happy to tell you more about our plans for the project in person. Best wishes, Máté Lengyel -- Professor of Computational Neuroscience Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 765 587 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: lengyellab.org

March 12, 2026

Remote Machine Learning Engineer position at Tether Evo on NeuroAI

by Matteo Ferrante

We are looking for a *Machine Learning Engineer* to join our team at the forefront of *open research in NeuroAI*. Our work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), using both invasive and non-invasive neural recordings. As part of Tether Evo, you will contribute to high-impact, open-source projects focused on *encoding* and *decoding brain activity* leveraging AI. Our mission is to advance scientific understanding while building real-world applications for neural interfaces, guided by transparency, accessibility, and collaboration. *Highlights:* - Work on cutting-edge NeuroAI research, with a focus on open access science, reproducibility and the aim of advancing our comprehension of the brain. You will do research on brain representations of external world such as language, imagery, vision and motor control, and how to encode or decode them to build the next generation of BCI systems. - Collaborate with leading institutions and top *academic partners* - Competitive compensation and a fully *remote* working environment - Opportunities to publish, contribute to open-source tools and shape the future of brain-tech innovation *What We’re Looking For:* - 3+ years of experience in ML research or industry, PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Neuroscience or related quantitative fields are highly evaluated. - Strong proficiency in Python and PyTorch. Experience with object-oriented programming and knowledge of *software engineering best practices for machine learning research (version control, testing, experiment tracking, reproducibility, and modular code design)*. Knowledge of HuggingFace transformers and diffusers interfaces. - Background in Artificial Intelligence, representation learning and generative models such as LLMs and diffusion models. - A person able to efficiently implement methods from scientific papers and turn research code into efficient, clean and well documented production code - Research experience with neural data such as fMRI, EEG, MEG, ECoG (appreciated extra) - Excellent scientific communication and collaboration skills, publications in top-tier scientific journals or AI/neuroscience conferences are welcome. If you’re passionate about advancing neuroscience and AI through open, ethical, and impactful research, we’d love to hear from you. Position is fully remote and applications are welcome from all over the world. If interested, please have an initial contact with me at matteo.ferrante(a)tether.io sending a CV and a short presentation letter with *Machine Learning Engineer application as mail subject.* If there is a strong match, the candidate will be welcome to start with the hiring and selection process. Matteo Ferrante Team Lead of Tether Evo - BCI

March 12, 2026

Lisa Oakes speaking on Thursday, April 2 in Developing Minds global online lecture series

by Jochen Triesch

Dear colleagues, On April 2, the Developing Minds global online lecture series is proud to host Lisa Oakes from UC Davis, USA, speaking on „Learning to look and looking to learn: Developmental cascades in infant attention“. Thursday, April 4, 2026: 8:00 am PT (Pacific Time, USA) 15:00 UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) 17:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time) midnight, JST (Japan Standard Time). The zoom link/credentials are: https://uni-frankfurt.zoom-x.de/j/69277296898?pwd=4bIgEbzC35KVHU6zZV5cLRLnU… Meeting-ID: 692 7729 6898 Kenncode: 281316 Abstract: Infants rely on their visual behavior to learn about the world around them. However, across the first year their visual attention abilities undergo changes, dramatically altering what and how they learn. Adopting a developmental cascade framework, I will describe how infants’ attention changes during the first year, and how those changes are shaped by other developmental changes and how changes in visual attention contribute to development in other domains. Short Bio: Lisa Oakes received her BA in Psychology from UCSD and PhD in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. After 15 years as a faculty member at the department of psychology at the University of Iowa, she moved to UC Davis where she is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and a Faculty Researcher at the Center for Mind and Brain. Dr. Oakes’s work examines cognitive development in infancy, with a particular focus on visual cognitive processes including perception, categorization, and attention. She has written over 100 articles and chapters, edited three volumes, and with David Rakison wrote Developmental cascades: Building the infant mind, which was the 2022 winner of the Eleanor Maccoby Book Award in Developmental Psychology awarded by APA Division 7. She recently wrote a textbook on infant development with Vanessa Lobue and Marianella Casasola entitled Infancy: The development of the whole child. She is the past-president of the International Congress of Infant Studies and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of the journal Infancy. The talk will be recorded and made available for later viewing. For more information on the talk series and recordings of previous events, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/developing-minds-series/home Best regards, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Chair for Theoretical Life Sciences Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Goethe University Frankfurt http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Recent publications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64234-z https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11204381?casa_token=RBlsm2RTa…

March 12, 2026

Postdoc or PhD opening in the modelling of oscillatory bursts and their information processing impact

by BATTAGLIA Demian

Dear all, We are happy to announce the opening of a two-year postdoctoral position (or three-year PhD position) in the group of Dr. Demian Battaglia within the Functional System Dynamics team at the University of Strasbourg, France ( [ https://funsyteam.org/ | https://funsyteam.org/) ] . The recruited candidate will also work in close collaboration with other experimental colleagues in the FunSy team, such as Dr. Romain Goutagny. The project investigates how complex neural dynamics support information processing in the brain by combining computational analysis of neural recordings with mechanistic modeling of neural circuits. The recruited researcher will primarily develop spiking network models to study how transient oscillatory activity shapes information flow, trajectory selection, and attention-like weighting of sequential inputs in distributed neural systems. In parallel, they will contribute to the analysis of hippocampal electrophysiological recordings collected during behavior, linking neuronal assemblies and oscillatory patterns to behavior and working memory. Depending on interests and progress, the work may also extend to the study of interactions between the hippocampus and its wider brain network using large-scale neural recordings, or to the comparison between control and pathological mouse models. We are seeking candidates with a background in computational neuroscience, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related fields, and a strong motivation to work on digital neurohealth applications. Applicants should have solid programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), good communication skills in English (oral and written), and the ability to work effectively in an international team. Curiosity and open-mindedness are particularly valued, as our group tends to develop original methods tailored to specific scientific questions rather than simply applying existing ones. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: open until the position is filled (ideally by the end of April 2026). Please send your application, including a CV, motivation letter, publications if any (preprints accepted), and the contact details of at least two academic references who can provide recommendation letters. Pre-selected candidates will be interviewed over Zoom. The University of Strasbourg hosts a dynamic and growing neuroscience community spanning research from molecules and cells to whole-brain imaging and behavior, closely connected with clinical research. The city’s location at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland fosters interactions with leading transnational computational neuroscience centers. Strasbourg, one of the capitals of the European Union, offers a vibrant cultural and student life and is well connected by high-speed train to major European cities (e.g., less than two hours from Paris and Frankfurt). We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to groups underrepresented in STEM. CONTACT: Demian Battaglia ( dbattaglia(a)unistra.fr)

March 12, 2026

Methods in Computational Neuroscience at MBL in Woods Hole 2026

by Stefano Fusi

The deadline for applying to the Methods in Computational Neuroscience summer course at MBL in Woods Hole is approaching (March 16)! An exciting course with an amazing lineup of lecturers in a beautiful location. The course will run from July 24 to August 21, 2026. The online application form and additional information can be found at: https://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/methods-in-computational-neuroscience/

March 12, 2026

PhD opening on hybrid connectome-based / AI simulations of resting state activiy

by BATTAGLIA Demian

Dear all, We are happy to announce the opening of a PhD position in the group of Dr. Demian Battaglia within the Functional System Dynamics team at the University of Strasbourg, France ( [ https://funsyteam.org/ | https://funsyteam.org/ ] ). The recruited graduate student will work in close collaboration with the group of Dr. Laura Harsan and the IMIS team at the University Hospital of Strasbourg, specialized in rodent and human neuroimaging. The project aims to develop new approaches for modeling large-scale brain activity by combining mechanistic connectome-based models with modern machine-learning methods. Mean-field brain models grounded in structural connectivity provide mechanistic interpretability and allow researchers to reverse-engineer the dynamical principles underlying brain activity, but they remain simplified and only partially faithful to empirical data. In contrast, artificial neural networks can achieve high predictive accuracy when modeling neural time series, yet they are often difficult to interpret mechanistically. The project will explore the concept of a “hybrid twin,” a modeling framework that couples mechanistic brain models with data-driven neural networks to jointly achieve interpretability and empirical fidelity. These methods will be applied to the analysis of rodent and human fMRI data across multiple pathological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, and alcohol use disorder. We are seeking candidates with a background in computational neuroscience, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related fields, and a strong motivation to work on digital neurohealth applications. Applicants should have solid programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), good communication skills in English (oral and written), and the ability to work effectively in an international team. Curiosity and open-mindedness are particularly valued, as our group tends to develop original methods tailored to specific scientific questions rather than simply applying existing ones. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: March 22, 2026 Please send your application, including a CV, motivation letter, publications if any (preprints accepted), and the contact details of at least two academic references who can provide recommendation letters. Pre-selected candidates will be interviewed over Zoom. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a formal oral interview before a local committee for final qualification and selection. The University of Strasbourg hosts a dynamic and growing neuroscience community spanning research from molecules and cells to whole-brain imaging and behavior, closely connected with clinical research. The city’s location at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland fosters interactions with leading transnational computational neuroscience centers. Strasbourg, one of the capitals of the European Union, offers a vibrant cultural and student life and is well connected by high-speed train to major European cities (e.g., less than two hours from Paris and Frankfurt). We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to groups underrepresented in STEM. CONTACT: Demian Battaglia ( dbattaglia(a)unistra.fr) Laura Harsan ( harsan(a)unistra.fr)

March 12, 2026