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[jobs] Neural Network models for language and interactive robots

by Wermter, Stefan

The Department of Informatics, Institute of Knowledge Technology, invites applications for multiple positions as RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (Postdocs and PhD Students) in the context of the project CROSSMODAL LEARNING: Neural network models for language and interactive robots. Positions commence from January 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter and are in accordance with Section 28 subsection 3 of the Hamburg higher education act (Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG) on SALARY LEVEL 13 TV-L. These are fixed-term contracts in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG). The term is fixed for up to 4 years until 31st of December 2023. The full-time positions call for 39 hours per week. Responsibilities: Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. Specific Duties: Duties in the project include the design, development and evaluation of neurocognitive models of crossmodal language learning as well as neurorobotic models for crossmodal joint attention and social interaction. The overall project aims to deepen interdisciplinary research between computer science, neuroscience, and psychology in order to set up collaborative research with a focus on human-robot-collaboration, artificial intelligence, neuroscience and psychology while focusing on the topic of cross-modal learning. The long-term challenge is to understand the neural, cognitive and computational evidence of cross-modal learning and to use this understanding for (1) better analyzing human performance with cross-modal correspondence and (2) building effective cross-modal computational and robot systems. Requirements: A university degree in a relevant subject. For doctoral positions, academic degree of MSc in computer science, computer engineering or similar. For post-doctoral positions, a doctorate, or equivalently the experience of more than three years of doctoral studies plus publications in the area of Intelligent Systems are required. The degree must qualify the post holder to carry out the above-mentioned duties. Programming skills in some of Python, C, ROS, Tensorflow or PyTorch are required. Your demonstrated research interests should be in some of the areas of Intelligent Systems (e.g. Neural Networks, Robotics, Machine Learning, Speech, Vision, or Affective Processing). International publication experience is expected. Very good communication skills in English are expected. The University aims to increase the number of women in research and teaching and explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Equally qualified female applicants will receive preference in accordance with the Hamburg act on gender equality (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HmbGleiG). Qualified disabled candidates or applicants with equivalent status receive preference in the application process. As a University of Excellence, Universität Hamburg is one of the strongest research universities in Germany. As a flagship university in the greater Hamburg region, it nurtures innovative, cooperative contacts to partners within and outside academia. It also provides and promotes sustainable education, knowledge, and knowledge exchange locally, nationally, and internationally. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Wermter or consult our website at: https://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/ Applications should include a cover letter, a tabular curriculum vitae, pdf of best publications, and copies of degree certificate(s). Please send applications by 15.01.2020 or until the post gets filled to Ms Katja Koesters (katja.koesters(a)informatik.uni-hamburg.de) in a single pdf document. *********************************************** Professor Dr. Stefan Wermter Director of Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Email: wermter AT informatik.uni-hamburg.de https://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/WTM/ ***********************************************

Dec. 10, 2019

Fully funded PhD position: interdisciplinary work on machine/deep learning and visual cognitive neuroscience

by Tim Kietzmann

Dear all, I am hiring a graduate student to join our group at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, NL. Please spread the word, or consider applying if you are interested in working with us on machine/deep learning and visual cognitive neuroscience. - 40 hours per week - Maximum gross monthly salary: € 2,972 - Up to four years, fully funded - Application deadline: 15 December 2019 Please find more details on the job post here: https://www.ru.nl/werken-bij/vacature/details-vacature/?recid=1072356 Details on our work can be found here: http://www.timkietzmann.de Best wishes Tim __________________________________ *Dr. rer. nat. Tim C Kietzmann* Assistant Professor Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour DCC Department for Artificial Intelligence Radboud University, NL Senior Research Associate, Graduate Supervisor MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit University of Cambridge Web: http://www.timkietzmann.de Email: t.kietzmann(a)donders.ru.nl Twitter: @timkietzmann

Dec. 10, 2019

PhD position at Tel Aviv University: Enhancing motor learning with computational scaffolding

by Jason Friedman

A funded PhD position is available at Tel Aviv University in the Movement Sciences lab with Dr. Jason Friedman, in the field of human motor control, on the topic of enhancing motor learning. The PhD will be part of a larger collaborative project with Prof. Helge Ritter from Bielefeld University, Germany, where they investigate manual intelligence of both humans and robots. In this project, we will use a technique called computational scaffolding in order to speed up the process of motor learning. In this technique, a temporary structure (scaffold) is provided during the learning process and slowly removed as learning takes place. We will use this technique to individualize and enhance the motor learning process in two applications – learning how to play the piano and learning a new swimming stroke. The student will be involved in all aspects of the project, included running experiments, recording and analyzing movement data, applying motor guidance for enhancing learning, and active collaboration with our partners. Students with a background in Motor Control, Physical Therapy, Neuroscience, Psychology, Physics, Computer Science, Biomedical engineering or related areas are encouraged to apply. Programming experience in Python or other languages, and a musical background is an advantage. Please contact Dr. Friedman (jason(a)tau.ac.il) with a CV for further information.

Dec. 10, 2019

Call for Applications - 2020 Nengo Summer School

by Peter Blouw

[All details about this school can be found online at https://www.nengo.ai/summer-school] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce our 7th annual Nengo summer school on large-scale brain modelling and neuromorphic computing. This two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Summer school participants will be given on-site access to Loihi, Intel’s neuromorphic research chip [1], and will learn to run high-level applications on Loihi using Nengo! More generally, Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems, and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [2], which includes spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning, adaptive motor control, and cognitive control networks. For a look at a recent summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/4tVUkQ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwtYgBB2N6I&t=1s> We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background. [1] Davies, et al. (2018). Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning. IEEE Micro. Vol. 38 no. 1 pp. 82-99. [ https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8259423] [2] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://compneuro.uwaterloo.ca/files/publications/eliasmith.2012.pdf] ***Application Deadline: February 15, 2020*** Format: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on building neuromorphic applications, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. Loihi, SpiNNaker, BrainDrop) - interface Nengo with (spiking and normal) cameras and robotic systems - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - and much more… Date and Location: June 7th to June 19th, 2020 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Applications: Please visit https://www.nengo.ai/summer-school/, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form. We ask that you provide a short description of a possible project, and to briefly indicate how this project might make use of the tools and methods that the summer school will be covering, as listed above. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (peter.blouw(a)appliedbrainresearch.com) The school is partially supported by Applied Brain Research, Inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dec. 9, 2019

NEURONUS 2020 IBRO Neuroscience Forum (24-26 April 2020, Krakow, Poland)

by Michał Zaręba

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS and REGISTRATION for NEURONUS 2020 IBRO Neuroscience Forum (24-26 April 2020, Krakow, Poland) are now OPEN! More information and the application forms can be found on our website: http://neuronusforum.pl/. With prominent speakers and an unique atmosphere of one of the oldest and most beautiful Polish cities, NEURONUS IBRO Neuroscience Forums have established themselves in the European calendar of scientific events as a platform for communication between scientists from different fields of neuroscience. The program of the conference consists of numerous sessions on biological, cognitive, computational and medical aspects of neuroscience, creating a dynamic environment for sharing knowledge. The schedule of the meeting is further complemented with lectures by invited guests, and we invest a lot of effort to attract as influential neuroscientists as possible. This year’s keynote speakers include: - Karl Friston (University College London, the UK) - Pico Caroni (University of Basel, Switzerland) - Karin Roelofs (Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands) - Alejandro Schinder (Leloir Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina) - Adam Hampshire (Imperial College London, the UK) - Dayu Lin (New York University School of Medicine, the USA) Furthermore, a special panel concerning the Future of Neuroscience will be held. So far, we have confirmed participation of two pioneering researchers: - Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille University, France) - Dominik Paquet (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany) During the upcoming 11th edition of the conference, we will traditionally continue to put emphasis on development of early-career researchers. The main purpose of this event is to provide means for both young and experienced neuroscientists to share the latest discoveries, knowledge and experience in neuroscience, as well as make valuable contacts with scientists representing various fields of neurobiology. We actively promote young scientists through preferentially allocating oral presentations of their experimental results. We strongly encourage you to join this special initiative, and hope to see you in the pleasant spring scenery of Krakow! On behalf of the Organising Committee, Michał Zaręba

Dec. 9, 2019

Openings for Machine Learning Engineer / Healthcare Data Analyst / Neural Engineer (multiple levels)

by Zanos, Theodoros

The Neural and Data Science Lab at the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is currently recruiting for a Machine Learning Engineer / Healthcare Data Analyst / Neural Engineer (multiple levels). The lab focuses on data analysis and machine learning methods to develop algorithms that will power the next generation bioelectronic medicine devices to enable early diagnosis, disease severity assessment and personalization and adaptability of a therapy. The specific opening is part of our lab's ongoing efforts to gain actionable insights into advanced diagnostics and healthcare processes to improve the quality of care and enhance the patient experience. The successful candidate will lead cutting edge projects in healthcare data analytics, having access to state-of-the-art computing power (both on-prem and cloud-based) and access to enormous amounts of data from one of the largest health systems in the world. They will collect, organize and analyze data from various sources, collaborate with physicians and other research staff and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. Required Qualifications/Skills - Graduate-level degree in electrical/biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields - Fluent programming in Python and Matlab - Experience with scientific packages in Python: Numpy, Scipy, Pandas, Matplotlib - Background in machine learning: basic ML concepts, training, and evaluation of model Preferred Skills - Experience implementing custom ML models using Tensorflow - Worked both on Windows and Linux - Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts - Experience with various signal processing methods To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications and an academic CV to tzanos at northwell.edu and include Machine Learning Engineer / Healthcare Data Analyst / Neural Engineer in the subject heading. Work Visa Sponsorship is available. Theodoros Zanos, PhD Assistant Professor Head, Neural & Data Science Lab www.neuraldatascience.org<http://www.neuraldatascience.org/> Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Room 1257 The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine Phone: +1-516-562-0484 Email: tzanos(a)northwell.edu<mailto:tzanos@northwell.edu> The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

Dec. 9, 2019

two post-doc positions at the University of Bristol

by Jeffrey Bowers

Please find links two RA (postdoc) positions to join the ERC project "Generalisation in Mind and Machine" at University of Bristol, UK. Also, here is a link to our lab page: https://mindandmachine.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ Feel free to email me if you have any questions, Jeff https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BXD841/senior-research-associate https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BXF540/erc-research-associate Jeffrey Bowers School of Experimental Psychology University of Bristol Personal website: https://jeffbowers.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ ERC lab website: https://mindandmachine.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/

Dec. 9, 2019

Recruitment of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students in computational brain science, Yonsei University College of Medicine

by Jiyoung Kang

Dear all, It is our pleasure to announce an exciting opportunity for post-doc (or any other research) positions at Center for Systems and Translational Brain Science, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea (P.I. Professor Hae-Jeong Park). We develop computational methods to explore brain dynamics at various levels (from neuron to behavior), and seek for highly motivated candidates who find interest in computational neuroscience. The center specializes in the following domains: - Computational modeling based on dynamic causal modelling of the neural circuit observed in vitro and in vivo animal and human data (CaI, VSDI, LFP, M/EEG, BOLD). - Computational and systems neuroscience for the network controllability - Computational modeling of human behaviors We have neuroimaging facility of 3T fMRI, PET, EEG-fMRI, MEG, TMS+(navigation). Our research team is composed of multidisciplinary researchers from biophysics, biomedical engineering and cognitive science with strong clinical support. For details, please see the following web link: http://neuroimage.yonsei.ac.kr. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jiyoung Kang (jykang(a)yuhs.ac) Best regards Jiyoung Kang Center for Systems and Translational Brain Science Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Psychiatry, Department of Cognitive Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Dec. 9, 2019

PhD Opening on large-scale dynamics of functional networks and information routing (@Aix-Marseille University)

by BATTAGLIA Demian

We are recruiting one PhD fellow at the Institute for Systems Neuroscience at Aix-Marseille University. The student will work within Dr. Demian Battaglia’s group (theoretical neuroscientist), in strict interaction with other researchers at Aix-Marseille University (Andrea Brovelli, systems and cognitive neuroscientist; Alain Barrat, complex networks physicist). The project will delve with the analysis of multi-frequency dynamic brain networks in large-scale electrophysiological recordings. Brain regions interact between them in a highly dynamic manner even to perform very simple tasks, preventing too simplistic attempts of description. Flexibly changing patterns of information exchange and integration can be tracked using novel information theoretical and time-series analyses tools and generating directed multi-layer temporal networks representations of the data. In the framework of this project, a variety of different large-scale electrophysiological datasets (from rodents to non-human primates and humans), will be characterized based on complex network analyses tools that, initially forged in statistical physics, have not yet been adapted to be compliant with neural datasets, although they provide a natural language to describe the complex “life” of cell assemblies and transiently integrated coalitions of brain regions. The PhD fellow will characterize how spatio-spectro-temporal network patterns correlate or predict behavior and cognitive performance (e.g. in working memory or spatial navigation tasks) and, potentially, how these patterns are altered in specific animal pathology models (AD, ALS…). Network analyses of empirical data may be complemented by the design of connectome-based computational models of multi-scale oscillations, to reverse engineer physiological mechanisms (e.g. alterations of excitability) that may underpin generalized functional connectivity changes, in control or pathological conditions. This project is one of the “ESR” (Early Stage Researcher) positions opening within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) project “i-Conn” funded by the European Commission, under their H2020 program. Such prestige program offers ideal conditions to the successful candidate such as: a salary well superior to the national average of ~1.9k euros monthly (plus family allowance when applies), net after taxes, with full social security coverage; and generous grant money for training and traveling to conferences. Through the ITN project activities, the PhD fellow will have the opportunity to come in contact with leading research groups in the UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Cyprus adopting network science techniques in a wide variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, but also socio-economics, geography, astronomy, etc. At Aix-Marseille University, the PhD fellow will integrate the second largest neuroscience community in France in a dynamic university with emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. The PhD fellow will profit of the high-level training opportunities provided by the local “NeuroSchool” (https://neuro-marseille.org/en) an excellence PhD program in clinical and integrative neuroscience, as well as by convergence institutes as the Turing Center for Living Systems (http://centuri-livingsystems.org) In addition, Marseille is a vibrant multi-cultural city located in the beautiful natural and cultural context of Southern France, at a few hours only by direct high-speed train from European cities as Paris, Barcelona, Brussels or Frankfurt. We seek for candidates with computational neuroscience, physics or computer science/machine learning background (ideally but not necessarily). The most important prerequisite is the willingness and skill to explore large-scale datasets. Previous experience in programming, computational modeling or network analyses is a plus. The working and training language is English. IMPORTANT! some strict eligibility requirements apply to be eligible as an Early Stage Researcher funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie program: 1) The applicant should have — at the date of recruitment — less than 4 years of a research career, and not have a doctoral degree. The 4 years are measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a PhD, either in the country where the degree was obtained or in the country where the PhD is provided. 2) Trans-national mobility: The applicant — at the date of recruitment— should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work ,studies, etc.) in that country. For refugees under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), the refugee procedure (i.e. before refugee status is conferred) will not be counted as ‘period of residence/activity in the country of the beneficiary’. To register your interest in applying for this position please, and to ask for any further information, please contact demian.battaglia(a)univ-amu.fr. To apply for this position, we require a copy of your CV, degree transcripts, motivation letter and the names and/or recommendation letters of 2 referees. Please include your master thesis as well and any publication you authored (included manuscripts at preprint or sufficiently advanced draft stages).

Dec. 9, 2019

Research Associate in the Open Source Brain project, University College London

by Gleeson, Padraig

(Apologies for cross postings) The Silver lab (http://silverlab.org) at University College London is looking to hire a postdoc/research associate to work on a project to extend the functionality of the Open Source Brain platform (http://www.opensourcebrain.org, Gleeson et al. Neuron 2019) to support the sharing of standardised experimental neuroscience data alongside neuronal models. This will involve building web-based infrastructure and the curation and standardisation of neuroscience models (in NeuroML format) and data (in Neurodata Without Borders format). This will facilitate collaborative model development and model reuse by the community as well as enable interactive display and analysis of models and neuroscience data through the browser. A PhD in neuroscience, physics, computer science or a related field is required, as well as experience in computational neuroscience, neuroinformatics, or development of analysis pipelines for electrophysiology and imaging data. A strong foundation in computer programming, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms and software design is essential, along with demonstrable knowledge of UNIX/Linux, experience of web development technologies and Python and/or JavaScript programming experience. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to fully participate in the academic activities related to this initiative including contributing to research and attending scientific conferences. Deadline for applications is 3rd Jan 2020. The post is funded for 2 years in the first instance. Full details can be found here<https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?owner=5041179&ownertype=fair…>. For informal enquiries, please contact p.gleeson(a)ucl.ac.uk<mailto:p.gleeson@ucl.ac.uk> ----------------------------------------------------- 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<mailto:p.gleeson@ucl.ac.uk> -----------------------------------------------------

Dec. 9, 2019