- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoc and research assistant positions in Florida. Sleep and memory spike dynamics

by Carmen Varela

Two positions (*one postdoc and one research assistant/post-bac*) in the laboratory of Dr. Carmen Varela (Psychology Department, Florida Atlantic University; https://www.varelalab.org/) to investigate the role of the thalamus in sleep-dependent memory consolidation. *Keywords*: behaving rodent extracellular electrophysiology, cell population dynamics, thalamic circuits, learning and memory, sleep consolidation, synaptic plasticity, mRNA translation. Start date flexible within 2021. *Project 1 (postdoc; 3 years with possibility of extension):* Cell population dynamics of spike activity in thalamic cells during learning and subsequent NREM sleep consolidation. *Project 2 (research assistant; 1-2 years with possibility of extension):* Synaptic changes evoked by thalamic activity during sleep-dependent memory consolidation. **** Requirements **** Interested candidates please send your curriculum and a brief description of your research interests to varelac(a)fau.edu We are looking for team-oriented candidates, ideally with prior experience with rodent behavior and electrophysiology. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information for up to three references. **** What you get **** · Work on exciting and impactful projects to understand the contribution of higher order thalamic cells to learning and memory. · Develop research skills using state-of-the-art systems, molecular and computational neuroscience techniques. · Mentorship, supportive lab environment, in a rapidly growing neuroscience campus. *Location**:* The Varela laboratory is located in FAU’s Jupiter campus, a rapidly growing neuroscience hub, which also hosts our partners the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Institute. Best, Carmen Varela, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Psychology Department Florida Atlantic University MC-19, room 106 Jupiter, FL 33458

March 22, 2021

Open Post-doctoral Position in Human Perceptual Neuroscience at NYU

by Hardstone, Richard

The Perception and Brain Dynamics Laboratory (PI: Biyu J. He, Ph.D.) at New York University is currently recruiting for a post-doctoral fellow to study neural mechanisms of human perception and the interaction between perceptual and cognitive systems. We are looking for a candidate with independent critical thinking, strong analytical and quantitative skills, and good interpersonal skills. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in using advanced neuroimaging data analyses to test theories in perceptual/cognitive neuroscience, and/or candidates with experience in large-scale computational modeling. Our laboratory is located on the medical campus of New York University in Manhattan, NY, and is affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Radiology. The position is expected to start in fall 2021. We provide competitive salary and benefits that adjust for cost of living in New York City. To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter, a statement of scientific and career goals, and names and contacts of three referees to Prof. Biyu Jade He (email: biyu.jade.he(a)gmail.com<mailto:biyu.jade.he@gmail.com>) with the subject line “post-doctoral application 2021”. ------------------------------------------------------------ This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message. Please note, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. =================================

March 17, 2021

3x Positions in Reinforcement Learning & Comp Cogn Neuroscience for Healthcare

by Aldo Faisal

Dear All We are looking for machine learning, causal statistics and computational neuroscience minded people to join our rapidly growing team around developing Reinforcement Learning for medical interventions. Recruitment is on a rolling basis, but for administrative purposes we have a first cut-off end of this month. If you want to move beyond Atari games and work on intervention-based Machine Learning that will have impact on medial practice and eventually patient lives - do join us as we have received the unique opportunity to join us to work on the Machine Learning, Computational Cognitive Science and a rapidly growing team working on the hospital IT, regulatory and clinical side of our AI for Healthcare testbed for "Level 2 autonomous medical treatment”. Details below Kind regards Aldo — 3 x Postdoctoral Positions in Reinforcement Learning for Healthcare (AI Clinician) @ Imperial College Job Summary Research Associate salary: £40,858 - £48,340 per annum* Full-time, Fixed term to start ASAP for 2 years with the possibility for extension Our vision is to establish the computational foundations for an „AI clinician“, an AI system informed by millions of patient records that is using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to learn optimal treatment policies for critically ill patients (Komorowksi et Faisal, 2018, Nature Medicine; Gottesman et al, 2019, Nature Medicine). Prof Aldo Faisal, has been awarded a prestigious UKRI Turing AI Fellowship in Reinforcement Learning for Healthcare for which are recruiting up to 3 post-doctoral Research Associates. Our machine learning research goal is centred on developing what is needed as a theoretical foundation for taking our „AI clinician“ proof-of-principle all the way to clinical deployment, and expanding its capabilities and responsibilities. Our Research Associates doing fundamental work will be supported by a team of experienced Researchers and a program grant to take the AI Clinician through the regulatory and technical challenges of clinical deployment. The AI Clinician programme is grounded in the established foundations of clinical decision support systems, which will run as a bed-side recommender system watching over the patients state second-by-second and prompting specific clinical interventions to undertake as the patient state evolves. We are uniquely placed to take our machine learning developments into a meaningful clinical setting, as we have been awarded with generous funding by the UK’s Ministry of Health/NHS-X to setup a globally unique AI for Healthcare testbed for reinforcement learning interventions in 4 intensive care units across Central London. On the clinical side of the AI Clinician we are collaborating with world-leading intensive care clinicians (Anthony Gordon & Matthieu Komorowksi) also at Imperial College. Our project has the support of regulatory experts and specialised medical device units that support us in taking our entire research program all the way to clinical deployment in a live hospital environment. The overall research environment is corresponding to our ambition, the Departments where Aldo Faisal’s research group is based has been consistently ranked top 3 in the UK, and Imperial College has been consistently ranked in the top-10 universities world-wide. Imperial College boasts a world-leading ecosystem of AI for Healthcare research across the breadth of both AI and Medicine, and hosts among other things the pioneering UKRI Centre in AI for Healthcare (directed by Aldo Faisal), as well as the AI network, comprising over 200 faculty and 1000 Research Associates and PhD Students at Imperial that work in AI. Duties and responsibilities The aim of the project is the advancement of foundational Reinforcement Learning methods with the immediate application to clinical intervention and involves the unique opportunity to develop core machine learning theory and see it evaluated with clinical end-users as needed. We are therefore searching for our UKRI Turing AI research programme areas at the interface of: 1. Causal Inference & Reinforcement Learning Despite the parallels between optimal sequential decision making in Causal Inference (Dynamic Treatment Regimens) and continuous control in RL, there has only been some initial work linking these (Barenboim & Pearl, 2016; Johnson et al 2017; Gottesmann et Faisal…, 2019, Nature Med) and we are keen to synthesize these into a common theory. 2. Foundations of Reinforcement Learning Advancing RL methods to cope with partial observability, risk, sparseness or the size of vast data sets, (including Distributional RL & Fusing Off-policy & On-Policy learning; Off-Policy Learning in POMDPs; Neural ODEs for RL), e.g. see Li & Faisal, 2021, AAAI; 3. Explainable AI & Cognitive Neuroscience We believe that Explainability in AI requires us to develop empirical methods for measuring how well humans were explained and how much trust this explanation has caused, establishing a clear link to cognitive neuroscience. E.g. see Beyret, Shafti & Faisal, IROS 2019, Shafti et Faisal, IROS 2020. Location: London Salary: £40,858 to £48,340 per annum Hours: Full Time Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract Placed On: 2nd March 2021 Closes: 31st March 2021 Job Ref: ENG01585 How to apply For further details on this opportunity visit https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/ <https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/> and search using vacancy reference number ENG01585. Candidates should also attach: A full CV A short statement indicating what you see are interesting issues relating to the above post and why your expertise is relevant Informal enquiries regarding post please contact Aldo Faisal: aldo.faisal(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:aldo.faisal@imperial.ac.uk> For queries regarding the application process contact Jamie Perrins: j.perrins(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:j.perrins@imperial.ac.uk> Closing Date: 31st March 2021 (midnight) Apply <https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG01585/3-x-research-associate> — Aldo Faisal, PhD Professor of AI & Neurocscience UKRI Turing AI Fellow Director, UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Healthcare Director, Behaviour Analytics Lab, Data Science Institute Dept. of Bioengineering & Dept. Of Computing Imperial College London SW7 2AZ London UK @FaisalLab www.FaisalLab.org aldo.faisal(a)imperial.ac.uk http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.faisal

March 16, 2021

Full-time Research Assistant posion on funded project investigating the neural basis of conscious vision -- Brascamp lab

by Brascamp, Jan

Our lab is seeking to hire a Research Assistant for a funded project investigating the neural basis of conscious vision. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in many aspects of the study including recruiting and scheduling participants, collecting behavioral and neuroimaging data, and organizing and analyzing study data. In addition, this position will involve general lab management, including maintaining ethical protocols, and there will be opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab. The research assistant will also have the opportunity to prepare scientific results for publication and presentation, and there will be ample opportunity to learn methods in functional neuroimaging, visual psychophysics, and eye tracking/pupillometry. Accordingly, this position should be viewed as a stepping stone toward gaining entry into graduate or professional school. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, organized, and capable of working independently, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related discipline. Individuals interested in the psychology and neuroscience of visual perception are especially encouraged to apply. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field, and previous (undergraduate or post-undergraduate) experience in human subjects research. Experience with vision research is highly desirable. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is essential. Experience using a programming language (Python, Matlab) is desired, but not necessary. Preference will be given to those who can commit to two years of service. The start date is flexible. Interested applicants should e-mail Dr. Jan Brascamp at brascamp(a)msu.edu and include all required application materials: 1) 1-2 page letter of interest, including interests and long-term career goals/plans. 2) CV 3) Transcript (unofficial or official) 4) Contact information (phone and email address) for three individuals who can provide a reference Applications will be reviewed starting immediately and continue until the position is filled. Any questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Jan Brascamp at brascamp(a)msu.edu

March 16, 2021

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: 30 March 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 16, 2021

Funded PhD position in modelling biological neuro-muscular control in dynamic locomotion with a link to biorobotics (Biomechanics / Biomedical Engineering / (Bio-)physics)

by Compsens

FUNDED PHD POSITION IN MODELLING BIOLOGICAL NEURO-MUSCULAR CONTROL IN DYNAMIC LOCOMOTION WITH A LINK TO BIOROBOTICS (BIOMECHANICS / BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING / (BIO-)PHYSICS) We are currently seeking a highly motivated PHD STUDENT (F/M/D) WE OFFER a FUNDED RESEARCHER POSITION FOR 36 MONTHS in our project „Neuro-muscular contraction in dynamic locomotion“. The project has a strong focus on basic research investigating the function of biological muscles in locomotion and how to transfer important characteristics to novel bio-inspired robotic systems. You will be part of an interdisciplinary multi-center research group with muscle physiology and biorobotics researchers in a team of at least three PhD students. Your contribution will be focused on modelling and simulation of neuro-muscular control. Your contract should start in the first half of 2021. Salary will be based on previous experience. ABOUT US You will become a member of the group /Multi-Level Modeling in Motor Control and Rehabilitation Robotics/ at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH) in Tübingen. The project is in collaboration with the /Dynamic Locomotion Group/ at Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems and the /Department of Motion and Exercise Science /at the University of Stuttgart. Our joint research environment offers an excellent research infrastructure and outstanding graduate schools fostering the development of your career. REQUIREMENTS, CORE SKILLS The ideal candidate should have * A background in BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, (BIO-)PHYSICS, COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE, or closely related * a Masters (or equivalent) degree from a recognized university. Near completion can be considered; * Prior knowledge in multi body dynamics modeling, dynamical systems, system identification, learning, or optimization, is a plus; * Proficient programming experience in Matlab, Python, or similar * Prior experience with neuro-muscular or musculo-skeletal modeling is a plus; * Excellent grades and analytical skills; * Proficient oral and written English skills; * Outstanding candidates with different backgrounds are encouraged to apply To apply The position is will remain open until filled. Applications sent before March 21st will be prioritised. Please send a Cover letter, CV, and transcript of records, along with contact details of two researchers or teachers who would be willing to write a letter of reference (we will contact them directly) to: DANIEL.HAEUFLE(a)UNI-TUEBINGEN.DE HTTPS://WWW.HIH-TUEBINGEN.DE/EN/MOCOM/ I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR APPLICATION! DANIEL HäUFLE

March 16, 2021

Sponsored competition announcement: the Multi-Agent Behavior Challenge

by Ann Kennedy

We are excited to announce the Multi-Agent Behavior (MABe) Challenge, a competition to build improved tools for the detection of multi-agent behaviors in neuroscience data! What: A machine learning competition to build supervised behavior classification tools, hosted on AIcrowd. When: The Challenge runs from March 8 2021 - April 30 2021 Where: https://www.aicrowd.com/challenges/multi-agent-behavior-representation-mode… Why: To understand the brain, we must understand how it controls behavior. The study of that behavior has classically relied on manual annotation of large volumes of videos. Automating the behavior annotation process would allow researchers to increase the speed, volume, and objectivity of their experiments, and to investigate new behaviors they otherwise would not have time to study. What's in it for me: the three challenge tasks share a $9000 prize pool sponsored by Northwestern University and Amazon SageMarker. The first 50 submissions to exceed any task baseline by at least 5% will receive $200 in Amazon SageMaker credits (max 2/team). Top performing teams will also be invited to present their work at the Multi-Agent Behavior Workshop at CVPR 2021 in June (workshop details coming soon). The challenge consists of three tasks: 1) develop methods to classify human-defined behaviors from tracked pose trajectories in a large dataset of videos of socially interacting mice, 2) fine-tune classifications to different annotator styles, and 3) learn to recognize new behaviors of interest from limited training examples. Relevant techniques include supervised learning, many-to-one time series modeling, style transfer/transfer learning, few-shot learning, domain-sensitive data augmentation, and unsupervised feature learning/clustering. Organized by Ann Kennedy (Northwestern University), Jennifer J. Sun (Caltech), Yisong Yue (Caltech), and Pietro Perona (Caltech), with data contributed by Tomomi Karigo and other members of the David Anderson lab (Caltech). Happy classifying!

March 15, 2021

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Reproducible Neuroimaging Analysis in Toronto

by Sean Hill

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 this project will accelerate research on consciousness by providing decisive, field-transformative evidence in favor of one 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. Full posting details: https://www.camh.ca/-media/files/radiologics__kcni_postdoctoral_fellow_post… For inquiries, please email Dr. Sean Hill (sean.hill(a)camh.ca<mailto:sean.hill@camh.ca>) with the title “Post-Doctoral Fellowship Reproducible Neuroimaging Platform” in the subject line. 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.

March 15, 2021

You are invited to register for the Neuroscience Workshops!

by Mary

Dear researchers, neuroscientists, electrophysiologists and enthusiasts, ScienceBeam Academy has the pleasure to invite you to register for upcoming neuroscience online courses as described below: 1) “Deep Dive into Event Related Potentials (ERPs) Technique” Online Course Prospective overview of the sessions: 1. Basics of EEG signal and EEG recordings ➢ Overview of the theory behind neural signals (History) ➢ Generation and Propagation of ERP and EEG ➢ Different EEG Recording Systems with its specifics (Amplifier, Electrodes etc.) ➢ 10/20 Electrode System, Reference, Montages, Impedance, etc. ➢ Brain Rhythms and Cognition (Based on Clinical and Research Studies) 2. Basics of ERP Components ➢ ERP Components (MMN, P300, N400, N170, VPP, CNV, Sensory ERP Components, etc.) ➢ Difference Wave, Forward-Inverse Problem ➢ Challenges in ERP Source Localization ➢ Peaks and Components 3. EEG-ERP Prepossessing with Various Preprocessing Pipelines ➢ Basic Principles and Challenges ➢ Filtering, Baseline Correction, Interpolation, Artifact Rejection and Correction, Re-referencing, ICA etc. ➢ Pipelines: MAKATO, HAPPE, BEAP and etc. 4. Experimental Design ➢ Principles of Experimental design for ERP in Clinical and Research Settings ➢ Significance of Measurement Window ➢ Common Design Problems and Solutions ➢ Case Studies on research articles with good and bad design 5. Basic Analysis ➢ Quantifying ERP Amplitudes and Latencies ➢ Introduction to the Analysis tool boxes (EEGLAB, ERPLAB) ➢ FFT, Time Frequency Analysis 6. Common Mistakes (in lack of parameters) ➢ Overlapping ➢ Filtering ➢ Epoching ➢ Baseline Correction ➢ Measurement Window • Instructor: Mrs. Pragati Gupta, M.Sc. in Neuro-psychology from Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, India and a Student Member at Indian Academy of Neuroscience • Course Length: 7-sessions online course • Introductory webinar: https://sciencebeam.com/erplab-webinar/ • Registration: https://sciencebeam.com/pragati-gupta-course/ o Deadline: March 25, 2021 2) “Modeling Electrophysiological Activities: From Single Neuron to Nervous Tissue” Online Course. Theoretical and experimental hands-on course including lab sessions, in which you will learn about extracellular recording from rat models and also working with single-unit and Local Field Potential (LFP) data. Prospective overview of the sessions: 1. Session 1: ➢ Systems and complex system in neurosciences ➢ Origins of electrophysiological signals and measurements ➢ Electrophysiology and relevant features for computational modeling: o Membrane potential o Raster plot o Local field potential 2. Session 2: ➢ Understanding the time evolution of the electrophysiological signals from a dynamical systems point of view. ➢ Introduction to dynamical systems for neurosciences: o Differential equations o Phase space representation o Stability and domain of attraction ➢ Unidimensional and bidimensional models o Dynamics of integrate-and-fire models o Repertoire of 2 D models o Reduction of Hodgkin-Huxley model 3. Session 3: ➢ 2D and Higher dimensions models: o Particular role of the reset o Possibility of chaos ➢ Models of synapses ➢ Limits of models: o Biophysical and mechanistic description o Phenomenology ➢ Introduction to the first lab session (with Brian2 simulator) 4. Session 4: ➢ First Lab Session: o Repertoire of electrophysiological patterns o Models of networks o Global measure on simulations 5. Session 5: ➢ Second lab session: o analysis of the results o relations to the data ➢ Conclusive discussion • Instructor: Dr. Damien Depannmaecker, Post-Doc researcher at Department of Integrative and Computational Neuroscience, Paris Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, France • Course Length: 5-sessions hands-on online course • Introductory webinar: https://sciencebeam.com/modeling-electrophysiological-activities/ • Registration: https://sciencebeam.com/online-course-modeling-electrophysiological-activit… o Deadline: April 1st, 2021 If you require any further information, feel free to contact me: workshop(a)sciencebeam.com Mary Reae Human Neuroscience Department Manager www.sciencebeam.com WhatsApp Num.: 008613380781282

March 15, 2021

Several funded PhD positions - in Computational Cognition at the interface of Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience, and AI.

by Prof. Pipa

We offer in total 8 funded PhD positions associated with the graduate school on "Computational Cognition" (https://www.comco-cms.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/open_positions.html) , at the interface between Cognitive Science, Machine learning, Computational Neuroscience, and AI. The RTG Computational Cognition aims at reintegrating Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence. PhD students of the RTG will be educated in both subjects in order to combine the findings of these fields and thus to get a better understanding of human and machine intelligence. Research fields involved in the RTG are Neuroinformatics, NeuroBioPsychology, Bio-Inspired Computer Vision, Knowledge-Based Systems, Cognitive Natural Language Processing & Communication, Cognitive Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Psycho/Neurolinguistics, Computational Linguistics and Cognitive Computing. The RTG focuses on the integration of two research fields. Further information on the RTG is available at www.comco.uni-osnabrueck.de. Detailed information on the core areas of the offered PhD projects can be obtained from the spokesmen of the RTG, Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa (gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Dr. Peter König (pkoenig(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) The RTG is incorporated into the Cognitive Science PhD program founded in 2002. PhD students of the RTG will take advantage of an interdisciplinary environment, which nevertheless focuses on a common research topic and offers a broad range of methodological synergies between the projects. Required Qualifications: Applicants are expected to have an academic degree (Master/Diploma), experience in at least one of the domains listed above, proven experience in interdisciplinary work as well as a good command of the English language. Osnabrück University is committed to helping working/studying parents balance their family and working lives. Osnabrück University seeks to guarantee equality of opportunity for women and men and strives to correct any gender imbalance in its schools and departments. If two candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to the candidate with disability status. Applications with the usual documentation should be submitted by e-mail in a single PDF file to the director of the Institute of Cognitive Science, Prof. Dr. Gunther Heidemann (gheidema(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) with a cc to office(a)ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de no later than April 19, 2021. To inquire additional information on for example specific research projects you can contact the coordinator Gabriela Pipa (gapipa(a)uos.de) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Professor and Chair of the Neuroinformatics Department Dr. rer. nat. Gordon Pipa Institute of Cognitive Science, Room 50/218 University of Osnabrueck Wachsbleiche 27, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany tel. +49 (0) 541-969-2277 fax (private). +49 (0) 5405- 500 80 98 home office. +49 (0) 5405- 500 90 95 e-mail: gpipa(a)uos.de webpage: http://www.ni.uos.de research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539 Personal Assistent and Secretary of the Neuroinformatic lab: Anna Jungeilges Tel. +49 (0)541 969-2390 Fax +49 (0)541 969-2246 Email: anna.jungeilges(a)uni-osnabrueck.de visit us on http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS

March 15, 2021

Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox, Final Call

by Stewart Heitmann

Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox, Final Call Final Announcement. The Modeller’s Workshop is an online course for simulating custom dynamical models using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox (bdtoolbox.org<http://bdtoolbox.org>). Participants learn the art of programming differential equations in Matlab and how to use the toolbox to solve those equations interactively. Topics include Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), Delay Differential Equations (DDEs), Stochastic Differential Equations (SDEs), Auxiliary Plot Functions and command-line tools. Example code is provided in all cases. Course Website https://bdtoolbox.org/p/modellers-workshop/ Important Dates Enrolments close Saturday 20th March 2021. Stewart Heitmann | Computational Scientist Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute | Lowy Packer Building | 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Australia E: s.heitmann(a)victorchang.edu.au<mailto:s.heitmann@victorchang.edu.au> | @VictorChangInst Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

March 15, 2021

Faculty Positions at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University

by Kenji Doya

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (https://www.oist.jp) invites applications for new faculty positions as part of its planned expansion. Applications are invited in, but not limited to, the targeted areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and smart machines. Excellent scholarship and creativity are the main criteria for appointment. Successful candidates are expected to establish an active and independent research program, supervise Ph.D. students, teach graduate courses, and perform university services as required. Appointments will be Tenure-Track or Tenured. The starting date is negotiable. The application deadline is April 30, 2021. Please refer to application information: https://groups.oist.jp/facultypositions OIST offers a world-class research environment with an international research community and opportunities for interdisciplinary research, with currently 81 Research Units and no departmental boundaries (https://www.oist.jp/research-units) Each faculty will run an independent Research Unit with generous internal funding, including funds for several research staff. OIST provides cutting-edge core research facilities, including imaging, sequencing, instrumentation, nanofabrication, and high-performance computing, with dedicated support staff. Research and teaching are conducted in English. The campus is situated in a beautiful subtropical setting in Okinawa, Japan. Please see the video: https://www.oist.jp/news-center/videos/university-future The University strongly encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. Inquiries: Dr. Milind Purohit Dean of Faculty Affairs faculty-recruiting(a)oist.jp ---- Kenji Doya <doya(a)oist.jp> Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan Phone: +81-98-966-8594; Fax: +81-98-966-2891 https://groups.oist.jp/ncu

March 14, 2021

Postdoc positions in the cognitive computational neuroscience of decision making

by Ollie Hulme

We are searching for two researchers to contribute to an ambitious experiment addressing how risky decisions are made & why. Candidates to be at a postdoc level, though those without a PhD can be considered. One position is based at the London Mathematical Laboratory <https://lml.org.uk/>(behavior & theory focus), the other is based in Copenhagen at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance <https://www.drcmr.dk/>(neuroimaging focus). There will be substantive opportunities for exchange visits between sites, and (COVID-permitting) summer school training in Italy. Interdisciplinary training will be central to both positions. For more details on the London position see here <https://lml.org.uk/research/economics/research-positions-in-ergodicity-econ… > and for the Copenhagen position see here <https://drcmr.dk/vacancies/item/1114-postdoc-researcher-position-neuroecono…> . Twitter thread here <https://twitter.com/hulme_oliver/status/1369677808872603652?s=20>. -- Ollie Hulme Senior Researcher at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance <https://www.drcmr.dk/> Group leader: Computational neuroscience of reward group <https://www.drcmr.dk/reward-and-homeostasis> External Fellow at the London Mathematical Laboratory <https://lml.org.uk/> (+45) 2339 1399

March 12, 2021

Laboratory research coordinator position in systems/cognitive neuroscience

by Ella Striem-Amit

*Laboratory research coordinator position in systems/cognitive neuroscience* The Sensory and Motor Plasticity lab (SAMP Lab, PI: Ella Striem-Amit) at Georgetown University is looking for a full-time laboratory research coordinator. We examine the balance between innate brain organization and experience-dependent plasticity by studying people with sensory and motor deprivation (e.g., blindness, dysmelia) using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques. The Laboratory Research Coordinator will work on projects involving behavioral and fMRI testing of sensorimotor and visual processing, as well as perform administrative duties. The position is particularly suited for a recent graduate from a Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science or related undergraduate program who is seeking to work in an innovative research environment in preparation for graduate school. The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include: · Running Experiments for the lab: Recruit and interact with study participants and run experiments in the lab (behavioral, fMRI), as well as online behavioral experiments (e.g. Amazon Mechanical Turk). Administrative responsibilities associated with these experiments, including maintaining lab records, participant reimbursements, uploading and organizing data, and managing IRB documentation and reviews. · Maintaining Infrastructure: Responsibility for purchasing and maintaining lab equipment and managing data storage, including fMRI equipment, lab computers, and lab accounts on software and storage services. · Research Projects: Responsibility for carrying out independent research projects and assistance with the research projects of students and postdocs. These projects will involve a combination of behavior and fMRI of actions in healthy and special populations. The laboratory research coordinator will be expected to participate in all aspects of experiment design, analysis, and communication, including creating stimuli and experimental protocols, collecting and analyzing data, writing up results for publication, and presenting findings at conferences. · Additional administrative duties: Interaction with outside vendors, maintenance of laboratory records, assistance with coordinating lab meetings, conference trips and visits. Position duration: *At least two years of commitment is required. * Start time: Flexible, preferably May to August 2021 Requirements: BA/BS in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science or related scientific field Experience with scientific computing (Matlab, Python, or R) An ability to solve technical problems independently Strong organizational skills Ability to work well with others Some prior research experience (experience with fMRI analyses an advantage) *To learn more or apply for this position, please email your CV to Ella Striem-Amit (**striemamit(a)fas.harvard.edu* <striemamit(a)fas.harvard.edu>*) with the subject line: **Lab research coordinator **position.* 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/

March 11, 2021

Postdoctoral positions in systems neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania

by Maria Geffen

The Geffen laboratory <http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing> at the University of Pennsylvania <http://www.upenn.edu/> has multiple postdoctoral positions open in systems neuroscience with the broad goal of understanding the neuronal circuits for auditory perception and memory. We are looking for energetic and talented scientists interested in studying the function of the brain. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to learn and apply a host of systems neuroscience techniques, including two-photon imaging of population activity, optogenetic manipulations, large-scale electrophysiology and behavior in mice. Prior experience with some of these methods is preferred, but not required. Depending on the candidate's interests, all projects provide an opportunity to learn and apply advanced computational methods, including dynamic systems analysis of neuronal population activity; Bayesian approaches for understanding the relation between neuronal activity and behavior; machine learning methods to understand large-scale neuronal activity. We currently have openings for postdoctoral fellows for three projects: (1) Neuronal mechanisms for predictive coding: Auditory perception relies on predicting statistics of incoming signals, be it identifying the speech of a conversation partner in a crowded room or recognizing the sound of a babbling brook in a forest. The human brain detects statistical regularities in sounds as a fundamental aspect of prediction, evidenced by reduced responses to repeated sound patterns and enhanced responses to unexpected sounds. Multiple studies demonstrate that the neuronal responses to regular signals are reduced through adaptation, which can contribute to prediction. However, adaptation alone is not sufficient to account for prediction and studies at cellular and neuronal population levels in animals thus far lend only partial support to existing theories of predictive coding. The goal of the project is to close this gap in knowledge and to determine the circuits that predict signals and detect statistical regularity and its violation in auditory behavior. Funded by NIH NIDCD. (2) Neuronal circuits for learning-driven changes in auditory perception: Everyday auditory behavior depends critically on learning-driven changes in auditory perception that rely on neuronal plasticity within the auditory pathway. By combining state-of-the-art optogenetic, electrophysiological, behavioral and computational approaches, the project seeks to identify the function of specific circuit elements in auditory learning. Funded by NIH NIDCD. (3) Neuronal mechanisms for hearing under uncertainty: In everyday life, because both sensory signals and neuronal responses are noisy, important cognitive tasks, such as auditory categorization, are based on uncertain information. To overcome this limitation, listeners incorporate other types of signals, such as the statistics of sounds over short and long time scales and signals from other sensory modalities into their categorization decision processes. This project will identify the contribution of specific cell types to categorization and the neuronal mechanisms for how contextual signals bias auditory categorization. In collaboration with Dr. Yale Cohen <https://auditoryresearchlaboratory.weebly.com/> and Dr. Konrad Kording <http://kordinglab.com/>, funded by NIH BRAIN Initiative. Our laboratory is a close community of fun-loving scientists, striving to help each other while exploring the mysteries of the brain. Our trainees have won numerous awards and have been awarded government and private foundation grants. We value diversity and promote equity in the scientific community and beyond <https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing/philosophy/>. The systems neuroscience community at the University of Pennsylvania is top-notch and highly collaborative, and postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to engage in interdepartmental initiatives, including MindCore <https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/>, MINS <https://www.med.upenn.edu/ins/> and CNI <https://www.cni.upenn.edu/>. Penn has a gorgeous campus and offers many cultural activities. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with world-class music, food and entertainment. To apply, please email Dr. Geffen at mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu <mailto:mgeffen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu> : a cover letter (summarize your prior research experience, why you are interested in the position, and your future plans) and your CV. __________________________ Maria N. Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Associate Professor Department of Otorhinolaryngology Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Stemmler Hall G14 3450 Hamilton Walk Philadelphia PA 19104 (215)898-0782 mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing Twitter: @neimarkgeffen

March 11, 2021

Towards a standard organization for animal electrophysiology: a new BIDS Extension Proposal

by Sylvain Takerkart

(apologies for cross-postings) Dear everyone, With this email, we would like to introduce a new BIDS Extension Proposal (BEP) dedicated to electrophysiological data recorded in animals (BIDS-animal-ephys). The BEP document is available here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oG-C8T-dWPqfVzL2W8HO3elWK8NIh2cOCPssRGv…> and we are now seeking feedback (e.g comments directly in the document, or posts in our discussion forum <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues>) from the community at large to make sure this suits the largestpossible array ofneeds in animal electrophysiology. A bit of context and history. BIDS <https://bids.neuroimaging.io/> is a simple and intuitive way to organize and describe neuroscientific data in a standardized manner, originally developed for human neuroimaging data (see the first paper on MRI-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fsdata.2016.44>), and widely extended since its original introduction to other data modalities (see e.g EEG-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0104-8>, or MEG-BIDS <https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.110>). A good number of exchanges have already taken place with electrophysiologists, with initial debates on whether adapting the hierarchical organization offered (and imposed) by BIDS (for other data modalities and recorded in human subjects) could suit the needs of the community of researchers working with animal models. Of course, it will change the habits of some, but a consensus has emerged that sticking to what BIDS suggests could suit the needs of a vast majority and that the long term benefits of such a standardization could be worth changing some habits. These observations have led to the formalization of this BIDS-animal-ephys Extension Proposal (BEP). For info, this BEP has been drafted by members of the INCF Working Group on Standardized Data Structures <https://incf.org/sig/incf-working-group-standardized-data>, that was initiated in 2020 to attempt standardizing the handling of neuroscientific data recorded in animal models. Note that at the present time (early 2021), the discussions in this Working Group are split to tackle two different issues: - How to handle animal data in a generic manner (i.e across data modalities, for both in vitro and in vivo data etc.)? The specific discussion about this topic is centralized here <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues/9>. - How to handle electrophysiological data recorded in animals, and how to standardize the associated metadata? This is the main objective of the present BEP. Please consider joining this working group if you would like to contribute to this effort (either directly on these topics, or for other questions / data modalities). You can also reach the moderators of the present BEP through our main discussion forum <https://github.com/INCF/neuroscience-data-structure/issues>. Also, please do not hesitate to forward this message around you so that we reach as many electrophysiologists as possible! Thanks in advance for your feedback and contributions! -- Sylvain Takerkart Institut des Neurosciences de la Timone (INT) UMR 7289 CNRS-AMU Marseille, France tél: +33 (0)4 91 324 007 http://www.int.univ-amu.fr/_TAKERKART-Sylvain_?lang=en

March 11, 2021

2 PhD positions in Sensory Neurotechnology in the Reichenbach lab

by Tobias Reichenbach

2 PhD positions in Sensory Neurotechnology in the Reichenbach lab, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany The newly founded Chair for Sensory Neuroengineering, headed by Tobias Reichenbach, at the new Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering is looking for two PhD students. In close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, the lab researches on the neural foundations of hearing, as well as on new technology for better treatments of hearing impairment. The PhD students will develop and apply AI methods to analyse neurological data on human speech processing. They will also develop AI methods to construct audiovisual speech signals for better speech comprehension. FAU is the most innovative university in Germany and ranks second among the most innovative European universities. It is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Erlangen is a bicycle-friendly city with 100,000 inhabitants, former home of the Huguenots as well as a key location for Siemens. It is close to Nuremberg, a city with a population of half a million and a metropolitan flair. The mixture of academia, innovative companies, art and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds, keen athletes and nature lovers. More information is available here: https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/2-phd-studentships-in-sensory-neurotechnology-… <https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/2-phd-studentships-in-sensory-neurotechnology-…> ------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Tobias Reichenbach Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE) Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg Henkestrasse 91 91052 Erlangen http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

March 10, 2021

Postdoc position in Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis

by Tavoni, Gaia

POSTDOC POSITION IN THE TAVONI LAB Applications for a postdoc position at the interface between physics and neuroscience are open at the newly set up Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience lab at Washington University in St. Louis. The selected candidate will work on one or more computational problems, involving models of plasticity and learning, memory and decision-making. A brief description of the projects can be found at http://neurosci.wustl.edu/People/Faculty/Gaia-Tavoni. <http://neurosci.wustl.edu/People/Faculty/Gaia-Tavoni>The underlying research theme in the lab is the search for optimal principles of information representation and processing in the brain that underpin the flexibility of animal behavior. A range of approaches are used, including methods from statistical physics, information theory and dynamical systems. Washington University in St. Louis is ranked in the top 10 globally for Neuroscience and Behavior, and offers an outstanding intellectual environment for neuroscience research. This includes a strong interest in computational neuroscience (see https://sites.wustl.edu/compneuro) The lab is based at the Medical School in the Department of Neuroscience and the Institute for Informatics, and expects to develop strong links with the Departments of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. Job Requirements: Candidates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, engineering or computer science, good programming skills, familiarity with neuroscience topics or a keen interest in computational neuroscience, proficiency in English, intellectual curiosity and drive are welcome to apply. How to Apply: For further information and applications please contact Dr Gaia Tavoni (gaia.tavoni(a)wustl.edu) including a detailed CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests (max 2 pages), names and email addresses of 2 references. Please indicate "Post-doc application" as the subject of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Gaia Tavoni Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Washington University School of Medicine East McDonnell Medical Sciences, 312B St. Louis, MO 63110 email: gaia.tavoni(a)wustl.edu

March 9, 2021

New book: "The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds"

by Mark Humphries

For anyone interested in how neurons do what they do, my new book “The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds” from Princeton University Press is available now from your favourite bookseller in hardback, ebook, and audiobook. It’s a rollercoaster ride through your brain, from eye to hand and everywhere in between, that sweeps through 30 years of the deepest neuroscience to the frontiers of what we know about how neurons work. >From the blurb: “We see the last cookie in the box and think, can I take that? We reach a hand out. In the 2.1 seconds that this impulse travels through our brain, billions of neurons communicate with one another, sending blips of voltage through our sensory and motor regions. Neuroscientists call these blips “spikes.” Spikes enable us to do everything: talk, eat, run, see, plan, and decide. In The Spike, Mark Humphries takes readers on the epic journey of a spike through a single, brief reaction. In vivid language, Humphries tells the story of what happens in our brain, what we know about spikes, and what we still have left to understand about them.” Watch the animated introduction: https://youtu.be/Rn-FAvM6wbE Read the reviews and details: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691195889/the-spike Listen to a sample from the audiobook: https://soundcloud.com/user-671277267/the-spike-by-mark-humphries?in=user-6… Thanks! Mark Humphries 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.

March 9, 2021

Online Bernstein Conference 2021 - Call for Satellite Workshop Proposals

by a.dorrn＠fz-juelich.de

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://bit.ly/BN_welcome> invites proposals for Satellite Workshops at the online Bernstein Conference 2021 ____ BERNSTEIN CONFERENCE Each year the Bernstein Network invites the international computational neuroscience community to the annual Bernstein Conference for intensive scientific exchange. It has established itself as one of the most renown conferences worldwide in this field, attracting students, postdocs and PIs from around the world to meet and discuss new scientific discoveries. Due to the ongoing pandemic the Bernstein Conference<https://bit.ly/BC21_online> will be held online, from Sep 21 – 23, 2021. ____ IM IMPORTANT DATES - Satellite Workshops: September 21, 2021, 2 pm – 10 pm CEST - Main Conference: September 22 – 23, 2021 - Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: May 10, 2021 - Notification of workshop acceptance: planned in June 2021 ____ WORKSHOP PROPOSALS Satellite Workshops of the Bernstein Conference provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a series of talks. The Workshop Selection Committee will take scientific excellence, topical relevance gender diversity and variety of career levels into account as their selection criteria. Workshop proposals are welcome as flexible formats of 4-8 hours (all workshops will start at 2 pm CEST, but will end based on individual schedules) Workshop Proposal Forms can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/BC21_workshops Please submit the completed form to bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de Deadline: May 10, 2021 – not to be extended Workshop organizers and all speakers will receive a waiver for the online conference. ____ WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE Marion Silies (Workshop Chair) Moritz Helias (Workshop Vice Chair) Matthew Botvinick Megan Carey Peter Dayan Brent Doiron Rainer Friedrich Julijana Gjiorgjieva (Program Chair) Ann Hermundstad Christian Machens (Program Vice Chair) Srdjan Ostojic Nathalie Rochefort Nicole Rust Gasper Tkacik ____ For any further questions, please contact: bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de -- Dr. Anja Dorrn Scientific Coordinator Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Juelich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 email: a.dorrn(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.dorrn@fz-juelich.de> 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 9, 2021

CfP: Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making - Entropy by MDPI. *Deadline is approaching*

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\ The firm deadline for manuscript submissions is 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

March 8, 2021

Teaching-focused job opportunity at UCL

by Andre Altmann

Hi everyone: We are looking for a postdoc who is interested in teaching and curriculum design to help us run a new training program primarily aimed at UK researchers who want to gain more confidence in working with medical image data in their research. The program will consist of a series of various short courses, online and in-person, that combine image analysis, software development, and data management. The post holder will be responsible for day-to-day leadership of the curriculum design, as well as the content development and delivery. The job advert, description and how to apply can be found at the link below: https://bit.ly/ucl-ideas-job If people have any questions or want to find out more, they can send them to healthbioscienceideas(a)ucl.ac.uk Kind regards, Andre

March 8, 2021

postdoctoral position: computational cognitive science of economic behavior

by Michael Woodford

The Cognitive and Behavioral Economics Initiative at Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the fields of Behavioral Economics, Neuroeconomics, or Computational Cognitive Science to begin July 1, 2021 or after (start date negotiable). Columbia University's Cognitive and Behavioral Economics Initiative is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a team under the direction of Prof. Michael Woodford, that studies the cognitive foundations of economic decision making, using behavioral experiments and computational modeling. The program is especially interested in research that explores parallels between the cognitive mechanisms involved in perceptual judgments and in economic decisions. Projects may involve the perception of probability, value or risk; learning to forecast or categorize; the role of imprecise perception or memory in learning the values of actions; endogenous allocation of attention; sources of randomness in decisions; or context effects in choice behavior. Representative recent publications by our group include: Polania et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2019; Kobayashi et al., Nature Human Behavior, 2019; Heng et al., eLife, 2020; Woodford, Ann. Rev. Econ., 2020; Prat-Carrabin and Woodford, bioRXiv, 2020; Aridor et al., bioRXiv, 2020; and Khaw et al., Rev. Econ. Studies, forthcoming. *Minimum Qualifications:* a PhD in economics, psychology, computational neuroscience, computer science, or related field. A strong background in computational modeling is essential; prior experience running behavioral experiments is desirable. Familiarity with models of efficient coding and approximate Bayesian inference will be particularly useful. Columbia is an equal-opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from women or groups that have been under-represented in science. *To apply, please send a 1-2 page statement of research interests, a CV, copies of (or links to) one or two representative publications or preprints, and contact information for at least two references **to * *iserp-hiring(a)columbia.edu* <iserp-hiring(a)columbia.edu>*. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2021, or until the position is filled.* Michael Woodford Columbia University

March 6, 2021

Researcher (Joint Position with NYU CNS), Center for Computational Neuroscience

by Serena Fuccillo

Researcher (Joint Position with NYU CNS), Center for Computational Neuroscience The Center for Neural Science (https://www.cns.nyu.edu/) at New York University (NYU), jointly with the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) at the Flatiron Institute of the Simons Foundation, invites applications for an open rank joint position, with a preference for junior or mid-career candidates. We seek exceptional candidates that use computational frameworks and methods to develop concepts, models, and tools for understanding brain function. Areas of interest include sensory representation and perception, memory, decision-making, adaptation and learning, and motor control. During the academic year 2021-2022, the position will initially be a full-time position at NYU. Beginning academic year 2022-2023, the position will become a joint appointment between NYU and CCN, with the appointee spending half time in each location (both in lower Manhattan). The NYU position is a tenure-line faculty position at the Assistant, Associate, or full Professor level depending on the candidate’s background and experience. The holder of an Assistant level appointment will be considered for promotion to a tenured Associate professorship according to NYU's standard policies and procedures. The corresponding position at CCN may be Associate or Full Research Scientist, or Group Leader, again depending on candidate experience. The initial appointment is for three years, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory progress in research. A Ph.D. in a relevant field, such as neuroscience, engineering, physics or applied mathematics, is required. The responsibilities for this joint position include but are not limited to: establishing a research program with a significant computational component; participating in the international neuroscience research community; teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels at NYU; contributing to the scientific culture and activities at the Flatiron Institute by collaborating with other researchers, hiring and supervising junior researchers, and assisting with the organization of CCN-related conferences, workshops, group seminars and summer programs. Review of applications will begin 28 March 2021. Important: in order to be considered for this joint appointment, candidates must submit their application in two places: To NYU at: https://apply.interfolio.com/83845 To CCN at: https://simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/simonsfoundationcareer… Application materials should include a brief cover letter, a statement describing current and planned research and teaching activities, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and names and contact information for three references. Because diversity and inclusion are an important part of the NYU mission, candidates should include a paragraph in their cover letter indicating how diversity and inclusion figure into their past, present, and future teaching, research, and community engagement. (Additional information can be found here: http://as.nyu.edu/departments/facultydiversity/recruitment/diversity-statem… ). All applications will be reviewed by a joint committee consisting of members from CNS and CCN. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education A successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, physics, engineering, applied mathematics or a related discipline. One or more years of postdoctoral research experience is desirable. Experience - Demonstrated abilities in establishing a neuroscience-related research program, embracing the opportunities offered by a joint position between NYU CNS and CCN. The research program must include a significant computational component. - A record of excellence in scientific publication. - Ability to teach effectively at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. - Strong oral and written communication skills, supporting collaboration and cooperation across traditional disciplinary boundaries. - Knowledge of software development and dissemination, either for scientific simulation, model fitting, experimental design, or analysis of modern high-throughput experimental data acquisition, is desirable. About NYU More information about NYU Center for Neural Science can be found at https://as.nyu.edu/content/nyu-as/as/departments/cns.html. The Faculty of Arts and Science at NYU is at the heart of a leading research university that spans the globe. We seek scholars of the highest caliber, who embody the diversity of the United States as well as the global society in which we live. We strongly encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, and other individuals who are under-represented in the profession, across color, creed, race, ethnic and national origin, physical ability, gender and sexual identity, or any other legally protected basis. NYU affirms the value of differing perspectives on the world as we strive to build the strongest possible university with the widest reach. To learn more about the FAS commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, please read here. ( http://as.nyu.edu/content/nyu-as/as/administrative-resources/office/dean/di… <http://as.nyu.edu/administrative-resources/office/dean/diversity-initiative…>). EOE/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. About the Flatiron Institute The Flatiron Institute (https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron) is a major, new internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation. It consists of five Centers – Astrophysics, Quantum Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and Neuroscience) each focused on the computational aspects of a particular area of basic science. It aims to generate original scientific discoveries, along with new computational infrastructure supporting and enabling such discoveries by the community at large. The newly formed Center for Computational Neuroscience aims to develop models, principles and conceptual frameworks that deepen our knowledge of brain function — both in health and in disease. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. Simons Foundation Diversity Commitment Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. Warm Regards, *Serena Fuccillo* Coordinator, Center Administration Center for Computational Neuroscience *FLATIRON INSTITUTE* 162 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10010

March 5, 2021

Postdoc in machine learning at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)

by Milekovic Tomislav

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

March 5, 2021