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Comp Neuro PhD Position at Moreno-Bote lab, Barcelona
by Ruben Moreno Bote March 4, 2021

March 4, 2021

*PhD Position in* *Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab * *Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain* 1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background interested in developing theory for the brain and mind. Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience or Neuroscience would be ideal, but it is not necessary. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models of cognition and intelligence by using neural networks, reinforcement learning, machine learning, data analysis and multielectrode neural data. The main research topic of our lab is decision-making, from a multidisciplinary angle. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. Financial support is provided by HHMI, ICREA and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2021 and January 2022 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca>

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research fellow: open and reproducible science core facility
by Jochem Rieger March 4, 2021

March 4, 2021

We have an open research fellow position (salary at post-doctoral level) for 3+2 years at the Neuroimaging Unit of Uni Oldenburg for the development of tools and infrastructure for open data data and reproducible science based on the BIDS standard. The position complemented by a full time technician position for support. The announcement is below. Please contact me if you have questions. The application deadline is March 12th We are looking forward to applications, Jochem *Scientific Research Associate m/f/d* *(Salary level E13 TVL, 100%)* ** for the development of acquisition, storage and processing pipelines for open and reproducible science building on the BIDS standard. In a newly funded project we aim to implement data storage and processing pipelines for open and reproducible science based on the BIDS standard. The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to the implementation of neuroscience data acquisition, storage, and reproducible analysis pipelines building on the BIDS standard at the University of Oldenburg, to contribute to community efforts and dissemination. Candidates are expected to have an academic university degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of informatics, engineering, neuroscience or psychology and have shown their ability to perform excellent scientific work, e.g. demonstrated by an excellent publication record. Prior experience with the BIDS standard as well as its programming, experience with neuroimaging techniques and data analysis (especially fMRI or MEG/EEG) and fluency in English is required. Experience with open science tools and databases, other neurophysiological modalities, as well as knowlegde of German are desirable. The position is embedded in a DFG Core Facility grant and is availableas soon as possibleuntil30^th of September^.2023 (with the possibility to extend another two years after successful project evaluation). The position is suitable for part-time work. The Neuroimaging Unit hosts a state of the art MEG (Elekta Triux) and an MRI (Siemens Prisma 3T) and is embedded in an excellent interdisciplinary scientific environment with a strong research focus on neurosensory, neurocognitive, and medical research. The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification. Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, list of potential referees, links to recent publications and copies of certificates for academic grades to Prof. Jochem Rieger, Department of Psychology, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany (jochem.rieger(a)uol.de <mailto:jochem.rieger@uol.de>). Electronic applications (*one*pdf file) are preferred. For inquiries please use the same contact. The application deadline is*12^th of**March 2021*. -- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jochem Rieger Head of Applied Neurocognitive Psychology head of Neuroimaging Unit Faculty VI Carl-von-Ossietzky University 26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49(0)4417984533 Fax: +49(0)4417983865

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Announcing 3 NeuroML hackathon sessions at HARMONY 2021
by Padraig Gleeson March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

*[Apologies for cross-posting]* ** ** *We will be running 3 online NeuroML <https://neuroml.org/> hackathon sessions during the upcoming HARMONY 2021 <http://co.mbine.org/events/HARMONY_2021>meeting on 23-25th March. * ** ** *The general theme of the sessions will be: Learn to build, visualise, analyse and simulate your models using NeuroML.* * Why take part? These hackathons will give members of the modelling community the chance to: * Get high level introductions to the NeuroML language and toolchain * Meet the NeuroML core development team and editors * Find out the latest information on which simulators/applications support NeuroML * Open, discuss and work on issues related to converting your model to NeuroML, or supporting NeuroML in your simulator * Learn how to share your models with the community Times and dates All sessions will be online and take place over 3 hours (9am-noon Pacific; 12-3pm EST time; 4-7pm UK/UTC; 5-8pm CET, 9:30pm-12:30am IST; note non-standard US/EU time differences that week). The broad focus of each of the sessions (dependent on interests of attendees) is: **Tues 23rd March: Introduction to NeuroML, general questions about usage **Wed 24th March: Detailed cell/conductance based models (e.g. converting channels to NeuroML) **Thus 25th March: Abstract/point neuron networks including PyNN interactions Registration To take part in the hackathon, please register at http://co.mbine.org/events/HARMONY_2021 <http://co.mbine.org/events/HARMONY_2021>for the HARMONY meeting (registration is free). You will get sent details to access the agenda on https://harmony2021.sched.com, which will have links to the Zoom sessions for each of the days. Open an issue beforehand! While it will be possible to raise and discuss new issues at the hackathons, it will be easier to manage and plan work/discussions if you open an issue with a description of the problem you are trying to address at: https://github.com/NeuroML/NeuroML2/issues <https://github.com/NeuroML/NeuroML2/issues>. Slack To aid communication with the community during (and after) the meeting, we have a Slack channel for NeuroML related discussions. Please reply to this mail for an invite. We look forward to working with the community to drive further uptake of NeuroML compliant models and tools! * ----------------------------------------------------- Padraig Gleeson Room 321, Anatomy Building Department of Neuroscience, Physiology& Pharmacology University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom +44 207 679 3214 p.gleeson(a)ucl.ac.uk -----------------------------------------------------

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Two postdoctoral fellow positions in theoretical neuroscience
by Yoram Burak March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

The Burak Lab at the Hebrew University and the Moser lab at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience (KISN) are seeking two postdoctoral fellows in theoretical neuroscience, to take part in a joint ERC-funded project. The project aims to identify how thousands of neurons in the mammalian cortex interact with each other to achieve computational and cognitive functions. Theory fellows taking part in the project will work on diverse theoretical and computational questions, which involve approaches ranging from pure theoretical modelling to analysis and interpretation of large scale neural data. Computational tools involve methods from nonlinear dynamics, machine learning, statistical physics, and information theory. The two theory postdoctoral fellows will be based in Jerusalem, and are expected to interact closely with members of both labs, both remotely and during visits to the KISN in Trondheim. A generous budget will be available for travel between Israel and Norway, for travel and participation in scientific meetings, and for purchase of computing equipment. We are looking for candidates with excellent demonstrated abilities in theoretical research, strong intellectual curiosity and drive, a keen interest in computational neuroscience, and an interest in relating theory to experimental data. A strong research record in theoretical neuroscience, theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field is required. Experience with research related to machine learning, statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, information theory, or large-scale data analysis, as well as prior familiarity with research in computational neuroscience are advantageous. *To apply:* Please send the following information to kiloneurons-positions(a)elsc.huji.ac.il in a single PDF file: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. List of publications 3. Brief statement of research interests 4. The names and contact details of three references *Deadline*: For full consideration, applications must be received by March 31, 2021. After this date, if positions are not filled, applications will be considered on a rolling basis. ___ Yoram Burak Associate Professor Racah Institute of Physics, and Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences The Hebrew University of Jerusalem p: +972-2-6584523 w: https://www.buraklab.me/ a: Goodman Brain Sciences Bldg 2102, Safra Campus, Jerusalem 91904, Israel

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IMRF (International Multisensory Research Forum) postponed to July 04-07 2022 in Ulm, Germany
by Marc Ernst March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

Dear participants of the IMRF, Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic situation is still affecting all our lives and the prediction for summer 2021 does not look like it will allow all of us travelling internationally without restrictions or holding a meeting in closed spaces with many people present. As many other conferences, we also considered moving to an online format for the International Multisensory Research Forum (IMRF) (https://cops.ifp.uni-ulm.de/imrf2020/ <https://cops.ifp.uni-ulm.de/imrf2020/>). However, we feel the community would not benefit as much as having a meeting in person. Therefore, with a heavy heart we decided once again (and hopefully for the last time) to postpone the „annual“ IMRF meeting. The new dates are July 04-07, 2022. Abstract submission and registration will stay open. All abstracts already submitted will be further considered. However, you can of course log on and adapt your abstracts (or symposia) until the new deadline for abstract submission. We will announce the new deadlines in due time. The abstract submission and registration page can be found here <https://cops.ifp.uni-ulm.de/imrf2020/index.php/imrf-2020/registration-submi…>. Also registrations will stay valid in case you already registered. Otherwise new registration dates will be announced shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience this third postponement may cause and thanks for your understanding. Be safe and stay healthy!!!! Best, Mac Ernst on behalf of the IMRF Organizers. --------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Marc Ernst Appl. Cognitive Psychology Faculty for Computer Science, Engineering, and Psychology Ulm University Albert-Einstein-Allee 43 89081 Ulm room: 43.3.103 phone: +49-731-50 320 50 sekr: +49-731-50 320 51 fax: +49-731-50 320 59 mobile: +49-152-22 543 156 marc.ernst(a)uni-ulm.de <mailto:marc.ernst@uni-ulm.de>

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PhD in ML and AI - two VC Scholarships
by Konstantin Nikolic March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021

Two Vice-Chancellor Scholarship PhD positions in Machine Leaning are available in the “Learning and Intelligence” group of Prof Konstantin Nikolic at University of West London, UK. The group’s interests are mostly in modelling biological systems and AI/ML related to bio-inspired themes. Potential project topics include (but are not limited to, since these scholarships are not project linked): Learning in Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), Neuromorphic robots controlled by SNNs (available are SpiNNaker boards, Dynamic Vision Sensors, etc, for example see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=135fH21QXtg) Data-driven ML algorithms based on information theory and their applications (such as medical diagnostics, video/image analysis, financial/economic or some other large dataset analysis), Neural microcircuits of learning and cognitive modelling, etc. We are also interested in developing ML algorithms for controlling neuromodulatory implants. Research related to Theoretical and Computational neuroscience could be also interesting, especially if exploring some new ideas related to learning in relatively simple biological systems. The researchers will be based in the School of Computing and Engineering at University of West London, with possible close collaboration with the Centre for Bio-Inspired Technology at Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London. Informal enquires can be directed to konstantin.nikolic(a)uwl.ac.uk<mailto:konstantin.nikolic@uwl.ac.uk>. The School enjoys state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure and continues to invest heavily in its improvement. The UWL, sourcing its origins from the Lady Byron School in 1860, is a leading modern university in the UK, consistently progressing in the league tables for the past several years. The life on campus is enriched with frequent high-quality live performances and plays given by the students from our London College of Music and London School of Film, Media and Design, the two hubs of talent and creativity. The positions are advertised here: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CCB695/phd-in-machine-learning-and-artificial-in…<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jobs.…> Konstantin Nikolic, PhD Professor in Computer Science (AI, ML, Data) at University of West London Viiting Professor at Imperial College London (Institute of Biomedical Engineering) School of Computing and Engineering University of West London Ealing campus St Mary’s Road London W5 5RF UK email: konstantin.nikolic(a)uwl.ac.uk<mailto:konstantin.nikolic@uwl.ac.uk>, k.nikolic(a)imperial.ac.uk<mailto:k.nikolic@imperial.ac.uk> web: https://www.uwl.ac.uk/users/konstantin-nikolic, https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/k.nikolic

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Job Opening in Juelich, Germany: Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience - Priority Program 2041Computational Connectomics
by Martina Reske March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at the Jülich Research Center in Germany investigates the structure and function of the brain. The subinstitute INM-6 consists of 6 groups that conduct research in the field of computational and systems neuroscience. The Priority Program "Computational Connectomics" is a Germany-wide collaboration aiming at comprehensive descriptions of neuronal network connectivity and insight into its relationships to brain dynamics and function. The candidate will strengthen our team in the project “Cellular, connectional and molecular heterogeneity in a large-scale computational model of the human cerebral cortex”, which is embedded in the context of the Priority Program. It will be supervised by Prof. Sacha van Albada and is a collaboration with Dr. Alexandros Goulas (UKE Hamburg) and Dr. Timo Dickscheid (INM-1, Jülich Research Center). This collaboration links cytoarchitecture (Dr. Dickscheid) to connectomics (Dr. Goulas) and finally cortical network dynamics (Prof. van Albada). Simulations using the neural network simulation tool NEST on the Jülich supercomputers provide the unique opportunity for investigating spiking cortical models at the full density of neurons and synapses. We are looking to recruit a Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience - Priority Program 2041 Computational Connectomics Your Job: * Extending and refining a large-scale spiking neural network model of human cerebral cortex * Investigating the origins of area- and layer-specific cortical timescales and oscillations * Supervising PhD and Master students * Maintaining active collaborations with project partners * Writing, documenting, and publishing high-quality simulation, analysis, and visualization scripts * Presenting project results at national and international conferences * Publishing project results in peer-reviewed international journals Your Profile: * Completed study (Master) in natural sciences, computer science or mathematics * PhD in computational neuroscience * Extensive experience with neural network simulations and analytical mean-field theory * Excellent knowledge of cortical anatomy and physiology * Structured and organized style of working * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently * Good social and student supervision skills * Willingness to travel Our Offer: We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with: * Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development * Extensive company health management * Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy * Full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours and 30 days of annual leave * Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is initially for a fixed term of 1 year, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the applicant`s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks, salary grade 13 TVöD-Bund. Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. Please apply via our online recruiting system<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf…>, quoting the reference number 2021-091. Martina Reske -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[job] Postdoctoral Researcher on fMRI study of spontaneous thoughts and natural task
by Mingbo Cai March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021

Postdoctoral Researcher on fMRI study of spontaneous thoughts and natural tasks We seek a talented neuroscientist with extensive experience in the areas of advanced fMRI analysis, (such as encoding or decoding models) and the design of experiments using naturalistic tasks and assessing spontaneous thoughts. A 3-year postdoctoral position is available at Dr. Mingbo Cai’s lab at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo. You will work on an exciting international collaboration project co-funded by AMED of Japan and DFG of Germany directed by both Dr. Cai <https://cailab-ircn.org/> and Dr. Nicolas Schuck <https://schucklab.gitlab.io/> at Max Planck Institute for Human Development. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate remotely with Dr. Quentin Huys <https://quentinhuys.com/> at the University College London. The project will focus on understanding the contents and dynamics of spontaneous thoughts using fMRI decoding and natural tasks. In the later stage of the project, we also plan to examine the clinical implication of differences in spontaneous thoughts. Applicants with experience working on populations with mental disorders are also highly encouraged to apply. The working language is English. The working location is at The University of Tokyo, Japan. Contract duration: renewed annually up for 3 years, with a probation period of 6 months. Starting date: On or after April 1, 2021. *Requirements* (1) Applicants must hold, or be expected to hold by the time of appointment, a PhD, M.D. or equivalent degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Machine Learning, Statistics or related fields. (2) Experience in conducting fMRI experiments and data analysis (evidenced by publications, conference presentations or writing samples). (3) Familiar with at least one of the following tools: AFNI, FSL, nilearn, BrainIAK. (4) Good speaking and scientific writing skills in English. (5) Good programming skills. (6) Willing to collaborate and help colleagues. Requirements 2 and 3 may be replaced by two or three of the preferred skills below: *Preferred skills:* (1) Research experience with fMRI experiments involving natural tasks and multivariate pattern analysis. (2) Experience with experiments investigating spontaneous thoughts. (3) Research experience with investigations of psychiatric disorders. (4) Knowledge of and experience with deep learning. *Application procedure:* Please send an email with title “[Postdoc Application] + your name” to mingbo.cai(a)ircn.jp. Please include a cover letter describing your background and research interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2-3 recommendation letters (ideally you can also request your referees to send their letters directly to the above email address). To increase the chance of being considered, we suggest you include writing samples or a copy of a poster. Informal inquiry can also be sent to Dr. Cai. *Application deadline:* The first deadline is March 31. The position will remain open until filled. We encourage early application as the review can start before the deadline. Mingbo Cai Principal Investigator International Research Center for Neurointelligence The University of Tokyo https://cailab-ircn.org/ Mingbo Cai

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WorldWideNeuRise online seminar series on inter-areal communication
by William Podlaski March 1, 2021

March 1, 2021

WorldWideNeuRise is an online seminar series affiliated with WorldWideNeuro and eLife which aims to give early career researchers a chance to share their work. We will have several talks throughout March-April on the topic of inter-areal communication from the following speakers: Wednesday, 3 March, 5pm CET Arseny Finkelstein (Svododa lab, Janelia HHMI) Wednesday, 10 March, 5pm CET Aleena Garner (Keller lab, Friedrich Miescher Institute) Kelly Clancy (Mrsic-Flogel lab, University College London) Wednesday, 24 March, 5pm CET Matthew Perich (Rajan lab, Mount Sinai) Evren Gokcen (Yu lab, Carnegie Mellon University) Wednesday, 7 April, 5pm CET Monique Smith (Malenka lab, Stanford University) Adi Kol (Goshen lab, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) Wednesday, 21 April, 5pm CET David Tingley (Buzsáki lab, New York University) Javad Karimi Abadchi (Mohajerani & McNaughton labs, University of Lethbridge) For more information, please visit our website (https://neurise.github.io/) find us on WorldWideNeuro (https://www.world-wide.org/Neuro/WWNeuRise/) or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/WWNeuRise) We are looking forward to seeing you there! The organising committee, Ellen Boven (Apps lab, U Bristol) Christina Buetfering (Häusser lab, U College London) Lucie Descamps (Kentros lab, NTNU) Gily Ginosar (Ulanovsky lab, Weizmann Institute) Loreen Hertäg (Sprekeler lab, TU Berlin) Joram Keijser (Sprekeler lab, TU Berlin) Bill Podlaski (Machens lab, Champalimaud)

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Registration open for the second Canadian Computational Neuroscience Spotlight (CCNSv2)
by Scott Rich March 1, 2021

March 1, 2021

Dear Comp-Neuro Mailing List, Last year, the Canadian Computational Neuroscience Spotlight <https://www.crowdcast.io/e/CCNS/register> (CCNS) was one of the first neuroscience conferences to successfully transition into the virtual space <https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008…> due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 450 registrants from across the globe. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from this first meeting, we are excited to announce a “v2” of the conference will take place this coming May 17-18, and registration is now open <https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ccnsv2/register>. We are hoping that you will not only register for the meeting, but advertise it via email listservs, social media, and any other avenues you deem appropriate. CCNSv2 will feature four sessions chaired by internationally recognized computational neuroscientists on topics that bridge the multiple scales at which neuroscience research, both computationally and experimentally, is performed. Three of our four chairs are currently confirmed: *Dr. Etay Hay* of the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, *Dr. Maurizio de Pitta *of the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, and *Dr. Bratislav Misic* of McGill University. As CCNS was designed as a “trainee focused” meeting, each session will begin with a tutorial talk in which a topic of importance will be introduced for a broad audience. We also will host two panel discussions, one with experienced computational neuroscience researchers and the other with ECRs and current trainees, to provide a forum for trainees to ask questions of scientists at various stages of their careers. We invite all trainees to submit an abstract <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCRPkDuPdoS3M7PISDITXfB__rWDiFEi9…> to give a “trainee talk” at the meeting. We anticipate accepting all applications that reasonably fall under the broad banner of computational neuroscience unless the demand far exceeds our expectations. We will also provide an additional spotlight to four talks that are both the most meritorious and best fit with the focused themes of the meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions regarding this meeting or manners of advertising it. We look forward to seeing you at CCNSv2! Sincerely, The CCNS Organizing Committee Scott Rich <http://scottrich.strikingly.com/>, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Krembil Research Institute Andreea Diaconescu <https://cognemo.com/>, Ph.D.: Independent Scientist, Krembil Center for Neuroinformatics at CAMH John Griffiths <https://t.co/AlUQymEUae?amp=1>, Ph.D.: Independent Scientist, Krembil Center for Neuroinformatics at CAMH Milad Lankarany <https://sites.google.com/view/lnsbsp/home>, Ph.D.: Scientist, Krembil Research Institute

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Computational Brain Reimagined
by Aurel A. Lazar March 1, 2021

March 1, 2021

In recent years, the growing wealth of Drosophila neuroscience data have become available including cell type and connectome/synaptome datasets for both the larva and adult fly. To facilitate integration across data modalities and to accelerate the understanding of the functional logic of the fruit fly brain, we have developed FlyBrainLab, a unique open-source computing platform that integrates 3D exploration and visualization of diverse datasets with interactive exploration of the functional logic of modeled executable brain circuits. For a brief description, see the eLIFE paper: "Accelerating with FlyBrainLab the Discovery of the Functional Logic of the Drosophila Brain in the Connectomic Era”, February 2021, https://elifesciences.org/articles/62362 Further details are available on the Fruit Fly Brain Observatory website at https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/ <https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/> Here you will find guides to a wealth of fruit fly brain datasets and libraries to interactively explore circuit models. Check out "Exploring the Fruit Fly Brain Observatory” at https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/posts/explore_ffbo <https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/posts/explore_ffbo> and the links to open source code posted on Github: https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/posts/resources <https://www.fruitflybrain.org/#/posts/resources> Best, Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox
by Stewart Heitmann March 1, 2021

March 1, 2021

Modeller’s Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox Online Course. Enrolments open 1-20 March 2021. This is a practical self-paced course for researchers and students who wish to program their own dynamical models using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox (bdtoolbox.org<https://bdtoolbox.org/>). Participants learn the art of programming differential equations and how to use the toolbox to solve those equations interactively. Topics include programming Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Delay Differential Equations, Stochastic Differential Equations, Auxiliary Plot Functions and command-line tools. Example code is provided in all cases. Course Website https://bdtoolbox.org/p/modellers-workshop/ Important Dates Early-bird enrolments ($125) close Sunday 6th March, 2021. Late enrolments ($150) close Saturday 20th March, 2021. Stewart Heitmann Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

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[CFP] Submission deadline extended to Mar 5: ICLR Workshop on How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?
by Mariya Toneva Feb. 28, 2021

Feb. 28, 2021

ICLR 2021 - Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?" Submission deadline: extended to March 5, 2021 Workshop website: https://iclrbrain2ai.github.io/ Contact: brain2ai.2021(a)gmail.com We will consider the following (non-exhaustive) list of topics for contribution: - Integration of neuroscientific data at different granularities (neural recordings, neuroimaging etc.) to train AI systems - Brain-inspired inductive biases and ML architectures for AI systems - Neuroscientific data as an evaluation metric for AI systems - Mechanistic insight into cognitive functions (vision, language, decision making, attention, etc.) - Limitations of current AI systems in tasks at which humans excel (compositionality, commonsense reasoning, continual learning, few-shot learning, causality, etc.) - Cross-modality and cross-species comparisons of neuroscientific data with respect to benefits to AI - Datasets that can facilitate the transfer of neuroscientific insight to AI Submit at: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/BRAIN2AI2021/Submission/Index The workshop will feature a diverse set of topics led by the following invited speakers and panelists (in alphabetical order): 1. Anima Anandkumar, California Institute of Technology 2. David Cox, Harvard University 3. Kenji Doya, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 4. Allyson Ettinger, University of Chicago 5. Alona Fyshe, University of Alberta 6. Jack Gallant, University of California, Berkeley 7. Andrea Martin, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics 8. Kim Stachenfeld, DeepMind 9. Josh Tenenbaum, MIT

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Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position in the Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience group at Drexel University
by Ilya Rybak Feb. 26, 2021

Feb. 26, 2021

The Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience group at the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research…) has an open Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position in computational neuroscience to work on computational modeling of neural circuits in the brainstem and spinal cord involved in the neural and biomechanical control of mammalian locomotion. The modeling studies in the group are performed in close, interactive collaborations with several leading laboratories in the US, Canada and Europe performing the related experimental investigations, as well as with several investigators and groups focusing on control of legged robot locomotion. The successful applicant should have strong programming skills, some background in neuroscience and experience in modeling of biological neurons and neural networks. Some mathematical background is desirable. An experience in computational modeling of biomechanics is a plus. If you are interested, please email your CV, statement of research interest, and names of three references to Ilya Rybak (rybak(a)drexel.edu<mailto:rybak@drexel.edu>). The position will remain open until filled. ================================= Ilya A. Rybak, Ph.D. Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy Drexel University College of Medicine 2900 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA Tel.: (215) 991-8596 Email: rybak(a)drexel.edu https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=rybak+IA&sort=date <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilya_Rybak/publications/> http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=SnA068QAAAAJ http://rybak-et-al.net http://www.drexel.edu/medicine/About/Departments/Neurobiology-Anatomy/Resea…

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Job opening in Juelich, Germany: Coordinator Software Development -, Neuronal Data Analysis Tools
by Martina Reske Feb. 26, 2021

Feb. 26, 2021

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at the Jülich Research Center in Germany investigates the structure and function of the brain. The subinstitute Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6) consists of 6 groups that conduct research in the field of computational and systems neuroscience. The Statistical Neuroscience group headed by Prof. Sonja Grün develops computational methods to analyze the joint activity of neuronal networks, and applies these methods to experimental data in the context of international collaborations. As part of the group, the team for Data Science in Electro- and Optophysiology Behavioral Neuroscience, headed by Dr. Michael Denker, develops software tools and processes to support reproducible data acquisition, analysis and model validation using state-of-the-art approaches from neuroinformatics in the spirit of co-design with scientists and closely integrated with the EBRAINS services of the Human Brain Project. To strengthen our international and interdisciplinary team we are looking to recruit a Coordinator Software Development - Neuronal Data Analysis Tools Your Job: * Agile development, maintenance, coordination and distribution of the open-source Elephant analysis software (python-elephant.org) and closely related software tools, including handling inquiries and contributions via issue systems and similar channels * Design of implementations of library features and statistical analysis tools for neuronal data * Development of solutions for software packaging, including deployment on HPC systems * Maintenance and improvement of the interactive software documentation, including content for the presentation of the software on the web and on social media * Parallelization of analysis codes using modern technologies * Development of a service-based architecture for analysis tasks * Review and evaluation of software contributions from a world-wide community with respect to scientific content, the code maturity, and the possibility to be integrated into the Elephant software * Co-design and dissemination of generic conceptual guidelines and project-specific implementations for scientific workflows * Close interaction with developers of EBRAINS and across the globe * Representing the technology at scientific conferences, during educational courses, to the public, and within the framework of the EU Flagship Project “Human Brain Project” Your Profile: * Completed study (Master) in natural sciences, computer science or mathematics * Very good expertise in the programming languages Python and C/C++; knowledge of Matlab and web-based technologies (e.g., javasscript); experience with parallelization techniques (e.g., MPI) and in the standard Linux tools; experience in web-based services for managing software (version control, issue tracking, CI,…) * Experience in implementing scientific analysis methods and creating documentation and course material * Experience in maintaining open source software projects * High ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team * Structured and organized style of working * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently, systematically and on one’s own responsibility * Good communication skills with software developers and scientists * Willingness to travel Note that it is not necessary to fulfil all of these requirements in order to be considered for the position Our Offer: We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with: * A position in a creative and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science, themes ranging from computational neuroscience to simulation technology * World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * Excellent scientific equipment including the fastest supercomputer in Europe * Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development * Extensive company health management * Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy * Flexible working hours and 30 days of annual leave * Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. Limited until 31.03.2023, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the applicant`s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks, salary grade 13-14 TVöD-Bund. Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application until 28.03.2021 via our Online-Recruitment-System<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/index.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIfdwmACO&link_i…>! Kind regards Martina -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Assistant Professor / Postdoc position in computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics at the University of Tokyo
by Yukie Nagai Feb. 26, 2021

Feb. 26, 2021

Dear colleagues, The International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo is looking for highly motivated full-time Assistant Professor / Postdoc researchers in the field of computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics. The selected candidates will join Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory head by Prof. Yukie Nagai and have the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research integrating computer science, robotics, neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology. If you are interested in being considered, please send the required documents to yukie(a)ircn.jp. Assistant Professor / Postdoc Researcher at IRCN, the University of Tokyo https://ircn.jp/en/careers/postdoctoral-fellow-project-researcher-nagai-lab… Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory (Nagai Lab) http://developmental-robotics.jp --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Job title: Project Assistant Professor / Project Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellow) 2. Starting Date: Negotiable 3. Term: The first contract will be ended on March 31, 2022. The contract is renewable on a fiscal year basis (from April 1 to March 31; every year) according to research budget and research achievements. 4. Place of Work International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-0033 JAPAN 5. Qualifications (Required) - Ph.D. in Computer Science, Ph.D. in Engineering, or equivalent in a related field - Good communication skill in English (Preferred) - Experiences in computational neuroscience, neural network, machine learning, and/or developmental robotics are preferred. 6. Compensation & Benefits - Salary: To be determined in accordance with the University of Tokyo Regulations - Commuter allowance: JPY55,000 per month at maximum - Social Insurance: Eligible for MEXT Mutual Aid Association membership, employees’ pension, employment insurance, and workers’ accident compensation insurance. - Vacation: Annual paid vacation, Sick leave (paid), Special vacation (paid) 7. Working Hours Discretionary labor system, based on 7 hours, 45 minutes per day, or 38 hours 45 minutes per week 8. Holidays Saturdays and Sundays; Statutory public holidays of Japan; Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 through January 3); Summer holidays 9. Applications - Deadline: When the position is filled - Application documents: (a) Cover letter in English (b) Curriculum vita in English (c) Publication list (d) Name and contact address for two references, one of which should be a previous employer - Submission: Interested applicants should send application materials to: yukie(a)ircn.jp 10. Selection Process All applications will be screened, and only those qualified will be scheduled for an online interview. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Project Professor, The University of Tokyo nagai.yukie(a)mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp | http://developmental-robotics.jp CREST Cognitive Mirroring: http://cognitive-mirroring.org

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Computational postdoctoral position in the lab of Nancy Kopell
by McCarthy, Michelle M Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

The group of N. Kopell has an opening for an energetic postdoctoral fellow who will work with experimentalists Don Arnold, Scott Fraser and others on fear conditioning and extinction in zebra fish. Such learning is known to involve temporally complex alterations in multiple brain rhythms in multiple areas of the brain, and the postdoc will work with the Kopell group and the experimentalists to understand the origin of the rhythmic changes and the effects on plasticity needed for conditioning and extinction. The relevant data involve state of the art imaging with a spatial resolution of single spines and temporal resolution fast enough to record fast brain oscillations. The relevant computations will involve networks of biophysically detailed model neurons. The successful applicant will have some background in neuroscience and experience in coding with biophysically detailed equations. Some mathematical background is desirable. If you are interested, please email Kopell: nk(a)bu.edu<mailto:nk@bu.edu>, and have three letters of recommendation sent to her via email. Also include a CV and a statement of research interests.

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Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience
by Adrienne L Fairhall Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

We are thrilled to announce the *Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience* co-hosted by the Allen Institute and the University of Washington (through its eScience Institute and the Computational Neuroscience Center) in Seattle. The fellowships are funded by the Shanahan Family Foundation and the Allen Institute. This three-year data science postdoctoral fellowship program aims to *Integrate Data Scientists into Neuroscience Research*. Fellows will receive interdisiplinary co-mentorship by scientists from the Allen Institute and University of Washington. Data science is broadly interpreted to include those with PhD level training in relevant areas including physical sciences, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Please see details and application instructions here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda…

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Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience
by Anton Arkhipov Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Announcing the Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience co-hosted by the Allen Institute and the University of Washington (through its eScience Institute and the Computational Neuroscience Center) and directed by Christof Koch, Ph.D.<https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-profil…>, Chief Scientist for the MindScope Program at the Allen Institute. The fellowships are funded by the Shanahan Family Foundation and the Allen Institute. This three-year data science postdoctoral fellowship program aims to Integrate Data Scientists into Neuroscience Research and provides Multidisciplinary, Multi-organizational Co-Mentorship (from the Allen Institute and University of Washington). Please see details and application instructions here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda… Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 E: antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> [Text Description automatically generated] alleninstitute.org<https://alleninstitute.org> brain-map.org

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CFP for PhD candidates in SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING
by Chaabane Djeraba Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

The FOX research team from the CRIStAL laboratory (UMR CNRS) of Lille University - FR, in collaboration with bio-inspired team of Kent University - UK is looking for PhD student candidates on the following subject : SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING Title : SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING Abstract of the PhD subject : The objective of the PhD thesis is the study of bio-inspired pattern recognition of atmospheric phenomena, from earth observation satellite. In particular, the thesis project studies neuromorphic learning approach for the classification of spatiotemporal image sequences available in large quantities and without terrain truth or with very limited terrain truth. The data are aerosols, collected from earth observation satellites. The results of the thesis will contribute to make a large amount of atmospheric data accessible, even exploitable by the scientific community in the domain of the detection, tracking and prediction of the air quality. We are looking for excellent PhD candidates in thre domain of AI applied to atmospheric data. Key words : Spike neural network, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, atmospheric data mining Candidates must hold a Master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics. Experience in one or more of the following is a plus: • image processing, computer vision; • machine learning; • research methodology (literature review, experimentation…). Candidates should have the following skills: • good proficiency in English, both spoken and written; • scientific writing; • programming (experience in Python, Java or C++). More details are available here : https://filesender.renater.fr/?s=download&token=76a3ba06-63af-43a7-a34a-40e… The PHD thesis will be funded in the framework of the AI_PhD@Lille program. http://www.isite-ulne.fr/index.php/en/phd-in-artificial-intelligence/ http://www.isite-ulne.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Thèses-IA_Campagne2021_… www.isite-ulne.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Thèses-IA_Campagne2021_I_Site… The candidate will be funded for 3 years; he/she is expected to defend his/her thesis and graduate by the end of the contract. The monthly gross salary is around 2000€, including benefits (health insurance, retirement fund, and paid vacations). Additional financial support is expected in the framework of the AI_PhD@Lille program. The position is located in Lille, France. With over 110 000 students, the metropolitan area of Lille is one France's top education student cities. The European Doctoral College Lille Nord-Pas de Calais is headquartered in Lille Metropole and includes 3,000 PhD Doctorate students supported by university research laboratories. Lille has a convenient location in the European high-speed rail network. It lies on the Eurostar line to London (1:20 hour journey). The French TGV network also puts it only 1 hour from Paris, 35 mn from Brussels, and a short trips to other major centres in France such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon. We look forward to receiving your application as soon as possible, but no later than 20.03.2021. — Chaabane Djeraba (PhD), Professeur, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, UMR 9189 CRIStAL, F-59000 Lille, Bat. IRCICA, 50 avenue Halley, 59650 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France, chabane.djeraba(a)univ-lille.fr

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Open Master, PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany
by Tatjana Tchumatchenko Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear friends and colleagues, I would appreciate if you could spread the word among your students and postdocs. My group which is now at the University of Bonn is looking for Master Students, PhD Students and Postdocs Master Students, PhD Students or Postdocs interested in understanding how neuronal networks work, how they respond to stimuli and what role connectivity and single neuron dynamics play for the activity of the brain. Though the focus of my research is on the theory side, my lab has close ties to experimentally oriented labs and Master projects could include both theory and experiments. We are looking for bright and hard-working students with a life-science or quantitative background (physics, math, biology etc). The following PhD projects are currently open: 1) A project exploring the intersection of protein dynamics and machine learning 2) A project designing models describing protein dynamics in dendrites and analyzing imaging data, https://jobrxiv.org/job/institute-of-experimental-epileptology-and-cognitio… The postdoctoral position will address the relation between neurological diseases, protein dynamics and network activity. When applying please attach a CV (with a publication record) and a current copy of academic transcripts and mention at least one academic reference. For more information, please contact Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko via email tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de https://twitter.com/TTchumatchenko www.tchumatchenko.de

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PhD position in cognitively-inspired reinforcement learning for robotics at Sheffield, UK
by Aditya Gilra Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear all, Announcing a PhD position with Dr Aditya Gilra and Dr James Law at the University of Sheffield, UK on "Incorporating self- and world-models in neural networks for flexible robot learning and control". The position is funded for 3.5 years by the EPSRC. Details at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/incorporating-self-and-world-models-i… Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis as the applications come in. International (non-UK) candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the 7th March deadline. Don't hesitate to email back for further details. Best, Aditya. -- Aditya Gilra, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Machine Learning Group <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/research/groups/machine-learning> & Neuroscience Institute <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/neuroscience-institute/research/computational-a…> , Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, UK. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/people/academic/aditya-gilra http://www.adityagilra.net/

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Three Post-Doc / Research Associate positions in 'Causal eXplainable Reinforcement Learning' project at Sheffield / Vienna / Lille
by Aditya Gilra Feb. 25, 2021

Feb. 25, 2021

Dear All, Announcing three post-doc / research associate openings to work closely together as part of a ~3 year Chist-Era project, to develop causal inference methods for explainable actions in reinforcement learning ( https://www.chistera.eu/projects/causalxrl) starting in ~Q2, 2021: -> At the University of Sheffield with Dr Aditya Gilra and Prof Eleni Vasilaki, with an emphasis on biologically-plausible neural circuits -- https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CEH708/research-associate-in-causal-explainable-… (Deadline: 18th March 2021, but might be extended). -> At the University of Vienna with Prof Moritz Grosse-Wentrup, with an emphasis on causal inference and brain-computer interfaces -- https://ni.cs.univie.ac.at/ (ad to appear). -> At INRIA Lille with Prof Philippe Preux, with an emphasis on reinforcement learning and applications -- https://jobs.inria.fr/public/classic/en/offres/2020-03209 (Deadline: 31st March 2021). Please feel free to email back for any further information. Best, Aditya. -- Aditya Gilra, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Machine Learning Group <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/research/groups/machine-learning> & Neuroscience Institute <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/neuroscience-institute/research/computational-a…> , Department of Computer Science <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs>, University of Sheffield <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/>, UK. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/people/academic/aditya-gilra http://www.adityagilra.net/

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Call for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
by Sidarus, Nura Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Dear colleagues, Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Researcher to work with Dr Nura Sidarus as part of the ESRC funded project “A Computational Approach to Understanding Maladaptive Cognition in Depression”, at Royal Holloway University of London. The project will investigate the neurocomputational mechanisms of maladaptive cognition underlying depressive symptoms, through online, clinical, and neuroimaging studies focusing on attribution and value-based decision-making and learning. We are looking for talented, highly-skilled and motivated researchers with a PhD in a related field (e.g. neuroscience, psychology or cognitive science), with considerable experience applying mathematical modelling techniques to data. Strong abilities in programming and statistics are essential. Expertise in neuroscience of mental health and fMRI are highly desirable. The preferred start date is Summer 2021, or as soon as can be arranged, for up to December 2022. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Nura Sidarus at Nura.Sidarus(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:Nura.Sidarus@rhul.ac.uk> and more information about the grant can be found here<https://gtr.ukri.org/project/87F3B93A-C9BD-4240-BBDC-7596C165DFBF>. Deadline: 6 April 2021 Full details and how apply at: https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=0221-029<https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=0221-029> Best wishes, Nura. __________________________________________________________ Dr Nura Sidarus (she/her) Lecturer | Department of Psychology Royal Holloway University of London | Egham | Surrey | TW20 0EX Office: Wolfson 248 | Tel: +44 (0) 1784 44 3717 Affiliate Member | Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL nura.sidarus(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:%20nura.sidarus@rhul.ac.uk> | www.nurasidarus.com<http://www.nurasidarus.com/> __________________________________________________________ This email, its contents and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. In certain circumstances, it may also be subject to legal privilege. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted. If you have received this email in error, please notify us and immediately and permanently delete it. Any views or opinions expressed in personal emails are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Royal Holloway, University of London. It is your responsibility to ensure that this email and any attachments are virus free.

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Tenure Track in Complex Systems/Neurophysics
by Andre Longtin Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Tenure-track Position in Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science The Department of Physics of the University of Ottawa seeks to fill a tenure-track position in theoretical physics of complex systems. Theoretical neurophysics/artificial intelligence is the main target area for this search, but strong applicants working in complex systems more broadly applied to biological physics, condensed matter physics, photonics, statistical physics, and nonlinear dynamics will be considered. Title of the position: Assistant level but exceptional candidates at higher academic levels are also encouraged to apply. Duties: The functions of a member of the academic staff include, in varying proportions: a) teaching activities; b) scholarly activities pertaining to research and/or professional work; c) academic service activities, d) supervision of graduate students. Terms: Tenure-track position. Wage: As per collective agreement. Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete compensation package which includes long term disability, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, University of Ottawa Pension Plan, optional life insurance and paid leaves (including maternity, parental and academic leaves: https://hrdocrh.uottawa.ca/info/en-ca/apuo/index.html) Location of work: Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, STEM Complex, 150 Louis-Pasteur, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5. Contact information: James Harden, Chair, Department of Physics: phychair(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:phychair@uottawa.ca> . Skills requirements: * Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics. * Work experience: Due to the bilingual nature of our major undergraduate program, the successful candidate should be able to teach in French within a year of the appointment. The candidate is expected to lead a vigorous research program, and to contribute to teaching in the major and honors BSc in Physics as well as at the graduate level. We expect a demonstrated interest in interacting with other theorists and experimentalists in the department as well as in the Centre for Neural Dynamics and the Brain and Mind Research Institute, the Centre for Research in Photonics, the Max Planck-uOttawa Centre for Extreme and Quantum Photonics, and/or the Centre for Advanced Materials Research. Posting No.: 21016-SCI www.uottawa.ca/vice-president-academic/faculty-relations/faculty-recruitmen… Application deadline: April 30, 2021. The application material consists of a CV, a two-page summary of research plans and a one-page teaching statement, along with the contact information for three referees. The application should be emailed to Sophie Grimard (sgrimard(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:sgrimard@uottawa.ca>), secretary to the Chair Prof. James Harden, by April 30, 2021. The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous persons, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identiﬁcation Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application. Please take note of this posting number. This questionnaire can be found online. According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at 613-562-5958. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence. The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language. At the time of tenure, professors are expected to have the ability to function in a bilingual setting. Notice of Collection of Personal Information In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario) and with University Policy 90, your personal information is collected under the authority of the University of Ottawa Act, 1965 and is intended to be used for the purpose of and those consistent with your employment application and the administration of your employment relationship, if established. If you have any questions regarding this collection of personal information, please contact Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at (613) 562-5958 or by email at vra.affairesprofessorales(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca>.

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'What is self-organizaton?' -- Entropy sepcial issue
by Claudius Gros Feb. 24, 2021

Feb. 24, 2021

Dear colleagues Together with Damian Zanette, we are editing a an Entropy special issue around a question, that is of particular interest to the neurosciences: 'What is self-organizaton?' Deadline: 15 October 2021 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/self_organzation ------ info ------ Many of us have used the notion of `self-organization' in our studies. What is it precisely, though? A constituent element could be, e.g., the emergence of non-trivial properties from comparatively simple rules. What would simple, non-trivial or complex emergence mean in this context? In this Special Issue, we invite viewpoints, perspectives, and applied considerations on questions regarding the notions of self-organization and complexity. Examples include: Routes In how many different ways can self-organization manifest itself? Would it be meaningful, or even possible, to attempt a classification? Detection Can we detect it automatically, either the process or the outcome? Or do we need a human observer to classify a system as `self-organizing'? This issue may be related to the construction of quantifiers, e.g., in terms of functions on phase space, such as entropy measures. Complexity Is a system self-organizing only when the resulting dynamical state is `complex'? What does `complex' mean exactly? Are there many types of complexity, or just a single one? E.g., it has never been settled whether complexity should be intensive or extensive, if any. Domains Where do we find self-organizing processes? Are the properties of self-organizing systems domain-specific or universal? In which class of systems does self-organization show up most clearly? We are looking forward to your contribution! Claudius Gros %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ### ### Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros ### http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ### ### Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer ### A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13/15) ### ### Life for barren exoplanets: The Genesis project ### https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10509-016-2911-0 ###

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INCF/OCNS Software WG: Dev sessions on Brian (11th Feb) and NeuroFedora (16th Feb)
by Ankur Sinha Feb. 22, 2021

Feb. 22, 2021

Hello everyone, Apologies for the cross-posts. The INCF/OCNS Software Working Group (WG)[1] is happy to announce its first set of "Dev sessions" where members of the developer teams of commonly used neuroscience software will introduce their software and then discuss their *development* pipelines. The aim of these sessions is to stimulate discussion of the development practices and tools used by different teams to improve the software we use while also improving our knowledge of these practices and tools. We also hope to encourage more users of these tools to contribute to their development to ensure their longevity. Two sessions are currently scheduled: - Marcel Stimberg will speak about the development of the Brian simulator on Feb 11, 2021 1700 UTC[2]. Zoom link: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/91389216854?pwd=cFVWaXRYVFRUdll2c09Xb3dBS2FWQT09 - Ankur Sinha will speak about the development of the NeuroFedora Linux distribution on Feb 16, 2021 1700 UTC[3]. Zoom link: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/94964460359?pwd=MTJmWEY1NHRxd3l4ZGdtTS9NQ1FaZz09 (To prevent spamming/trolling during these sessions, you will need to login to your Zoom account to join them. These sessions will be recorded and made available for later viewing also.) Sessions on GeNN and Neurolib will also follow shortly. If you develop software for neuroscience, we would love to hear about your development pipeline. Please get in touch with the Software WG either on INCF's Neurostars platform[4] or on our GitHub repository[5]. The WG is a community based group that is open to everyone at all levels of their careers (academic or otherwise). Please introduce yourself to the community on our channels to get involved. [1] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/pages/about.html [2] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2021/02/07/dev-session-marcel-stimberg-br… [3] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2021/02/07/dev-session-ankur-sinha-neurof… [4] https://neurostars.org/t/ocns-infrastructure-software-tools-sig-meet-and-gr… [5] https://github.com/OCNS/SoftwareWG/issues On behalf of the WG, -- Thanks, Regards, Ankur Sinha (He / Him / His) Research Fellow at the Silver Lab | http://silverlab.org/ Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, & Pharmacology University College London, London, UK Time zone: Europe/London

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PhD Student position at the interface of neuroscience and machine learning
by Rava A. da Silveira Feb. 20, 2021

Feb. 20, 2021

The lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira invites applications for a *PhD Student position* at the *interface of computational neuroscience and machine learning*, at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) in Switzerland, an associated institute of the University of Basel. Research projects will involve modeling and data analysis; some projects will be carried out in the framework of collaborations with experimental labs. Questions will be chosen from a range of topics involving neural representations as relating to behavior, neural coding, dynamics and learning. Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, computer science, and engineering are welcome. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods, in addition to familiarity with mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure, eagerness, and drive. The positions will come with highly competitive work conditions and salaries. *Application deadline:* For full consideration, please apply by 15 March 2021. *How to apply:* Please send the following information *in one single PDF, to * *silveira(a)iob.ch* <silveira(a)iob.ch>*:* 1. letter on motivation and interests; 2. curriculum vitæ; 3. transcripts of undergraduate and Master grades. In addition, please arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same email address. In all email correspondence, please include the mention “APPLICATION-PHD” in the subject header, otherwise the application will *not* be considered. *** *The Silveira** Lab* focuses on a range of topics, which, however, are tied together through a central question: How does the brain represent and manipulate information? Among the more concrete approaches to this question, the lab analyses and models neural activity in circuits that can be identified, recorded from, and perturbed experimentally, such as visual neural circuits in the retina and the cortex. Establishing links between physiological specificity and the structure of neural activity yields an understanding of circuits as building blocks of cerebral information processing. On a more abstract level, the lab investigates the representation of information in populations of neurons, from a statistical and algorithmic—rather than mechanistic—point of view, through theories of coding and data analyses. These studies aim at understanding the statistical nature of high-dimensional neural activity in different conditions, and how this serves to encode and process information from the sensory world. In the context of cognitive studies, the lab investigates mental processes such as inference, learning, and decision-making, through both theoretical developments and behavioral experiments. A particular focus is the study of neural constraints and limitations and, further, their impact on mental processes. Neural limitations impinge on the structure and variability of mental representations, which in turn inform the cognitive algorithms that produce behavior. The lab explores the nature of neural limitations, mental representations, and cognitive algorithms, and their interrelations.

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Postdoc opening at the interface of cognitive science and machine learning
by Rava A. da Silveira Feb. 20, 2021

Feb. 20, 2021

The lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira invites applications for a *Postdoctoral Researcher* position at the *interface of theoretical/computational cognitive science and machine learning* at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) in Switzerland, an associated institute of the University of Basel. Research questions will be chosen from a range of topics involving models of decision making, learning, and memory, with a particular focus on the structure of human inference, the nature of internal representations/latent variables, and behavioral variability. While the projects will be primarily theoretical, they will involve data analysis and may be complemented with behavioral experiments or carried out in collaboration with experimental labs. Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, computer science, engineering, and psychology are welcome. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods, in addition to familiarity with neuroscience topics and mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure, eagerness, and drive. The positions will come with highly competitive work conditions and salaries. *Application deadline:* For full consideration, please apply by 15 March 2021. *How to apply:* Please send the following information *in one single PDF, to * *silveira(a)iob.ch* <silveira(a)iob.ch>*:* 1. letter of motivation; 2. statement of research interests, limited to two pages; 3. curriculum vitæ including a list of publications; 4. any relevant publications that you wish to showcase. In addition, please arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same email address. In all email correspondence, please include the mention “APPLICATION-POSTDOC” in the subject header, otherwise the application will *not* be considered. *** *The Silveira** Lab* focuses on a range of topics, which, however, are tied together through a central question: How does the brain represent and manipulate information? Among the more concrete approaches to this question, the lab analyses and models neural activity in circuits that can be identified, recorded from, and perturbed experimentally, such as visual neural circuits in the retina and the cortex. Establishing links between physiological specificity and the structure of neural activity yields an understanding of circuits as building blocks of cerebral information processing. On a more abstract level, the lab investigates the representation of information in populations of neurons, from a statistical and algorithmic—rather than mechanistic—point of view, through theories of coding and data analyses. These studies aim at understanding the statistical nature of high-dimensional neural activity in different conditions, and how this serves to encode and process information from the sensory world. In the context of cognitive studies, the lab investigates mental processes such as inference, learning, and decision-making, through both theoretical developments and behavioral experiments. A particular focus is the study of neural constraints and limitations and, further, their impact on mental processes. Neural limitations impinge on the structure and variability of mental representations, which in turn inform the cognitive algorithms that produce behavior. The lab explores the nature of neural limitations, mental representations, and cognitive algorithms, and their interrelations.

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Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience - call for nominations!
by Alexandra Stein Feb. 18, 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

Dear Colleagues, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites nominations for the Valentin Braitenberg Award for Computational Neuroscience. The Bernstein Network presents the award biennially to a scientist in recognition of outstanding research that contributes to the understanding of the functioning of the brain. The major criterion for the award is the impact or potential impact of the recipient's research on the field of brain science. In the spirit of Valentin Braitenberg's own research, special emphasis is given to theoretical studies elucidating the functional implications of brain structures and their neuronal network dynamics. The awardee receives €5.000 prize money, donated by the Autonome Provinz Bozen Südtirol, as well as a Golden Neuron pin. The award will be presented in a special award ceremony at the online Bernstein Conference 2021, followed by a keynote lecture of the Braitenberg Awardee. Nominations may be submitted by scientists working in the field of computational neuroscience and should include the following documents: - One-page laudation, in which the scientific work of the candidate is honored with regard to the award criteria - CV and list of publications Deadline for nominations is April 30, 2021 by email to a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> Please note that self-nominations are not permitted. The call for nominations can be found under the following URL: https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/the-network/awards/Call_Braitenberg_2020<http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2018/braitenberg_award> For inquiries please contact a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de>. Best regards, Alexandra Stein -- Dr. Alexandra Stein Head of Bernstein Coordination Site Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9583 mobile: (+49) 0151 67114645 mail: a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> Twitter: BernsteinNeuro YouTube: Bernstein TV LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Faculty Position in Comp-Neuro / ML at Champalimaud - Deadline February 28, 2021
by Christian Machens Feb. 18, 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

Faculty Position in Computational Neuroscience / Machine Learning at Champalimaud Research - Deadline February 28, 2021 The Champalimaud Foundation (CF) invites applications for Group Leaders to join a dynamic and highly collaborative international research institute in Lisbon, Portugal. Champalimaud Research (CR) is seeking to expand its Neuroscience Programme (CNP) with one Junior Group Leader (Assistant Professor equivalent). About you We welcome applicants with expertise in modern Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Suitable research areas for the recruited applicant include statistical methods for complex, high-dimensional datasets, artificial neural networks, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and control theory. We will consider candidates that work on foundational issues in these fields, as well as candidates who take more applied approaches. The ideal candidate should present a research program with both fundamental research and applied elements, and have a strong desire to collaborate with existing teams within CR and CF, including the Champalimaud Clinical Centre. Special attention will be given to applications of individuals from underrepresented groups. About the position To promote risk-taking research, generous support for salary, start-up and annual running costs will be provided. Researchers will be based at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown (CCU), a highly interactive and innovative scientific environment where the Neuroscience Programme is composed of groups applying a range of theoretical and experimental approaches to understand the algorithmic, physiological and circuit mechanisms of behaviour. Researchers routinely collect rich datasets ripe for development and application of new analysis tools or comparison with theory. These datasets include high dimensional neurophysiological and imaging data, to -omics, and various measures of behaviour. About us The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is situated on the waterfront in Lisbon. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon has a sunny Atlantic-Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, international schools, convenient housing options and is considered one of the world’s safest cities. About the application Applications should include a (1) detailed scientific curriculum vitae, which may include any mentoring, outreach, or policy experiences, (2) a brief summary of past accomplishments (max. two pages), (3) a description of future research plans (max. four pages), (4) three key publications (pdf-files preferred, preprints welcome) along with (5) brief (~200 word each) descriptions of their significance, and (6) contact details for three individuals who can provide recommendation letters upon request. Applications or informal inquiries should be addressed to careers(a)research.fchampalimaud.org <mailto:careers@research.fchampalimaud.org> with the subject “Neuro GL Call 2020 – YOUR LAST NAME”. The deadline for the applications is February 28, 2021 and review of applications will begin in March, 2021. Non-discrimination and equal access policy The Champalimaud Foundation actively promotes non-discrimination and equal access, so that no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are not deemed relevant for the performance of the duties associated with the advertised position.

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INCF/OCNS Software WG: Dev session on Neurolib (23rd Feb)
by Ankur Sinha Feb. 18, 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

Hello everyone, Apologies for the cross-posts. The INCF/OCNS Software Working Group (WG)[1] is happy to announce the next "Dev session" on Neurolib[2] where Caglar Cakan will introduce the software and then discuss its *development* pipeline. The session will be held on Feb 23, 2021 at 1700 UTC[3]. Zoom link: https://tu-berlin.zoom.us/j/68960683644?pwd=a2JTTS8xZXhwY0ZtQ0J0aktRVW52Zz09 The aim of these sessions is to stimulate discussion of the development practices and tools used by different teams to improve the software we use while also improving our knowledge of these practices and tools. We also hope to encourage more users of these tools to contribute to their development to ensure their longevity. The abstract of the talk is below: neurolib is a computational framework for whole-brain modelling written in Python. It provides a set of neural mass models that represent the average activity of a brain region on a mesoscopic scale. In a whole-brain network model, brain regions are connected with each other based on structural connectivity data, i.e. the connectome of the brain. neurolib can load structural and functional data sets, set up a whole-brain model, manage its parameters, simulate it, and organize its outputs for later analysis. The activity of each brain region can be converted into a simulated BOLD signal in order to calibrate the model to empirical data from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Extensive model analysis is possible using a parameter exploration module, which allows to characterize the model’s behaviour given a set of changing parameters. An optimization module allows for fitting a model to multimodal empirical data using an evolutionary algorithm. Besides its included functionality, neurolib is designed to be extendable such that custom neural mass models can be implemented easily. neurolib offers a versatile platform for computational neuroscientists for prototyping models, managing large numerical experiments, studying the structure-function relationship of brain networks, and for in-silico optimization of whole-brain models. ----- If you develop software for neuroscience, we would love to hear about your development pipeline. Please get in touch with the Software WG either on INCF's Neurostars platform[4] or on our GitHub repository[5]. The WG is a community based group that is open to everyone at all levels of their careers (academic or otherwise). Please introduce yourself to the community on our channels to get involved. [1] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/pages/about.html [2] https://neurolib-dev.github.io/ [3] https://ocns.github.io/SoftwareWG/2021/02/12/dev-session-caglar-cakan-neuro… [4] https://neurostars.org/t/ocns-infrastructure-software-tools-sig-meet-and-gr… [5] https://github.com/OCNS/SoftwareWG/issues On behalf of the WG, -- Thanks, Regards, Ankur Sinha (He / Him / His) Research Fellow at the Silver Lab | http://silverlab.org/ Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, & Pharmacology University College London, London, UK Time zone: Europe/London

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two faculty positions at Imperial College in 'intelligent systems' (deadline March 1st)
by Goodman, Daniel F M Feb. 18, 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

We are hiring two new faculty positions in the Electrical Engineering department at Imperial College, deadline March 1st. The advert below talks about machine learning and computer vision, but actually we're open to anything that will complement the existing interests of our group (robotics, machine learning, computational neuroscience). In particular, we're looking for people who can develop new collaborations with our group, so interdisciplinary researchers touching on any of these topics please do apply! I'd also like to add that we'd particularly encourage applications from women and other groups that are underrepresented in our department. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG01538/lecturersenior-lecturer Please do feel free to get in touch for more info. Dan

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15 PhD positions translational vision science, OptiVis
by Peter König Feb. 17, 2021

Feb. 17, 2021

15 PhD positions in Translational Vision Science It is essential to know what visually impaired individuals can do with their residual vision in daily life activities, otherwise known as their "functional vision". Conventional ophthalmic tests (e.g. visual field tests) are able to detect the extent of a visual defect, but they yield little information about functional vision. This lack of appropriate tests impedes the optimal practice of diagnostics (in ophthalmic and neurological care, in particular of children and elderly), rehabilitation and classification (essential in sports competitions). Our European MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE Innovative Training Network (ITN) OptiVisT aims to resolve this by (1) gaining new Insights: i.e. a fundamental understanding of the visual demands of activities of daily living and sports; (2) developing Solutions: i.e. creating new objective, inclusive and engaging tools for testing, training and augmenting functional vision; and (3) the Application of 1 and 2: evaluating the effectiveness of our new tools in diagnostics, rehabilitation and classification in practice. Are you, like us, fascinated by vision, the brain and technology and consider it important to help visually impaired people? Do you have an inquisitive mind, and are you looking for a PhD position embedded in an international innovative training network in which you can develop your research, technical or clinical skills? Then consider applying with OptiVisT and join one of our 15 PhD projects (overview below). We offer PhD positions in academia, medical, technology and rehabilitation institutes, and high-tech companies. Curious to see and hear more about what it means to be part of such Innovative Training Network? Check out these two short movies about our previous ITNs NextGenVis and EGRET+. If you are interested in one of our PhD positions, visit our website (www.optivist.eu) for more information on our application procedures. The deadline for applying for this project is February 28th, 2021. General questions can be directed to info(a)optivist.eu. Project specific questions can be directed to the project contacts as mentioned on the website. Best, Peter König (on behalf of the Optivis Consortium)

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Research Topic in Frontiers in Neuroprosthetics
by Marianna Semprini Feb. 16, 2021

Feb. 16, 2021

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce a Research Topic in Frontiers in Neuroscience - section Neuroprosthetics titled "Improving Neuroprosthetics through Novel Techniques for processing Electrophysiological Human Brain Signals". This research topic focuses on innovative approaches for translating current research results into useful clinical applications providing novel therapeutic possibilities in the neurorehabilitation and neuroprosthetic field. The development of these novel solutions could help people with disabilities to overcome their daily obstacles and achieve a better quality of life. We are thus widely open to contributions that target: * novel experimental designs, clinical protocols, and applications involving brain signals in the context of neurorehabilitation; * techniques for off-line signal processing, e.g. investigation of brain activity (EEG, EcoG, stereo-EEG, MEG), characterization of brain oscillations, decoding of information in the brain (e.g. sensory and/or motor); * techniques for on-line signal processing, e.g. novel hardware design for treating human brain signals; * assessment of plastic changes following a neurorehabilitation treatment or upon usage of a prosthetic device, e.g. novel biomarkers based on electrophysiological recordings, computational models for understanding reconfiguration mechanisms; * standardized methods to store and process data, in agreement with the FAIR principles. We accept submissions of manuscripts as Original Research, Systematic Review, Review (and mini-Review), Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Report, Brief Research Report. Deadline for manuscript submission is June 5th, 2021. More information can be found here<https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/18352/improving-neuroprosthetic…>. We look forward to your contributions. The Research Topic co-editors, Marianna Semprini Gabriele Arnulfo Ioannis Delis Felix Siebenhühner Gianluca Susi Marianna Semprini, PhD Rehab Technologies IIT-INAIL Lab Phone : 010 71781 212 ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova Site: www.iit.it

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10 PhD/Postdoc positions on metrology for AI in medicine at PTB Germany
by Haufe, Stefan Feb. 16, 2021

Feb. 16, 2021

Dear colleagues, I would be grateful if you could circulate the following announcement. Ten PhD or Postdoc positions are available at the German national metrology institute (PTB) in Berlin and Braunschweig: Topics are centered around metrological aspects (robustness, uncertainty, interpretability) of artificial intelligence in medicine. This includes projects on M/EEG and fMRI inverse problems as well as explainable AI in neuroscience. Please go to is.gd/WYHec1 for details and instructions on the application process. Further information is available under the following links: * on the general research program these positions are embedded in: is.gd/24hYaD * on PTB's AI strategy for medicine: is.gd/Y0cYWv * press release: is.gd/ukCIh9 Candidates specifically interested in one of the first three projects 1. Towards standardized quality control for artificial intelligence systems in critical care (is.gd/HpWzAh) 2. Machine learning and uncertainty quantification for bioelectromagnetic inverse solutions and signal separation methods (is.gd/cdWi1E) 3. Advancing the theory and practice of machine learning model explanations in biomedicine (is.gd/3iPwnu) are encouraged to get in touch with me through haufe_ptb_applications at mailbox dot org . Best wishes, Stefan Haufe

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PhD position: Machine learning for big sleep data
by Martin Dresler Feb. 16, 2021

Feb. 16, 2021

Hi, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and the Donders Institute Sleep & Memory Lab are looking for a joint PhD candidate combining data science/AI, wearable EEG technology, and sleep research. In this project, we will use machine learning to investigate big sleep data, using both large open sleep EEG datasets and novel studies with multiple repeated sleep EEG recordings via full polysomnography and sleep EEG wearables in naturalistic home-based settings. The results will be fed back into the development of sleep EEG software and hardware, and clinical applications in psychiatry and neurology. Further info: https://dreslerlab.org/phd-position Cheers, Martin -- Donders Sleep & Memory Lab, Radboud University Medical Center Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, Netherlands https://dreslerlab.org

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PhD position in Computational Neuroscience with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany
by Laurenz Wiskott Feb. 12, 2021

Feb. 12, 2021

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of the leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. One particular strength of RUB are the neurosciences. The Institute for Neural Computation is a central research institute, see https://www.ini.rub.de/. It focuses on the dynamics and learning of perception and behavior on a functional level but is otherwise very diverse, ranging from neurophysiology and psychophysics over computational neuroscience to machine learning and technical applications. There is an open position for a research assistant / Phd-student in the group „Theory of Neural Systems“ of Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott to be filled at the earliest possible date. The appointment will be for three years. Salary is 29,87 h/w of salary scale TV-L E13. The load of teaching will be calculated according to §3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia). Tasks: * Development of a model of the hippocampus to store episodic sequences and its application to navigational experiences with the goal to better understand the neural basis of memory-based navigation. * Support in teaching. We offer: * An interesting interdisciplinary environment in the field of Computational Neuroscience / Machine Learning. * Room to develop your own ideas in the project. * Infrastructure to integrate well into the institute and the group. * Opportunity to do a PhD (Dr). Requirements: * Very good Master in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related field. * Good programming and mathematical skills. * Interest in neuroscientific research questions. Advantageous: * Good communication and teamwork skills. * Experience in interdisciplinary projects. * Programming skills in Python. Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and BSc, statement of purpose) should be sent as a single pdf file to laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de. Application period ends on March 7, 2021. Travel expenses for interviews will not be refunded. Ruhr-University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity in employment and gender equality in its working environment. We therefore look forward to applications from qualified women. Applications from appropriately qualified handicapped persons are also encouraged.

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Machine Learning PhD studentship
by Michael Biehl Feb. 12, 2021

Feb. 12, 2021

Applications are invited for a *3-year fully funded PhD Studentship* Tentative starting date: 1 April 2021. Title: *Integrated machine learning approaches to dissect the link between androgen excess * *and metabolic disease in women* In this interdisciplinary project, supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques including but not limited to neural networks and prototype-based metric learning will be applied to analyse steroid metabolome, global non-targeted metabolome and clinical phenotype data. For detailed information, application procedure etc. see https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/integrated-machine-learning-approache… -- ---------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Michael Biehl Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK Groningen The Netherlands Tel. +31 50 363 3997 https://www.cs.rug.nl/~biehl m.biehl(a)rug.nl

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postdoc position involving psychophysics and fMRI to study visual consciousness
by Brascamp, Jan Feb. 11, 2021

Feb. 11, 2021

The Brascamp Lab for Visual Neuroscience at Michigan State University is seeking a Research Associate (postdoc) to begin in the Spring of 2021. The Research Associate will be researching the neural basis of conscious vision, as part of a multi-site project funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and performed at Michigan State University in collaboration with researchers at NYU, UC Irvine, and Boston University. The work involves visual psychophysics and functional neuroimaging. The Brascamp Lab is located within the Department of Psychology and is a part of the Department's Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience group, which provides an excellent research and training environment with faculty expertise covering a broad range of topics in perception and cognitive psychology. The Research Associate will be stationed at MSU, and the project may require a limited time spent in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for data acquisition. This is initially a two-year position with the possibility of extension. Minimum Requirements include a Ph.D. in vision science, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or a related field. Applicants should have a strong publication record, experience with psychophysics and human neuroimaging, strong programming skills (Python or related language(s)), and strong statistical training. Desired Qualifications: the ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Please send inquiries or application materials (a letter of interest, CV, and contact information of three references) to brascamp(a)msu.edu<mailto:brascamp@msu.edu>. Review of applications will begin immediately.

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Call for submissions: Frontiers Research Topic on “Neuroinformatics of Large-Scale Brain Modelling”
by John Griffiths Feb. 11, 2021

Feb. 11, 2021

Dear all, We are excited to announce an upcoming Research Topic, jointly within Frontiers in Neuroinformatics and Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, on “Neuroinformatics of Large-Scale Brain Modelling”. This Research Topic will document the various ways in which neuroinformatics approaches are being applied in large-scale brain modelling, informing readers on both established practices and emerging techniques. We seek Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, and Opinion articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics: - Ontologies, systems, and tools for definition and specification of large-scale neural models - New approaches to parameter optimization, parameter space exploration, and systematic tracking of simulation behaviour across parameter combinations - Informing neural models with genetic and multi-omic data from large-scale databases and individual patients/subjects - Systematic computational modelling studies on large numbers of subjects, and/or using large-scale open-access datasets (HCP, ABCD, etc.) - ‘Hybrid’ modelling schemes that combine mean-field with spiking network models - ‘Hybrid’ approaches to defining connectivity in large-scale brain models (e.g. supplementing tractography with microscopy data for higher-resolution subcortical connectivity structure) - Simulations using high-resolution neuroanatomical data from initiatives such as BigBrain, Allen Institute, etc. - ‘High-density’ (large number of regions; small parcels) connectome-based neural mass modelling - Other neuroinformatics challenges and solutions in large-scale brain simulations - Comparisons between detailed spiking/morphological simulations and neural mass model simulations - Comparisons between models based on high-resolution and low-resolution Allen atlas connectivities Full details can be found on the research topic webpage at: www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/16641/neuroinformatics-of-large-scale-b… If you are considering submitting, please submit an abstract by Fri 26 Feb 2021. Deadline for submission of full manuscripts is Fri 30th July 2021. We look forward to your hearing from you and sharing this exciting work with the community. Your Research Topic co-editors, John Griffiths Padraig Gleeson Kelly Shen -- Dr. John D. Griffiths Independent Scientist @ Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, CAMH, Toronto Assistant Professor @ Department of Psychiatry & Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto www.grifflab.com ~~~ Frontiers in Neuroinformatics & Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience joint Research Topic: “Neuroinformatics of Large-Scale Brain Modelling” *Eds. John Griffiths, Kelly Shen, Padraig Gleeson* *Now accepting submissions! * Abstract deadline 26 Feb 2021. Manuscript deadline 30 July 2021. See topic page here <https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/16641/neuroinformatics-of-large…> for more info

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Visiting Assistant professor position (3yr - Psychology, broad)
by Blustein_Daniel Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

Dear colleagues, We are looking to hire a 3-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, USA. This is a teaching heavy position but the job posting is broad and we would be very open to hiring someone working in computational neuroscience. Job ad: https://jobs.rhodes.edu/postings/3525 If you have any questions about the position, department or school, please reach out to me at blusteind(a)rhodes.edu<mailto:blusteind@rhodes.edu> Sincerely, Dan Blustein, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience Rhodes College 901-843-3963

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Postdoctoral positions at PONS Centre Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
by Winterer, Jeanne Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

The Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS) at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin has two postdoctoral positions to offer: 1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Population Neuroscience The PONS Centre at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin is seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate environmental influences on brain development and behaviour, with a particular emphasis on global mental health. The PONS Centre aims to identify risk constellations and neurobehavioral trajectories for mental disorders and their moderation by global environmental challenges. The research will involve comparative analyses of large scale behavioural neuroimaging datasets in Europe, India, China and USA. Applying advanced statistical methods and innovative methodology, such as remote sensing satellite data, the project seeks to investigate how environmental challenges associated with urbanization, climate change, pollution or pandemics shape brain structure/function and behaviour. PONS Charité works in close collaboration with its partner institute PONS Fudan, at the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai. Areas of responsibility: • Take a leading role in development, adaptation and implementation of state of the art stratification and prediction techniques, including advanced representational approaches. • Apply these approaches to large scale, high dimensional datasets involving neuroimaging, behavioural, environmental and –omics. • Take a leading role in the publication and dissemination of data. • Present at academic meetings and contribute to the visibility of the project and its aims. • Work as a conscientious and committed member of the team in order to achieve the aims of the project. • Assist with the supervision of PhD and MSc candidates and with the general running of the group. Qualifications: • PhD in a relevant discipline (computer science, biomathematics) awarded, or thesis submitted, or thesis near completion. • A very good understanding of biomathematical and computer science methods applicable for phenotype stratification and prediction. • Experience of working with behavioural, epidemiologic and/or biological datasets. • Thorough conceptual understanding and experience in machine learning or/and deep learning methodology. • Evidence of the ability to publish in high-impact scientific journals. • Strong interpersonal skills, including willingness to introduce and help other colleagues with mathematics/statistics skills. • Good organisational skills. • Professional and enthusiastic attitude. • German language skills desirable, but not essential. 1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Precision Medicine The PONS Centre is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for a research programme funded by the European Research Council to develop the framework of a novel psychiatric taxonomy based on quantifiable neurobehavioural measures. This will be achieved by relating functional and structural neuroimaging measures as well as (epi-)genomic and environmental characterisations to behavioural symptom groups in both cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Being defined by shared neural mechanisms, these symptom groups will provide markers for stratification and prediction of mental illness. The work will involve a good understanding of the neural correlates of behaviour, and experience in the analysis of neuroimaging data using advanced statistics. PONS Charite works in close collaboration with its partner institute PONS Fudan, at the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai. Areas of responsibility: • To contribute to the development of a framework for a novel psychiatric taxonomy based on quantifiable neurobehavioural measures. • To relate functional and structural neuroimaging measures as well as (epi-)genomic and environmental characterisations to behavioural symptom groups in both cross-sectional and longitudinal data • The publication, report generation and dissemination of data arising from this project • Attend and present at academic meetings and contribute to the visibility of the project and its aims. • Assist with the supervision of PhD and MSc candidates and with the general running of the group • Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline Qualifications: • PhD in psychology, neuroscience, sociology, computer science or a related discipline - awarded, or thesis submitted • Experience in imaging genetics and behavioural research • Experience in multimodal analyses of behavioural assessments, neuroimaging and –omics data using advanced statistics • Evidence of the ability to publish in high-impact scientific journal. • Excellent written and verbal communication • Professional and enthusiastic The starting date of both postdoctoral positions would be the 1st of May 2021 with a length of 20 months of employment (40 hrs/week). Applicants should send the application materials to Jeanne.winterer(a)charite.de. Application information includes cover letter, including research plan, CV, Certificates, list of publications. Application material can be submitted until the 15th of March 2021. Contact information: For questions, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Gunter Schumann, email: gunter.schumann1961(a)gmail.com<mailto:gunter.schumann1961@gmail.com> and Jeanne Winterer, email: Jeanne.winterer(a)charite.de<mailto:Jeanne.winterer@charite.de>.

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Postdoctoral positions at NIPS in Japan: Computational modeling of synaptic biochemical signaling
by Hidetoshi URAKUBO Feb. 8, 2021

Feb. 8, 2021

Dear researchers: We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the area of mathematical/computational modeling of biochemical signaling in neuronal synapses. Based on a grant (#), A new collaborative project with Kyoto U and Nagoya U has been launched for the modeling of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of synaptic molecules. The successful candidate will develop computational/theoretical models that describe the LLPS and simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of synaptic biochemical signaling, to elucidate how our learning and memory are organized. We expect who will conduct Monte Carlo simulation under the scheme of the Flory-Huggins (FH) theory, as well as the reaction-diffusion simulation of biochemical molecules. (#) Spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular components, CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan. https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest//en/research_area/ongoing/area2020-1.ht… We are also conducting a long-standing project on electron microscopic (EM) connectomics. We will welcome the applicants who can contribute to this project from the informatics aspect. National Institute for physiological science (NIPS) is a high-quality national institute for neuroscience in Japan, like Riken CBS. NIPS is located in Aichi prefecture, the middle part of Japan. https://www.nips.ac.jp/eng/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aichi_Prefecture http://www2.aia.pref.aichi.jp/tope/foreigner.html Please feel free to ask questions about this research position to Hidetoshi Urakubo (urakubo(a)nips.ac.jp) 1. Job title Full-time Postdoctral Researcher 2. Begin date April 1st 2021 (negotiable) 3. Appointment period Annually renewed based on evaluation. Up to Sep/2025. 4. Workplace NIPS, Okazaki, Japan http://www.nips.ac.jp/circuit/ 5-1 Myodaiji-Higashiyama, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan 5. Qualifications Applicants must: - have Ph.D. (or be near the completion of the degree). - have strong motivations and ambitions to participate in the research above. 6. Compensation Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Social insurance will be applied. Days off include public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), summer vacation, and sick leave. These and other provisions are in accordance with NIPS regulations. Please inquire it with your CV if the salary information is needed at the early stage of selection. 7. Required documents Please send the following five materials to the email address below: 7-1. Complete CV 7-2. List of publications 7-3. Reprints of 1 to 3 major publications 7-4. Document (one or two pages in A4 or letter size) describing: - Summary of your previous research - Interests and proposal for research - Technical skills (programming skills, etc) 7-5. Two letters of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, if available) 8. Deadline February 28 (Sun), 2021 (will be extended) 9. Selection Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews. 10. Application and Contact Hidetoshi Urakubo, Ph.D. Email: urakubo(a)nips.ac.jp Project Assistant Professor, Division of Cerebral Circuitry, Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), 5-1 Myodaiji-Higashiyama, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan Phone: +81-564-59-5280 https://researchmap.jp/urakubo?lang=en http://www.nips.ac.jp/circuit/

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Special issue: Information Processing in Neuronal Circuits-Journal Biology
by alireza valizadeh Feb. 8, 2021

Feb. 8, 2021

CFP: Special issue on “*Information Processing in Neuronal Circuits and Systems*” Dear colleagues, Together with Claudio Mirasso we are organizing a special issue in the journal “Biology” on the topic “*Information Processing in Neuronal Circuits and Systems*”. We would like to invite you to contribute your research to this special issue. For more information please visit the website https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biology/special_issues/neuronalcircuits Submission deadline: *7 May, 2021*. *Special Issue Information* The question of how the brain integrates the multiplicity of local processes dispersed throughout its entire anatomy is a fundamental question in neuroscience. Such integration is mediated by information exchange between brain areas, and other parts of the nervous system, through routes that can change rapidly to provide a flexible effective connectivity despite the rigidity of the anatomical connections. The flexibility of the information routing and effective connectivity are consequences of the multi-stability of the collective dynamics of the neuronal networks. In other words, a single structural connection can support plenty of degenerate dynamic states for each of which a special pattern of information transfer between the nodes can take place. Collective neuronal oscillations are hypothesized to provide such a basis for the dynamic communication between brain regions. In this Special Issue, the notion of information transfer and routing in neuronal circuits and systems will be addressed with a focus on shedding light on the mechanisms that regulate information transmission in the brain and in the nervous system in general. Please contact us in case you need more information about this special issue. Best, Alireza Valizadeh Topic editors: Claudio R. Mirasso, Universitat Illes Balears, Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar y Sistemas Complejos, Spain (claudio(a)ifisc.uib-csic.es) Alireza Valizadeh, Institute for advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, Iran ( valizade(a)iasbs.ac.ir) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alireza Valizadeh Associate professor Neurophysics lab, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS) School of cognitive sciences, Institute for research in fundamental sciences (IPM) Zanjan, Iran Tel:(+98) 24 3315 2120 Fax:(+98) 24 3315 2104 valizade(a)iasbs.ac.ir Web: http://www.iasbs.ac.ir/~valizade/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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PhD studentship on “Computational modelling of spiking neural network self-organization” at the University of Surrey (UK)
by roman bauer Feb. 7, 2021

Feb. 7, 2021

*Computational modelling of spiking neural network self-organization* A PhD studentship is available in the lab of Dr Roman Bauer at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Surrey (Guildford, UK). The successful candidate will use computer simulations to study how spiking neural networks can give rise to function, such as classification/prediction of spatio-temporal (visual or auditory) signals. This will contribute to novel technologies for neurally inspired computing, and help shine light shine on how neuronal circuits in the brain operate. This particular PhD studentship will be conducted in co-operation with the BioDynaMo collaboration, where open-source code for the neuroinformatics/computational neuroscience research community is developed. Successful applicants will become part of a vibrant PhD community and will benefit from the strong research environment and high international visibility of the Department. Its researchers publish regularly in top conferences and journals and are renowned experts in their fields, developing innovative, practical solutions to real world problems. The Department has strong links with industry and active collaborations with academic institutions worldwide. *Background:* The ideal candidate will have experience in computer science / physics / mathematics or similar. Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language is required. Previous experience in the modelling and simulation of spiking neural networks would be desired. *Funding:* Each PhD studentship comes with a stipend of £16,000 per annum plus tuition fees covered for the duration of 3 years for UK/EU candidates. International candidates are welcome to apply but will need to cover the difference between the UK/EU and overseas fees. More details including instructions for the application can be found at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/studentships/phd-studentships-com…. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor Dr Roman Bauer (r.bauer(a)surrey.ac.uk) Application deadline is 21st of February, 2021.

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Focus on Criticality and Complexity in Brain Dynamics
by Claudius Gros Feb. 5, 2021

Feb. 5, 2021

Dear colleagues A short reminder: Together with Dante Chialvo, we are editing a Focus on Criticality and Complexity in Brain Dynamics Journal of Physics: Complexity Deadline 30 April 2021 https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2632-072X/page/Focus_on_Criticality_and_… exity_in_Brain_Dynamics Among others, we are especially interested in compact perspectives, e.g. on -- experimental and theoretical methodology -- 'critical' assessments of underlying concepts -- controversial viewpoints We hope that the focus on brain criticality and complexity will be a place to assess where the field stands and where the fields needs to go. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information. We are looking forward to your contribution! Claudius Gros ### ### Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros ### http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ### ### Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer ### A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13/15) ### ### Life for barren exoplanets: The Genesis project ### https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10509-016-2911-0 ###

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Open Position: Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Reproducible Neuroimaging Analysis
by Sean Hill Feb. 5, 2021

Feb. 5, 2021

The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics has an open position for a postdoc with experience in neuroimaging and software engineering: "Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Reproducible Neuroimaging Analysis” The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics (PI Dr. Sean Hill, http://krembilneuroinformatics.ca/)Toronto, is looking to hire a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a strong background in Neuroimaging and Software Engineering. The successful candidate shall spearhead the group's efforts in developing a comprehensive open science platform that captures a range of experimental data, produces a semantic representation that links related scientific content, and provides users with data discovery tools. Working jointly between the Krembil Centre and Radiologics, the successful candidate will be involved cutting-edge development an electronic laboratory notebook platform that enables reproducible human neuroscience workflows. This work will support a global collaborative effort for Accelerating research on Consciousness: An adversarial collaboration to test contradictory predictions of Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory. Led by Dr. Lucia Melloni research on consciousness by providing decisive, field-transformative evidence in favor of one this project will accelerate theory and against the other. It will also establish a groundbreaking model for scientific practices in cognitive neuroscience at large, by demonstrating the impact of team-based adversary research and open data. This will address major riddles in the field, much like established practices in other fields such as physics and genomics have done. Thus, this project may dramatically change the landscape of research—that is, the social practices and norms—in the field of cognitive neuroscience. https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/projects -database/accelerating-research-consciousness- adversarial -collaboration-test-contradictory The platform will enable researchers to define their experiment protocols, capture and manage experiment metadata associated with these protocols, and publish the resulting data sets to a semantically enabled search engine. The platform will provide the basis for creating interactive publications from which each analysis result and figure is linked through structured provenance record to its original source data and analysis pipelines. • To develop an open source electronic laboratory notebook to support reproducible analysis of data that encompasses the most commonly used techniques in human neuroscience: fMRI, MEG, EEG and ECoG. • To develop standards for data annotation and exchange of data and metadata. • To publish those metadata via a semantically-enabled search engine. • The platform will build on several key components. The e -notebook will advance the pilot software currently in development and will include a user-friendly app-based interface to define the structure and content of experiments including the most common cognitive neuroscience experimental methods (fMRI, EEG, MEG, and ECOG). • The system will integrate XNAT, developed in Dr. Marcus’ laboratory at Washington University andatRadiologics(Marcusetal,2007) and BlueBrainNexus(bluebrainnexus.io)platform developed by a team led by Dr. Hill (Kaufmann et al., 2018). XNAT and Nexus are widely-used, open source applications that have been instrumental in advancing reproducible science. The successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering, physics, psychology, or related area, a track record for independent research, and a strong publication record. Strong programming skills and familiarity with neuroimaging data (s/d/fMRI and/or M/EEG) are required; experience with software development, semantic databases and data models are advantageous. For inquiries, please email David Rotenberg (David.Rotenberg(a)camh.ca) with the title “Post-Doctoral Fellowship Reproducible Neuroimaging Platform” in the subject line." https://www.camh.ca/en/science-and-research/institutes-and-centres/krembil-… — Sean Hill, Ph.D. Scientific Director, Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics Senior Scientist, Campbell Family Research Institute Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Professor, University of Toronto Faculty Affiliate, Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Co-lead, University of Toronto Temerty Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education in Medicine (T-CAIREM) Titular Professor, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland KrembilNeuroinformatics.ca CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. AVIS DE CONFIDENTIALITÉ : Ce message électronique, ainsi que tout fichier qui y est joint, est reserve à l'usage exclusif du destinataire visé et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels et privilégiés. Toute lecture, utilisation, divulgation ou distribution non autorisée est interdite. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire visé, veuillez en aviser l'expéditeur par retour de courriel et détruire toutes les copies du message original.

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Open postdoc position in plasticity in action execution (Washington DC)
by Ella Striem-Amit Feb. 5, 2021

Feb. 5, 2021

*Postdoctoral researcher position in plasticity in action execution* The SAMP Lab (Sensory and motor plasticity, Ella Striem-Amit’s lab) at Georgetown University (Washington DC, USA) is looking for a passionate and dedicated Postdoctoral researcher to work on a project on plasticity and abstractness in action execution. The SAMP lab explores the balance between innate brain organization and experience-dependent plasticity by studying models of sensory and motor deprivation using behavioral and fMRI state of the art analytical techniques. Specifically, in this project we will explore neural action representations which are independent from the body part used to execute them, studying people born without hands. For detail of the lab see *samp-lab.facultysite.georgetown.edu <http://samp-lab.facultysite.georgetown.edu/>*, and a relevant recent publication: *www.pnas.org/content/117/45/28433 <http://www.pnas.org/content/117/45/28433>*. Excellent understanding of and experience with fMRI and data analysis are required. Strong programming skills (Matlab/R/python, etc.) are also a requirement. Experience with behavioral methods used in motor control and mapping is desirable but not a requirement. The position is not limited to US citizens. The start date is flexible, but preferably May-July 2021.This position is available for two years, and can be extended further based on performance. To apply, please send your CV, a brief statement of research interests and a copy of your recent, representative publication by email to Dr. Ella Striem-Amit (*Ella.StriemAmit(a)georgetown.edu <Ella.StriemAmit(a)georgetown.edu>*) with the subject line: “post-doc application”. Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. -- *Ella Striem-Amit (she/her)* Sensory and Motor Plasticity (SAMP) Lab Edwin H. Richard and Elisabeth Richard Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Georgetown University Medical Center 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, DC 20007 http://samp-lab.facultysite.georgetown.edu/

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Announcing the 1st Brain-Computer Interface Un-Conference (BCI-UC)
by Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Feb. 5, 2021

Feb. 5, 2021

Dear Colleagues: We cordially invite you to the 1st Brain-Computer Interface Un-Conference (BCI-UC)! https://bciunconference.univie.ac.at/ The 1st BCI-UC is an entirely virtual event that takes place on July 23rd 2020 from 3 pm to 9:30 pm (CEST). It differs in various ways from traditional conferences in our field: * All presentations are publicly streamed via Crowdcast. * Anybody can apply for a presentation slot by submitting an abstract. All registered attendees can up-vote their favorite abstracts. In this way, the whole community decides which presentations they would like to see presented at the conference. * Voting commences on Monday, June 29th at 8 am (CEST) and ends on Thursday, July 16th at 12 midnight (CEST). The authors of the top-rated abstracts are invited to present their work at the conference. * Registration (free of charge) is required for submitting an abstract and to up-vote submissions. In addition to the contributed talks, the 1st BCI Un-Conference features two keynotes presentations: 1. Mariska J Vansteensel (UMC Utrecht Brain Center): Towards the Daily Life Implementation of ECoG-BCIs 2. Christian Herff (Maastricht University): Decoding Speech from Invasive EEG Please join us in exploring this new way of disseminating research in our community! The BCI-UC Organizing Committee: Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Anja Meunier Philipp Raggam Anita Resch Jiachen Xu -- Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Research Group Neuroinformatics Faculty of Computer Science University of Vienna Hörlgasse 6, A-1090 Wien, Austria moritz.grosse-wentrup(a)univie.ac.at +43-1-4277-79610 http://neural.engineering/

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Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at the Institute for Neural Computation
by Vinita Samarasinghe Feb. 5, 2021

Feb. 5, 2021

*Pending funding approval*, Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full time (currently 39.83 hours/week) *Postdoctoral position (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience <https://www.ini.rub.de/the_institute/jobs/postdoctoral_position_in_computat…>. * The position starts 01.07.2021 and is funded for three years. *Job description* The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Extinction Learning” (SFB 1280) and expected to study the principles underlying spatial learning and its extinction with reinforcement learning models. A particular focus is the role of episodic-like memory in learning and extinction processes. The research group is highly dynamic and uses diverse computationalmodeling approachesincludingbiological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning to investigatelearning and memory in humans and animals. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. *Your Profile: * Candidates must have * a doctorate degreein neuroscience, physics, mathematics, electrical/biomedical engineering or a closely related field, * relevant experience in mathematical modeling, * excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), * excellent communication skills in English * the ability to work well in a team. Research experience in neuroscience would be a further asset. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references mustbe sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is April11^th , 2021. Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to networkwith them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

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FENS job advertisement for Executive Director position
by Helena Ledmyr Feb. 4, 2021

Feb. 4, 2021

The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, FENS, seeks an outstanding association executive or executive‐scientist to serve as its next Executive Director. The new Executive Director should have experience in leading a scientific organisation, knowledge of current trends and issues facing life sciences and particularly neuroscience, and understand the legislative process and public policy, as well as the financial tenets of a non‐profit organisation. This is a full-time position based in Brussels, Belgium. Reviewing of applications will begin on 15 February 2021 and applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. https://www.fens.org/News-Activities/News/2021/02/FENS-ED-position/ All the best Helena ----------------------------- Helena Ledmyr, PhD *Director* *Development and Communications* International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Secretariat Karolinska Institutet. Nobels väg 15A, SE-171 77 Stockholm. Sweden Email: helena.ledmyr(a)incf.org Phone: +46 8 524 870 35 incf.org neuroinformatics.incf.org

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2 Yr RA in Mathematical Neuroscience
by Stephen Coombes Feb. 4, 2021

Feb. 4, 2021

2 Yr RA in Mathematical Neuroscience, Nottingham, UK Deadline Mar 8 2021 We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in Mathematical Neuroscience, to work with Professor Stephen Coombes on an EPSRC- funded project entitled “White matter networks”. The central aim of the project is to build a new mathematical framework for biologically motivated neural networks to help understand the important contribution that activity-dependent regulation of myelination can make to patterns of rhythmic activity known to subserve important aspects of large-scale brain dynamics and its dysfunction. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI012521 Informal enquiries to Professor Stephen Coombes: stephen.coombes(a)nottingham.ac.uk<mailto:stephen.coombes@nottingham.ac.uk> ------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 https://www.maths.nottingham.ac.uk/plp/pmzsc/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

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Postdoctoral Researchers in Computational Neuroscience in Alberta, Canada
by Wilten Nicola Feb. 4, 2021

Feb. 4, 2021

We are recruiting talented postdoctoral researchers to participate in a cutting-edge International Network for Brain-Inspired Computation that includes nodes in Montreal, Paris, and the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada (e.g. University of Washington, Allen Brain Institute). We seek researchers investigating the intersection of mathematics, physics, and neuroscience with interest in the general area of complex network dynamics and emergent activity patterns or representations that drive biological computation. The ideal candidates will have a quantitative background (e.g. PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science) along with experience in applying this background to neuroscience. These postdoctoral positions are partially funded by the Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences and are aimed to strengthen the link between the Campus Alberta computational neuroscience community at the University of Calgary (Complexity Science Group, Hotchkiss Brain Institute) and the University of Lethbridge (Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience) with the other network members including the Computational Neuroscience Center at the University of Washington. Specifically, we are looking for postdoctoral candidates for the following two research themes: Theme 1: Investigating how connectivity and dynamics drive network representations. What principles predict how the connectivity structure of neural networks – their connectomes – combine with the dynamics of nodes and edges to control the dynamics and statistics of the network? Theme 2: How learning drives network representations. What mathematical principles predict how learning rules, either in artificial or biological networks, select network representations that solve particular computations? For both themes, a variety of world-class data sets on the structure and function of the brain are available to guide theoretical advances in the understanding of brain computation, particularly in learning, perception, decision making, and the effects of drugs such as amphetamine and psychedelics. The positions are open immediately with primary locations in either Calgary or Lethbridge. The specific start date has to be within five years of being awarded a PhD degree. The positions are for up to two years and they include an annual stipend in the range of CAD$40,000 – $48,000 plus benefits. Opportunities for brief residences in partner nodes (Montreal, Seattle, or Paris) are also available. Interested candidates should submit their application package including a cover letter, their CV with a list of publications, brief statement of research interests and their possible start dates in PDF format to Dr. Jörn Davidsen (davidsen(a)phas.ucalgary.ca) Dr. Wilten Nicola ( wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca) and Dr. Aaron Gruber (aaron.gruber(a)uleth.ca) Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent as well. Review of applications will begin February 28th, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Davidsen, Dr. Nicola or Dr. Gruber. We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment, and encourage applications from members of any identity.

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Scientist position at the Allen Institute: Functional Roles of Transcriptomically Defined Cell Types
by Anton Arkhipov Feb. 3, 2021

Feb. 3, 2021

A new exciting opportunity is open at the Allen Institute (Seattle, WA): Scientist I – Functional Roles of Transcriptomically Defined Cell Types https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1500542 The scientist will join a new collaborative project at the Allen Institute, co-lead by Drs. Anton Arkhipov and Saskia de Vries. The position reports to Dr. Arkhipov. In this project, we perform calcium imaging of neural activity in the visual cortex of awake mice, followed by in situ characterization of the genes expressed in these neurons. The Scientist will carry out computational analyses to study the relationships between the transcriptomic cell types and the types of functional visual responses. This is a highly challenging, uncharted area of data analysis. We are looking for an excellent computational scientist who will advance the knowledge and analysis methods at this cutting edge of science. Join us to investigate one of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience – how the transcriptomic cell types are related to the types of functional neuronal responses in vivo! See details and apply here: https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1500542 Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 [cidimage001.png(a)01D5B043.A5662590] www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/>

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Deadline to March 21, 2021 - CfP: Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision- Making - Entropy an Open Access Journal by MDPI (IF: 2.494; Indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), MathSciNet, Inspec, PubMed, PMC, and many other databases)
by Domenico Maisto Feb. 2, 2021

Feb. 2, 2021

Dear Colleagues, You are cordially invited to submit a manuscript to the Entropy Special Issue "Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making" https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/probabilistic_inference Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 March 2021. Please find further information below. With best regards, Domenico Maisto ================================================================ Open Access Journal ENTROPY by MDPI Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Special Issue aims to focus on recent advances in probabilistic inference in goal-directed human and animal decision making, and we welcome submissions that: - Shed light on the computations of neuronal circuits involved in goal-directed decision making, with a focus on the inferential mechanisms involved; - Propose novel probabilistic models and methods in decision making including (but not limited to) information-theory approaches, statistical and free- energy minimization, hierarchical models, and deep networks; - Introduce decision-making applications in ethological, social, psychological, psychiatric, robotics, and computer science research. Guest Editors Dr. Francesco Donnarumma Dr. Domenico Maisto Dr. Ivilin Stoianov Entropy is an Open Access Journal by MDPI with high visibility (indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), MathSciNet, Inspec, PubMed, PMC, and many other databases), excellent citescore (IF: 2.494; 2019 Scopus data: 3.7, which equals rank 8/62 (Q1) in 'Mathematical Physics', 14/54 (Q2) in 'Physics and Astronomy', 210/670 (Q2) in 'Electrical and Electronic Engineering', and 104/300 (Q2) in 'Information Systems’), and rapid publication. -- Domenico Maisto, PhD Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Italian National Research Council (CNR) Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli Italy Phone: +39 0644595208 (Rome), +39 0816139507 (Naples) Fax: +39 0644595243 (Rome), +39 0816139531 (Naples) e-mail: domenico.maisto(a)icar.cnr.it

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PhD student position in neuroengineering at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)
by Milekovic Tomislav Feb. 2, 2021

Feb. 2, 2021

PhD student position in the lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) A computational approach to personalize and optimize clinical treatments for people with chronic hemodynamic instability caused by neurological disorders Location The laboratory of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, is looking to fill a fully funded PhD position. The qualified candidate will benefit from joining a very dynamic and multidisciplinary group working at the interface of computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, prosthetics and biology. EPFL provides state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the leading technical universities worldwide. PhD salaries at EPFL rank the highest in the world. Opportunity The offered position will be based at the Defitech Center for interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore) - a research and innovation center joining EPFL’s lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) lab of Prof. Jocelyne Bloch. NeuroRestore conceives, develops and applies medical therapies aimed to restore neurological functions. To this end, NeuroRestore integrates implantable neurotechnologies with innovative treatments developed through rigorous preclinical and clinical studies. By working with our network of vibrant high-tech start-ups and established medical technology companies, NeuroRestore is committed to validate our medical therapy concepts. The overarching goal of NeuroRestore is to see our medical therapies used every day in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics worldwide. Project Description Neurological disorders that disrupt the communication between the brain and the spinal cord can induce inability to adequately regulate blood pressure. This hemodynamic instability threatens survival, increases cardiovascular disease risk, and reduces quality of life. Such hemodynamic instability results from the interruption of supraspinal efferent commands to sympathetic circuits located in the spinal cord, which prevents the natural baroreflex from controlling these circuits to adjust peripheral vascular resistance. We previously showed that epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord can compensate for interrupted supraspinal commands to motor circuits below injury, which restored walking after paralysis. We also leveraged these concepts to develop EES protocols that restore hemodynamic stability after spinal cord injury. Nonetheless, other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, also induce hemodynamic instability. Effective clinical solutions for these patients are not yet available. The successful candidate will work to develop and implement an EES therapy to alleviate hemodynamic instability in people with Parkinson’s disease. They will use develop approaches to initialize stimulation protocols for this therapy and engineer algorithms that will automatize this process. They will develop computational techniques to identify optimal spinal cord stimulation locations and devise physiological experiments to guide the surgeons when implanting the spinal leads to target those optimal locations. They will develop software that wile automatize these pre-operative panning and intra-operative assistance procedures. They will assist with organizing a clinical trial of their therapeutic concept and analyze the physiological and behavioral data acquired during the trial. On all of these tasks, the successful candidate will benefit from our solutions and experiences from developing spinal cord injury treatments. Requirements * Master’s Degree in Physics, Computer Science, Microengineering, Engineering or related * Proficiency in Matlab or Python * Proficiency in and some programming language (e.g. C++, C#, Java) * Experience with analysis of data * Good written and verbal skills in English Contact Applications including a CV and a cover letter describing your background and interest should be sent to PDHEMO.Courtine(a)gmail.com. Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to tomislav.milekovic(a)epfl.ch.

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PhD-positions in computational neuroscience at the University of Oslo as part of CompSci grant in EU Horizon 2020
by Gaute Einevoll Feb. 1, 2021

Feb. 1, 2021

CompSci is a Doctoral Programme launched and managed by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo (UiO). It is partly funded by the EU Horizon 2020 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) - Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND). The CompSci Doctoral Program will recruit 32 PhDs in two calls. In this Call, we open for applications to the 1st cohort of 16 PhD fellowship positions, that will join our PhD programme starting autumn 2021 at UiO. The possible PhD-projects span over a wide range of topics where methods from computational science are applied to different fields in the natural sciences: https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/ Four of the possible projects in Call 1 are within computational neuroscience: * Bio-inspired neural networks for navigation<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/bio-inspired-neur…> Supervisors: Anders Malthe-Sørenssen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/malthe-sorenssen…>, Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html> * Large-scale recordings of neurons to reveal mechanisms of learning and memory<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/learning-and-memo…> Supervisors: Marianne Fyhn<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/fyhn.html>, Anders Malthe-Sørenssen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/malthe-sorenssen…> * Large-scale network simulations of mouse visual cortex<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/neural-networks.h…> Supervisors: Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html>, Marianne Fyhn<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/fyhn.html> * Modelling systems levels changes in brain aging induced by genome instability<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/brain-aging.html> Supervisors: Hilde Nilsen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/nilsen.html>, Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html> For information about how to apply, see https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/193610/compsci-call-1-marie-… . The extended application deadline for Call 1 is: March 1st 2021 Questions about the individual projects should be sent to the supervisors listed above. ******************************* Professor Gaute T. Einevoll Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway mobile: +47-95124536 email: Gaute.Einevoll(a)nmbu.no<mailto:Gaute.Einevoll@nmbu.no>, web: www.nmbu.no/ans/gaute.einevoll<http://www.nmbu.no/ans/gaute.einevoll>, cinpla.org<http://cinpla.org> twitter: https://twitter.com/gauteeinevoll podcast: https://vettogvitenskap.no podcast (English only): https://vettogvitenskap.no/senseandscience

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Funded Ph.D. Studentship in Computational Modelling and Machine Learning in Decision Neuroscience
by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt Feb. 1, 2021

Feb. 1, 2021

Applications are invited for a funded 3-year Ph.D. studentship in Computational Modelling and Machine Learning in Decision Neuroscience at Ulster University, UK. https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/801216 This Ph.D. project aims to develop and apply computational techniques and modelling to understand brain and behavioural data across primate species. Specifically, the project will apply techniques in computational neuroscience, particularly biologically based neural network modelling, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying perceptual decisions abstracted from movements. The project will also use advanced machine learning methods to analyse various types of neural and behavioural data. The Ph.D. project is part of an ambitious externally funded 5-year research project proposes to break new ground by integrating data from multimodal human and non-human primate neurophysiology with computational modelling to gain convergent insights into how and where abstract decision mechanisms take place in the human and monkey brain, and provide an unprecedented, detailed view on the brain’s decision making machinery. The international collaborators are Prof. Michael Shadlen at Columbia University (USA), Prof. Stephan Bickel at Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine (USA), Prof. Redmond O'Connell at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and Prof. Simon Kelly at University College Dublin (Ireland). Some relevant references: (i) O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005 (ii) Atiya NAA, Rañó I, Prasad G, Wong-Lin K. A neural circuit model of decision uncertainty and change-of-mind. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):2287. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-10316-8 (iii) O'Connell RG, Dockree PM, Kelly SP. A supramodal accumulation-to-bound signal that determines perceptual decisions in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2012;15(12):1729‐1735. doi:10.1038/nn.3248 This timely and exciting project is available in the Computer Science Research Institute and is tenable in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Magee Campus. The successful Ph.D. candidate will benefit from the expertise of Ulster University’s Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, and Computational Biology communities, and will interact closely with international experimental collaborators. The student will gain valuable skills and knowledge in computational and mathematical modelling, biological signal processing, machine learning, high-performance computing, mathematics/statistics, and brain sciences. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Neuroscience, Biology, or a cognate area. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, motivation and interests. Successful candidates will enrol as of 1st August 2021, on a full-time programme of research studies leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The Ph.D. studentship will comprise fees together with an annual stipend and will be awarded for a period of up to three years subject to satisfactory progress. Additional financial support will be available from the supervisor's research funding for additional specialised training, research meeting and conference attendance, and computational resources. The successful student will be based at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry, with arguably the largest cluster of computational neuroscientists and neuro-inspired A.I researchers in Ireland. The city was awarded the 2013 UK City of Culture, with affordable living costs. In 2019, Ulster University was ranked 3rd in the UK for research culture and 8th in the UK for overall PhD researcher satisfaction. If you wish to discuss your proposal or receive advice on this project, please contact: Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin, email: k.wong-lin(a)ulster.ac.uk . Apply online: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/801216 The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 8th March 2021. Interviews will be held on 25th March 2021, and the starting date is on 1st August 2021. ------------------- Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin Reader Intelligent Systems Research Centre School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems Ulster University, UK https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/k-wong-lin This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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Save the date: virtual INCF Assembly 19-27 April, 2021
by Helena Ledmyr Jan. 29, 2021

Jan. 29, 2021

Dear INCF community, The INCF Assembly <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/> will be a virtual meeting this year, starting on April 19. The program <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/2021/program-at-a-glance> is currently being fine-tuned and will include: - FAIR approaches for neuroscience in general, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience - Electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience - Data science - Showcase of tools, infrastructures - Information about ongoing work in INCF councils and committees - Funders and publishers roundtable - Workshops on developing standards and a roadmap for FAIR neuroscience Abstract submission will reopen within the next couple of weeks, as will registration. If you submitted an abstract for the cancelled 2020 Assembly you will be contacted with the option to keep or retract your abstract. Registration fees are discounted for INCF members - sign up for INCF membership here <https://www.incf.org/join-incf>! We hope to see you at the INCF Assembly <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/> ! All the best Helena ----------------------------- Helena Ledmyr, PhD *Director* *Development and Communications* International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Secretariat Karolinska Institutet. Nobels väg 15A, SE-171 77 Stockholm. Sweden Email: helena.ledmyr(a)incf.org Phone: +46 8 524 870 35 incf.org neuroinformatics.incf.org

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Fully funded PhD and postdoc positions in Neuroethology / Systems Neuroscience at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research (Frankfurt, Germany)
by Stempel, Vanessa Jan. 29, 2021

Jan. 29, 2021

Dear colleagues, A fully funded PhD and postdoctoral position are available in the newly installed research group “Instinctive Behaviour Circuits”, headed by Vanessa Stempel at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Are you excited about neuroethology and systems neuroscience? Our group works on the neural mechanisms of flexible instinctive behaviours and is looking for PhD students and postdocs to join their team! The lab will employ state-of-the-art in vivo neural activity recordings and manipulation experiments in ethologically-relevant behavioural tasks in mice, and combine these with molecular, cellular and circuit-level analyses in vitro. We're also welcoming applications for BSc and MSc research projects! Please get in touch with us via email at vanessa.stempel(a)brain.mpg.de Best, Vanessa Job ads PhD mpg.de/16351407/phd-student-instinctive-behaviour-circuits<https://www.mpg.de/16351407/phd-student-instinctive-behaviour-circuits> Postdoc mpg.de/16351421/postdoctoral-researcher-instinctive-behaviour-circuits<http://www.mpg.de/16351421/postdoctoral-researcher-instinctive-behaviour-ci…> ___________________________ DR. VANESSA STEMPEL Max Planck Research Group Leader Instinctive Behaviour Circuits Group Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Straße 4 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany www.brain.mpg.de/research/instinctive-behaviour-circuits-group.html

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Simons Foundation Bridge to Independence (BTI) Award programs
by Alyssa Picchini Schaffer Jan. 28, 2021

Jan. 28, 2021

The Simons Foundation is invested in supporting the next generation of researchers. Our Bridge to Independence (BTI) Award programs promote talented early-career scientists by facilitating their transition to research independence and providing grant funding at the start of their professorships. We are offering such awards through two of our programs: the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB), and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). These requests for applications (RFAs) are aimed at Ph.D. and M.D. – holding scientists who are currently in training positions and intend to seek tenure-track faculty positions over the next two years (i.e., 2021-2023). Successful applicants will receive a commitment of $495,000 over three years, activated upon assumption of a tenure-track professorship. Visit bit.ly/3i3GNeA for more information on both programs. __________________________________ Alyssa Picchini Schaffer, PhD Senior Scientist & Administrative Director Neuroscience Collaborations *SIMONS FOUNDATION* 160 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 646.654.0066 *main * 646.751.1277 *direct * 717.818.8281 *mobile*

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Undergraduate computational neuroscience research position
by Neymotin, Samuel (NKI) Jan. 27, 2021

Jan. 27, 2021

A new Army Research Office (ARO) undergraduate research apprenticeship program (URAP) position is available for the summer of 2021 at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, NY (https://www.nki.rfmh.org/) Research will be conducted under the mentorship of Samuel Neymotin, Haroon Anwar, and Salvador Dura-Bernal to help achieve the goals of an ARO grant (PI: Neymotin) that aims to train neocortical circuit models to play video games using biologically-plausible learning rules, and to compare the models’ performance against commonly used deep reinforcement learning algorithms. Students will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge methods in computational neuroscience, machine learning, and Python software development, and potentially publish their results. Candidates will be considered based on their experience in computational neuroscience, machine learning, and Python programming. Candidates must be located within commuting distance to Nathan Kline Institute during the apprenticeship period. For consideration, please click the link to “Apply Now” at https://www.usaeop.com/program/undergraduate-apprenticeships/ Make sure to use code U803 (Nathan Kline Institute) and apply by the deadline (March 15, 2021). Letters of recommendation are optional. For questions, email Samuel.Neymotin(a)nki.rfmh.org<mailto:Samuel.Neymotin@nki.rfmh.org> For more information about the URAP visit: http://www.usaeop.com/<https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=1b10bbdd-47344dbc-1b1242e8-0cc47a6d17…> ________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation.

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[jobs] machine learning research scientist at NIMH
by Francisco Pereira Jan. 27, 2021

Jan. 27, 2021

### HIRING: machine learning research scientist The Machine Learning Team at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, MD, has an open position for a machine learning research scientist. The NIMH is the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders and neuroscience, and part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ### About the NIMH Machine Learning Team Our mission is to help NIMH scientists use machine learning methods to address a diverse set of research problems in clinical and cognitive psychology and neuroscience. These range from identifying biomarkers for aiding diagnoses to creating and testing models of mental processes in healthy subjects. Our overarching goal is to use machine learning to improve every aspect of the scientific effort. We work with many different data types, including very large brain imaging datasets from various imaging modalities, behavioral data, and picture and text corpora. We have excellent computational resources, both of our own (tens of high-end GPUs for deep learning, several large servers) and shared within the NIH (a cluster with hundreds of thousands of CPUs, and hundreds of GPUs). As a machine learning research group, we develop new methods and publish in the main machine learning conferences (e.g. NeurIPS and ICLR), as well as in psychology and neuroscience journals. Many of our problems require devising research approaches that combine imaging and non-imaging data, and leveraging structured knowledge resources (databases, scientific literature, etc) to generate explanations and hypotheses. You can find more about our work and publications at https://cmn.nimh.nih.gov/mlt ### About the position We are seeking candidates who are capable of combining machine learning, statistical, and domain-specific computational tools to solve practical data analysis challenges (e.g. designing experiments, generating and testing statistical hypotheses, training and interpreting predictive models, and developing novel models and methods). Additionally, candidates should be capable of visualizing and communicating findings to a broad scientific audience, as well as explaining the details of relevant methods to researchers in a variety of domains. Desirable experience that is not required, but will be considered very favorably: - neuroimaging data processing and analysis (any MRI modality, as well as MEG and EEG) - other types of neural data (e.g. neural recording, calcium imaging) - modelling of human and animal learning and decision-making - Bayesian statistical modelling Finally, you should have demonstrable experience programming in languages currently used in data-intensive, scientific computing, such as Python, MATLAB or R. Experience with handling large datasets in high performance computing settings is also very valuable. Although this position requires a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline, we will consider applicants from a variety of backgrounds, as their research experience is the most important factor. This is an ideal position for someone who wants to establish a research career in method development and applications driven by scientific and clinical needs. Given our access to a variety of collaborators and large or unique datasets, there is ample opportunity to match research interests with novel research problems. We also maintain collaborations outside of the NIH, driven by our own research interests. If you would like to be considered for this position, please send francisco.pereira(a)nih.gov a CV, with your email serving as cover letter. We especially encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. If you already have a research statement, please feel free to send that as well. There is no need for reference letters at this stage. Other inquiries are also welcome. Thank you for your attention and interest! ReplyForward <https://drive.google.com/u/0/settings/storage?hl=en&utm_medium=web&utm_sour…> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/> <https://www.google.com/gmail/about/policy/>

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[CFP] ICLR 2021 Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?"
by Mariya Toneva Jan. 26, 2021

Jan. 26, 2021

ICLR 2021 - Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?" Submission deadline: February 26, 2021 Workshop website: https://iclrbrain2ai.github.io/ Contact: brain2ai.2021(a)gmail.com The brain comprises billions of neurons organized into an intricate network of highly specialized functional areas. This biological cognitive system can efficiently process vast amounts of multi-modal data to perceive and react to its ever-changing environment. Unlike current AI systems, it does not struggle with domain adaptation, few-shot learning, or commonsense reasoning. Inspiration from neuroscience has benefited AI in the past: modern convolutional networks mimic the deep, nested information flow in visual cortex, and hippocampal replay of previous experiences has brought about experience replay in reinforcement learning. Recent work at the intersection of neuroscience and AI has made progress in directly integrating neuroscientific data with AI systems and has led to learned representations that are more robust to label corruptions, allow for better generalization in some language tasks, and provide new ways to interpret and evaluate what domain-relevant information is learned by deep neural networks. In this workshop, we aim to examine the extent to which insights about the brain can lead to better AI. We will consider the following (non-exhaustive) list of topics for contribution: - Integration of neuroscientific data at different granularities (neural recordings, neuroimaging etc.) to train AI systems - Brain-inspired inductive biases and ML architectures for AI systems - Neuroscientific data as an evaluation metric for AI systems - Mechanistic insight into cognitive functions (vision, language, decision making, attention, etc.) - Limitations of current AI systems in tasks at which humans excel (compositionality, commonsense reasoning, continual learning, few-shot learning, causality, etc.) - Cross-modality and cross-species comparisons of neuroscientific data with respect to benefits to AI - Datasets that can facilitate the transfer of neuroscientific insight to AI Submit at: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/BRAIN2AI2021/Submission/Index The workshop will feature a diverse set of topics led by the following invited speakers and panelists (in alphabetical order): 1. Anima Anandkumar, California Institute of Technology 2. David Cox, Harvard University 3. Kenji Doya, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 4. Allyson Ettinger, University of Chicago 5. Alona Fyshe, University of Alberta 6. Jack Gallant, University of California, Berkeley 7. Andrea Martin, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics 8. Kimberly Statchenfeld, DeepMind 9. Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Formatting Instructions: All submissions must be in PDF format. Submissions are limited to four content pages, including all figures and tables; additional pages containing only references are allowed. You must format your submission using the ICLR 2021 LaTeX style files. Submissions that meaningfully violate the ICLR style (e.g., by decreasing margins or font sizes) or page limits may be rejected without further review. All submissions should be anonymous. The review process is double-blind. We also welcome recently (within the last year) published papers that are within the scope of the workshop (without re-formatting). Already-published papers do not have to be anonymous. They are eligible for a spotlight session and will only have a very light review process. Virtual format: The workshop will be geared towards more dynamic and interactive discussion focused on Q&A sessions. Accepted abstracts and papers will result in, at minimum, a pre-recorded spotlight talk. All presenters will be given live virtual “coffee break” rooms during all breaks in the conference schedule to engage in small group discussions with participants. Discussions around talks will be organized in live virtual “breakout” rooms with similar topics and themes so that workshop attendees and presenters can interact in a less formal, discussion-centric setting. Important Dates: Paper submission deadline: 11:59 PM EST, Feb 26, 2021 Author notification: 11:59 PM EST, Mar 26, 2021 Camera-ready papers due: 11:59 PM EST, Apr 15, 2021 Workshop: May 8, 2021

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2 NEUROSCIENCE / DATA SCIENCE POSITIONS (Deadline: 11 Feb 2021)
by Prata, Diana Jan. 25, 2021

Jan. 25, 2021

2 NEUROSCIENCE / DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH POSITIONS IN LAB AT UNIVERSITY OF LISBON (DPRATALAB.WORDPRESS.COM <http://dpratalab.wordpress.com/>) (Deadline: 11 Feb 2021) 1 RESEARCH POSITION IN BIOMEDICAL DATA SCIENCE Work plan: Statistical analysis of retrospective neuroimaging and clinical data, using artificial intelligence (machine learning) for the development and validation of diagnostic neuroimaging biomarkers, with high potential of clinical applicability; coordination with Portuguese and UK research, IT and medical teams within an academic-entrepreneurial join-venture, with the goal of helping clinical decision-making in neurodegenerative illnesses. Up to 2 years duration. Details in: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130697 <http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130697> 1 RESEARCH POSITION IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE Work plan: Statistical analysis of varied psychophysiological data (EEG and/or MRI and/or pupillometry) and write up of scientific articles in clinical study with pharmacological intervention of oxytocin, with the goal of characterizing the role of oxytocin in human brain function in health and in psychosis. Up to 1.5 years duration. Details in: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130890 <http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130890> Diana Prata, Phd Principal Investigator & Lecturer, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London Associate Investigator, CIS, ISCTE-IUL (+351)966595936; https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/ <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdpratalab…>, https://neurocolab.wordpress.com/ <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fneurocola…>.

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Postdoc position in multimodal imaging of brain dynamics
by Laura Lewis Jan. 25, 2021

Jan. 25, 2021

Dear colleagues, We have an open postdoctoral position in multimodal imaging of brain states, please feel free to circulate the ad below. *Postdoctoral position in multimodal imaging of brain dynamics* We have an opening for a postdoctoral associate to lead multimodal neuroimaging studies of brain function in Laura Lewis' lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University ( http://www.lewisneurolab.org) This position offers the opportunity to develop multimodal neuroimaging and analysis techniques, and study the neural basis and cognitive consequences of sleep and arousal states. We use fast fMRI, simultaneous EEG-fMRI, computational modeling, ultra-high field (7 Tesla) imaging, and other multimodal approaches to measure and analyze brain function across diverse states. Areas of focus include: - fast fMRI/EEG studies of brain dynamics - thalamic and brainstem networks across vigilance states - neural basis of sleep and sleep deprivation - sleep and mood states in major depression - neurovascular coupling and cerebrospinal fluid physiology - sleep and brain function in aging The lab is a fast-paced and interdisciplinary environment that supports its members in achieving their long-term research and career goals, and has strong collaborations throughout the Boston-area computational neuroscience and neuroimaging communities. The position may involve conducting neuroimaging studies at both Boston University and at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital. For more information, see http://www.lewisneurolab.org/positions . This position requires a Ph.D. in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, psychology, or related fields. To apply, please email C.V., a statement describing research experience and future interests and goals, and names of three references to Laura Lewis, ldlewis(a)bu.edu thanks, Laura Lewis Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Boston University https://www.lewisneurolab.org/

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CFP 30th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2021, Sept 14-17, Bratislava, SK
by Paolo Masulli ENNS Jan. 22, 2021

Jan. 22, 2021

30th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2021 https://e-nns.org/icann2021 Bratislava, Slovakia 14 - 17 September 2021 ============================================================= The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2021 the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics (FMPI), Comenius University in Bratislava, together with the Slovak Society for Cognitive Science, organize the 30th ICANN Conference from the 14th to the 17th of September 2021 in Bratislava, Slovakia. *Possibility of online/hybrid event:* in case the organization of a physical event will not be possible because of COVID-19 travel/gathering restrictions, the conference will happen online. * **CONFERENCE TOPICS* ICANN 2021 is a dual-track conference featuring tracks in Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: Machine Learning: Deep Learning, Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models, Recurrent Networks. Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organisation, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Informatics, Perception and action. Neural Applications for: Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. *CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS* All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2021 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature two categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications. *Call for Special Sessions* ICANN 2021 organizers cordially invite internationally recognised experts to organise Special sessions and workshops within the general scope of the conference. Special Session Proposal request should be sent to icann2021(a)fmph.uniba.sk *CALL FOR PAPERS* Authors willing to present original contributions in either oral or poster category may submit: - A full paper of maximum 12 pages (including references) to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI. - An extended abstract of maximum 4 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series, without indexing. The number of oral slots is limited. In case the number of requested oral presentations is larger than the available slots the ICANN scientific committee will select which papers will be reassigned to a poster session. This selection will be based on the coherence of the programme and is totally independent of the category of submission. Submission of communications will be on the conference website: https://e-nns.org/icann2021/ *IMPORTANT DATES* Deadline for special sessions proposals: 1 Mar 2021 Opening of contribution submissions: 15 Feb 2021 Deadline for full paper and extended abstract submission: 15 Mar 2021 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2021 Camera-ready paper and registration opening: 1 June 2021 Deadline for early registration at discount rate: 30 June 2021 *BEST PAPER AWARDS* ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards. All awards will be presented during the final ceremony. *TRAVEL GRANTS* The European Neural Network Society sponsors a number of Student Travel Grants covering part of the costs for attending ICANN. Details will be provided on the conference website. *ORGANISATION* General Chairs: Igor Farkaš (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Ľubica Beňušková (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Organising Committee Chairs: Kristína Malinovská (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia), Alessandra Lintas (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) Honorary Chairs: Stefan Wermter, University in Hamburg, Germany (ENNS President) Věra Kůrková, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia (past ENNS President) Communication Chair: Paolo Masulli (Technical University of Denmark, ENNS)

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Registration Deadline is approaching!
by Mary Jan. 21, 2021

Jan. 21, 2021

Dear community, As we are approaching deadline (January 30) for registering for "EEG/ERPs Recording and Analysis: A multifaceted approach to EEG signals" Online Course, here is a reminder for the interested researchers who haven’t been registered yet. The "EEG/ERPs Recording and Analysis: A multifaceted approach to EEG signals" Online Course is going to be held by Dr. Raphaël Fargier, PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France, who is a researcher in cognitive neuroscience with 10 years of experience and his research is focused on semantic cognition and the neurobiology of language. Through the course you will learn about the basics of EEG signal and how to record it. You will learn different approaches to EEG signal processing, that are more or less commonly adopted in cognitive neuroscience, including the study of Event-Related Potentials, Microstates/Topographic patterns, and Brain oscillations. You will learn about EEG signal preprocessing and how to compute ERPs, Microstates and Time-frequency maps in relationship with the constraints linked to experimental manipulations and designs. There will be a heavy focus on critical thinking about the choices of analyses as a function of research questions, challenges depending on experimental designs, and parameters to pay attention to. The variety and appropriateness of statistical methods currently used to validate (or not) hypotheses about cognitive processes will also be discussed. All of that will be evidenced through the presentation and discussion of case studies in electrophysiology of language. At the end of the course, you will know the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, and will be able to decide which measure is best adapted to your own scientific investigations about cognition. Prospective overview of the sessions 1. Basics of EEG signal and EEG recordings * Overview of the theory behind neural signals * Contrasting neuroimaging methods * Presentation of different EEG recording systems and their classical features * Tips on EEG recordings * Principles of experimental designs using EEG in cognitive neuroscience (events, timing etc) 2. EEG pre-processing Goal: Mastering the successive pre-processing steps including principles and challenges of: * Artifact rejection and correction (e.g. ICA; 3D Spline electrode interpolation) * Filtering (e.g. parameters, band widths etc) * Re-referencing (e.g. mastoid, average reference, Laplacian) * single-to-noise and number of trials 3. ERPs * Presentation of classical ERPs as markers of cognitive processes(e.g. N1/P2, P1, N400, etc.) * Computing single-subject and group-average ERPs: Pre-stimulus baseline correction (rationale, parameters, tips) Methods used to extract measures including amplitudes, latencies and topographies of ERPs Methods for statistical evaluation of differences across experimental manipulations * Differences between stimulus-aligned and response-aligned epochs, and associated challenges for signal processing 4. Spatio-temporal segmentation * Origin of microstates * Rationale of Spatio-temporal segmentation (StS) and presentation of successive steps of analyses (e.g. Topography consistency test, Tanova) * Presentation of two ways to compute StS (different toolboxes) and the respective parameters to take care of * Extraction of measures, and statistical evaluations of differences across experimental manipulations via fitting (e.g. global explained variance, duration, presence, etc.) * Single-trials and mixed models 5. Time-frequency analyses * Rationale of oscillatory dynamics in EEG signal (evoked vs. induced activity) * Challenges in pre-processing to obtain time-frequency maps as compared to ERPs * Different methods used for time-frequency decomposition * Challenges of baseline normalization (the case of response-aligned epochs) * The various measures that can be extracted from time-frequency maps and the variety of approaches for statistical validation You can watch the introductory webinar to this course using the linke below: https://sciencebeam.com/raphael-fargier-webinar/ For more information and registration click on the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/eeg-erps-recording-and-analyses/ Don’t miss this opportunity!

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PhD/Postdoc at the Group for Neural Theory, ENS, Paris
by CAYCO GAJIC Natasha Jan. 21, 2021

Jan. 21, 2021

Dear all, A PhD or postdoctoral position is available in Alex Cayco Gajic's team in the Group Neural Theory, at the ENS, in Paris, France (http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/ [1]). The project will use recurrent neural networks to understand cerebello-cortical dynamics during motor learning. A component of the project can be to develop analysis tools for broader use in systems neuroscience. The Group for Neural Theory is a highly interactive and dynamic environment situated in central Paris, and embedded within the strong Parisian theoretical neuroscience community. The ideal candidate should have a strong quantitative background, e.g. in computational neuroscience, physics, applied maths, or computer science. Previous experience in neuroscience and/or machine learning is preferred but not required. Starting dates are flexible. Candidates should send a letter of motivation (2 pages max), the contact information of 2 to 3 referees and their CVs to natasha.cayco.gajic at ens.fr [2]. Please feel free to email me with any informal inquiries. Best, Alex https://sites.google.com/view/caycogajic/home Links: ------ [1] http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/ [2] http://ens.fr/

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postdoc and PhD position on body schema modeling @CTU Prague
by Matej Hoffmann Jan. 20, 2021

Jan. 20, 2021

* Dear colleagues, there is a postdoc and PhD openingin the humanoid, cognitive, and neurorobotics group (https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/research/groups-teams/humanoids/) coordinated by Dr. Matej Hoffmann (https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/) at the Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The topics are in the context of a 5-year project entitled “Whole-body awareness for safe and natural interaction: from brains to collaborative robots” for excellence in fundamental research from the Czech Science Foundation (see https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/news/new-gacr-expro-project <https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/news/new-gacr-expro-project/>for more information) and include: - Analysis and modeling of infant behavioral data related to reaching, reaching to the self, and mirror self-recognition - Employing humanoid robots with artificial skin to construct embodied computational models of body and peripersonal space representations - Neural network models of multisensory integration and peripersonal space - Social human-robot interaction focusing on touch and interpersonal distance Open positions: Postdoc. The postdoc will independently conduct research and will also be involved in shaping the research of the group and supervising students. The gross salary will be in the range of CZK 50 000-70 000 per month (approx. 2000-2700 EUR) depending on qualification, plus direct bonuses for scientific achievements such as top-tier publications. PhD student. The topic will be co-defined with the student depending on his skills and interests. The standard duration of the PhD study is 4 years. The funding corresponds to a gross salary of CZK 45 000 per month (approx. 1750 EUR), plus direct bonuses for scientific achievements such as top-tier publications. Robots and infrastructure The humanoids group has at its disposal several humanoid robots (iCub, 2 Naos - 1 with whole-body sensitive skin) and collaborative or lightweight manipulators (KUKA LBR iiwa, UR10e with Airskin, Kinova Gen3). Additional infrastructure includes several robot hands (Barrett Hand BH8-282, QB Soft Hand) and grippers, a 3D Motion Capture System, impact measuring devices, etc. The group has also access to the facilities of the Research Center for Informatics such as a high-performance computational cluster. International collaborations There is a large group of international experts who have agreed to act as collaborators/advisors on the project. These include experts in - developmental psychology: Dr. Kevin O’Regan (CNRS, Paris), Prof. Jeffrey J. Lockman (Tulane University, New Orleans) - cognitive psychology and neuroscience: Prof. Matthew Longo (Birkbeck University, London), Prof. Tobias Heed (Bielefeld), Prof. Andrea Serino (University of Lausanne), Dr. Jean-Paul Noel (Center for Neural Science at New York University), Drs. M.Gori and Giulia Cappagli (Italian Institute of Technology, Dr. S. Signorini (IRCSS Fondazione Mondino Pavia) - physical human-robot interaction: Prof. Sami Haddadin (TU Munich), Dr. Arash Ajoudani (Italian Institute of Technology), Dr. Michael Zillich (Blue Danube Robotics – manufacturer of Airskin) - social human-robot interaction: Dr. Alessandra Sciutti (Italian Institute of Technology), Dr. Hagen Lehmann (University of Macerata) Prague There is currently a very lively international ecosystem in the areas of robotics and AI - at the Department and in Prague in general. See, for example, http://rci.cvut.cz/or https://prg.ai/en/. How to apply. The application should include: -Motivation letter (max. 1 page) - CV (including 2 reference persons) -1 Letter of recommendation (can be from 1 of the reference persons above) Please send the applications or inquiries to matej.hoffmann(a)fel.cvut.czwith (“PhD application” or “postdoc application” in the subject). The positions are open until filled. Best regards, Matej Hoffmann * -- Matej Hoffmann, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Cybernetics Faculty of Electrical Engineering Czech Technical University in Prague https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home +420 224 357 387

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survey for a standardized format for model exchange
by Nichol W. Killian Jan. 20, 2021

Jan. 20, 2021

Hello Colleagues, We recently received funding, as part of the NSF Convergence Accelerator Program (https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/convergence-accelerator/) for a multi-investigator project that aims to develop a standardized format for exchanging and executing computational models developed by researchers in cognitive science, neuroscience, and machine learning. As part of the project, we have constructed a brief survey to gauge the computational model usages from various domains/communities, and the value that such an exchange format would have. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a few moments to provide us with information regarding the modeling environments you use frequently, and the benefits and/or challenges you would see for developing such an exchange format. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP… [https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fPzuVxv5E-g2xfDpxYbODDYX68AiT6zcn5yTW4XB-…]<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP…> Computational modeling survey<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP…> docs.google.com Data from this survey will only be used for informational query and will not be shared with outside sources/marketing companies. The survey is anonymous, unless you chose to add an email address for follow-up correspondence. Please also feel free to convey the link to this survey to others (in your lab or other colleagues) who you believe could provide useful feedback. Thank you for contributing to our project and to furthering the science. - Jonathan Cohen, Princeton Neuroscience Institute Nichol Killian Research Project Coordinator Princeton Neuroscience Institute Princeton University

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Virtual Event Announcement: Symposium on Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (SENAI)
by Jessica Thompson Jan. 19, 2021

Jan. 19, 2021

Symposium on Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (SENAI) Join us on *Wednesday February 10th, 2021* for a virtual symposium on philosophical and scientific approaches to Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial IntelligenceSpeakers: - Ida Mommenejad, Microsoft Research - John Krakauer, Johns Hopkins University - Andrew Saxe, Oxford University - Lotem Elber-Dorozko, Hebrew University - Rosa Cao, Stanford University - Cameron Buckner, University of Houston Themes: - Reductionism & emergence - Representation & computation - Explanation & understanding Details online: https://sites.google.com/mila.quebec/senai/homeRegister for free and view the event: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/senai2021/register

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ikerbasque postdoctoral fellows: track towards permanent position
by Serafim Rodrigues Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear all, Ikerbasque, the Basque Foundation for Science, has launched a new international call to reinforce research and scientific careers in the Basque Country. In particular it announces the following: - 20 positions for experienced postdoctoral researchers Ikerbasque Research Fellows (see link <https://calls.ikerbasque.net/?_mrMailingList=132&_mrSubscriber=65&utm_campa…> ) - 5-year contracts, during the last year the researcher can be assessed to obtain a permanent contract - PhD degree between Jan2010 - Dec2018 As leader of the Mathematical Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN) research line I would like to support candidates for these positions Potential candidates: Please send before Feb 9th 2021 the following information: - updated CV and two reference letters to: srodrigues(a)bcamath.org With kind regards Serafim -- Serafim Rodrigues Group Leader *BCAM - *Basque Center for Applied Mathematics Alameda de Mazarredo, 14 E-48009 Bilbao, Basque Country - Spain Tel. +34 946 567 842 srodrigues(a)bcamath.org | www.bcamath.org/srodrigues *(**matematika mugaz bestalde)*

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Postdoc in Neural Data Science @ Tübingen for 3 years
by Philipp Berens Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear all, we, the “Data Science for Vision Research” group at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research at the University of Tübingen (www.berenslab.org) is offering a position for a postdoctoral researcher (100%, TV-L E13) in Neural data science for initially three years to start as soon as possible. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with a PhD in computational neuroscience, machine learning or related fields with a strong interest in applying modern machine learning approaches for deciphering the neural circuits of the retina. The ideal candidate should be interested in working on combining detailed simulations of neurons with machine learning techniques, e.g. for parameter inference, methods for processing two-photon calcium or voltage imaging data, the analysis of spatial transcriptomics data of neural tissues or related topics. Further topics of interest in the lab include machine learning techniques for analyzing single-cell transcriptomics data as well as machine learning for medical image analysis. Applications should include a CV and a motivation letter – let us know why you are excited about your previous research and how you would want to work with us. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply – currently, we are a diverse team from eight different countries with a reasonable gender ratio, and we are excited to receive your application! Please send your application materials as a single pdf to philipp.berens(a)uni-tuebingen.de. The application deadline is February 15th and applications will be evaluated until the position is filled. https://jobrxiv.org/job/data-science-for-vision-research-lab-university-of-… -- Professor of Data Science for Vision Research Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning - New Perspectives for Science" www.berenslab.org

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Tutorial on Modeling Tools: BMTK and SONATA
by Anton Arkhipov Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear colleagues, Please join us for an online tutorial at the Allen Institute. Tools for modeling: The Brain Modeling Toolkit and SONATA data format January 28, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am PT Please register here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/open-fo… The Brain Modeling Toolkit is a Python-based open software package for building, simulating, and analyzing large-scale neural network models. It supports the building and simulation of models at various scales. Dai et al., PLOS Comp. Bio., 2020a<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008386> The Brain Modeling Toolkit is linked to SONATA, a standardized data format for storing networks and simulations. Dai et al., PLOS Comp. Bio., 2020b<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007696> These are the software tools we used to build, simulate, and share our multi-scale models of mouse V1, which are freely available to the community. Billeh et al., Neuron, 2020<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.01.040> https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/models We are looking forward to seeing you there. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 [cidimage001.png(a)01D5B043.A5662590] www.alleninstitute.org<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleni…>

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PhD position in decision-making at University of Balearic Islands
by Catalina Vich Llompart Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

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 Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

*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 Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

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 Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

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 Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

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 Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

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 Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

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 Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

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 Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

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 Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

*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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Re: [Comp-neuro] Special Issue on Deep Learning Approaches for Brain-Computer Interfaces (Signals - MDPI)
by Panagiotis Petrantonakis Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

Call For Papers for a Special issue on: *Deep Learning Approaches for Brain-Computer Interfaces* https://www.mdpi.com/journal/signals/special_issues/Brain_Computer_Interfac… *Special Issue Information* Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) decipher and translate brain signals into commands for the surrounding environment. Different types of brain signals, e.g., EEG and fMRI, have been used as a means to decode intended user commands, and various machine learning approaches have been tested in such a task. With the advent of the deep learning (DL) era, new studies have emerged that exploit the advantages of the deep network architectures for BCI systems and depict more efficient and reliable brain signal decoding systems. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a collection of forefront works investigating the deployment of various deep network types in different BCI applications using a variety of brain signals either of unimodal or multimodal signal processing framework. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: - Deep network architectures for BCIs; - Transfer learning in BCIs; - Big data for DL-based BCIs; - Fusion of multiple brain signals for BCIs using DL methods. *Guest Editor* Panagiotis Petrantonakis (ppetrant(a)iti.gr) Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional questions. Kind regards, Panagiotis

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Special session: Bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms for multimedia - CBMI-2021 (Lille)
by Teresa Serrano Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

*Special session: Bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms for multimedia in conjunction with CBMI-2021 (June 28-30)* CBMI aims at bringing together the various communities involved in all aspects of content-based multimedia indexing for retrieval, browsing, management, visualization and analytics. The Special Session on bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms will be a mini-venue, focusing on the state-of-the-art and research direction of the emerging field of bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms and in the envisioned applications and breakthrough that the application of this bioinspired technology and algorithms can bring to the content-based multimedia indexing field development. Special session papers, which can be invited or submitted, will supplement the regular research papers and be included in the proceedings of CBMI 2021. The special session would include four to five papers, which can be invited, or regular submissions. In order to ensure the high quality of all conference papers, all papers submitted to the special session will be peer-reviewed through the standard review process, including invited papers. If the special session has many high-quality submissions, some of the submissions may potentially be moved to some regular sessions. Authors are encouraged to submit previously unpublished research papers including bioinspired circuits, systems and algorithms that address the use of the bioinspired technology and algorithms in the areas of search and retrieval, multimedia content management, user interaction, large-scale search, learning in retrieval, social media indexing and retrieval, surveillance and security. Other applications areas of interest to the CBMI community not listed above maybe considered. *Organizer *: Teresa Serrano Gotarredona, IMSE-CNM —terese(a)imse-cnm.csic.es andcbmi2021-organisation(a)univ-lille.fr Submissions of papers for special sessions are open on EasyChair:https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=cbmi2021. Please select the special session you apply to in the submission form. *STUDENT PARTICIPATION:* We strongly encourage students to participate in CBMI-21 event and submit their research. We strongly believe in their power, and they are the future of the research in content-based multimedia indexing. For these reasons and for the first time in the history of the conference, the 2021 edition of CBMI with support of ACM SIGMM (www.sigmm.org) will sponsor several students, authors of papers submitted and accepted by CBMI-21, and being corresponding author of a paper. The student status will be recognized only to PhDs and master students. Certain students will be totally sponsored, including registration fees, accommodations and travel expenses. Other students will be partly sponsored, including substantial reduction in the registration fees, no cut-backs to the students’ conference experience, and budget accommodation options and arrangement for room sharing. Furthermore, in this edition, prizes will be awarded to the best student poster presentations of CBMI2021. All the participants registered to CBMI2021 as student will be automatically admitted to the selection for the awards. All the papers accepted as poster presentation by the Technical Program Committee (TPC), from students will be considered for the awards, given that a full-paper manuscript has been submitted. The student poster awards committee will evaluate the nominated contributions during the poster sessions of CBMI2021. The evaluation criteria will be independently established by the Committee before the conference and will take into account the scientific content as well as the technical quality of the posters. The Student Poster Awards will be announced during the Gala Dinner, on June 29th. *Instructions to authors:* Special sessions papers will be included in the CBMI proceedings like regular papers. The CBMI proceedings are traditionally indexed and distributed by IEEE Xplore and ACM DL. In addition, authors of certain best papers of the conference will be invited to submit extended versions of their contributions to a special issue of a leading journal in the field (e.g. MTAP - Springer), and other best papers will be invited to submit extended versions of their contributions in a book (ISTE/WILEY publisher). -- Teresa Serrano Gotarredona Investigadora Científica / Research Scientist Imagen Logo IMSE-CNM C/ Américo Vespucio, 28 Parque Científico y Tecnológico Cartuja 41092 Sevilla. SPAIN Ph.: +34 954 466 666 • Fax: +34 954 466 600

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PhD fellowship on dolphin communication and AI
by German Sumbre Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

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PhD position in computational neuroscience at the European Neuroscience Institute
by Jan Clemens Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

The Clemens lab the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen (Germany) is recruiting a PhD student. The position is part of a DFG funded joint project with Matthias Hennig (Berlin) in the priority program “Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing” (SPP 2205). The project will investigate how pattern recognition networks support the evolution of behavioral diversity, using acoustic communication in crickets as a model system. Building upon existing behavioral and circuit models, we will characterize the nonlinear mapping from circuit parameters to behavior using machine learning. We will combine large behavioral data sets from more than 20 different species, phylogenetic information, and computational modelling to investigate the evolutionary process that shaped the behavior in this species group. Hypotheses produced in the modelling approach will be tested with experimental collaborators in Berlin. Your profile - MSc in computational neuroscience, computational biology, physics, engineering, computer science or equivalent. - Strong quantitative and programming skills are required. - Experience with modelling, statistics, and machine learning. Our offer The position is for 4 years. The successful candidate will join one of the many excellent graduate schools on the Göttingen Campus. In addition, the candidate will be embedded in the diverse community formed by the members of SPP 2205. Application deadline: 15.2.2021 Start date: Spring/Summer 2021 How to apply? Please send your application as a single pdf to Jan Clemens ( clemensjan(a)gmail.com) including a CV as well as names and contact details of two references. Please include a short statement of why this project interests you and how you think you could contribute, based on your scientific background. Jan Clemens European Neuroscience Institute Neural Computation and Behavior group Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen, Germany janclemenslab.org

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PhD position in Machine learning with dynamic models
by Kerstin Bunte Jan. 10, 2021

Jan. 10, 2021

Dear colleagues, The Computer Science department at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has a PhD position for interested candidates on "Machine Learning with dynamic models". We are accepting applications until March 1 2021. More information can be found under the following link: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-0… Kind regards, Kerstin Bunte -- Kerstin Bunte, Assistant Professor | Rosalind Franklin Fellow Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Faculty of Science and Engineering University of Groningen P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK Groningen The Netherlands Email: k.bunte(a)rug.nl Phone: +31 (0)50 363 3966 web: http://www.cs.rug.nl/~kbunte/

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International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science 2020 Online
by Kenji Doya Jan. 9, 2021

Jan. 9, 2021

We are going to hold an online symposium that brings together researchers in the forefront of AI and neuroscience. All talks will be made accessible as pre-recorded movies and we will have two-hour live discussion sessions on October 10-12, 2020. Registration is free and open till September 30. Please register from the web site below. ******** International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science http://www.brain-ai.jp/symposium2020/ Time below is in UTC (i.e., 10pm-0am Japan, 2pm-4pm UK, 9am-11am EDT, 6am-8am PDT) <Saturday, October 10th> 13:00 Get connected 13:15 Greetings: Kenji Doya (OIST) 13:30 Discussion on Keynote: Josh Tenenbaum (MIT) 14:00 Discussion on Session 1: Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning Chair: Jun Morimoto (ATR) Discussant: Shunichi Amari (RIKEN) Speakers: Yann LeCun (NYU, Facebook), Yutaka Matsuo (U Tokyo), Doina Precup (McGill U) David Silver (DeepMind), Masashi Sugiyama (RIKEN AIP/U Tokyo IRCN) <Sunday, October 11th> 13:00 Discussion on Session 2: World Model Learning and Inference Chair: Hiroaki Gomi (NTT) Discussant: Mitsuo Kawato (ATR) Speakers: Ila Fiete (MIT), Karl Friston (UCL), Yukie Nagai (U Tokyo IRCN) Maneesh Sahani (Gatsby Unit), Tadahiro Taniguchi (Ritsumeikan U) 14:00 Discussion on Session 3: Metacognition and Metalearning Chair: Masayuki Matsumoto (Tsukuba U) Discussant: Keiji Tanaka (RIKEN) Speakers: Matthew Botvinick (DeepMind), Ryota Kanai (ARAYA), Angela Langdon (Princeton U) Hiroyuki Nakahara (RIKEN CBS), Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) <Monday, October 12th> 13:00 Discussion on Session 4: AI for Neuroscience and Neuromorphic Technologies Chair: Takatoshi Hikida (Osaka U) Discussant: Kunihiko Fukushima (FLSI) Speakers: Jim DiCarlo (MIT), Yukiyaku Kamitani (Kyoto U), Rosalyn Moran (King’s College London) Terry Sejnowski (Salk Institute), Hidehiko Takahashi (Tokyo MDU) 14:00 Discussion on Session 5: Social Impact and Neuro-AI Ethics Chair: Masamichi Sakagami (Tamagawa U) Speakers: Anne Churchland (UCLA), Kenji Doya (OIST), Arisa Ema (U Tokyo IFI) Hiroaki Kitano (SONY CSL), Stuart Russell (UC Berkeley) Sponsor: KAKENHI Project on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science (http://www.brain-ai.jp) Co-sponsors: RIKEN AIP (https://aip.riken.jp/?lang=en) U Tokyo IFI (https://ifi.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/) U Tokyo IRCN (https://ircn.jp/en/) Contact: ncus(a)oist.jp ---- Kenji Doya <doya(a)oist.jp> Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan Phone: +81-98-966-8594; Fax: +81-98-966-2891 https://groups.oist.jp/ncu

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Post Doc on AI and Behavior in London
by Dimitris Pinotsis Jan. 8, 2021

Jan. 8, 2021

Post Doc on AI and Behavior in London The Computational Neuroscience and Psychiatry Lab (www.pinotsislab.com) at University of London—City is looking for a Post Doc with a strong background in AI/ Machine Learning and Behavioral Science. The Lab focuses on developing new algorithms for the analysis of behavioral data and human and animal brain imaging data. These are based on computational models of neural dynamics and state of the art machine learning techniques. Particular emphasis is put on applications in Computational Neuroscience and Psychiatry and developing models of human behavior and brain pathology. Also, the Lab develops brain theories that can explain brain function, using theoretical tools from deep neural networks and Bayesian brain theories. The lab also performs EEG recordings. The Post Doc shall conduct research at the intersection of human behavior and machine learning. She or he will build computational tools using state of the art machine learning algorithms. The position has an initial duration of 6 months. The successful candidate should have a PhD in machine learning, psychology, computational neuroscience, engineering or a related field. Expertise in one or more modern scientific computing programming language (Python, Matlab or R) is essential. Experience with large databases, SQL methods for data storage, web architectures and API development is an advantage. For informal inquiries, please email Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis at pinotsis(a)mit.edu

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PhD Studentships, University of Sussex, be.AI programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI
by Miguel Maravall Jan. 8, 2021

Jan. 8, 2021

Dear colleagues The University of Sussex is offering 6 PhD studentships within its new Doctoral Scholarship Programme funded by the Leverhulme Trust. This programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI investigates how intelligence arises from the interaction of the brain with the body and the environment. It includes multiple projects that link between AI and Neuroscience: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai/proposals. Please see below for the announcement (*deadline is 31st Jan 2021*). The University of Sussex invites applications for PhD studentships within the be.AI Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme (www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai>) which will bring together researchers from the humanities, life sciences and computing to pursue artificial intelligence (AI) in its original definition of understanding natural intelligence by emulating it in artificial systems. In our unique interdisciplinary centre, we will advance understanding of how the interaction between brain, body and environment gives rise to intelligence and how this insight can be used to build novel artificial intelligence. As a be.AI Scholar you will: * Be funded for 3.5 years with a tax free living allowance at the standard Research Council rate - currently £15,009 per year- and UK fees * Be eligible for generous financial support of up to £4,000 per year for training and research expenses, such as conference trips and experimental costs * Be eligible to apply for one of three 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships, available only to completing Leverhulme be.AI scholars * Benefit from supervision by world-leading researchers in many different aspects of AI * Benefit from taught courses in topics, such as ethics and data science. The Programme will fund three intakes of 6 students per year, starting in September 2021 (application deadline 31st January 2021). You will be registered within one of the participating schools (Life Sciences, Engineering and Informatics, Psychology, Philosophy, Media Film & Music) but will be encouraged to perform cross-disciplinary research with academics across Schools. In be.AI, you will work in a community of like-minded students and researchers supported by your own research seminars, invited lectures by world leading speakers, as well as student-led conferences and cohort building events. We are passionate about creating an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers, so we expect successful applicants to see beyond their disciplinary boundaries and embrace the opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple fields. For further details, including how to apply, see http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai Thanks! Miguel Prof Miguel Maravall (he/him) Director, Sussex Neuroscience Academic lead, Athena SWAN & gender equality, University of Sussex School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Falmer Brighton BN1 9QG United Kingdom http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/maravalllab/

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Postdoctoral Positions in Theoretical Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, Moscow Russia FEB 14 DEADLINE
by boris gutkin Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

Post-doctoral position in Theoretical Neuroscience DEADLINE 14 February More Information: https://iri.hse.ru/theoretical_neuroscience2021 <https://iri.hse.ru/cognitive_neuroscience3> Application link: https://iri.hse.ru/polls/323647081.html <https://iri.hse.ru/polls/323647081.html> The Higher School of Economics Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in computational and mathematical approaches to understanding neural function and cognition at Theoretical Neuroscience Group (TNG). Research interests of the TNG at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making are wide ranging, carried out in collaboration with the experimental labs at the Center. Current research topics include computational psychiatry, computational neuroeconomics, information processing in neurons and circuits, as well as role of oscillations in cognition. The candidate will have the opportunity to further define and expand the Group’s research programme. We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidate with backgrounds in quantitative disciplines: applied mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering. Knowledge of biology, neuroscience and ability to work with data is highly desired. Candidates will be trained in model building, analysis and will be offered advanced training in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Candidates will have an opportunity to develop independent research projects and collaborations under the direction of the group leading scientists. The TNG is a structural part of the HSE’s Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> with ample collaboration opportunities within the Centre with other research groups, both within Russia and internationally. This new international group is tightly linked with the Group for Neural Theory at the Ecole Normale Superior <http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/?lang=en> in Paris, where research internships and visiting positions can be made available. Application Process Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via an online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship(a)hse.ru <mailto:fellowship@hse.ru> before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring department may not be reviewed. More information can be also obtained from bgutkin(a)hse.ru <mailto:boris.gutkin@hse.ru>

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Fully funded doctoral position at Ecole Normale Superieure and CentraleSupelec Paris in AI/Cognitive Computational Neuroscience/Quantitative Finance from fall 2021
by boris gutkin Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

Fully funded doctoral position in multi-agent modelling of financial markets and cognitive computational neuroscience. Laboratory for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the Ecole Normale Superieure Paris and the Chair for Quantitative Finance at CentraleSupelec are looking for exceptional candidates to work on a doctorate as a part of a collaborative project spanning development of multi-agent models of stock markets (e.g. see Lussange et al 2020, Bavard et al 2018, da Gamma Battista 2017) and the effects of human cognitive traits and bounded rationality on the market dynamics. The candidate will be physically based at ENS. The student will be advised by Damien Challet (Chair for Quantative Finance, CentraleSupelec) and Boris Gutkin (Mathematics of Neural Circuits Team, LNC2, ENS) and collaborate closely with Stefano Palminteri (Human Reinforcement Learning Team, LNC2, ENS). The student will have an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the project, from computational modelling to behavioral experiments to data mining. Industrial applications of the project outcomes can also be explored as well as a potential collaboration with Capital Fund Management, Paris. More information can be found at: https://psl.eu/recherche/grands-projets-de-recherche/projets-europeens/prog… <https://psl.eu/recherche/grands-projets-de-recherche/projets-europeens/prog…> https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/580403 <https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/580403> Start expected in fall 2021. Elibigibility: Master’s degree or equivalent in a quantitative discipline. There is no nationality or age criteria, but applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the deadline of the call Interested candidates should contact boris.gutkin(a)ens.fr <mailto:boris.gutkin@ens.fr> before January 30 to discuss their application to the program Bavard S, *Lebreton M, Khamassi M, Coricelli G, Palminteri S. Reference-point centering and range-adaptation enhance human reinforcement learning at the cost of irrational preferences <https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs414…>. Nature Communications (2018). da Gama Batista, Joao, Domenico Massaro, Jean-Philippe Bouchaud, Damien Challet, and Cars Hommes. "Do investors trade too much? A laboratory experiment." Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization 140 (2017): 18-34. Lussange, J., Lazarevich, I., Bourgeois-Gironde, S., Palminteri, S., Gutkin, B. (2020) Modelling Stock Markets by Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning. Comput Econ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10614-020-10038- <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10614-020-10038->w

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Workshop 'Invention of Writing' (12-15/01)
by Andrea Santamaria Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

Dear Sir/Madam, We are delighted to announce our Workshop on the invention of writing, organised by the INSCRIBE Invention of Scripts and their Beginnings ERC project, based at the University of Bologna. It will start next Tuesday, 12th January and will run for four consecutive afternoons, until Friday the 15th January. The workshop is articulated into four thematic sessions and crosses boundaries between archaeology, linguistics, cognitive science, and much more. To join us, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Wcibfgg_SRGkJVWJkE_NvA A single registration will allow you to access all sessions. For more information on our guest speakers and the full programme: https://www.inscribercproject.com/workshop//workshop_home.php Thank you and see you very soon! Silvia Ferrara

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Data Scientist Position in Bioinformatics and Neuroscience at Boston University
by Chen, Jerry Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

The Lab of Jerry Chen at Boston University is hiring a Staff-Level Data Scientist to be involved in several multi-year BRAIN Initiative related NIH and NSF funded projects. These projects focus on understanding cortical computation during behavior by combining behavior, genomics, spatial transcriptomics, anatomical reconstructions, and large-scale population recordings. This person will be involved in help to analyze experimental data, developing software tools to aid in the data analysis, and helping with data infrastructure and management. Specific Projects include: 1. Analysis of genomic data. 2. Image analysis for in situ sequencing of gene expression (ie. spatial transcriptomics) 3. Automated behavioral training and video analysis. 4. Analysis of dense electron microscope reconstructions of neuronal connectivity (ie. Connectomics). Required Skills: * BA/BS degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience or related technical field. * One to three years of academic or professional experience. * Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, and R is required. * Extensive background in either genomic analysis, image analysis, computer vision, or machine learning is preferred. If interested in applying, please submit a CV along with 3 references to jerry(a)chen-lab.org<https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=jerry@chen-lab.org> Jerry Chen, PhD. Assistant Professor Department of Biology Boston University jerry(a)chen-lab.org<mailto:jerry@chen-lab.org> www.chen-lab.org

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Permanent position in computational modeling of neurostimulation in mental disorders
by Axel Hutt Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Permanent position in computational modeling of neurostimulation in mental disorders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The research of the INRIA-team MIMESIS in Strasbourg / France (https://mimesis.inria.fr) aims to create a synergy between clinicians and scientists to develop new healthcare technologies. The team researchers collaborate closely with clinicians and choose their research focus along the clinical applications. Major scientific objectives are the development of advanced online- and offline simulations involving new numerical techniques for real-time computation and data-driven simulation dedicated to patient-specific modelling. One application branch is embedded in neuroscience with a specific focus on general anaesthesia and neurostimulation of patients suffering from mental disorders. For instance, members of MIMESIS work in the recently funded project A/D Drugs (https://www.inria.fr/en/ad-drugs-exploratory-action-aimed-optimising-neuros…) to develop novel neurostimulation techniques in psychosis that may emerge in schizophrenia patients. The team offers the possibility to apply for a permanent position as Chargé de Recherche (CR) or Directeur de Recherche (DR) in the research field of computational neuroscience with a strong focus on linking brain network modelling with experimental data. The new colleague should have a strong expertise in neurostimulation and/or modelling of experimental data observed in mental disorders. Strong programming and mathematical skills are mandatory. INRIA is a French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (https://www.inria.fr/en) with 8 research centres in France. The team MIMESIS is located in the centre of Strasbourg on the hospital campus as part of the Research Centre Nancy Grand Est. The application deadline will be mid of February 2021, but it is recommended to contact the team (by email: axel.hutt(a)inria.fr) in advance. For more details or sending your application documents (CV including publication list), please contact Dr. Axel Hutt (email: axel.hutt(a)inria.fr) .

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Postdoc in machine learning at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)
by Milekovic Tomislav Jan. 6, 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

Postdoc position in the lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) Machine learning techniques to develop and enhance clinical treatments based on electrical stimulation of the spinal cord Location: The laboratory of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, is looking to fill a fully funded postdoc position. The qualified candidate will benefit from joining a very dynamic and multidisciplinary group working at the interface of computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, prosthetics and biology. EPFL provides state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the leading technical universities worldwide. Postdoc salaries at EPFL rank the highest in the world. Opportunity: The offered position will be based at the Defitech Center for interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore) - a research and innovation center joining EPFL’s lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) lab of Prof. Jocelyne Bloch. NeuroRestore conceives, develops and applies medical therapies aimed to restore neurological functions. To this end, NeuroRestore integrates implantable neurotechnologies with innovative treatments developed through rigorous preclinical and clinical studies. By working with our network of vibrant high-tech start-ups and established medical technology companies, NeuroRestore is committed to validate our medical therapy concepts. The overarching goal of NeuroRestore is to see our medical therapies used every day in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics worldwide. Description: Therapies based on epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord can restore the ability to walk to people paralyzed by spinal cord injury, and alleviate gait deficits of people with Parkinson’s disease. EES does this by recruiting sensory axons within dorsal spinal roots that enter the spinal cord between the vertebrae to increase the activation of the spinal motor pools that, in turn, move the muscles. Yet, the efficacy of the EES-based therapies relies on synchronizing users’ movement intentions with the spatiotemporal stimulation protocols that reliably and accurately generate paralyzed movements. Due to the large state space of all the stimulation parameters (location, amplitude, frequency, etc.) efficacy of the therapy depends on the fast and accurate initialization of the stimulation protocols. As the patients use the stimulation, small movements of the array, as well as changes in spine position due to users’ posture can reduce the usability of the stimulation. Stimulation efficacy can be enhanced by dynamically adjusting the stimulation protocols to changes to the way how to users’ spinal cord reacts to stimulation. Finally, the functional use of the stimulation largely depends on the accurate timing of stimulation delivery. Machine learning approaches that infer users’ intentions based on behavioral, physiological or neural recordings can vastly improve the synchronization between intended and therapy-supported movements and, therefore, play a critical role in achieving functional recovery of patients. While the current medical devices mostly support block-based stimulation protocols that remain constant for hundreds of milliseconds, upcoming devices will enable changes of stimulation at a millisecond resolution, thus opening a new field for machine learning approaches that exploit these capabilities. The successful candidate will work to develop, implement and apply machine learning algorithms and approaches to enhance EES-based therapies. Specifically, he will: * Design the mapping procedures for the generation of transfer functions that relate the continuously-controlled stimulation to the evoked muscle activity. * Develop algorithms that automatically adjust these transfer functions as the interaction between patients and their EES-based therapy evolves. * Implement machine learning techniques that utilize users’ behavioral, physiological and neural signals to continuously synchronize the delivery of stimulation with the users’ movement intentions. * Lead the team that develops machine learning methods to initialize and adjust block-based EES protocols. * Assist and oversee the development and implementation of machine learning methods that use inference of discrete motor events to synchronize block-based EES protocols with the users’ intentions. By integrating well-equipped and expertly staffed rodent, non-human primate and clinical research facilities, NeuroRestore provides an ideal substrate for rapidly developing, integrating and clinically validating cutting-edge machine learning concepts within medical therapies, with the capacity to push successfully proven concepts into the technology transition phase. The successful candidate will have access to these animal platforms and will work within the framework of multiple NeuroRestore clinical trials with people with spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease. They will benefit from the possibility of validating their concepts in animal experiments and implementing them within the therapies being tested in the clinical trials. Prerequisites: · Doctoral degree (PhD) · Proficiency in Python, Matlab and C++ · Strong background in quantitative data analysis · Experience with applying multiple machine learning techniques to behavioral, physiological, biological and/or neural datasets · Good written and verbal skills in English Contact: Applications including a CV and a cover letter describing your background and interest should be sent to tomislav.milekovic(a)epfl.ch<mailto:tomislav.milekovic@epfl.ch>. Informal inquiries are welcome.

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