- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Starting a New Society for Contemplative Research

by Vago, David R (University)

Dear computational neuroscience colleagues, we have a request for you today and an opportunity to have input into a new initiative. A group of researchers in contemplative science and humanities are planning a think tank to discuss building a new association tentatively called "The Society for Contemplative Research." This would bring together humanists, contemplative scholars and scientists from many disciplines who are working on the experience and nature of contemplative practices and their applications across a wide range of human endeavors. This includes the neuroscientific and clinical study of mindfulness, meditation, compassion, empathy, prosocial behavior, contemplation and other mind-body practices, as well as their philosophical and cultural contexts. Towards this end, we have developed a survey that will help determine the level of interest in such an association and potential forms it could take. This information will be used to inform the Think Tank process happening in 2021. Therefore we are asking you to please fill out the attached survey, which will take around 10-12 minutes of your valuable time. Many thanks for this important contribution to advancing research and scholarship in the study of contemplation. Survey link: https://redcap.link/SCR<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fredcap.li…> If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at: contemplative.info(a)gmail.com<mailto:contemplative.info@gmail.com> Many thanks, MLI Think Tank Organizing Group (https://www.mindandlife.org/grant/international-society-for-contemplative-r…<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.minda…>) ============================== David R. Vago, Ph.D. | Director | Contemplative Neuroscience & Mind-Body Research Laboratory<https://www.contemplativeneurosciences.com/> Research Associate Professor | Department of Psychology | Vanderbilt Brain Institute | Vanderbilt University Director | AWARE Labs<https://www.contemplativeneurosciences.com/aware-labs/> | Contract Research and Consulting David.vago(a)vanderbilt.edu<mailto:David.vago@vanderbilt.edu> | P: 801-647-5906 [signature_1938336465]<https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/brain-institute/person/david-r-vago-ph-d/>[mage result for vi4 vanderbilt]<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vumc.…> ------- Research Associate, Department of Psychiatry | Brigham & Women’s Hospital | Teaching Affliate of Harvard Medical School Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory<http://neuroimaging.bwh.harvard.edu/> | dvago(a)bwh.harvard.edu<mailto:dvago@bwh.harvard.edu>

Dec. 12, 2020

Second fully-funded PhD position at the Vision Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France

by angelo.arleo＠inserm.fr

Second fully-funded PhD position at the Vision Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France Job description Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position to develop data-analytic and computational modeling tools aiming at the early automated detection of biomarkers and risk assessment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases. AMD was ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority eye disease, and it is the main cause of blindness in western countries. Despite the prevalence, rate of growth, and impact of AMD, its diagnosis is made too late: 69% AMD patients ignore their condition and 78% have irreversible loss when first diagnosed. The main objective of this doctoral project is to cross-link cellular changes in the deep retina with visual symptoms of AMD patients. The project will combine state-of-the-art live high-resolution retinal imaging using adaptive optics, electroretinogram recordings, and fine metrics of AMD-related functional visual losses in order to discover potential biomarkers of AMD onset and/or stage evolution. This project relies on a tight collaboration between visual neuroscientists and clinical ophthalmologists and it builds on the existing integration of basic vision science expertise at the Vision Institute and clinical research expertise in the Clinical Investigation Center of the Quinze-Vingt National Hospital. Requirements and eligibility criteria Applicants should have a quantitative background (engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics), a keen interest in vision and be open to the possibility of conducting experiments with human patients. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong expertise in computational models of vision, image analysis and programming (Matlab, C or Python). Previous experience in experimental data analysis and/or machine learning is a plus. Knowledge of French is desired (but not mandatory). Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Successful candidates are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with engineers, neuroscientists, and clinicians. Benefits The position corresponds to a full PhD appointment (36 months) with competitive salary and working conditions. It is funded by IHU FOReSight and AVIESAN-UNADEV. Working environment The Vision Institute is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology of the Quinze-Vingts. It includes multidisciplinary research laboratories, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a Clinical Investigation Center, which fosters translational research. How to apply Applications should be sent to Angelo Arleo (angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr <mailto:angelo.arleo@inserm.fr>) and Denis Sheynikhovich (denis.sheynikhovich(a)sorbonne-universite.fr <mailto:denis.sheynikhovich@sorbonne-universite.fr>). Angelo ARLEO FONTAINE, PhD Director of Research CNRS Head of the Aging in Vision and Action Lab, Director of the Chair Silversight, Institute of Vision, CNRS - INSERM - Sorbonne University, 17, rue Moreau F-75012 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52 Mobile: +33 (0)6 46 84 09 56 Email: angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr Website: www.aging-vision-action.fr

Dec. 12, 2020

Stanford - Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Modeling of Cognition and Human Brain Function

by Mai-Phuong K Bo

Please post where appropriate. Thank you. The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory (scsnl.stanford.edu) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in computational modeling of human cognitive, behavioral, and brain imaging data. The candidate will be involved in multidisciplinary projects to develop and implement novel neuro-cognitive computational frameworks, using multiple cutting-edge methods that may include computational cognitive modeling, Bayesian inference, dynamic brain circuit analysis, and deep neural networks. These projects will span areas including robust identification of cognitive and neurobiological signatures of psychiatric and neurological disorders, and neurodevelopmental trajectories. Clinical disorders under investigation include autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia. We seek talented and highly-motivated individuals with a strong background in at least one of these areas: computational, cognitive, and statistical modeling; deep learning algorithms and optimization (theory and practical implementations); statistical modeling and inference/machine learning as applied to cognitive and brain imaging data. The candidate will have access to multiple large datasets and state-of-the-art computational resources, including HPCs and GPUs. Please include a CV and a statement of research interests and have three letters of reference emailed to Prof. Vinod Menon at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford+postdoc@gmail.com>. Mai-Phuong Bo Lab & Recruitment Manager Stanford Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Lab Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Email: maipbo(a)stanford.edu [cid:9a00c2c5-3f75-4d48-8d19-ec6a85fe9a8a]

Dec. 12, 2020

PhD positions in the lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira in Basel

by Rava A. da Silveira

*Openings for PhD positions in the lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira * *(Basel)* The lab of Rava Azeredo da Silveira invites applications for *PhD* *positions* at the Institute for Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), an associated institute of the University of Basel. Research questions will be chosen from a broad range of topics in theoretical/computational neuroscience and cognitive science (see the description of the lab’s activity, below). Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, computer science, engineering, biology, and psychology are welcome. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods, in addition to familiarity with neuroscience topics and mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure, eagerness, and drive. The positions will come with highly competitive work conditions and salaries. *Application deadline:* We will start reviewing applications on 20 December 2020. *How to apply:* Please send the following information *in one single PDF, to * *silveira(a)iob.ch* <silveira(a)iob.ch>*:* 1. letter on motivation and interests; 2. curriculum vitæ; 3. transcripts of undergraduate and Master grades. In addition, please arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same email address. In all email correspondence, please include the mention “APPLICATION-PHD” in the subject header, otherwise the application will *not* be considered. *** *The Silveira** Lab* focuses on a range of topics, which, however, are tied together through a central question: How does the brain represent and manipulate information? Among the more concrete approaches to this question, the lab analyses and models neural activity in circuits that can be identified, recorded from, and perturbed experimentally, such as visual neural circuits in the retina and the cortex. Establishing links between physiological specificity and the structure of neural activity yields an understanding of circuits as building blocks of cerebral information processing. On a more abstract level, the lab investigates the representation of information in populations of neurons, from a statistical and algorithmic—rather than mechanistic—point of view, through theories of coding and data analyses. These studies aim at understanding the statistical nature of high-dimensional neural activity in different conditions, and how this serves to encode and process information from the sensory world. In the context of cognitive studies, the lab investigates mental processes such as inference, learning, and decision-making, through both theoretical developments and behavioral experiments. A particular focus is the study of neural constraints and limitations and, further, their impact on mental processes. Neural limitations impinge on the structure and variability of mental representations, which in turn inform the cognitive algorithms that produce behavior. The lab explores the nature of neural limitations, mental representations, and cognitive algorithms, and their interrelations.

Dec. 11, 2020

Fully-funded PhD position at the Vision Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France

by angelo.arleo＠inserm.fr

Fully-funded PhD position at the Vision Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France Job description Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position to develop clinical endpoints of daily-life activity for low vision patients in order to assess visual restoration. The therapeutic benefits of vision restoration are usually evaluated in clinical studies using conventional functional measures such as visual field and contrast sensitivity. However, these tests are not sufficient to characterize the impact of a visual pathology on patients’ quality of life and autonomy. This project will set forth a set of benchmark measures to evaluate a range of daily life functions (locomotion, spatial orientation, posture, balance, reading) in real conditions. The goal is to identify behavioral biomarkers of the benefit of vision restoration solutions (namely optogenetic therapy and retinal implants) in visually impaired patients. The PhD candidate will work hand-in-hand with clinicians of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology of the Quinze-Vingts and with researchers of the Vision Institute as well as the Streetlab company. The project will be supervised by Dr. Colas Authié and Dr. Angelo Arleo. Requirements and eligibility criteria Applicants should have a quantitative background (engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics), and a keen interest in behavioral neuroscience. The ideal candidate should have expertise in virtual reality, motor control, and biometric data analysis. Experience in low-vision or knowledge on machine learning and programming languages (Matlab, C or Python) are a plus. Knowledge of French is important (but not mandatory). Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Successful candidates are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with engineers, neuroscientists, and clinicians. Applicants must be in the first four years of their research career and they must not have lived in France more than 12 months during the last 3 years. Benefits The position is funded by the Marie Curie ITN project ENTRAIN-VISION. It corresponds to a full PhD appointment (36 months) with competitive salary and working conditions, monthly mobility allowance, and family allowance. It also provides continuing education, secondments in the private sector, training modules, and transferable skills courses. Working environment The Vision Institute is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology of the Quinze-Vingts. It includes multidisciplinary research laboratories, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a Clinical Investigation Center, which fosters translational research. The Streetlab provides a panel of platforms (reproducing virtual and real environments) and standardized evaluation solutions to measure autonomy, mobility, and quality of life of visually impaired people. How to apply Applications should be sent to recruitment(a)entrain-vision.eu <mailto:recruitment@entrain-vision.eu> by January 11th, 2021, 1PM CET (Paris time). Please see https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/585147 <https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/585147> for details about eligibility criteria and application guidelines. For further inquiries, please contact Angelo Arleo (angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr <mailto:angelo.arleo@inserm.fr>) and Colas Authié (colas.authie(a)streetlab-vision.com <mailto:colas.authie@streetlab-vision.com>). ***************************************************************** Angelo ARLEO FONTAINE, PhD Director of Research CNRS Head of the Aging in Vision and Action Lab, Director of the Chair Silversight, Institute of Vision, CNRS - INSERM - Sorbonne University, 17, rue Moreau F-75012 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52 Mobile: +33 (0)6 46 84 09 56 Email: angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr Website: www.aging-vision-action.fr

Dec. 11, 2020

Tier II Canada Research Chair in Complex Neural Systems Modelling at the University of Calgary

by Volker Steuber

The University of Calgary invites applications from emerging leaders in the area of Complex Neural System Modelling for a Tier II Canada Research Chair position in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary. For more information and to apply: https://science.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/5915163-canada-research-chair-tier… Volker Steuber Professor of Computational Neuroscience Biocomputation Research Group School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK +44 (0)1707 284350 biocomputation.herts.ac.uk<http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk>

Dec. 10, 2020

Open Rank Faculty Position in Applied Mathematics at Harvard University

by Cengiz Pehlevan

Dear colleagues, I would like to attract your attentions to an open rank faculty position in Applied Mathematics at Harvard University. We welcome candidates in any area of applied mathematics broadly defined, including interfaces with neuroscience. Details can be found in here: http://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/9893 <http://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/9893> Best wishes, Cengiz — Cengiz Pehlevan SEAS, Harvard University, pehlevan.seas.harvard.edu <http://pehlevan.seas.harvard.edu/>

Dec. 10, 2020

Fully funded doctoral position at Ecole Normale Superieure and CentraleSupelec Paris in AI/Cognitive Computational Neuroscience/Quantitative Finance from fall 2021

by boris gutkin

Fully funded doctoral position in multi-agent modelling of financial markets and cognitive computational neuroscience. Laboratory for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the Ecole Normale Superieure Paris and the Chair for Quantitative Finance at CentraleSupelec are looking for exceptional candidates to work on a doctorate as a part of a collaborative project spanning development of multi-agent models of stock markets (e.g. see Lussange et al 2020, Bavard et al 2018, da Gamma Battista 2017) and the effects of human cognitive traits and bounded rationality on the market dynamics. The candidate will be physically based at ENS. The student will be advised by Damien Challet (Chair for Quantative Finance, CentraleSupelec) and Boris Gutkin (Mathematics of Neural Circuits Team, LNC2, ENS) and collaborate closely with Stefano Palminteri (Human Reinforcement Learning Team, LNC2, ENS). The student will have an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the project, from computational modelling to behavioral experiments to data mining. Industrial applications of the project outcomes can also be explored as well as a potential collaboration with Capital Fund Management, Paris. More information can be found at: https://psl.eu/recherche/grands-projets-de-recherche/projets-europeens/prog… <https://psl.eu/recherche/grands-projets-de-recherche/projets-europeens/prog…> https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/580403 <https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/580403> Start expected in fall 2021. Elibigibility: Master’s degree or equivalent in a quantitative discipline. There is no nationality or age criteria, but applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the deadline of the call Interested candidates should contact boris.gutkin(a)ens.fr <mailto:boris.gutkin@ens.fr> before January 30 to discuss their application to the program Bavard S, *Lebreton M, Khamassi M, Coricelli G, Palminteri S. Reference-point centering and range-adaptation enhance human reinforcement learning at the cost of irrational preferences <https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs414…>. Nature Communications (2018). da Gama Batista, Joao, Domenico Massaro, Jean-Philippe Bouchaud, Damien Challet, and Cars Hommes. "Do investors trade too much? A laboratory experiment." Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization 140 (2017): 18-34. Lussange, J., Lazarevich, I., Bourgeois-Gironde, S., Palminteri, S., Gutkin, B. (2020) Modelling Stock Markets by Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning. Comput Econ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10614-020-10038- <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10614-020-10038->w

Dec. 10, 2020

Postdoctoral position in theoretical neuroscience at System Neuroscience Institute, Marseilles, France

by Christophe Bernard

Hi, Would you be so kind as to post this postdoc offer? thanks The lab of Christophe Bernard at INS (Institut de Neuroscience des Systèmes, Marseille, France) and the lab of Demian Battaglia at INS / USIAS (Strasbourg) is looking for a postdoctoral scholar working at the interface between theoretical and experimental neuroscience. Circadian rhythms drive all organ functions, including the brain. Although we know that the molecular architecture and the cognitive performance of the brain change during the night and day cycle, what happens at the neuronal scale remains unknown. The project seeks to explore how information processing and brain dynamics change in a circadian manner in health and disease (epilepsy). The project builds upon recent findings from the lab: Clawson et al., Science Adv, 2019, Pedreschi et al., Netw Neurosci 2020 and Debski et al., Science Adv, 2020. The ideal candidate will have a background in theoretical physics (statistical or nonlinear physics) or theoretical computer science, familiar with information theory concepts. Previous experience in the analysis of large neuroscience datasets (e.g. multichannel recordings, unit or LFP data...) or the modelling of spiking neural circuits is a plus. The candidate will work with researchers performing in vivo recordings in control and epileptic animals and the Theoretical Neuroscience Group at INS (D. Battaglia, V. Jirsa). Interactions with clinicians are encouraged. If requested, the candidate will be offered the possibility to learn in vivo electrophysiology. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. The maximum duration is three years. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to christophe.bernard(a)inserm.fr <http://inserm.fr/> and demian.battaglia(a)univ-amu.fr <mailto:demian.battaglia@univ-amu.fr> Christophe Why you should submit your best science to eNeuro: https://www.eneuro.org/content/overview <https://www.eneuro.org/content/overview> Christophe Bernard INS - Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes UMR INSERM 1106, Aix-Marseille Université Equipe Physionet 27 Bd Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille Cedex 05 France christophe.bernard(a)univ-amu.fr +33 4 91 32 42 49 https://ins-amu.fr/physionet <https://ins-amu.fr/physionet>

Dec. 9, 2020

Computational Neuroscience / Machine Learning Group Leader Call 2020 - Champalimaud Research

by Christian Machens

CR Computational Neuroscience / Machine Learning Group Leader Call 2020 The Champalimaud Foundation (CF) invites applications for Group Leaders to join a dynamic and highly collaborative international research institute in Lisbon, Portugal. Champalimaud Research (CR) is seeking to expand its Neuroscience Programme (CNP) with one Junior Group Leader (Assistant Professor equivalent). About you We welcome applicants with expertise in modern Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Suitable research areas for the recruited applicant include statistical methods for complex, high-dimensional datasets, artificial neural networks, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and control theory. We will consider candidates that work on foundational issues in these fields, as well as candidates who take more applied approaches. The ideal candidate should present a research program with both fundamental research and applied elements, and have a strong desire to collaborate with existing teams within CR and CF, including the Champalimaud Clinical Centre. Special attention will be given to applications of individuals from underrepresented groups. About the position To promote risk-taking research, generous support for salary, start-up and annual running costs will be provided. Researchers will be based at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown (CCU), a highly interactive and innovative scientific environment where the Neuroscience Programme is composed of groups applying a range of theoretical and experimental approaches to understand the algorithmic, physiological and circuit mechanisms of behaviour. Researchers routinely collect rich datasets ripe for development and application of new analysis tools or comparison with theory. These datasets include high dimensional neurophysiological and imaging data, to -omics, and various measures of behaviour. About us The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is situated on the waterfront in Lisbon. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon has a sunny Atlantic-Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, international schools, convenient housing options and is considered one of the world’s safest cities. About the application Applications should include a (1) detailed scientific curriculum vitae, which may include any mentoring, outreach, or policy experiences, (2) a brief summary of past accomplishments (max. two pages), (3) a description of future research plans (max. four pages), (4) three key publications (pdf-files preferred, preprints welcome) along with (5) brief (~200 word each) descriptions of their significance, and (6) contact details for three individuals who can provide recommendation letters upon request. Applications or informal inquiries should be addressed to careers(a)research.fchampalimaud.org <mailto:careers@research.fchampalimaud.org> with the subject “Neuro GL Call 2020 – YOUR LAST NAME”. The deadline for the applications is February 28, 2021 and review of applications will begin in March, 2021. Non-discrimination and equal access policy The Champalimaud Foundation actively promotes non-discrimination and equal access, so that no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are not deemed relevant for the performance of the duties associated with the advertised position.

Dec. 8, 2020

"Deep Dive Into ERPs Technique" Online Course

by Mary

Dear Researchers, Science Beam team would like to take the opportunity to invite you for “Deep Dive Into ERPs Technique” Online Course to be held on January-February 2021. This is going to be a 7-session course which is coming after the “Introduction to ERPs and ERPLAB” WEBINAR. If you haven’t taken part in the mentioned webinar, you can watch it now by clicking on the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/erplab-webinar/ In this course you will learn: • Dynamics of ERPs • Design of experiments • ERP components • Artifacts • Pre-processing steps • Principles of ERP recording • Quantifying ERP amplitude and latency The course will involve a combination of lectures, discussions, and laboratory activities. An integrated set of lectures on the fundamentals of ERPs will be given by the instructor. For more information and registering please visit the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/pragati-gupta-course/ If you need more information please don’t hesitate to contact me. workshop(a)sciencebeam.com WhatsAppNo: 008613380781282 Mary Rezaee Human Neuroscience Department Manager International Affairs Rep. www.ScienceBeam.com

Dec. 7, 2020

PhD studentship in Computational Neuroscience, University of Warwick, UK

by Timofeeva, Yulia

PhD studentship in Computational Neuroscience in Computer Science Centre for Doctoral Training, Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, UK We are seeking a PhD candidate to join a research programme, led by Prof Yulia Timofeeva in collaboration with Prof Kirill Volynski (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London), that aims to develop and implement a computational modelling framework for studying regulation of synaptic transmitter release in health and disease. The programme runs in collaboration with a number of world-leading experimental laboratories working in the field of synaptic transmission and information processing in the brain. The successful candidate should have background in applied mathematics/theoretical physics/computer science or related discipline and should have solid computational skills. Relevant references: Ermolyuk et al., Nature Neuroscience, 16, 2013; Timofeeva and Volynski, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 9:239, 2015; Chamberland et al., PNAS, 115 (28), 2018. Scholarship eligibility: Home/EU Deadline: 31 January 2021 For further details please contact Prof Yulia Timofeeva (y.timofeeva(a)warwick.ac.uk) Centre for Doctoral Training and Research in Computer Science: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/dcs/research/doctoralstudies/cdtcs/ Apply via Postgraduate Admissions website mentioning this project in your application: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research -- __________________________________________ Professor Yulia Timofeeva Department of Computer Science and Centre for Complexity Science Warwick, UK Honorary Associate Professor UCL, Institute of Neurology London, UK Tel: 024 765 73786 http://www.dcs.warwick.ac.uk/~yulia/ __________________________________________

Dec. 5, 2020

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Applied Mathematics, Fall 2021, Brandeis University

by Catherine Broderick

BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY Department of Mathematics invites applications for a tenure-track position in applied mathematics at the rank of assistant professor beginning Fall 2021. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in mathematics or a related field, demonstrate potential for excellence in research, and display a commitment to teaching. An ideal candidate will be expected to help to build an applied mathematics program within the department, and to interact with the broader student, staff, and faculty, including other science faculty at Brandeis. Candidates from all areas of applied mathematics will be considered. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 31, 2020. A research-intensive liberal arts university, Brandeis fosters highly collaborative science both within and between departments.The suburban campus in Waltham, MA is just 20 minutes from the bustling academic and biotechnology centers of Boston and Cambridge. At Brandeis, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of academic excellence. Because diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of Brandeis’ history and mission, we value and are seeking candidates with a variety of social identities, including those that have been underrepresented in higher education, who possess skills that spark innovation, and who, through their scholarly pursuits, teaching, and/or service experiences, bring expertise in building, engaging, and sustaining a pluralistic, unified, and just campus community. Brandeis University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status,disability or veteran status. Applications should include an AMS cover sheet, cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a publications list, research, teaching and diversity statements, and four letters of recommendation, one of which addresses teaching effectiveness. Applications should be submitted through MathJobs.org. (This position is pending budgetary approval).

Dec. 4, 2020

Technical editor / European Research Infrastructures for Neuroscience

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear colleagues, The Computational Neuroscience Group at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (www.nmbu.no<http://www.nmbu.no/>) aims to recruit a technical editor in a senior engineer position. The position is part of our contribution to the Human Brain Project (www.humanbrainproject.eu<http://www.humanbrainproject.eu/>) in building the European EBRAINS research infrastructures for neuroscience. This full-time position is available immediately and limited until 31 March 2023. As technical editor, you will be part of the EBRAINS High-Level Service Team and be responsible for coordinating and supervising the production and provision of documentation and tutorial materials for EBRAINS service offerings with the pertaining EBRAINS partners. We are looking for applicants with a master's, preferably a doctoral, degree in a STEM discipline, ideally with experience in technical writing, documentation generation systems, and neuroscience. Closing date for applications is 4 January 2021. For more information about the position and to submit your application, please see https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/196909/technical-editor-seni… Please contact Prof Hans Ekkehard Plesser (hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no<mailto:hans.ekkehard.plesser@nmbu.no>) if you have any questions concerning the position. Best regards, Hans Ekkehard -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Head, Department of Data Science Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no<mailto:hans.ekkehard.plesser@nmbu.no> Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

Dec. 3, 2020

Focus on Criticality and Complexity in Brain Dynamics

by Claudius Gros

Dear colleagues 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_… Among others, we 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 ###

Dec. 3, 2020

two postdoctoral positions in mathematical neuroscience at Penn State

by Itskov, Vladimir

Dear colleagues, Two postdoctoral positions in mathematical neuroscience are available at the Mathematics Department of Penn State University. The postdoctoral researchers will be working on two separate projects: (1) understanding the neural coding and geometry of the olfactory representations, and (2) modeling and analysis of zebrafish data. Both projects will involve research in the area of applied topology, neural networks and neural coding, spanning theory and applications. Applicants with a background in topology, algebra, combinatorics, geometry, or dynamical systems are encouraged to apply. A Ph.D. in mathematics or a closely-related field is required. Applicants should submit their materials via mathjobs site: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs?joblist-134-16862 The start date is flexible. The review of applications will begin on December 2nd and continue until the position is filled. Please contact the PIs, Carina Curto (ccurto(a)psu.edu) and Vladimir Itskov (vladimir.itskov(a)psu.edu) for more details. Best, Vladimir Itskov

Dec. 2, 2020

Scientific Project Manager position at Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Germany

by Abigail Morrison

Dear Colleagues, We have a position open for a Scientific Project Manager - European Research Infrastructures for Neuroscience at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Jülich Research Centre, Germany. The successful candidate will be part of a small team that manages the Interactive Computing E-Infrastructure (ICEI) project and the EBRAINS Computing Services work package of the Human Brain Project. 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/2020-387-E… Closing date: 10 December 2020 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 2, 2020

PhD position in Göttingen: Deep learning in the retina

by Ecker, Alexander

PhD position in Göttingen, Germany: Deep neural network models to understand information processing in the retina A PhD position is available in the lab of Alexander Ecker at the University of Göttingen, Germany. Our group studies visual information processing in biological and artificial neural networks and works closely with experimental neuroscientists. At the interface of machine learning and computational neuroscience, we develop new methods and algorithms to make sense of large-scale neuroscience data and work on novel approaches to computer vision. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a strong interest in developing deep learning tools for neuroscience and working closely with experimental neuroscientists. The ideal candidate has a background in computer science, mathematics or physics and experience with machine learning and deep neural networks. Prior experience in neuroscience is a plus, but not required. The project is part of the newly established Collaborative Research Center “Mathematics of Experiment” (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/628179.html<http://goettingen.de/en/628179.html>) and will be a collaboration with the lab of Tim Gollisch (University Medical Center Göttingen). The goal of the project is to record spiking activity from the retina under various visual stimuli (including natural stimuli) and study the signal processing in the inner retina with modern data science methods, including convolutional neural networks and deep learning. Our research group if part of the strong and lively neuroscience research community of Göttingen, including the University, the University Medical Center, several Max Planck Institutes, the German Primate Center, and the European Neuroscience Institute. We are also part of the Campus Institute Data Science (http://uni-goettingen.de/cidas) and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/615355.html) For more information about the research group, please visit our website: https://eckerlab.org. The position is for three years, with a possibility for extension. Please send your application to Alexander Ecker (ecker(a)cs.uni-goettingen.de<mailto:ecker@cs.uni-goettingen.de>) including a CV, a statement of what interests you in science and in the work of our research group, and contact details for two references. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunity employer, and women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. -- Alexander Ecker Professor of Data Science Department of Computer Science • Campus Institute Data Science University of Göttingen • Goldschmidtstr. 1 • room 2.137 • 37077 Göttingen https://eckerlab.org • @alxecker • +49 551 39-21272

Dec. 2, 2020

Deadline of Neural Engineering NER2021 call for papers EXTENDED

by Alberto Mazzoni

Dear friends, The deadline for the submission of 4-page papers to our bi-annual IEEEembs conference on Neural Engineering NER2021 is postponed to Dec 10th! One page paper deadline is Feb 19th. NER is the world’s gathering place for biomedical engineers, neuroscientists, and clinicians to share research and to exchange ideas and breakthrough advances in novel engineering tools for elucidating brain function and neuro technologies for the restoration and enhancement of impaired sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. The conference program will feature keynote speakers, invited talks, mini-symposia, and poster sessions. Please note that there will be a Special Session on Computer Models in Neuroengineering. All papers will be peer reviewed. All accepted one page and four page papers will appear in the Conference Program. Only four page papers will have the opportunity to be published in IEEE XPlore.Please submit yourpapers on #neurotechnology #bionics #robotics #prosthetics #neuroscience#machinelearning and more Information and complete call for papers available here: https://neuro.embs.org/2021/ Thanks, best and see you there! Alberto Mazzoni www.santannapisa.it/en/computational-neuroengineering-laboratory

Dec. 1, 2020

PhD position in Göttingen: Combining retina recordings and artificial neural networks

by Gollisch, Tim

PhD position in Göttingen: Combining retina recordings and artificial neural networks A PhD position is available in the lab of Tim Gollisch at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. The group studies information processing and neural coding in the neural network of the vertebrate retina, using a combination of electrophysiological and computational approaches. Experimental methods include extracellular multielectrode-array recordings from neurons in the isolated retina (mouse and salamander), using both wild-type retinas and optogenetic retina models of vision restoration therapy. The focus of the group is to combine these experiments with novel tools for data analysis and mathematical modeling. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a strong interest in combining experimental electrophysiology, computational neuroscience, and analysis of artificial neural networks. Experience in computer programming is a plus. The project is part of the newly established Collaborative Research Center "Mathematics of Experiment" (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/628179.html) and will be a collaboration with the lab of Prof. Alexander Ecker (University of Göttingen, Institute of Computer Science). The goal of the project is to record spiking activity from the retina under various visual stimuli (including natural stimuli) and analyze the retinal signal processing with modern data science methods, including convolutional neural networks and deep learning. Our research group if part of the strong and lively neuroscience research community of Göttingen, including the University, several Max Planck Institutes, the German Primate Center, and the European Neuroscience Institute. We are also part of the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/615355.html) and of the Collaborative Research Center "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing" (http://sfb889.uni-goettingen.de/) For more information about the research group, please visit the group's website: https://www.retina.uni-goettingen.de/. The position is for 3 years, with a possibility for extension. Please send your application to Tim Gollisch (tim.gollisch(a)med.uni-goettingen.de<mailto:tim.gollisch@med.uni-goettingen.de>), including a CV, a statement of what interests you in science and in the work of our research group, and contact details for two references. The University Medical Center Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer, and women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. -- Prof. Dr. Tim Gollisch University Medical Center Goettingen, Dept. of Ophthalmology Waldweg 33, 37073 Goettingen Tel. +49 (0)551 39-13542 tim.gollisch(a)med.uni-goettingen.de<mailto:tim.gollisch@med.uni-goettingen.de> www.retina.uni-goettingen.de<http://www.retina.uni-goettingen.de>

Dec. 1, 2020

GEM 2021 - Call for papers - deadline today

by Vinita Samarasinghe

The deadline to submit abstracts for the GEM 2021 workshop is today at 11:59 PM (+1 GMT). Please visit https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 <https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021> to submit your abstracts for both the main workshop and the PhD Symposium. *GEM 2021 - Generative Episodic Memory: Interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, neuroscience and philosophy* https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021 <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021> 16-18 February 2021 The workshop will take place in virtual space and is free of charge. Abstracts for both the workshop and the PhD symposium, which will precede the workshop, are now being accepted via EasyChair https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 <https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021> Keynote Speakers: Karl-Heinz Bäuml - University Regensburg, Germany Dorthe Berntsen - Aarhus University, Denmark Amy Criss - Syracuse University, USA Dorothea Debus - University of Konstanz, Germany David Huber - University of Massachusetts, USA Sarah Robins - University of Kansas, USA Call for papers The DFG-funded research consortium “FOR 2812 – Constructing scenarios of the past” https://for2812.rub.de <https://for2812.rub.de> is proud to announce a call for papers for its first workshop on generative episodic memory. We invite submissions for talks and posters https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 <https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021>. Episodic memories are widely regarded as memories of personally experienced events. Early concepts about episodic memory were based on the storage model, according to which experiential content is preserved in memory and later retrieved. However, overwhelming empirical evidence suggests that the content of episodic memory is – at least to a certain degree – constructed in the act of remembering. Even though very few contemporary researchers would oppose this view of episodic memory as a generative process, it has not become the standard paradigm of empirical memory research. This is particularly true for studies of the neural correlates of episodic memory. Further hindering progress are large conceptual differences regarding episodic memory across different fields, such as neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. This interdisciplinary workshop therefore aims to bring together researchers from all relevant fields to advance the state of the art in the research on generative episodic memory. FOR 2812 “Constructing scenarios of the past: A new framework in episodic memory” consists of 9 researchers. Seven from the Ruhr University Bochum and two from the University of Münster. The consortium adopts an interdisciplinary approach and investigates generative episodic memory from a conceptual, modeling, and experimental perspective using a common conceptual framework: scenario construction. Paper submission deadlines [GMT +1 (CET)]: Abstract submission - 30.11.2020 Notification of acceptance - 31.12.2020 Submission guidelines: Abstracts must be submitted in English and be no longer than 1 page. Submitted work must be original and unpublished. Abstracts must be submitted electronically through the GEM 2021 paper submission site on EasyChair https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 <https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021>. Authors will receive confirmation of receipt of their abstracts including an ID number after submission. You can edit your submission at any time before the deadline. We will consider only the final version. Program committee: Nikolai Axmacher - Faculty of Psychology - Ruhr University Bochum Sen Cheng - Institute for Neural Computation - Ruhr University Bochum Gerald Echterhoff - Faculty of Psychology - University of Münster Albert Newen - Faculty of Philosophy - Ruhr University Bochum Ricarda Schubotz - Faculty of Psychology - University of Münster Markus Werning - Faculty of Philosophy - Ruhr University Bochum Laurenz Wiskott - Institute for Neural Computation - Ruhr University Bochum Oliver Wolf - Faculty of Psychology - Ruhr University Bochum All questions regarding the workshop should be emailed to for2812(a)rub.de <mailto:for2812@rub.de> Coordinator - Vinita Samarasinghe Secretary - Christiane Dahl 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@ini.rub.de

Nov. 30, 2020

[jobs] Postdoc and internship position at AI Lab, Novaquark, Montreal (possibility for remote work)

by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer

Novaquark AI Lab, Postdoc or PhD-level internship open position Title: Intention modeling and joint attention for deep reinforcement learning agents interacting with non-expert caretakers Supervision: Jean-Christophe Baillie Team: Novaquark AI Lab, Montréal Duration: 12-36 months for postdocs, 6 months for PhD-level internships, starting early 2021. Location: in Montréal Lab, or in remote. Keywords: Deep reinforcement learning; language grounding; artificial curiosity; developmental AI; joint attention Details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kJl851ciJj9lOU0gZ66zjkiMRLgvSgNZ/view <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kJl851ciJj9lOU0gZ66zjkiMRLgvSgNZ/view> How to apply: contact ailab(a)novaquark.com with a CV and letter of motivation.

Nov. 26, 2020

NEUROTECH Webinar: What are the hardware opportunities for neuromorphic engineering?

by Elisa Donati

We are back with the second NEUROTECH educational webinar on Neuromorphic Computing Technologies! We will have one hour of educational material followed by a panel discussion on the open challenges in the field. Please see below the details and please spread the word! ----- At the second webinar, Prof. Johannes Schemmel, Prof. Jennifer Olson Hasler, Dr. Elisa Vianello and Dr. Bert Jan Offrein will be answering the question “What are the hardware opportunities for neuromorphic engineering?”. Join us on the 1st of December at 16:00 CET. Sign up here for free: https://neurotech.iniforum.ch/educational/ <https://neurotech.iniforum.ch/educational/> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ About NEUROTECH: Our mission is to catalyse research and collaboration in NCT. Today's neuromorphic community in Europe is leading the state of the art in this domain. The community counts an increasing number of labs that work on theory, modelling, and implementation of neuromorphic computing systems. The NEUROTECH Project will create a Cartography of NCT in Europe, explore Roadmaps for its development, collect educational and information resources on NCT, and inform about upcoming and previous events. https://neurotech.iniforum.ch <https://neurotech.iniforum.ch/> NEUROTECH Educational Webinar: As part of the NEUROTECH project, the Educational Team is organizing a webinar series on neuromorphic computing technologies. The objective is to collect educational material about the field but also hold discussions with the experts about how the field started, how it evolved, where it’s going and how it’s going to shape the future industrial landscape. Follow us on LinkedIn: NEUROTECHAI and Twitter: JoinNeurotech ————————————————————————— Elisa Donati, PhD Research Fellow Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich E-mail: elisa(a)ini.uzh.ch, eldonati(a)ethz.ch Phone: +41 0446353061 Website: www.ini.uzh.ch/people/elisa

Nov. 25, 2020

Open positions in Computational Neuroscience and ML (Denmark / UK)

by Diego Vidaurre

Dear all, Apologies for cross-posting. Funded by an ERC grant, I have two open postdoc positions in my lab in Aarhus University in collaboration with Oxford University, to develop new methods on machine learning and Bayesian time series modelling, with application to specific problems in computational neuroscience. The deadline is on the 30th of May. The positions are initially for 1y, but the idea is to offer longer funding, for up to 5y. https://health.au.dk/en/about-health/vacant-positions/job/postdoc-in-integr… Many thanks d

Nov. 25, 2020

CFP: FLAIRS 2021 Special Track Neural Nets and Datamining, May 16-19, N Miami Beach, FL

by David B

Covid Update: FLAIRS will virtualize some or all of the conference,as necessary. FLAIRS is an interdisciplinary conference featuring a double-blind review and free tutorials, sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) www.FLAIRS-34.info May 16-19, 2021 DoubleTree Ocean Point Resort & Spa, North Miami Beach, Florida, USA Paper submission deadline: February 16, 2021 This special track will be devoted to neural networks and data mining with the aim of presenting new and important contributions in these areas. Who might be interested? Papers and contributions are encouraged for any work related to Neural Networks and Data Mining. What kind of studies will be of interest? This special track will be devoted to neural networks and data mining with the aim of presenting new and important contributions in these areas. Papers and contributions are encouraged for any work related to neural networks, data mining, or the intersection thereof. Topics of interest may include (but are in no way limited to): 1. Applications such as Pattern Recognition, Control and Process Monitoring, Biomedical Applications, Robotics, Text Mining, Diagnostic Problems, Telecommunications, Power Systems, Signal Processing; Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy. 2. Algorithms such as new developments in Back Propagation, RBF, SVM, Deep Learning, Ensemble Methods, Kernel Approaches; hybrid approaches such as Neural Networks/Genetic Algorithms, Neural Network/Expert Systems, Causal Nets trained with Backpropagation, and Neural Network/Fuzzy LogicApplications such as Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy. 3. Modeling algorithms such as hidden Markov models, decision trees, neural networks, statistical methods, or probabilistic methods; case studies in areas of application, or over different algorithms and approaches. 4. Feature extraction and selection. 5. Post-processing techniques such as visualization, summarization, or trending. 6. Preprocessing and data reduction. 7. Knowledge engineering or warehousing. Papers dealing with Cloud-based unstructured data or Cloud-based tool suites, such as Mahout or Apache Spark, are also encouraged. Track Co-Chairs: David Bisant, Central Security Svcs, bisant(a)umbc.edu Steven Gutstein, Army Research Laboratory, s.m.gutstein(a)gmail.com William Eberle, Tennessee Tech University, weberle(a)tntech.edu Submission Instructions Submitted papers must be original, and not submitted concurrently to a journal or another conference. Full oral presentation papers may be up to 6 pages, short poster presentation papers up to 4 pages, and abstract only poster presentations up to 250 words. Submissions for special tracks, workshops, tutorials, and discussion panels are also welcome. Papers must be in AAAI format, and submitted as PDF through the EasyChair conference system, which can be accessed through the main conference web site http://www.flairs-34.info/. The proceedings of FLAIRS-34 will be published by Florida Online Journals (https://journals.flvc.org/) In order for a paper to be published in the proceedings, the paper must be accompanied by at least one AUTHOR REGISTRATION. It is also expected that for a full (i.e., maximum 6-page) paper, at least one of the authors will attend the conference to present their work. In order for a poster to be presented at the conference, it must also be accompanied by an AUTHOR REGISTRATION. Organization Conference Chair: Keith Brawner, Army Research Lab, USA Roman Barták, Charles University, Czech Republic Program Co-Chairs: Eric Bell, USA Fazel Keshtkar, St John’s University, USA

Nov. 24, 2020