- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

10 PhD/Postdoc positions on metrology for AI in medicine at PTB Germany

by Haufe, Stefan

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

Feb. 16, 2021

PhD position: Machine learning for big sleep data

by Martin Dresler

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

Feb. 16, 2021

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

by Laurenz Wiskott

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

Feb. 12, 2021

Machine Learning PhD studentship

by Michael Biehl

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

Feb. 12, 2021

postdoc position involving psychophysics and fMRI to study visual consciousness

by Brascamp, Jan

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

Feb. 11, 2021

Call for submissions: Frontiers Research Topic on “Neuroinformatics of Large-Scale Brain Modelling”

by John Griffiths

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

Feb. 11, 2021

Visiting Assistant professor position (3yr - Psychology, broad)

by Blustein_Daniel

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

Feb. 10, 2021

Postdoctoral positions at PONS Centre Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

by Winterer, Jeanne

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

Feb. 10, 2021

INCF/OCNS Software WG: Dev sessions on Brian (11th Feb) and NeuroFedora (16th Feb)

by Ankur Sinha

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

Feb. 8, 2021

Postdoctoral positions at NIPS in Japan: Computational modeling of synaptic biochemical signaling

by Hidetoshi URAKUBO

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

Feb. 8, 2021

Special issue: Information Processing in Neuronal Circuits-Journal Biology

by alireza valizadeh

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

Feb. 8, 2021

PhD studentship on “Computational modelling of spiking neural network self-organization” at the University of Surrey (UK)

by roman bauer

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

Feb. 7, 2021

Focus on Criticality and Complexity in Brain Dynamics

by Claudius Gros

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

Feb. 5, 2021

Open Position: Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Reproducible Neuroimaging Analysis

by Sean Hill

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

Feb. 5, 2021

Open postdoc position in plasticity in action execution (Washington DC)

by Ella Striem-Amit

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

Feb. 5, 2021

[2nd BCI-UC] Program online

by Moritz Grosse-Wentrup

Dear colleagues: The program of the 2nd BCI-UC on February 10th & 11th 2021 from 03:00 pm to 08:00 pm (CET) is now online: https://bciunconference.univie.ac.at/2nd-bci-uc/ All presentations are streamed live and free-of-charge via https://www.crowdcast.io/e/2nd-brain-computer-interface-unconference/ The 2nd BCI-UC features keynotes by *Camille Jeunet* on "User-centered approach to improve BCI efficiency and usability: Stakes, Progress and Obstacles" and by *Marco Congedo* on "Recent Advances on Riemannian Transfer Learning". In addition, we have twelve contributed presentations on a broad range of topics and a symposium on commercial perspectives for BCI technologies. The BCI-UC committee: Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Anja Meunier Philipp Raggam Jiachen Xu

Feb. 5, 2021

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at the Institute for Neural Computation

by Vinita Samarasinghe

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

Feb. 5, 2021

FENS job advertisement for Executive Director position

by Helena Ledmyr

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

Feb. 4, 2021

2 Yr RA in Mathematical Neuroscience

by Stephen Coombes

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

Feb. 4, 2021

Postdoctoral Researchers in Computational Neuroscience in Alberta, Canada

by Wilten Nicola

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

Feb. 4, 2021

Scientist position at the Allen Institute: Functional Roles of Transcriptomically Defined Cell Types

by Anton Arkhipov

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

Feb. 2, 2021

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

by Domenico Maisto

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

Feb. 2, 2021

PhD student position in neuroengineering at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)

by Milekovic Tomislav

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

Feb. 2, 2021

PhD-positions in computational neuroscience at the University of Oslo as part of CompSci grant in EU Horizon 2020

by Gaute Einevoll

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

Feb. 1, 2021

Funded Ph.D. Studentship in Computational Modelling and Machine Learning in Decision Neuroscience

by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt

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

Feb. 1, 2021