- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

PhD opportunity: Neurocomputational mechanisms of decision making
by Simon Kelly Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

Applications are invited for a *fully-funded, 4-year PhD* position in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a project examining the task-adaptive role of evidence accumulation in perceptual decision making using human neurophysiology combined with computational modelling. This project is funded under a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, by the SFI-HRB-Wellcome Research Partnership. The extent to which evidence accumulation underpins decision formation in some or all perceptual tasks is still widely debated. Accordingly, there now exist many distinct, alternative mathematical decision models that limit the role of evidence accumulation in various ways, most notably through leaky integration or "collapsing" decision bounds. The trouble is, these alternative models can often be made to fit behavioral data equally well but lead to fundamentally different inferences. With the rapidly growing use of these models across many basic and clinical research domains, it is past time that we knew whether, why and how these alternative mechanisms are invoked across different task scenarios, including ones representative of real life. This project will draw on novel neurally-informed modelling approaches developed by our lab (see, e.g. [1-3]) and others, to uncover core principles governing how neurocomputational decision processes are flexibly adapted to diverse task demands. The Kelly lab is based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and is affiliated with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. It has strong collaborative links to basic and clinical cognitive neuroscience research groups employing a range of methods, both locally and internationally. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of new skills. Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief research statement describing their background and research interests and how they align with the project and the broader interests of the Kelly lab, to simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie. The PhD position is intended to start in Sept 2021, with some flexibility. [1] Afacan-Seref K, Steinemann NA, Blangero A, Kelly SP. Dynamic interplay of value and sensory information in high-speed decision making. Current Biology. 2018. 28(5):795-802.e6. [2] Kelly SP, Corbett EA, O'Connell RG. Neurocomputational mechanisms of prior-informed perceptual decision making in humans. Nature Human Behaviour. In Press. [3] 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 ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

1 0

2 Postdoc positions: Neurocomputational mechanisms of decision making
by Simon Kelly Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

Applications are invited for two 3-year postdoctoral positions in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a project examining the task-adaptive role of evidence accumulation in perceptual decision making using human neurophysiology combined with computational modelling. This project is funded under a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, by the SFI-HRB-Wellcome Research Partnership. The extent to which evidence accumulation underpins decision formation in some or all perceptual tasks is still widely debated. Accordingly, there now exist many distinct, alternative mathematical decision models that limit the role of evidence accumulation in various ways, most notably through leaky integration or "collapsing" decision bounds. The trouble is, these alternative models can often be made to fit behavioral data equally well but lead to fundamentally different inferences. With the rapidly growing use of these models across many basic and clinical research domains, it is past time that we knew whether, why and how these alternative mechanisms are invoked across different task scenarios, including ones representative of real life. This project will draw on novel neurally-informed modelling approaches developed by our lab (see, e.g. [1-3]) and others, to uncover core principles governing how neurocomputational decision processes are flexibly adapted to diverse task demands. The Kelly lab is based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and is affiliated with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. It has strong collaborative links to basic and clinical cognitive neuroscience research groups employing a range of methods, both locally and internationally. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of new skills. Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief research statement describing their background and research interests and how they align with the project and the broader interests of the Kelly lab. Please submit these materials through the UCD job vacancies site ( https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ - search for job ref number *012812*), before the *deadline of Jan 11 2021*. The positions are intended to start in April/May 2021, with some flexibility. [1] Afacan-Seref K, Steinemann NA, Blangero A, Kelly SP. Dynamic interplay of value and sensory information in high-speed decision making. Current Biology. 2018. 28(5):795-802.e6. [2] Kelly SP, Corbett EA, O'Connell RG. Neurocomputational mechanisms of prior-informed perceptual decision making in humans. Nature Human Behaviour. In Press. [3] 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 ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Postdoc position in decision neuroscience: Multi-site project
by Simon Kelly Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoctoral research position in the Kelly lab in University College Dublin, to work on a collaborative Tripartite project on the neural mechanisms of perceptual decision making, jointly funded by Science Foundation Ireland, HSC-Northern Ireland and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. The overall, multi-site project involves non-human primate neurophysiology (Michael Shadlen in Columbia University), intracranial human EEG (Stephan Bickel in Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine), biologically based neural network modelling (KongFatt Wong-Lin, Ulster University), human fMRI (Redmond O’Connell in Trinity College Dublin) and human EEG (Simon Kelly in UCD), with several planned visits and regular interactions among labs, and diverse skill-building opportunities. The primary focus of the postdoc position in UCD is to contribute insights using human EEG, in close alignment with, and with contributions to, the experiments conducted in other modalities and at the other sites. A key focus of the project is to understand the role of neural representations of cumulative evidence that are abstracted from specific motor requirements, and to find out where and how such representations are computed in the human and non-human primate brains. Interested candidates should submit a brief research statement and CV including publications through the UCD job vacancies site ( https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ – search for job ref number 012810). Informal enquiries can be directed to Simon (simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie) Candidates should explain in their statement how their own research interests fit with those of the Kelly lab and why they are suited to this particular multi-site neuroscience project. The deadline for submitting applications is Dec 16 2020, and shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly after that. It is hoped that the candidate can start on this project early in the new year. ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

1 0

postdoc position at Georgia Tech
by Rozell, Christopher J Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

A postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience is available in the lab of Christopher Rozell at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA). This BRAIN Initiative research project seeks to advance the field of closed-loop computational neuroscience by pioneering the use of real-time feedback stimulation during experiments to decouple recurrently connected circuit elements and make stronger causal inferences about circuit interactions. This position will have a broad opportunity to develop models and algorithms that are implemented in novel experiments using closed-loop optogenetic stimulation. We aim to provide both new scientific insight about computation in neural circuits (especially sensory coding in the thalamo-cortical circuit) as well as new approaches and algorithmic tools for the community to use in novel electrophysiology experiments. This position will work as part of a team and in close collaboration with the experimental lab of Garrett Stanley (also at Georgia Tech), and it is expected that the computational and algorithmic approaches will be implemented experimentally through close partnership with experimentalists in the Stanley Laboratory. Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline with a strong record of research impact, quantitative thinking and collaborative work. Experience in computational neuroscience, machine learning, feedback control, and causal inference is all advantageous. The lab is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all scholars, and applications are especially encouraged from all underrepresented groups. Additionally, the lab is committed to the professional development of the members, making it valuable preparation for people who are interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. This particular project is part of the Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience program (CRCNS), providing access to a community of researchers across the country who are focused on similar types of collaborations between computational and experimental labs. Georgia Tech's campus in the heart of midtown Atlanta, which has a thriving and collaborative neuroscience community that has a particular emphasis on computational and systems neuroscience. Atlanta is also one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, boasting a wide range of opportunities for recreation and culture. Georgia Tech has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. The position would ideally start as soon as possible (spring 2021). The appointment is initially for 12 months with the expectation of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to crozell(a)gatech.edu with the subject line "CRCNS postdoc". Application review will proceed until the position is filled and should be received by December 1 for full consideration. http://siplab.gatech.edu/CRCNS_postdoc_ad.html

1 0

Postdoctoral fellow in Computational Neuroscience investigating mechanisms of sensorimotor integration.
by Ausborn,Jessica Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

Dr. Jessica Ausborn’s group at Drexel University College of Medicine, in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy has a postdoctoral position available for an exciting new research project involving computational models of sensorimotor integration based on neural and behavior data in Drosophila. The interdisciplinary collaboration with the experimental group of Dr. Katie von Reyn (Drexel School of Biomedical Engineering) will involve a variety of computational techniques including the development of biophysically detailed and more abstract mathematical models together with machine learning and data science techniques to identify and probe the algorithms computed in neuronal pathways that perform sensorimotor transformations. The Ausborn laboratory is part of an interdisciplinary group of Drexel’s Neuroengineering program that includes computational and experimental investigators. This collaborative, interdisciplinary environment enables us to probe biological systems in a way that would not be possible with either an exclusively experimental or computational approach. https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research… More details on how to apply can be found here: https://careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/495192/postdoctoral-researcher ----- Jessica Ausborn Assistant Professor Neurobiology and Anatomy College of Medicine Drexel University 2900 W Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129

1 0

PhD with Bristol Neural Computation Hub
by Cian O'Donnell Nov. 19, 2020

Nov. 19, 2020

The Bristol Neural Computation Hub, University of Bristol, UK is looking to recruit to a number of EPSRC-funded PhD studentships for a Sept/Oct 2021 start: the research areas considered include Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning. We have a vibrant Computational Neuroscience group with strong collaborative links with local and international groups working in experimental neuroscience, in machine learning and cognitive science. We have interesting projects to offer in our respective research areas: Laurence Aitchison (http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/~laurence/) gaussian processes and deep learning. Jeff Bowers (https://jeffbowers.blogs.bristol.ac.uk) deep learning as models of cognition. Conor Houghton (https://conorhoughton.github.io) information theory, decision making and affective state and linguistics. Nathan Lepora (http://lepora.com) robotics, neuroscience, biomimetics. Cian O’Donnell (https://odonnellgroup.github.io) synaptic plasticity, autism, statistical methods for neural data. Rui Ponte Costa (https://neuralml.github.io) credit assignment in cortical circuits. More details on the group here: https://bristolcnu.github.io/research/ Bristol is one of the top places to live and work in the UK and so we urge you to apply or to recommend this opportunity to suitable students. Anyone interested should contact one of us to discuss potential project and their application as early as possible; there are notes on the application process below; the final application would need to be submitted by 15th Jan 2021. All the best, Conor, Nathan, Cian, Rui, Laurence, and Jeff ___________ Information on the studentships: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/funding/sceem-studentships International students (including EU who haven’t lived in the UK) are very much eligible to apply but the process will be more competitive as only maximum 30% of the studentships are open for them. The remainder of these studentships are subject to a UK residency requirement: (https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/) Students should contact one of us before applying as you would need our nomination and also time to develop their project proposal with us. The selection itself goes through a two step process, students are first accepted as PhD students by the University and are then considered for funding within the School. Applicants should apply via http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/ and select "Computer Science PhD", ensuring they submit a short research proposal outlining the research question or area they intend to focus on and a CV by the deadline.

1 0

Online workshop series - Neural Control: From data to machines
by plan4act Nov. 18, 2020

Nov. 18, 2020

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the remaining sessions of our ongoing workshop series *Neural Control: From data to machines* with weekly Zoom-sessions each Thursday morning at 10am (CET) throughout November and December. It's not too late to register for tomorrow's session (*Nov 19th*)! Topic: Movement disorders leave individuals unable to control parts of their bodies, creating a disconnect between their brain and the world around them. This workshop series looks at how neural activity can be mapped to control smart systems, producing desired movements on demand. To discuss the implied problems and solutions, we have brought together experts from the different involved scientific fields. Details and registration at: https://alexandria.physik3.uni-goettingen.de/cns-group/projects/webinars/ <https://alexandria.physik3.uni-goettingen.de/cns-group/projects/webinars/> Confirmed Speakers: * *Dario Farina* * *Silvestro Micera* * *Tonio Ball* * *Nick Ramsay* * *Juan Álvaro Gallego* * *Florentin Wörgötter* * *Alexander Gail* * *Christian Tetzlaff* * *Michael Fauth* * *Tomoki Fukai* * *Petra Ritter* * *Valerio Mante* * *Hans Scherberger* * *Gordon Cheng* * *Poramate Manoonpong* * *Jan-Matthias Braun* * *Eugenio Gaeta* * *Daniel Durstewitz* * *Yukie Nagai* Please forward to anyone who may be interested. Best, Florentin Wörgötter and Christian Tetzlaff

1 0

Fully-funded PhD Position in Cognitive Neuroscience
by Alireza Soltani Nov. 17, 2020

Nov. 17, 2020

Fully-funded PhD Position in Cognitive Neuroscience The Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab and the Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at Dartmouth have a joint, fully-funded PhD position for a motivated student to work on an exciting project on understanding how interactions between belief, expectation, and prior experience shape learning about reward and pain, process of belief formation, and how expectation or reward and pain influences perception and learning. The project is a collaboration between two labs and involves a combination of human experiments and computational modeling. A suitable candidate would have a strong background in cognitive and/or computational neuroscience, good computer programming skills, and a strong desire to understand neural mechanisms underlying cognition. Interested candidates should contact Alireza Soltani (Alireza.Soltani(a)dartmouth.edu) and/or Tor Wager (Tor.D.Wager(a)dartmouth.edu) To apply, please visit the PBS’s Graduate Admissions page <https://pbs.dartmouth.edu/menufeature/graduate/graduate-admissions> Relevant references: Soltani, Khorsand, Guo, Farashahi, Liu (2016). Neural Substrates of Cognitive Biases during Probabilistic Inference. Nature Communications, 7:11393 Jepma, Koban, van Doorn, Jones, Wager (2018). Behavioural and neural evidence for self-reinforcing expectancy effects on pain. Nature human behaviour, 2(11):838-55.

1 0

[Journals] 1st CFP: Special Issue on "Theory of Mind in Humans and in Machines"
by Bogdan Ionut Cirstea Nov. 16, 2020

Nov. 16, 2020

Dear colleagues, Apologies for cross-posting. Together with Prof. Fabio Cuzzolin (Oxford Brookes University, UK) and Prof. Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian (University of Cambridge, UK), we are organizing a special issue (Frontiers Research Topic) on the emerging topic of "Theory of Mind in Humans and in Machines" under the "Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence" and "Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience" journals. We would like to invite you to contribute articles to the Research Topic. For more information on this special issue, please visit the website at https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/16802/theory-of-mind-in-humans-… . Papers may be submitted until the 3rd of April 2021. Submitted papers should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. We also encourage authors to send a short abstract (via the platform) to ensure compliance with the topic and scope of the Frontiers journals as early as possible. The submission of abstracts is not mandatory and the deadline is the 4th of December 2020. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, theoretical proposals, computational experiments, and case studies of: • Computational Theory of Mind • Learning from Demonstrations • Cognitive Models for Learning from Demonstration and Planning • Neuroscience-inspired models of Theory of Mind • Human-Robot Interaction • Cooperative Inverse Reinforcement Learning (assistance games) • Learning from Preferences If you intend to send an article to the special issue, please do let us know by hitting the "Participate" button in the web interface. If you have any questions or need any kind of assistance from us, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of the topic editors, Bogdan-Ionut Cirstea Topic Editors: Prof. Fabio Cuzzolin, Oxford Brookes University, UK < fabio.cuzzolin(a)brookes.ac.uk> Prof. Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, University of Cambridge, UK < bjs1001(a)cam.ac.uk> Dr. Bogdan-Ionut Cirstea, Oxford Brookes University, UK < bcirstea(a)brookes.ac.uk>

1 0

PhD and Postdoc Positions in Computational/Theoretical Neuroscience (Western University)
by Lyle Muller Nov. 16, 2020

Nov. 16, 2020

The lab of Lyle Muller (http://mullerlab.ca) in the Department of Applied Mathematics and the Brain and Mind Institute at Western University (London, Ontario) has multiple PhD positions and one postdoctoral position in computational and theoretical neuroscience. NeuroNex Postdoctoral Scholar: This scientist will work with an international NeuroNex consortium<https://www.nxwm.io> studying the transcriptomic, cellular, and network basis of working memory. The project will incorporate analysis of multichannel neural data and computational models ranging from single neurons to spiking neural networks and machine learning algorithms. The researcher will work within a dynamic team and with data at multiple scales (transcriptomics, intracellular patch clamp, and extracellular spiking data). Joint PhD position with Julio Martinez-Trujillo<https://martinez-trujillo-uwo.ca>: This scientist will join a growing marmoset electrophysiology program in the Martinez-Trujillo lab, where multichannel arrays will record neural spiking activity at high spatial and temporal resolution during sensory and cognitive tasks. These multimodal experiments will be complemented by computational analyses and models collaboratively developed in the two labs. Joint PhD position with Wataru Inoue<https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/physpharm/people/faculty/Bio%20Pages/inoue_wata…>: This scientist will develop a real-time interface between recorded neurons and computational models of these single cells. The candidate will then use these “dynamic clamp” recordings to study how the properties of single cells are shaped by network activity and how network activity is in turn shaped by these properties. Research in this project will involve developing intracellular recording paradigms in conjunction with single neuron and spiking network models. Candidates interested in the lab’s research are additionally encouraged to contact the PI to discuss other projects of interest. Research in the lab utilizes a combination of large-scale numerical simulations and analytical approaches. Prior experience with scientific computing languages (MATLAB, Julia, or Python) and/or low-level programming (C/C++) is preferred. Prior experience with computational modeling, signal processing, or random graph theory is also preferred. Western University offers an excellent research environment and support. Graduate students can apply through the departments of Applied Mathematics or Neuroscience. Interested candidates (both graduate and postdoc) can write to lmuller2(a)uwo.ca<mailto:lmuller2@uwo.ca> with a CV to arrange an interview. Review of applications will begin on 15 December. BrainsCAN has an upcoming Graduate Studentship<https://brainscan.uwo.ca/programs/graduate_studentship_program/index.html> (deadline 4 January 2021) for highly talented candidates. Both our group and the University are deeply committed to fostering diversity in the sciences. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. BrainsCAN has an upcoming EDI Postdoctoral Special Call<https://brainscan.uwo.ca/programs/pdf_special_call/index.html> (deadline 4 December 2020), and any interested applicants can write the PI directly to discuss applications for this opportunity. -- Lyle Muller http://mullerlab.ca

1 0