- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Call for Participation - The Chef's Hat Cup @ IJCAI2021

by Pablo Vinicius Alves De Barros

Call For Participation - The Chef's Hat Cup @ IJCAI2021 I. Aim and Scope Most of the current Reinforcement-Learning solutions, although having real-world-inspired scenarios, focus on a direct space-action-reward mapping between the agent's actions and the environment’s state. That translates to agents that can adapt to dynamic scenarios, but, when applied to competitive and/or cooperative cases, fail to assess and deal with the impact of their opponents. In most cases, when these agents choose an action, they do not take into consideration how other agents can affect the state of the scenario. In competitive scenarios, the agents have to learn decisions that a) maximize their chances of winning the game, and b) minimize their adversaries' goals, while in cooperative scenarios b) is inverted. Besides dealing with complex scenarios, such solutions would have to deal with the dynamics between the agents themselves. In this regard, social reinforcement learning is still behind the mainstream applications and demonstrations of the last years. We introduce here the Chef's Hat Cup, a competition that aims at the development of the most challenging artificial players! The competition is separated into two tracks: a competitive and a cooperative scenario. In the first track, the participants will use the already available simulation environment to develop the most effective agents to play the Chef’s Hat card game and be the winner. In the second track, they will have to develop an agent that can increase the chances of a dummy agent winning the game. More information: https://www.whisperproject.eu/chefshat#competition II. Deadlines Starting Date: April 20, 2021 Final submission: June 15, 2021 Winners Announcement: July 06, 2021 III. Team Registration Teams of up to five persons are invited to participate in the competition. You can register by sending the following information: Team name Participant Names and affiliation to this email: pablo.alvesdebarros(a)iit.it IV. Organizers Pablo Barros, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy Leandro Honorato, University of Pernambuco, Brazil Marco Matarese, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy Alessandra Sciutti, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy ---------------------------------------- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Researcher - CONTACT Unit Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – Center for Human Technologies Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B 16152 Genova, Italy email: pablo.alvesdebarros(a)iit.it website: https://www.pablobarros.net<http://www.pablobarros.net><https://www.p> twitter: @PBarros_br

April 20, 2021

2 postdoc positions in new SPIKEFERENCE project at AI department Donders Institute

by Justus H?botter

The AI department at the Donders Institute has two postdoc positions available for the new SPIKEFERENCE project. The application deadline is 9 May 2021. The SPIKEFERENCE project, co-funded by the Human Brain Project (HBP), aims to control industrial robots with neuroscience-inspired algorithms providing adaptation and conditional hierarchical problem-solving. You will work in close collaboration with the supervisors (Pablo Lanillos, Serge Thill and Marcel van Gerven), other postdocs and a PhD student. You will join an exciting and vibrant young team of experts in ML, AI and neuromorphic computing, and profit from the newly created ELLIS unit in Nijmegen and the HBP community. Postdoc 1. Deep Learning profile - https://solliciteren.ru.nl/cgi-bin/share/og_pxs.pl?target=LI&recid=1148428 This postdoctoral researcher position is framed in a new promising line of research within neuroscience-inspired artificial intelligence linked to adaptation and improvisation. Starting from our current deep active inference models, you will develop novel algorithms for robot perception and action by combining ideas from state representation learning, variational inference and functional models of the brain. Postdoc 2. SpikingNN robot control profile - https://solliciteren.ru.nl/cgi-bin/share/og_pxs.pl?target=LI&recid=1148452 This postdoctoral researcher position will develop SNN models for robot control, inspired by our current deep active inference algorithms and SNN controllers, assess and validate them against current predictive coding SNNs models, and demonstrate the networks on the Neurorobotics platform, from a simple proof of concept in basic environments to initial control of a UR5e. Do you want to shape the future of robot AI? Join Us. Soon the SPIKEFERENCE website will be available with more info. The project will have two amazing external advisors: Karl Friston and Chris Eliasmith Link to the recently awarded project: https://www.ru.nl/donders/news/news/@1309322/ai-scientists-join-human-brain… Pablo Lanillos, Serge Thill, Marcel van Gerven. Dr. Pablo Lanillos www.therobotdecision.com<http://www.therobotdecision.com> Assistant professor in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence | AI Robotics Lab ELLIS Nijmegen Unit Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, the Netherlands p.lanillos @ donders.ru.nl

April 20, 2021

Announcing Neuromatch Academy courses for 2021!

by Mohamed Abdelhack

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce that Neuromatch Academy (NMA) will offer two courses this year: NMA-Computational Neuroscience: July 5-23, 2021 Content: https://github.com/NeuromatchAcademy/course-content NMA-Deep Learning: Aug 2-20, 2021 Content: https://github.com/NeuromatchAcademy/course-content-dl Applications for interactive students and teaching assistants will be open April 15 to May 7th 2021. Faculty interested in being project mentors can use the same portal to apply. Application Portal: https://portal.neuromatchacademy.org/ What is Neuromatch Academy? Neuromatch Academy (NMA) launched last year as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aimis to provide globally-accessible, high-quality, TA-supported training in computational techniques related to neuroscience. In 2020, NMA designed and ran a fully online 3-week Computational Neuroscience course for 1757 students with 191 teaching assistants (TAs) working in virtual inverted (or flipped) classrooms and on small group projects. Fourteen languages, active community management, and low cost allowed for an unprecedented level of inclusivity and universal accessibility. What’s in a course? Our courses are intensive 3-week programs involving hands-on tutorials developed by experts in the field. We have two tracks for students: interactive and observer. Accepted interactive students are placed into TA-led pods (groups) using the neuromatch algorithm, which matches students with common interests who are in the same timezone and their preferred language for instruction. Interactive students receive personalized support as they work through hands-on tutorials and collaborate on course projects. Officially registered observer track students have full access to the materials, access to NMA course communications (e.g., Discord), and can choose to be matched with other observer track students What does it cost? We charge full-time students/academics a region adjusted small fee for the Interactive track in order to pay for TAs (fee waivers are available to those who need it, no questions asked). Students without an academic affiliation (i.e., industry applicants) are charged the full unsubsidized cost of the school, but can also inquire about waivers. Observer track participants have access to all the content at no cost, but are not placed in TA-led pods. Please see the website (https://academy.neuromatch.io/) for additional information, pre-course resources and volunteer opportunities! Warm Regards, Neuromatch Academy team Follow [@neuromatch](https://twitter.com/neuromatch) on twitter for regular updates!

April 19, 2021

Announcing "Bernstein SmartSteps - Featuring Early Career Scientists"

by Anja Dorrn

The Bernstein SmartSteps<https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/the-network/bernstein-smartsteps/aboutB…> series provides a unique platform for selected Early Career Scientists of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://www.bernstein-network.de/en> to present their research projects to the scientific community. Once a month, starting in April 2021, one PhD candidate and one Postdoc who are ready to take their next (smart) step for their scientific career will discuss their research in an online seminar. Join the Bernstein SmartSteps Series as an audience if you are interested in cutting-edge computational neuroscience and want to watch out for new talents in the field. The live talks will be held in Zoom. A recording will be published in a separate collection on the Bernstein Vimeo Channel. Please register here<https://bit.ly/3e43j5s>, if you would like to join for the live talks. A link to the event in Zoom will be sent shortly before via email. Spring Talks 2021<https://bit.ly/BeSmSt> Thursday, April 29, 4 pm CEST * Gily Ginosar (Ulanovsky lab) | Weizmann Institut, Rehovot, Israel Locally-ordered representation of 3D space in the entorhinal cortex * Friedrich Schuessler (Barak lab) | Technion, Haifa, Israel Recurrent network dynamics lead to interference in sequential learning Thursday, May 20, 4 pm CEST * Claire Meissner-Bernard (Friedrich lab) | Friedrich Miescher Institut, Basel, Schweiz Co-tuned, balanced excitation and inhibition in olfactory memory networks * Samuel Eckmann (Gjorgjieva lab) | Max Planck Institut für Hirnforschung, Frankfurt, Deutschland A theory for Hebbian learning in recurrent E-I networks Thursday, June 10, 4 pm CEST * Paul Pfeiffer (Schreiber lab) | Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland Capacitance clamp - artificial capacitance in biological neurons via dynamic clamp * Willem Wybo (Morrison lab) | Forschungszentrum Jülich, Deutschland Data-driven reduction of dendritic morphologies with preserved dendro-somatic responses -- Dr. Anja Dorrn Scientific Coordinator 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 9589 web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.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, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 16, 2021

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS AND TUTORIALS - 30th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2021)

by Martin Zapotocky

**Organization for Computational Neurosciences 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359 Grandville, MI 49418 USA** ** *Call for Workshops and Tutorials**at the 30th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2021 Online, **July 3-7)***** We are requesting proposals for workshops and tutorials from the international community of computational neuroscientists. Proposals from all levels of faculty as well as advanced postdoctoral fellows are welcome. Tutorials are to be held on the first day and workshops on the last two days of the CNS*2021 Meeting <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-online>. This is an excellent opportunity to reach the large online audience participating in this meeting (with over 1,000 attendees the previous year). Registration for tutorials and workshops is included in the main meeting registration. Please see the links below for detailed information. Questions regarding workshops and tutorials should be addressed to workshops(a)cnsorg.org <mailto:workshops@cnsorg.org> or tutorials(a)cnsorg.org <mailto:tutorials@cnsorg.org>. We are looking forward to your submissions. CALL FOR WORKSHOPS: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-call-for-workshops <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-call-for-workshops> Priority Deadline for proposals: *May 15* Jorge Mejias, Workshops Chair for CNS*2021 CALL FOR TUTORIALS: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2021-call-for-tutorials <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-call-for-tutorials> Deadline for proposals: *May 15* Anca Doloc-Mihu, Tutorials Chair for CNS*2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for awards and other benefits. Visit our website for more information: https://www.cnsorg.org <https://www.cnsorg.org> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Upozorneni: Neni-li v teto zprave vyslovne uvedeno jinak, ma tato E-mailova zprava nebo jeji prilohy pouze informativni charakter. Tato zprava ani jeji prilohy v zadnem ohledu ustavy AV CR, v.v.i. k nicemu nezavazuji. Text teto zpravy nebo jejich priloh neni navrhem na uzavreni smlouvy, ani prijetim pripadneho navrhu na uzavreni smlouvy, ani jinym pravnim jednanim smerujicim k uzavreni jakekoliv smlouvy a nezaklada predsmluvni odpovednost ustavu AV CR, v.v.i. Disclaimer: If not expressly stated otherwise, this e-mail message (including any attached files) is intended purely for informational purposes and does not represent a binding agreement on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The text of this message and its attachments cannot be considered as a proposal to conclude a contract, neither the acceptance of a proposal to conclude a contract, nor any other legal act leading to concluding any contract; nor does it create any pre-contractual liability on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

April 15, 2021

Postdoc position available in PET/MRI at MGH, Harvard Medical School

by Wey, Hsiao-Ying

Research Fellow in Simultaneous PET/MR Neuroimaging Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School We are seeking two postdoctoral fellows to join our team to pursue research in simultaneous PET/MR imaging in neuroscience applications. Our research focuses on developing and applying novel PET/MRI methods to investigate the neurochemical underpinnings of psychiatric and neurological disorders. We have projects and training opportunities in the following area: (1) Quantify neuroreceptor dynamics and function with pharmacological challenges in animal models and human subjects, with applications in pain, addiction, and psychiatric disorders; (2) Assess the impacts of neurovascular coupling on PET radiotracer kinetics, with applications in neurodegenerative disorders; and (3) Develop and evaluate novel PET radiotracers for first-in-human study and clinical applications. Our research programs are highly translational spanning from animal models, first-in-human studies, to clinical applications. The appointment as a Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School research fellow will be for 1 year with possibility for extension based on performance and the availability of funding. The positions are available immediately. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated researcher with a desire to begin an independent career related to or involving neuroimaging. The position requires a Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience or a related field. However, we will consider candidates of any scientific background. This position requires experience in analysis of medical imaging data. Experience with MRI or PET is a plus. Extremely strong candidates with minimal imaging experience are still encouraged to apply. Strong written and oral English communication skills are required. [cid:clip_image001.png]Additional Skills/Abilities/Competencies The job requires a candidate who is mature, responsible and flexible with excellent organizational and people skills. S/He must be able to work with in a fast-paced environment and should be able to problem-solve/troubleshoot, juggle and prioritize multiple tasks and seek assistance when appropriate. Application Interested applicants should send a cover letter describing research interests and experience, an updated CV, and names and contact information of three references to: Hsiao-Ying (Monica) Wey, Ph.D. (E-mail: hsiaoying.wey(a)mgh.harvard.edu) Please contain “Research Fellow Application: Your Name” in the e-mail subject line. The Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. Best, Hsiao-Ying (Monica) ------ Hsiao-Ying (Monica) Wey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School Director of Translational Imaging, Chemical Neuroscience Program<https://chemneuro.martinos.org/> A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging <https://www.martinos.org/>Institute for Innovation in Imaging (i3)<https://i3.mgh.harvard.edu/> Massachusetts General Hospital 149 Thirteenth Street, Room 10.110 Charlestown, MA 02129 Phone: (617) 724-1384 Email: hsiaoying.wey(a)mgh.harvard.edu Website: weylab.martinos.org

April 15, 2021

Funding opportunities at NASA HRP solicitation Appendix E

by Reinoud Maex

From: mailman-bounces(a)neuroinformatics.be <mailman-bounces(a)neuroinformatics.be> on behalf of Zawaski, Janice A. (JSC-SD211) <janice.zawaski(a)nasa.gov> Sent: 14 April 2021 04:21 To: comp-neuro-owner(a)neuroinformatics.be Cc: Elgart, S Robin (JSC-SK4)[WYLE LABORATORIES, INC.] Subject: NASA HRP solicitation Appendix E Dear Computational Neuro Owner, My name is Janice Zawaski and I am the Space Radiation Deputy Element Scientist within the NASA Human Research Program (HRP). HRP funds research with the goal of buying down the risks associated with spaceflight such as the effects of space radiation on the CNS. Currently, the NASA Human Research Program has an active solicitation, Appendix E Topic 2, that is focused on utilizing computational brain models to characterize the effects of space radiation exposure. Due to the limited time, Step-1s (1 page LOI) due April 30th, would it be possible for an administrator to send the information below to the Computation Neuroscience Mailing list? I have also included information about our omnibus opportunity Appendix F that is released three times a year. The NASA Human Research Program has released two funding opportunities for research relevant to the Space Radiation Element. Appendix E Flagship Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HERO20-HHP<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.c…> Space Radiation Topics: Topic 2. Computational Brain Modeling to Characterize the Effects of Space Radiation Exposure Specific Research Focus Area This topic seeks proposals that focus on identifying, based on historical data / prior research, biophysical parameters and structural features that are altered after radiation exposure and to substitute these into computational brain models in patterns reflecting radiation exposure. The model can then be used to interrogate how network activity is altered and its implications on information processing and network stability – i.e. a perturbation analysis. Network firing statistics, ability to maintain oscillations, etc. would represent some of the potential outcome measures. Due to high complexity of the research required, we encourage cross-discipline collaboration and multi-disciplinary teams, including but not limited to radiation biologists, radiation physicists, computational modelers, neuroscientists, etc. Research Platform Ground-based analogs, Computational. Proposers should discuss radiation parameters with the Space Radiation Element prior to proposal submission. Research proposing in vitro and/or in vivo irradiation experiments will be considered non-responsive. Required Deliverables Development of a computational 3D brain model of the hippocampus and/or prefrontal cortex able to characterize and quantify space radiation effects. Quantification, using the developed model, of space radiation exposure including:  Dose/Fluence Response Characterization  Effect of single ions and/or mixed fields (i.e. Proton and HZE) Desired Deliverable Identification of thresholds for failure modes. Validation of the in silico model based on the comparison to historical experimental behavioral results. Appendix F Omnibus Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HERO20-OMNIBUS3<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.c…> Three different categories * Applied Investigations * New Investigator Opportunity (**NEW**) * Early Career Investigator Opportunity (**NEW**) The goal of the Omnibus is to expedite progress in various research areas in a short period of time, NASA is requesting proposals for short-term investigations or technology development projects that provide innovative approaches to any of the risks and associated knowledge gaps contained in the Human Research Program (HRP) Integrated Research Plan (IRP). We strongly encourage researchers from all career stages to participate as part of our ongoing efforts to broaden the expertise of our research community. Additionally, please distribute to any colleagues that might be interested in responding. Step-1 proposals are due April 30 thru the NASA NSPIRES system (NSPIRES - NASA Research Opportunities Online (nasaprs.com)<https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/>) which requires registration. The Element is limited in the specific feedback we can provide regarding proposals but please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. Note that eligibility is limited to USA institutions. Thank you! The Space Radiation Element Team jsc-hrp-space-radiation-element(a)mail.nasa.gov Thank you, Janice Janice Zawaski, Ph.D. Deputy Element Scientist Space Radiation – Human Research Program JSC B21/2147 | Houston, TX 77058

April 15, 2021

PhD position / Bordeaux / Machine learning / Neuroscience

by Nicolas P. Rougier (inria)

Dear colleagues, Inria (https://www.inria.fr/en) and the Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases (https://www.imn-bordeaux.org/en/) is opening a PhD position in machine learning and neuroscience. Title: Bags O' Neurons Who: Nicolas P. Rougier (Inria) & Thomas Boraud (CNRS) When: 09/2021 to 09/2024 Where: Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bordeaux, France What: The objective of this PhD is to define the original blueprint of the decision-making network in vertebrate using the newt as a model. More information and application at: https://aap.u-bordeaux.fr/siaap/pub/appel/view/166 Nicolas Rougier https://github.com/rougier https://www.labri.fr/perso/nrougier

April 15, 2021

Open position in Juelich, Germany: Data Steward Neuroscience - Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration in the Hub Information

by Martina Reske

Research data are the foundation of scientific discovery. Establishing the provenance of data, enabling its reusability and ensuring long-term availability increases the value, transparency and visibility of research, and opens possibilities for interdisciplinary research, e.g., through approaches from artificial intelligence. The Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration is an association-wide platform that develops and establishes novel concepts, services and workflows to annotate complex and heterogeneous research data with metadata throughout the various phases of acquisition and processing in support of the FAIR principles HMC will be anchored as a “Metadata Hub” within the Helmholtz research domain Information in order to engage and actively involve the scientific community. The Hub is coordinated by the Institute for Advanced Simulation - Materials Data Science and Informatics (IAS-9) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Within the Hub Information, the team for Data Science in Electro- and Optophysiology at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-10) headed by Dr. Michael Denker as part of the Statistical Neuroscience group of Prof. Sonja Grün (INM-6) will address the needs from the perspective of the neuroscience community in close coordination with its embedding in international initiatives (e.g., the “Human Brain Project”). The advertised position will link the activities of the INM-6 to the “Metadata Hub Information” when creating tools, establishing use cases, and working on standards for metadata and ontologies. We are looking to recruit a Data Steward Neuroscience - Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration in the Hub Information Your Job: * Support of the Helmholtz-wide establishment of the HMC Hub Information at Forschungszentrum Jülich and in the domain of neuroscience * Organization, integration and utilization of metadata schemas within the neuroscience domain and metadata expert communities within the HMC and the Hub Information * (Co-)Development of domain-specific vocabularies, ontologies and metadata schemas in collaboration with colleagues in the Hub Information and across the HMC, as well as with international neuroscience initiatives (e.g., EBRAINS) * Design and development of conceptual solutions and software to facilitate metadata creation workflows and stimulate metadata recording in neuroscience laboratories * Execution of collaborative projects for implementations in the context of FAIR data principles, supported by further HMC computer scientists * Co-development and operation of a domain-specific consulting format for anchoring metadata management in the research centers and dissemination of HMC developed tools * Representing the HMC and its technologies at scientific seminars, conferences, during educational courses, and to the public * Close cooperation with scientists from neuroscience (e.g., in the context of the Bernstein Network) and building interactions to scientific and engineering disciplines, especially in questions of metadata and in the design of projects supported by HMC * Building competence networks with other data stewards and supporting computer scientists * Preparation of position papers, best practices and publications Your Profile: * Completed study (Master, Diploma) in natural sciences or engineering * PhD degree and neuroscience background is beneficial * Proven knowledge and programming experience in at least one high-level language as well as knowledge in script languages (preferably Python), experience in web-based services for managing software (version control, issue tracking, CI,…) * Practical experience with data / research data management and data analysis in neuroscience * Experience in applying and designing metadata standards is an advantage * High ability to work with an interdisciplinary, international team * Communication and teamwork skills as well as the ability to cooperate * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently, systematically and on one’s own responsibility * Good communication skills with developers and scientists * Enthusiasm for a highly topical subject with great scientific and social relevance * 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: * A position in a creative, dynamic and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science, where your work will have noticeable impact on shaping the digitization of science * World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and digital technologies, enabling scientific progress on the most complex known systems * A large research campus in Jülich with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work * An attractive workspace at the "Technologiezentrum Aachen" (TZA) close to Aachen downtown, for the cooperation with the HMC team there * Secure employment in a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary context * Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development * Full-time position with the option of slightly reduced<https://www.hrecruiting.de/data/t5ChjatkIfdwmACO/Info_Vollzeitnah_en.pdf> 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 years, 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 EG 13 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 02.05.2021 via our online recruiting system<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf…>. Reference number: 2021-136 -- 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, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 14, 2021

EBRAINS Scientific Liaison Officer position at Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Germany

by Abigail Morrison

Dear Colleagues, We have a position open for a Scientific Liaison Officer for EBRAINS at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Jülich Research Centre, Germany. We are looking for candidates with excellent communication skills, a strong scientific background and computing skills to both promote EBRAINS in the neuroscience community, and drive development activities within the Human Brain Project to ensure the requirements of the community are being met. For a full description and details of how to apply, please see the announcement on our website: https://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2021-103-E… Closing date: 2 May 2021 All the best, Abigail Morrison -- Prof. Dr. Abigail Morrison IAS-6 / INM-6 / SimLab Neuroscience Jülich Research Center & Computer Science 3 - Software Engineering RWTH Aachen http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-6 http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc/slns http://www.se-rwth.de Office: +49 2461 61-9805 Fax # : +49 2461 61-9460 Pronouns: she/her ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 14, 2021

30th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2021) - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

by Martin Zapotocky

**Organization for Computational Neurosciences 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359 Grandville, MI 49418 USA** ** *Call for Abstracts* *30th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2021) - ONLINE** **July 3-7, 2021 *The main meeting begins the evening of Saturday July 3rd and runs through Tuesday July 7. It will be preceded by a day of tutorials (Saturday July 3rd) and followed by workshops (Tuesday July 7 mixed with the main meeting and Wednesday July 8 workshops only). *Keynote Speakers:* *Wolf Singer - **Max Plank Institute for Brain Research **Danielle Bassett - **Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania **Sonia Gruen - **Statistical Neuroscience, Forschungszentrum Juelich **Bill Bialek - **Dept. of Physics, Princeton University* Registration and abstract submission are open. *Abstract submission deadline: May 15th, 2021.* *Accept/reject **notification by June 1**^st ** **Talk/Poster **notification by June 15**^th * Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting *before abstract submission*. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Submitted abstracts are used for creating the program and for publication. Please follow the formatting guidelines on the submission site. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2021-online-registration <https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2021-online-registration>Registration fees: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2021-registration-fees <https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2021-registration-fees> Abstract Submission for Main Meeting: https://cns.confmaster.net/ <https://cns.confmaster.net/> For up-to-date conference information, please visit: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-online <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-online> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for awards and other benefits. Visit our website for more information: https://www.cnsorg.org <https://www.cnsorg.org> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Upozorneni: Neni-li v teto zprave vyslovne uvedeno jinak, ma tato E-mailova zprava nebo jeji prilohy pouze informativni charakter. Tato zprava ani jeji prilohy v zadnem ohledu ustavy AV CR, v.v.i. k nicemu nezavazuji. Text teto zpravy nebo jejich priloh neni navrhem na uzavreni smlouvy, ani prijetim pripadneho navrhu na uzavreni smlouvy, ani jinym pravnim jednanim smerujicim k uzavreni jakekoliv smlouvy a nezaklada predsmluvni odpovednost ustavu AV CR, v.v.i. Disclaimer: If not expressly stated otherwise, this e-mail message (including any attached files) is intended purely for informational purposes and does not represent a binding agreement on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The text of this message and its attachments cannot be considered as a proposal to conclude a contract, neither the acceptance of a proposal to conclude a contract, nor any other legal act leading to concluding any contract; nor does it create any pre-contractual liability on the part of Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

April 13, 2021

Call for participation in the Frontiers topic "Advances in brain functional and structural networks modeling via graph theory"

by farras abdelnour

We would like to announce a special issue of Frontiers in Neuroscience titled “Advances in brain func/onal and structural networks modeling via graph theory,” https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20135/advances-in-brain-functio… The aims of this Research Topic are to advance the current understanding of the brain modeled as a mathematical network, develop new and advanced methods capturing the graph relationship between function and structure, propose new analysis methods of brain time series explicitly grounded on underlying structural network, and ultimately apply the resulting knowledge to brain disease and further foster the understanding of the brain’s underlying configuration and dynamics. We welcome submissions focusing on but not limited to the following topics: - Application of tools such as machine learning, deep learning and convolutional neural network to functional imaging data from fMRI to EEG to predict function from structure. - Study of graph properties of structural or functional networks in healthy and non-healthy brains. - Graph signal processing and harmonic analysis applied to brain networks. - Novel methods and modalities for constructing functional and structural networks. Farras Abdelnour Amy Kuceyeski Ashish Raj Yasser Iturria Medina Samuel Deslauriers-Gauthier -- Farras Abdelnour *Guest Associate Editor of the Frontiers Research Topic **"**Advances in brain functional and structural networks modeling via graph theory <https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20135/advances-in-brain-functio…>* *”* farras.abdelnour(a)gmail.com http://sacklerinstitute.academia.edu/FarrasAbdelnour http://www.abdelnour.photos

April 13, 2021

Postdoc position in Litwin-Kumar group at Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia U.

by ashok litwin-kumar

A Postdoctoral Research Scientist position is available in the group of Dr. Ashok Litwin-Kumar at Columbia’s Center for Theoretical Neuroscience. The postdoc will develop tools for the analysis of synapse-level wiring diagrams (“connectomes”) and theoretical methods for understanding how network structure identified by such datasets constrains the dynamics of task-optimized neural networks. The development of such methods is important and timely given the increasing availability and scale of connectomic data. The postdoc will be integrated into the large, vibrant neuroscience community at Columbia University of which the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience forms a key component. They will also have the opportunity to participate in strong existing collaborations with groups at Columbia, Janelia, Cambridge, and elsewhere focused on the generation and analysis of connectome data. Applicants are expected to have a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline and, preferably, experience in theoretical neuroscience or the statistical analysis of neuroscience data. The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University brings together researchers from different scientific disciplines to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly interactive research environment, laboratories work together to gain critical insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers. The Zuckerman Institute is housed in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, an architectural masterpiece on Columbia University’s Manhattanville campus. All appointments are initially for one year and are renewable for at least three years given satisfactory performance. The salary is competitive. Applicants should apply through Columbia’s job portal: https://pa334.peopleadmin.com/postings/7453 Applications should include the following: 1. CV, including a list of publications 2. Statement of research interests 3. Three letters of reference (reference writers should send their letters directly to yao2107(a)columbia.edu) Columbia University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Columbia values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.

April 13, 2021

Statistical neuroscience postdoc in houston

by xaq pitkow

Postdoctoral research position in Statistical Neuroscience POSITION: We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow for a collaborative team project building statistical models for interpreting large scale neural recordings. The fellows will develop new methods and applications of probabilistic graphical models to infer statistical interactions amongst neurons and with their environment. The tools will be validated in neural network simulations, tested in physiological recordings, and made widely available to the neuroscience community for understanding data from next-generation experiments. TEAM: Fellows will join a lively team led by theorists Krešimir Josić and Xaq Pitkow, and may work with collaborators Genevera Allen, Ankit Patel, Robert Rosenbaum, and Andreas Tolias as well as several other labs interested in applying novel methods we develop. Fellows will also be members of the new Center for Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence housed at the Baylor College of Medicine and supported in part by the NSF NeuroNex program. The Center brings together interdisciplinary researchers from across Houston, including members from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, University of Houston, and University of Texas Health Sciences. Researchers at the Center contribute diverse expertise in fields including neuroscience, machine learning, statistics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have outstanding mathematical skills and a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline, and expertise in probabilistic graphical models or statistical machine learning. APPLYING: Applicants should email a letter of research interests and CV to Camila Lopez (Camila.Lopez(a)bcm.edu) along with contact information for three references. We look forward to hearing from you!

April 13, 2021

NEST Conference 2021 goes virtual — registration & call for contributions open

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear all, The NEST Initiative is excited to invite everyone interested in Neural Simulation Technology and the NEST Simulator to the NEST Conference 2021. The NEST Conference provides an opportunity for the NEST Community to meet, exchange success stories, swap advice, learn about current developments in and around NEST spiking network simulation and its application. This year's conference will again take place as a virtual conference on Monday/Tuesday 28/29 June 2021 followed by a virtual NEST User Hackathon until Friday 2 July, which offers the opportunity to deep-dive your own code with expert developers at your fingertips. Registration and submission of contributions are now open! We are inviting contributions to the conference, including plenary talks, "posters", breakout sessions and workshops on specific topics. Please register and submit your contribution(s) via the conference website https://nest-simulator.org/conference. Important dates 16 May 2021 — Deadline for submission of contributions and for NEST Initiative Membership applications 08 June 2021 — Notification of acceptance 21 June 2021 — Registration deadline 28 June 2021 — NEST Conference 2021 starts We are looking forward to seeing you all in June! Hans Ekkehard Plesser, Dennis Terhorst & Anne Elfgen -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Head, Department of Data Science Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no<mailto:hans.ekkehard.plesser@nmbu.no> Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

April 13, 2021

Faculty Position at the University of Calgary

by Wilten Nicola

The * Department of Computer Science* seeks an outstanding candidate for a tenure-track position at the * Assistant Professor level in the area of * * Fundamental Data Science* with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2021. The applicant must possess a PhD in Computer Science or a Data Science-related discipline at the time of appointment. The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of a track record of impactful publications in high quality journals and conferences. The successful applicant needs to contribute to the Faculty's innovative teaching and research initiatives, including our highly successful professional graduate programs in Data Science & Analytics <https://science.ucalgary.ca/data-science>. The successful applicant must have demonstrated expertise in the latest big data processing approaches, data analysis, information presentation and visualization, machine learning, cloud computing, or distributed processing of sensors and computational devices. The candidate must have strong interests in multi-disciplinary approaches in exploring artificially intelligent systems as partners to augment scientific inquiries, support innovative exploration of ideas, and investigate how smart technologies and artificial intelligence can be used to benefit our society and help solve scientific, social, and environmental challenges. *The candidate in Fundamental Data Science ** needs to demonstrate evidence of foundational research in data science and machine-based analytics, thus creating the next generation of artificial intelligence systems (including but not limited to deep learning and explainable AI). We are also seeking applicants with demonstrated evidence of expertise in neuroscience-inspired artificial intelligence to investigate, for example, human/brain-computer interfaces, neuroscience-inspired machine learning architectures, and their applications. * The candidate must have strong interests in multi-disciplinary approaches in supporting the Faculty of Science's Data Science research initiatives and training programs, which we offer in partnership with the Cumming School of Medicine and the Haskayne School of Business. The candidate is expected to contribute to the University of Calgary’s * Growth through Focus * <https://ucalgary.ca/president/unstoppable-growth-through-focus?%2Fgrowth-th…> strategy to promote transdisciplinary scholarship and innovation and empower our students and communities to tackle society’s big problems. The candidate’s teaching obligations will be primarily in our professional graduate Data Science & Analytics <http://science.ucalgary.ca/data-science> programs. *Application Deadline: May 3, 2021 * Please apply online via the link: *https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/6496560-assistant-professor-fundamental-data-science-department-of-computer-science-faculty-of-science <https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/6496560-assistant-professor-fundamental-da…>.* A complete application should be submitted in a single pdf, and include the following: - Cover letter (1-2 pages) - Current curriculum vitae - Research Plan (1-3 pages) - Teaching Philosophy (1-2 pages) - Statement describing the candidate’s contributions, or potential contributions, to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) along with their ability to work with a culturally diverse and international student, staff, and faculty body (up to 1 page) *Applications can be addressed to: Dr. Christian Jacob, Head, Department of Computer Science* The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy <https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous-strategy/> in line with the foundational goals of * Eyes High <https://www.ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh>*, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. *The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No) * *Additional Information* To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our * Academic Careers website <http://careers.ucalgary.ca/pages/academic-careers>*. For more information about the Faculty of Science visit * Careers in the Faculty of Science <https://science.careers.ucalgary.ca/>.* *About the University of Calgary* The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit *ucalgary.ca <http://www.ucalgary.ca>*. *About Calgary, Alberta* Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

April 13, 2021

Don't miss the upcoming INCF Assembly on FAIR neuroscience!

by Helena Ledmyr

Join us virtually for the 2021 INCF Assembly on April 19-27, with an exciting program <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/2021/program> covering different aspects of FAIR neuroscience, registration <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/2021/registration> is now open! Members of INCF enjoy heavily discounted registration fees, which are already lowered due to the meeting being virtual this year. You can sign up for membership and see the other benefits here <https://www.incf.org/join-incf/individuals> - one year costs 20 USD for students and postdocs, and 50 USD for regular members. *Please share this with your networks!* The INCF Assembly 2021 aims to provide the neuroscience community with approaches that can be used today to implement the FAIR principles in their research. It also aims to provide tool developers and infrastructure providers with an opportunity to interact with the user community and to interact with other practitioners to advance the field of neuroinformatics. The 2021 INCF Assembly will address topics around FAIR neuroscience such as: - FAIR approaches for neuroscience in general, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience - Electrophysiology and computational neuroscience - Data science - Showcase of tools and infrastructures - Open innovation and intellectual property - Information about ongoing work in INCF councils and committees - Funders and publishers roundtable - Workshops on developing standards and a roadmap for FAIR neuroscience The INCF Assembly is the only international meeting that focuses on providing researchers with hands-on training experiences and enabling interaction with software developers and infrastructure providers. We hope to see you online next week! Best wishes, Helena and the INCF Team ----------------------------- 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

April 12, 2021

NIH-funded course on multiscale modeling of brain circuits using NetPyNE/NEURON

by Salvador Dura

Would you like to build a model of brain circuits but don’t know where to start? Want to test a hypothesis or find an explanation for your experimental observations? Our online hands-on course (May 17 to June 1, 2021) will provide you an accelerated introduction to theory, methods, and tools to build brain circuit models at multiple scales (molecular, cellular, network, system, behavior) using the NetPyNE<http://netpyne.org/> and NEURON tools. Our tutors will then work closely with you to help you develop your own model. See all the details and how to apply here: http://dura-bernal.org/netpyne-course-2021

April 11, 2021

New FRONTIERS TOPIC: Memory Processes in Medial Temporal Lobe: Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Approaches

by Vassilis Cutsuridis

Dear colleagues, please consider submitting to the new Frontiers Topic in Systems Neuroscience: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20768/memory-processes-in-media… Regards, --- Vassilis Cutsuridis, PhD, M.Sc, M.A. Senior Lecturer School of Computer Science University of Lincoln UK Tel: +44 (0) 1522 83 5701 Email: vcutsuridis(a)lincoln.ac.uk Web:http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/vcutsuridis Personal website:http://www.vassiliscutsuridis.org/ "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it" - Robert Swan "The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them" — Sir William Lawrence Bragg, 1890–1971

April 10, 2021

Assistant Professor Position in Cognitive Neurosciences of Language - University of Geneva Switzerland

by Narly Golestani

Dear all, An Assistant Professor Position in Cognitive Neuroscience of Language is available at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. The position will be in the Psychology section of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Science https://www.unige.ch/fapse/, with access to Campus Biotech Facilities "https://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/node/320". This position is opened in the context of the NCCR (National Center of Research Competence) "Evolving Language" - http://www.snf.ch/en/researchinFocus/nccr/evolving-language/Pages/default.a…. The whole application process can be carried in English. It is required that the successful candidate acquire a working command of French within the first two years in the position. The application deadline is on May 19th, 2021 - please see https://jobs.unige.ch/www/wd_portal.show_job?p_web_site_id=1&p_web_page_id=… for more information. We would be most thankful if you could distribute widely. Thanks in advance, and best wishes, Narly Golestani. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brain and Language Lab Prof. Narly GOLESTANI Department of Psychology Campus Biotech 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202 Genève +41 22 379 53 52 <https://outlook.unige.ch/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=5WTo-p-J-W9FrDydU-0WU4PdMytUGs…>http://www.brainandlanguagelab.org https://twitter.com/brain_lang_lab ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <https://outlook.unige.ch/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=5WTo-p-J-W9FrDydU-0WU4PdMytUGs…>

April 9, 2021

2y PostDoc position on EEG analysis in Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy

by Alberto Mazzoni

Dear all, I am looking with Prof. Silvestro Micera for a motivated postdoc with previous experience in EEG analysis for a 2y contract in the neural engineering area of the Institute of Biorobotics of the Scuola Superiore Sant Anna https://www.santannapisa.it/en/computational-neuroengineering-laboratory https://www.santannapisa.it/en/institute/biorobotics/translational-neural-e… Projects include Alzheimer diagnostics, robotic rehabilitation, neuroprosthetics, Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson. Last but not least, Tuscany is a great place to live! Please spread the voice and contact me if interested. Thanks, best Alberto Mazzoni

April 9, 2021

New FRONTIERS TOPIC: BRAIN CONNECTIVITY, DYNAMICS AND COMPLEXITY

by Stephen José Hanson

Please considering submitting to the new Frontiers Topic in Human Neuroscience: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20807/brain-connectivity-dynami… -- Stephen José Hanson Professor Director RUBIC (University- Wide) Department of Psychology (NK) Cognitive Science Center (NB)

April 9, 2021

[CFP] MDPI Molecules (IF: 3.267, ISSN: 1420-3049) - Special Issue "Practical Aspects of Molecular Communications"

by Murat Kuşcu

MDPI Molecules (IF: 3.267, ISSN: 1420-3049) Special Issue on Practical Aspects of Molecular Communications https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special_issues/molecular_communicati… --------------------------- CALL FOR PAPERS The Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is an emerging technology that aims to extend our connectivity to nanoscale and biological environments with collaborative nanonetworks of artificial nanomachines and biological entities integrated into the Internet infrastructure. To enable the IoBNT and its groundbreaking applications, such as continuous intrabody health monitoring, it is imperative to devise low-complexity nanoscale communication techniques suitable for the envisioned nanomachines of simple architectures. The most promising communication technology for realizing the IoBNT is Molecular Communications (MC), as it ubiquitously manifests itself in many complex biological systems in the Universe, and thus, stands as one of the most common communication modalities, optimized from many aspects as a result of billions of years of evolutionary advancement. Making use of this naturally existing technology requires understanding its foundations through our existing modeling and analysis tools. This quest, which started almost 15 years ago, has received increasing attention from ICT researchers, which have been overly inspired by conventional electromagnetic communication technologies in their approach to this radically different paradigm. These theoretical approaches, however, have not always come with sufficient physical relevance. Currently, this emerging field has come to a critical turning point, as many researchers have started to report on initial MC experiments following different approaches and using different materials, while consistently pointing out a discrepancy between the obtained experimental results and the past theoretical work. This reveals the need to rethink the previous efforts and come up with new interdisciplinary strategies, thus building practical MC techniques and developing feasible MC system components, experimental testbeds, and prototypes in order to close the gap between theory and practice, and expedite the transfer of this emerging technology to the market. Among the challenges stated above, this Special Issue is particularly focused on the practical aspects of MC. Therefore, we are calling for technical papers that report on new research with the potential to move this field forward towards its practical applications, as well as surveys/tutorials focusing on the practical challenges of MC research. Hence, its scope encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary research topics, with some examples listed as follows: ** The physical design, modeling, and implementation of MC system components (e.g., transmitter, receiver, channel); ** The design and implementation of MC testbeds; ** Practical and low-complexity MC methods (e.g., modulation, detection, channel estimation, synchronization, coding methods); ** The testing and validation of MC transceiver/channel models and MC methods; ** Applications of microfluidics, biosensors, and nanomaterials for MC system design; ** Bio-cyber interfaces between MC networks and conventional macroscale networks; ** Synthetic biology-based MC transceiver architectures; ** Optimization of ligand-receptor interactions for MC; ** Biocompatibility and co-existence challenges; ** Energy harvesting and power transfer techniques for MC networks; ** The design and demonstration of MC applications (e.g., those in healthcare, agriculture, biocomputing). --------------------------- Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2021 --------------------------- Guest Editors Sasitharan Balasubramaniam, TSSG/Walton Institute, Waterford Institute of Technology (sasib(a)tssg.org) Murat Kuscu, Koc University, Turkey (mkuscu(a)ku.edu.tr) Bige D. Unluturk, Michigan State University, USA (unluturk(a)msu.edu) Kerstin Lenk, Graz University of Technology, Austria (kerstin.lenk(a)tugraz.at ) Ergin Dinc, University of Cambridge, UK (ed502(a)cam.ac.uk) Michael Barros, University of Essex, UK (m.barros(a)essex.ac.uk) --------------------------- Paper submission Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI. Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions. --------------------------- Additional information: Please visit the MDPI Molecules Special Issue webpage at: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special_issues/molecular_communicati… Inquiries can be addressed to Ms. Emity Wang at: emity.wang(a)mdpi.com, molecules(a)mdpi.com

April 9, 2021

Reader/Principal Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Hertfordshire

by Volker Steuber

Reader/Principal Lecturer in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) School of Physics Engineering and Computer Science/ Department of Computer Science University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK FTE: Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE) Duration of Contract: Permanent Salary: UH9 £51,034 - £60,905 pa dependent on relevant skills and experience Closing date: 9 May 2021 Applications are invited for an academic position as Reader/Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The Department has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 64 academic staff, 40 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the Department teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme. Main duties and responsibilities The person appointed will be expected to make a significant contribution to the leadership of research in the department, including gaining research awards as Principal Investigator, the development of the research environment in the department and across the University, and publishing in peer reviewed journal articles and other internationally excellent or world-leading publications in education. To contribute to the development of, and supervise and teach on, doctoral programmes in the UK and internationally in relation to a wide spectrum of AI, especially emerging topics in AI. Possible fields include, but are not limited to: • Machine learning: reinforcement learning, Deep Methods, statistical methods, large scale data modelling/intelligent processing and high-performance learning algorithms • Robotics: embodied and/or cognitive robotics, HRI, robot safety, emotional/social robots, smart homes and sensors, sensor fusion, assistive robotics, soft robotics, adaptive or evolutionary robotic design • Biological and biophysical computation paradigms, systems biology, neural computation • Complex Systems: collective intelligence, adaptive, autonomous and multi-agent/robot systems, collective and swarm intelligence, social and market modelling, adaptive, evolutionary and unconventional computation • Mathematical Modelling: statistical modelling, information-theoretic methods, compressive sensing, intelligent data visualization, multiscale models, optimization; causality • Emerging Topics in AI: computer algebra and AI, topological methods (e.g. persistent homology), algebraic and category-theoretical methods in AI; modern topics in games and AI; quantum algorithms for AI • AI and applications: financial modelling, AI and biology/physics/cognitive sciences • Foundations: fundamental questions of intelligence and computation, emergence of life/intelligence, Artificial Life Preference will be given to candidates that can deliver teaching to Level 7 in a selection of relevant subjects. The appointee will also be expected to lead and develop taught modules in a range of computer science areas. For appointees with the appropriate experience, there will be the possibility of taking up the role of Head of Subject Group within the department of Computer Science. Skills and experience The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the Department by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Therefore it is essential that candidates have a track record (e.g. in published, grant-funded research) in Computer Science. Additionally, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance is an essential requirement of this role. Prior experience of developing modules and/or programmes of study in Computer Science is essential in addition to significant experience of operating in a UK HE Environment, or equivalent professional experience. Readers/Principal lecturers are expected to take on duties in the capacity of leader, and hence experience of academic leader, programme leadership and line management is desirable. Good interpersonal and presentation skills with proficiency in the English Language are essential along with the ability to manage conflicting demands and work to deadlines. Qualifications required Reader/Principal Lecturer applicants must hold a First Degree and a PhD in an appropriate area of Computer Science or an equivalent, relevant postgraduate professional qualifications. In addition, the Reader/Principal Lecturer will be expected to contribute to the leadership and management academic programmes, as well as proactive participation in enterprise, knowledge transfer and/or research and scholarship in the School. There are expectations of leadership and potentially supervisory oversight of groups of staff. Readers/Principal lecturers are also expected to contribute to the richness of the academic environment, through scholarly activity, support events, projects and activities, including open days, outreach, extra curricula initiatives, and potentially act as a representative of the School or University at national or international fora. The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science is an Athena Swan Bronze award holder, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment and flexible working arrangements. The university also provides an onsite childcare facility and child-centred holiday clubs. Staff work with the university values, which are: Friendly, Ambitious, Collegial, Enterprising, and Student focused. Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Simon Trainis, Head, Department of Computer Science by email: S.A.Trainis(a)herts.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. Closing Date: 9 May 2021 Interview Dates: TBC but candidates are advised to be available on 16 and 17 June 2021 Apply through https://www.herts.ac.uk/staff/careers-at-herts, Reference Number: 032595 Date Advert Placed: 8 April 2021 Volker Steuber Professor of Computational Neuroscience Biocomputation Research Group School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK +44 (0)1707 284350 biocomputation.herts.ac.uk<http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk>

April 9, 2021

PhD position in computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits, EPFL, Lausanne Switzerland

by Auke Ijspeert

The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ <https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob>) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open *PhD student position* in *computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits*. The position is part of the ERC Synergy Salamandra project that will start in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (KTH Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-… The goals of the position are (i) to develop numerical models and simulations of the locomotor circuits in the spinal cord of the salamander, (ii) to analyze their dynamics when coupled to a simulated mechanical model of the body (interactions between central and peripheral mechanisms), and (iii) to investigate their regenerative properties after spinal cord lesions. The models will be based on integrate-and-fire neuron models. The positions are fully funded for 4 years. EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure. *Requirements:* Candidates need to have a Master degree in a field related to computational neuroscience, e.g. in computer science, neuroscience, or physics. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong numerical modeling background, good programming skills, good math background (e.g. in dynamical systems), and interest in locomotion and robotics. *How to apply for the position:* Step 1: The position is only open to applicants who have been accepted by the EPFL doctoral school (see http://phd.epfl.ch/ <http://phd.epfl.ch/>). The first step is therefore to fill the applications for one of the relevant EPFL doctoral programs in neuroscience, or related fields (e.g. computer science or robotics). Step 2: In parallel to step 1, or once accepted by one of the doctoral programs (please specify which doctoral program and the date of acceptance), the application to the position should be sent by email to Prof. Auke Ijspeert and consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it) and a copy of the doctoral program application. Informal inquiries about the relevance of an application can be sent to auke.ijspeert(a)epfl.ch <mailto:auke.ijspeert@epfl.ch> (e.g. before or while submitting an application to the doctoral school), but responses can be slow because of a heavy schedule and a filled mail box. *Deadline and starting date:* *The ideal starting date is September 2021* (with some flexibility). Applications will be considered starting *from May 31 2021*, and then continuously until the positions are filled. *Instructions to apply* can be found here: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ Best regards, Auke Ijspeert -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

April 8, 2021