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Postdoctoral opening at Brandeis University
by Thomas Fai Feb. 28, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Dear Colleagues, There is a postdoctoral position available in my group in the Mathematics department at Brandeis University, for a research project involving the modeling and numerical simulation of membrane-bound vesicle transport inside of neurons. The position is for up to 2 years and is funded by an NIH postdoc training grant in Neuroscience. Funding is limited to US citizens or permanent residents. Candidates should be available to start by June 2019. Please circulate this advertisement (details below) to any potential candidates. For further info, contact me directly at tfai(a)brandeis.edu. Thank you, Thomas Fai ==================================================== A postdoctoral position is available at Brandeis University to work on mathematical modeling and simulation of membrane-bound vesicle transport inside of neurons (hosted by Thomas Fai). Mathematical techniques include PDE-based models of cell mechanics and fluid dynamics, numerical methods for fluid-structure interaction, dynamical systems, and asymptotics. Potential research topics include building stochastic models to assess the importance of noise, using image processing of experimental data to characterize the behavior in real dendritic spine geometries, and exploring the mechanisms of synaptic strengthening and atrophy. The postdoc will join the Mathematics Department at Brandeis University ( http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/) and have strong ties to the Neuroscience group (http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/) The position, which is for up to 2 years contingent on funding and satisfactory progress, is funded through an NIH postdoc training grant in Neuroscience. Postdocs in this program participate in seminars and journal clubs, obtain mentoring experience, and are expected to apply for external awards during the first year. Funding is limited to US citizens or permanent residents. Candidates should be prepared to start no later than June 16, 2019. Candidates should hold a Ph.D (in neuroscience, mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related topic) by the starting date, have an excellent track record of scholarship, with experience in numerical simulations and interest in learning continuum mechanics and/or fluid dynamics. For further information, contact Thomas Fai (tfai(a)brandeis.edu)

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computational postdoc at CSHL, NY
by Engel, Tatiana Feb. 28, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

I am recruiting computational postdoctoral fellows to my lab at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY. I will be at Cosyne workshops on March 3-5, and I would be happy to meet with interested candidates to provide more information about our work and answer questions. Please feel free to e-mail me with informal inquiries. The position description is included below. Tatiana Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience, Engel Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY Position description: The Engel lab in the Department of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral position working on the cutting-edge research in computational neuroscience. We are looking for theoretical/computational scientists to work at the exciting interface of systems neuroscience, machine learning, and statistical physics, in close collaboration with experimentalists. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to exhibit resourcefulness and independence, developing computational models of large-scale neural activity recordings with the goal to elucidate neural circuit mechanisms underlying cognitive functions. The candidates should e-mail their application to Tatiana Engel (engel(a)cshl.edu<mailto:engel@cshl.edu> ) as a single pdf file with subject: Postdoc Application. The application file should include: (1) CV with the publication list, (2) a brief description of research interests, (3) contact information for three references. Position requirements: - PhD in physics, mathematics, neuroscience, computer science, engineering or related quantitative discipline - Expertise in scientific programming, e.g., C/C++, Python, Matlab - Track record of publications in scientific journals - Effective communication skills, both written and oral - Dedication and passion for solving hard scientific problems -- Tatiana Engel, PhD Assistant Professor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (+1) 408 409 3647

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Modeller's Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox
by Stewart Heitmann Feb. 28, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Modeller’s Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox Online Course March 1-22, 2019 https://bdtoolbox.org/p/modellers-workshop/ Learn the art of programming differential equations in Matlab using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox. This is an on-line course for modellers who wish to simulate their own dynamical systems using the graphical toolbox. Participants are taken step-by-step through the process of programming differential equations and solving them numerically. Participants learn to program custom systems of Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Delay Differential Equations and Stochastic Differential Equations. Example code is provided in all cases. Early-bird enrolments ($100) close Friday 15th March, 2019. Late enrolments ($150) close Friday 22nd March,2019.

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Doctoral position in computational neuroscience, Ruhr Uni. Bochum
by Vinita Samarasinghe Feb. 27, 2019

Feb. 27, 2019

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, invites applicants for the position of *Doctoral Fellow in Computational Neuroscience*. The work will focus on studying the interaction between neocortex and hippocampus using spiking neural network models. The position is part of the project"Theory of the interplay between sensory cortices and hippocampus in memory formation and retrieval", which is funded by the German Research Foundation as part of the collaborative research center SFB 874. The position is funded from*01.07.2019 - 30.06.2022* (TV-L E13 65%). Candidates should have an excellent university degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering or a related field and be eligible to enroll in a relevant PhD program at the Ruhr University. Competence in mathematical modeling and excellent programming skillsare mandatory. Familiarity with computational neuroscience or computational cognitive modeling would be a further asset. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de> in a single PDF file. Please, also request from at least two academic referees that they send letters of reference directly to the same email address. The *deadline for applications is 31.03.2019*. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. https://www.ini.rub.de/the_institute/jobs/doctoral_position_in_computationa… -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

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Cajal Course in Computational Neuroscience 2019
by Macke, Jakob Feb. 26, 2019

Feb. 26, 2019

CAJAL COURSE IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 11 August - 31 August 2019, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown<http://www.fchampalimaud.org/en/the-foundation/champalimaud-centre-unknown/>, Portugal http://www.cccn.pt Applications deadline: 11 March 2019 Course directors: Brent Doiron<https://www.mathematics.pitt.edu/people/brent-doiron> (University of Pittsburgh, USA) Maria Geffen<https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g329/p8404062> (University of Pennsylvania,USA) Jako<http://www.mackelab.org/people/>b Macke<http://www.cne.ei.tum.de> (Technical University of Munich, Germany) Joe Paton<http://neuro.fchampalimaud.org/en/person/115/> (Champalimaud Research, Portugal) Confirmed faculty: Matt Botvinick<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fdeepmind.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=…>, Google Deepmind, UK Claudia Clopath<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bg.ic.ac.uk%2Fresearch%2Fc.clo…>, Imperial College London, UK Sophie Denèv<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Flnc2.dec.ens.fr%2Fen%2Fmember%2F…>e, Institut d'Etudes de la Cognition (IEC), France Julijana Gjorgjieva<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fbrain.mpg.de%2Fresearch%2Fcomputat…>, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany Pedro J. Gonçalves<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fppjgoncalves.github.io%2F&sa=D&snt…>, Research Center Caeser, an Associate of Max Planck Society, Bonn, Germany Ann Hermundstadt<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.janelia.org%2Flab%2Fhermunds…>, Janelia Research Campus, USA Kate Jeffery<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucl.ac.uk%2Fjefferylab&sa=D&sn…>, University College of London, UK Brian Lau<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ficm-institute.org%2Fen%2Fmember%…>, Brain and Spine Institute, France Gilles Laurent<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fbrain.mpg.de%2Fresearch%2Flaurent-…>, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany Máté Lengyel<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3.eng.cam.ac.uk%2F~ml468%2F&sa=…>, University of Cambridge, UK Jennifer Linden<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucl.ac.uk%2Fear%2Fresearch%2Fp…>, UCL Ear Institute, UK Christian Machens<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmachenslab.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=…>, Champalimaud Research, Portugal Ken Miller<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fctn.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.…>, Columbia University, USA Tony Movshon<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cns.nyu.edu%2Fcorefaculty%2FMo…>, New York University, USA Mala Murthy<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmala-murthy.squarespace.com%2F&sa=…>, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, USA Maneesh Sahani<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk%2F~maneesh%2F…>, Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK Eero Simoncelli<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cns.nyu.edu%2F~eero%2F&sa=D&sn…>, New York University, USA Tim Vogels<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dpag.ox.ac.uk%2Fresearch%2Fv…>, University of Oxford, UK About the course: Computational Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field whose methods and techniques are critical for understanding and modelling the brain, and also for designing and interpreting experiments. Mathematical modeling is an essential tool to cut through the vast complexity of neurobiological systems and their many interacting elements. This three-weeks school teaches the central ideas, methods, and practice of modern computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures and hands-on project work. Each morning is devoted to lectures given by distinguished international faculty on topics across the breadth of experimental and computational neuroscience. During the rest of the day, students work on research projects in teams of 2-3 people under the close supervision of expert tutors and faculty. Research projects will be proposed by faculty before the course, and will include the modeling of neurons, neural systems, and behavior, the analysis of state-of-the-art neural data (behavioral data, multi-electrode recordings, calcium imaging data, connectomics data, etc.), and the development of theories to explain experimental observations. The course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from a variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics and psychology. Students are expected to have a keen interest and basic background in neurobiology, a solid foundation in mathematics, as well as some computer experience. A four-day pre-school in mathematics and programming is offered for students that want to catch up on their math and programming skills. A maximum of 24 students will be accepted. Students of any nationality can apply. We specifically encourage applications from researchers who work in the developing world. Stipends are available. Apply here: www.fens.org/Training/CAJAL-programme/CAJAL-courses-2019/CCCN2019/<http://www.fens.org/Training/CAJAL-programme/CAJAL-courses-2019/CCCN2019/> Applications deadline: 11 March 2019 Stipends are available. CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Programme is funded by FENS<http://www.fens.org/>, IBRO<http://ibro.info/> and The Gatsby Foundation<http://www.gatsby.org.uk/>. For more information on the CAJAL programme: www.cajal-training.org<http://www.cajal-training.org/> Contact address: Simone Zacarias, simone.zacarias(a)research.fchampalimaud.org<mailto:simone.zacarias@research.fchampalimaud.org> — Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jakob Macke Technical University of Munich Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professorship for Computational Neuroengineering macke(a)tum.de<mailto:macke@tum.de> www.cne.ei.tum.de<http://www.cne.ei.tum.de> +49 89 289 26902 Office: Alexandra Petelski Alexandra.Petelski(a)tum.de<mailto:Alexandra.Petelski@tum.de> Tel.: +49 (0)89 - 289 26900 Fax: +49 (0)89 - 289 26901

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Masters in Neuroengineering at TU Munich
by Macke, Jakob Feb. 26, 2019

Feb. 26, 2019

Dear colleagues, we are accepting applications for the Masters of Science in Neuroengineering (MSNE) at TU Munich. The ENB Elite Master of Science program in Neuroengineering (MSNE) at the Technische Universität München (TUM) is a two-year graduate program, with an optional Research Excellence Certificate, hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Center of Competence on Neuroengineering. Neuroengineering is an emerging interdisciplinary field that aims to translate findings in neuroscience to engineering applications, and to provide engineering solutions for neuroscience research. MSNE provides research-oriented, interdisciplinary and international training in this novel research field, combing experimental and theoretical neuroscience with fundamental training in engineering. Funding by the Elite Network Bavaria is making it possible to ensure small class-sizes, to provide individual mentoring to students, and to emphasize hands-on, research-oriented courses. Core courses in Systems- and Computational Neuroscience, Neural Recording and Interface-Technologies, Neuro-Inspired Engineering, Data-Analysis, Signal Processing and Machine Learning, are supplemented by mentor-approved electives, hands-on practicals, research internships (both in TUM and abroad), early-career training for independent research, and awareness of ethical aspects of Neuroengineering. Final deadline for applications is May 31, 2019. Applications will be reviewed on a ‘rolling’ basis, and we encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible. Detailed information can be found on www.msne.ei.tum.de<http://www.msne.ei.tum.de>, and enquiries should be directed to msne(a)ei.tum.de<mailto:msne@ei.tum.de>. Best regards, Jakob Macke — Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jakob Macke Technical University of Munich Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professorship for Computational Neuroengineering macke(a)tum.de<mailto:macke@tum.de> www.cne.ei.tum.de<http://www.cne.ei.tum.de> +49 89 289 26902<tel:+49%2089%20289%2026902> Office: Alexandra Petelski Alexandra.Petelski(a)tum.de<mailto:Alexandra.Petelski@tum.de> Tel.: +49 (0)89 - 289 26900<tel:+49%2089%20-%20289%2026900> Fax: +49 (0)89 - 289 26901<tel:+49%2089%20-%20289%2026901>

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postdoc opportunity at MIT: Halassa and Fiete groups
by Ila Fiete Feb. 26, 2019

Feb. 26, 2019

The Halassa lab, in collaboration with the Fiete lab, at MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences is seeking to fill one postdoctoral position at the interface of computational systems neuroscience and theoretical neuroscience. Specifically, the work will involve analyzing neural recordings and constructing neural models of prefrontal circuit operations during decision making, working memory and perceptual inference. The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in joint- and individual-lab projects. The researcher will also have the opportunity to participate in several ongoing department- and institution-wide initiatives such as the Center for Brains Minds and Machines (https://cbmm.mit.edu/) and the MIT Quest for Intelligence (https://quest.mit.edu/) The Halassa lab combines well-controlled, parametric behavioral tasks in multiple species (rodents, tree shrews and marmosets) with high-density multi-site electrophysiological recordings of neural ensembles and circuit-specific optical perturbation tools. Recent studies have revealed novel roles of subcortical structures such as the thalamus in regulating prefrontal activity, and thereby, its engagement in working memory and selective attention (e.g. Schmitt et al., 2017 Nature; Rikhye et al., 2018 Nature Neuroscience). The Fiete lab builds theories and models of neural circuit plasticity, dynamics, coding, and function, and performs quantitative analysis of neural data to test models of circuit function. This is an excellent opportunity for a theoretically inclined candidate who would like to work closely with neural data. An ideal candidate will have some familiarity with neuroscience and a background in a relevant quantitative discipline, such as theoretical or computational neuroscience, physics, engineering, or mathematics. Knowledge and experience in spike train analysis and building neural models are a plus. Please contact Mike Halassa: mhalassa(a)mit.edu<mailto:mhalassa@mit.edu> or Ila Fiete: fiete(a)mit.edu<mailto:fiete@mit.edu>. See also: halassalab.mit.edu<http://halassalab.mit.edu>, http://clm.utexas.edu/fietelab/

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PhD Studentship at Keele University
by Peter Andras Feb. 26, 2019

Feb. 26, 2019

Applications are sought from candidates interested in PhD research in Computer Science. Deadline for applications: 10th March 2019. One particular area of interest is machine learning and computational intelligence. Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas first informally by email by contacting Professor Peter Andras (p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> ). Possible projects include: . machine learning applied to medical imaging data (e.g. x-ray, EEG, MRI), bioinformatics data (e.g. virus evolution) or astronomy data (e.g. exoplanet discovery and analysis); . machine learning synthesis of realistic scenarios and interactions in virtual worlds; . complexity and learnability analysis of deep learning architectures; . evolutionary learning of deep networks. The full call is available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/studentships/FNSGS%202019 -04%20studentship%20form.pdf

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Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience
by Vinita Samarasinghe Feb. 26, 2019

Feb. 26, 2019

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neuroinformatics at Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full-time position of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. *The position starts on 1st July 2019 and is funded for *3 years*. This project is part of the newly established DFG research unit 2812 “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Westfälische Wilhelms University Münster. The research unit will study the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying the constructed scenarios that make up episodic memory. It will employ and combine approaches from Philosophy, Psychology as well as Experimental and Computational Neuroscience. Further information about the project can be found at www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. *Job description* The successful candidate will model the function of episodic memory in inference and prediction using abstract computational models. This project strives to find answers to the questions: * Why are specific experiences stored in episodic memory helpful for predicting the future? * Why can general, or semantic, information not serve the same purpose? *Your Profile: * Candidates should hold a PhD in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling or machine learning, and excellent programming skills are mandatory. In addition, relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required. Experience in the study of episodic memory and in working within a collaborative research group would be a further asset. Candidates should have excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work well in a team. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references may be sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is 15.03.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

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CfP, Special session - Hybrid Life II, ALife 2019
by Manuel Baltieri Feb. 25, 2019

Feb. 25, 2019

[Apologies for cross-posting] ********** Call for Papers ********** Special session - Hybrid Life II: Approaches to integrate biological, artificial and cognitive systems https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life-ii/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life-ii/> 2019 Artificial Life conference (ALife) Newcastle, UK, 29 July - 3 August 2019 - http://2019.alife.org/ <http://2019.alife.org/> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: The main focus of ALife research is the study of natural systems with the goal of understanding what life is. More concretely, ALife defines ways to investigate processes that contribute to the formation and proliferation of living organisms. In this session we focus on three common approaches to tackle this investigation, proposing ways to integrate, extend and possibly improve them. More specifically we refer to: 1) the formalisation of the necessary properties for the definition of life, 2) the implementation of artificial agents, and 3) the study of the relation between life and cognition. For this special session we propose to start from these well-established Alife methodologies, and extend them through: a unified formal language for the description and modelling of living, as well as artificial and cognitive systems, e.g. control theory, Bayesian inference, dynamical systems theory, etc., the exploration of biological creatures enhanced by artificial systems (or artificial systems augmented with organic parts) in order to investigate the boundaries between living and nonliving organisms, and the evaluation of coupled biological-artificial systems that could shed light on the importance of interactions among systems for the study of living and cognitive organisms. This special sessions aims to invite contributions from the fields of psychology, computational neuroscience, HCI, theoretical biology, artificial intelligence, robotics and cognitive science to discuss current research on the formalisation, combination and interaction of artificial/living/cognitive systems from theoretical, modelling and implementational perspectives. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Formalisation of life and cognition (e.g. dynamical systems theory, stochastic optimal control, Bayesian inference, etc.) Cognitive robotics Autopoiesis Life-mind continuity thesis Systems biology Origins-of-life theories with relationships to artificial and cognitive systems Animal-robot interaction Bio-inspired robotics Bio-integrated robotics Human-machine interaction Augmented cognition Sensory substitution Interactive evolutionary computation Artificial perception Important Dates 8th March 2019 – Paper submission deadline 24th April 2019 – Paper acceptance notification 24th May 2019 – Camera-ready version 29th July - 3rd August 2019 – Artificial Life conference (ALife), Newcastle, UK Paper Submission Papers and abstracts submitted to this special sessions will be reviewed by a selected group of experts from the a-life community as well as from other areas key to our proposal, specifically chosen for this review process. If you are submitting to a special session you will be given the opportunity to select it during the submission process. Submissions to special sessions follow the same format, instructions and deadlines of regular ALife papers. Organizers Manuel Baltieri, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK Keisuke Suzuki, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK Hiryuki IIzuka, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Olaf Witkowski, Earth-Life Science Institute - Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan Contacts For questions, enquiries and more information please check our website https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life-ii/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life-ii/> or get in touch with m.baltieri(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:m.baltieri@sussex.ac.uk>. All the best, -- Manuel Baltieri PhD Candidate, EASy group, Sussex Neuroscience, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, UK Twitter: @manuelbaltieri

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Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Whole Brain Modelling
by John Griffiths Feb. 25, 2019

Feb. 25, 2019

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Whole Brain Modelling The Whole Brain Modelling Group (PI Dr. John Griffiths; www.grifflab.com) at the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Toronto, is looking to hire a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a strong background in computational neuroscience and/or neuroimaging. The successful candidate shall spearhead the group's efforts in computational modelling of large-scale brain dynamics, with a particular focus on brain stimulation (TMS, TDCS), EEG, neural plasticity, and macro-connectomics. The fellow will have the opportunity to shape the details of the project based on their specific interests, as well as to contribute to other ongoing projects on a range of topics, including: neuroinformatics of whole-brain modelling, mapping and modelling anatomical connectivity and microstructure with DWI in relation to ageing and stroke, and multi-scale modelling of the thalamocortical system in relation to sleep, pharmacological neuromodulation, and neuropsychiatric disease. The successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering, physics, psychology, or related area, a track record for independent research, and a strong publication record. Strong programming skills and familiarity with neuroimaging data analysis (s/d/fMRI and/or M/EEG) are required; experience with computational modelling using numerical simulations (particularly modelling of neural population activity with mean-field/neural mass/neural field techniques) would be advantageous. Full details of the position and application instructions can be found at www.grifflab.com/positions/ For informal inquiries, please email Dr. John Griffiths at john.griffiths(a)camh.ca with the title “Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Whole Brain Modelling” in the subject line. -- Dr. John D. Griffiths Independent Scientist @ Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, CAMH, Toronto Assistant Professor @ Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto www.grifflab.com

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PhD Available: Predicting Recovery from Stroke with Machine Learning
by Howard Bowman Feb. 25, 2019

Feb. 25, 2019

PhD Available: Predicting Recovery from Stroke with Machine Learning Professor Howard Bowman (University of Kent and University of Birmingham) is looking to take on a PhD student to work on interpretable machine learning applied to data acquired from stroke patients (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ploras/) This work will be with Professor Cathy Price (Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL), whose (PLORAS) team has collected one of the largest data sets of stroke patients (greater than 1,000), including structural MRI scans, behaviour and demographics. A key focus of Cathy Price's work is to predict the recovery trajectory of stroke patients from their structural MRI scans, particularly patients with language deficits (i.e. that are aphasic). Progress has been made on this using traditional and now deep learning methods. Critical to clinical uptake of machine learning in this area is the ability to interpret the predictions it provides in a fashion that can be communicated to clinicians, patients and carers. We seek to appoint a PhD student to work on this topic, using methods such as neural-symbolic techniques. The student will be located in the School of Computing at the University of Kent, but will regularly visit and work closely with Cathy Price's team at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging. Expertise in machine learning will be provided by Dr Thomas Hope (Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL) and Dr Marek Grzes (School of Computing, University of Kent). The PhD being advertised will be one of a tranche of scholarships available in the School of Computing at the University of Kent at Canterbury. These will be competitively allocated across a range of topics. To be eligible for these scholarships, please contact Howard Bowman (H.Bowman(a)kent.ac.uk) before 31st March 2019. Relevant articles: Besold, T. R., Garcez, A. D. A., Bader, S., Bowman, H., Domingos, P., Hitzler, P., ... & de Penning, L. (2017). Neural-symbolic learning and reasoning: A survey and interpretation. arXiv preprint arXiv:1711.03902. Hope, T. M., Seghier, M. L., Leff, A. P., & Price, C. J. (2013). Predicting outcome and recovery after stroke with lesions extracted from MRI images. NeuroImage: clinical, 2, 424-433. Seghier, M. L., Patel, E., Prejawa, S., Ramsden, S., Selmer, A., Lim, L., ... & Price, C.J. (2016). The PLORAS database: a data repository for predicting language outcome and recovery after stroke. Neuroimage, 124, 1208-1212.

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PhD position in computational neuroscience with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott in Bochum, Germany
by Laurenz Wiskott Feb. 25, 2019

Feb. 25, 2019

Please forward this job advertisement to candidates who might be interested. Thanks, Laurenz Wiskott. ___________________________________________________________________________ Open position for a PhD student with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany ___________________________________________________________________________ University: The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of the leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. Institute: Institute for Neural Computation Ruhr-University Bochum Universitaetsstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum, Germany, EU The Institute for Neural Computation is a central research institute at the Ruhr-University Bochum, see https://www.ini.rub.de/. It focuses on the dynamics and learning of perception and behavior on a functional level but is otherwise very diverse, ranging from neurophysiology and psychophysics over computational neuroscience to machine learning and technical applications. Research group: Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott, see https://www.ini.rub.de/research/groups/theory_of_neural_systems/ Research topics: We are looking for an outstanding candidate who will be working on a system-level model of spatial navigation with the hippocampus as one of its central areas. We use methods from neural networks and machine learning. It is also planned to simulate experiments done with rat and/or mice by our experimental partners. The position is part of a joint team with Prof. Sen Cheng working on developing a system-level model of hippocampal function for memory and navigation. This is being done in close interaction with a team working on similar questions from the machine learning perspective. Teaching: There is a teaching load of 3 hours per week during the semester, in particular for a programming course in python. Time: The appointment will be for three years and can then be extended for one more year if needed. Anticipated starting date is May 15th. Requirements: Candidates should have an education (equivalent to a MSc) in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering or any related field. Required are strong mathematical and programming skills (ideally in python) as well as the ability to communicate and work well in a team. Salary: Salary is 75% of salary scale TV-L E13. Inquiries: Informal inquiries can be addressed to Prof. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. Application: Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and BSc, statement of purpose) should be sent as a single pdf file to Prof. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. Ruhr-University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity in employment and gender equality in its working environment. We therefore look forward to applications from qualified women. Applications from appropriately qualified handicapped persons are also encouraged.

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Reminder: XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science - Computational Rationality
by Gergo Orban Feb. 25, 2019

Feb. 25, 2019

Dear all, This is a reminder that the deadline is approaching for submitting abstracts for the XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science, which is devoted to the topic of Computational Rationality. The conference will take place between 23-25 May 2019 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. You may submit your poster abstract here: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_submission.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_submission.php> Our invited speakers are: Ulrike Hahn (Birkbeck, University of London, UK) Quentin Huys (Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London, UK) Julian Jara-Ettinger (Yale University, USA) Máté Lengyel (University of Cambridge, UK, and Central European University, Hungary) Azzurra Ruggeri (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany) Laura Schulz (MIT, USA) Deadline for poster abstract submission is 28 February 2019. Authors will be notified of acceptance of their abstracts by 15 March 2019. For more information please visit: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php> or email us: ducog(a)cogsci.bme.hu <mailto:ducog@cogsci.bme.hu> On behalf of the organisers, Oana Stanciu Gergő Orbán Programme chairs

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student/postdoc/RA positions with Li Zhaoping in Tuebingen Germany on experimental/theoretical neuroscience
by Li Zhaoping Feb. 23, 2019

Feb. 23, 2019

I am recruiting for students/postdocs/research assitants for my group in Tuebingen, where we work in the University of Tuebingen and in the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, seehttps://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/sensory-and-sensorimotor-systems I will be at COSYNE workshop on March 4-5th, and would be happy to provide additional information, answer questions, and chat with interested people. Zhaoping

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Conference Models of Consciousness, Oxford
by Johannes Kleiner Feb. 22, 2019

Feb. 22, 2019

Dear all, I'd like to point your attention to the following conference on formal approaches to the mind-matter relation: Models of Consciousness Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford September 9 - 12, 2019 https://models-of-consciousness.org/ With best wishes, Johannes

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From Dagmar Sternad: Position for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Human Motor Control
by Marta Russo Feb. 21, 2019

Feb. 21, 2019

On behalf of Prof. Dagmar Sternad *Position for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Human Motor Control* Dagmar Sternad Professor of Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics Northeastern University d.sternad(a)northeastern.edu We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the area of computational neuroscience and physical human-robot interaction. The research of Prof. Sternad’s Action Lab’s at Northeastern University in Boston is on human motor control and learning with extensions to clinical populations and rehabilitation http://www.northeastern.edu/actionlab/. Ongoing projects are on complex object manipulation and on human walking on unstable support. Our research addresses fundamental questions on human motor control, with a view to human-robot interactions and also clinical applications. Several ongoing collaborations are with Prof. Neville Hogan at MIT. The Action Lab’s interdisciplinary research program addresses questions in motor control from the perspective of dynamical system, bridging disciplinary approaches from nonlinear dynamics, biomechanics and engineering, neuroscience and psychology. The overall goal of our research is to understand the generation of perceptually controlled behavior in human systems. Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental equipment, including 3D motion capture, three virtual reality set-ups with a robot manipulandum, force plates and wireless EMG. We also use brain measurement and stimulation techniques, such as EEG and TMS. Our laboratory is currently supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For more information about ongoing projects please visit our website: http://www.northeastern.edu/actionlab/ Candidates should have graduate training in one of the following disciplines: Computational Motor Neuroscience, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering, the latter with an emphasis on robotics and interest in human motor control. The applicant should demonstrate an academic record of scientific excellence, independent research, and a strong interest in an interdisciplinary approach to human and robotic motor control. Experience in programming is expected (Matlab, C++, Statistics packages, etc.). He/she will get involved in existing research projects, but is also encouraged to bring to bear his/her expertise into the research project. The Action Lab is located in the Departments of Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics at Northeastern University as well as the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Complex Systems. Northeastern University is located in the heart of Boston, which provides a stimulating environment for interdisciplinary research. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, including a list of publications, and two letters of recommendation to d.sternad(a)northeastern.edu. Hiring will start as soon as possible. -- <http://www.hsantalucia.it/5x1000-sostieni-la-nostra-ricerca> *Rispetta l'ambiente: se non ti è necessario, non stampare questo messaggio - **Please consider the environment before printing this email.*

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Workshop: Spike Sorting and Reproducibility for Next Generation Electrophysiology
by Matthias Hennig Feb. 21, 2019

Feb. 21, 2019

Spike Sorting and Reproducibility for Next Generation Electrophysiology 24. and 25. June 2019 Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh The analysis of extracellular recordings is a computationally and conceptually complex task with multiple sources of error and bias that can affect subsequent data interpretation. The advent of high-density extracellular micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) now allows recording from hundreds to thousands of channels that poses significant challenges. Additionally, current analysis workflows lack standardisation, and few attempts have been made to make perform systematic comparisons between different solutions and approaches. This workshop will bring together electrophysiologists and developers of tools for the analysis of extracellular recordings, with the following goals: - to showcase new approaches to analyse large scale recordings - to discuss approaches for validation and quality control - to discuss how elements of reproducibility and provenance can be added - to typical analysis workflows Invited Speakers: Alessio Buccino, Oslo Espen Hagen, Oslo Felix Franke, ETHZ Samuel Garcia, CNRS James Jun, Flatiron Institute Jeremy Magland, Flatiron Institute André Marques Smith, UCL Olivier Marre, Institut de la vision Hernan G Rey, Leicester (tbc) Evelyne Sernagor, Newcastle Olivier Winter, Champalimaud Pierre Yger, Institut de la vision (more speakers tba) Registration is free (workshop dinner £30), spaces are limited. More info: http://workshops.inf.ed.ac.uk/ssnge/ Organisers: Matthias Hennig, Edinburgh Cole Hurwitz, Edinburgh Jeremy Magland, Flatiron Alessio Buccino, Oslo -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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EuroCogSci 2019: Invitation
by Laurenz Wiskott Feb. 20, 2019

Feb. 20, 2019

Sent in behalf of Prof. Albert Newen, Ruhr-University Bochum. Laurenz Wiskott. ========================================================================================== EuroCogSci 2019 SITUATED MINDS AND FLEXIBLE COGNITION Call for Papers, Posters and Contributed Symposia The conference EuroCogSci 2019 aims at providing a platform for discussing the most recent developments in Cognitive Science. It will feature contributed papers, symposia, and posters covering all subfields of cognitive science, bringing together a large number of experts from Europe and overseas. Venue: Ruhr-Universität Bochum Start: Monday, September 2nd, 2019 End: Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 Keynote Speaker: Lawrence Barsalou (University of Glasgow) Julia Fischer (Universität Göttingen) Patrick Haggard (UCL, London) Asifa Majid (Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics) Brian McLaughlin (Rutgers University) Natalie Sebanz (CEU, Hungary) John Spencer (University of East Anglia) Invited Symposium I: Situated Robotics and its Applications Minoru Asada (Osaka University) and Etienne Burdet (Imperial College London) Invited Symposium II: Evolutionary Robotics Dario Floreano (EPFL) and Partica A. Vargas (Heriot-Watt University) Invited Symposium III: Theory of Mind and Its Developments Ágnes M. Kovács (CEU), Beate Priewasser (Salzburg), Albert Newen (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) Local organizing team: Albert Newen (main organizer), Sabrina Coninx, Onur Güntürkün, Dorothea Kolossa, Beate Krickel, Jonas Rose, Tobias Schlicht, Gregor Schöner, Alfredo Vernazzani, Markus Werning, Pascale Willemsen Call for Contributed Symposia We encourage the joint submission of thematically related papers of a key research topic as symposia. More information at: https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/philosophy/EuroCogSci2019/call-for-contribut… The deadline for submission of symposia proposals: 28 February 2019 Call for Papers and Posters We invite contributions on recent research in any subfield of cognitive science. More information at: https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/philosophy/EuroCogSci2019/call-for-papers-an… The deadline for submission of papers & posters: 31 March 2019 Call for Registration: a detailed call will be sent out later. Contact information: EuroCogSci2019(a)rub.de ________________________________ Dr.des. Alfredo Vernazzani Scientific Manager: EuroCogSci 2019 Ruhr-Universität Bochum Institut für Philosophie II GA 6/35, Universitätsstr. 150 44799 Bochum, Deutschland

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Internship on Multi-scale and multi-modal data analysis and modeling of neural signals in epileptic patients
by Maurizio De Pitta Feb. 19, 2019

Feb. 19, 2019

Dear colleagues, please share with your students and anyone who be interested. The Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM) and the BioCruces Hospital in Bilbao (Biscay, Spain) are offering a 6-month internship tailored to advanced bachelor students or Master students interested in the fascinating theory of complex networks in relation with multi-scale analysis of time series data from neural signals of epileptic patients. Candidates should apply here: http://www.bcamath.org/en/research/internships Interviews are currently open and will go on till fulfilment of the position. The internship can be used by Spanish and Basque students to fulfil their mandatory training credits. However, international candidates will also be very welcome. There is also the possibility to exploit the internship experience later into a full PhD project. Following are the details of the internship. Title. Multi-scale analysis of neuronal signals in epileptic patients Brief description of the research topic. About one epileptic patient out of four is diagnosed with intractable (drug-resistant) epilepsy, presenting severe, life-impairing seizures for which the only, currently available treatment option is surgical removal of epileptogenetic neuronal circuits. The success of this surgery however depends on our ability to exactly identify epileptogenic circuits. This task is challenged by the emerging hypothesis that epileptogenic circuits are distributed rather than localised in a single brain spot. In turn, this distributed scenario suggests that epileptic seizures present multi-scale spatial organisation in conjunction with hierarchical temporal activation of multiple neural circuits. In line with this hypothesis is the observation that the spectrum of oscillatory neural electrical activity during seizures recorded by electroencephalography (EEG) presents multiple frequency components, ranging from milli- to kilo hertz. It remains however unclear how to relate such temporal structure with the underlying spatially-organised activation of epileptogenic neural networks. The aim of this internship is to gain familiarity with development of mathematical and modelling techniques that could help the analysis of spatial and temporal correlations in epileptic neural activity. The intern will work in collaboration with Dr. Maurizio De Pittà (BCAM) to adapt current models of neuron-glial networks to reproduce epileptic seizures, and with Dr. Paolo Bonifazi (BioCruces) for the analysis of neural time series. Requirements. - Basic knowledge of graph theory and statistical data analysis, and numerical integration - Essential programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python - Basic knowledge in neuroscience is a plus - Ability to meet deadlines - Strong interest to pursue research in complex network theory Keywords: computational neuroscience, time-series analysis, network theory, epilepsy, neuron-glia interactions. Contact details: Maurizio De Pitta', mdepitta(a)bcamath.org Paolo Bonifazi, paolo.bonifazi(a)osakidetza.eus ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

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Postdoc in Human Laminar Electrophysiology at NYU (BRAIN Initiative)
by Lucia Melloni Feb. 19, 2019

Feb. 19, 2019

Postdoc in Human Laminar Electrophysiology at NYU (BRAIN Initiative) A full-time Postdoc position will be available in the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, to study the electrophysiological basis of laminar functional MRI (fMRI). The position is part of a National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative-funded project in collaboration with the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) at the University of Minnesota and Department of Cognitive Neuroscience at Maastricht University. The postdoc will conduct intracranial and laminar electrophysiological recordings, as well as 7T laminar fMRI studies in people with epilepsy, and collaborate closely with a team of leading neuroscientists, physicians, and biomedical engineers. The aim of the project is to understand the neural underpinning of the laminar functional MRI signals by combining in-vivo electrophysiology in humans (NYU), high field MRI (NYU/CMRR/Maastricht) and computational modeling (Maastricht/CMRR). The candidate will benefit from the rich resources of our neuroscience community, which includes researchers at NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health’s Neuroscience Institute <https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/neuroscience/>, and the Center for Neural Science at NYU. The candidate will work closely with collaborators at the CMRR (Dr. Yacoub), Maastricht (Drs. Formisano, De Martino, Havlicek) and CMRR/Toronto/Suwon (Dr.Uludag). The ideal candidate has a PhD in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, psychology, or a related field. She/he should have a solid background in (human) electrophysiology and signal processing (EEG, MEG and/or ECoG), programming (Matlab or Python), statistics, and scientific writing. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently, to enjoy interacting within an interdisciplinary research environment as well as with a clinical team, and to have a track-record of peer-reviewed publications. Some supervision and mentoring of research assistants and students is expected. Previous experience with human electrophysiology will be an asset. Preferred starting date: August 2019 or as soon as possible. Initial appointment will be for 2 years with the option to renew up to 4 years. Interested individuals should send an email to lucia.melloni(a)nyulangone.org <mailto:lucia.melloni@nyulangone.org> and sasha.devorea(a)nyulangone.org <mailto:sasha.devorea@nyulangone.org> including a cover letter describing research experience and qualifications, an academic CV, and contact information of 2-3 referees who have agreed to be contacted, by March 30th, 2019.

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Post doctoral position in neuroMRI to study BOLD-based spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity
by Verhoye Marleen Feb. 19, 2019

Feb. 19, 2019

Dear The Bio-Imaging Lab at the University of Antwerp (Department of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences) is seeking to fill the following full time vacancy: Post doctoral (m/f) position in neuroMRI to study BOLD-based spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for 1 year after positive evaluation. Starting date: ASAP. The position is available for a multidisciplinary project that aims to study changes in functional connectivity (FC) in animal models for Alzheimer. The Bio-Imaging lab has already great expertise in acquiring and analyzing BOLD-based FC. In this project, the post-doctoral fellow will create and implement algorithms to extract quasi-periodic patterns (QPPs), known as large-scale recurring spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity, which have been suggested to be likely contributors to 'altered' network connectivity. The project is multidisciplinary (acquiring MRI data of dedicated animal models by PhD students), where the focus of the Post Doc job lies in the advanced image analysis. Interested candidates should - hold a doctoral degree in (bio)-informatics, biomedical imaging, biomedical engineering, statistics, mathematics, physics, computational neuroscience or a closely related field. - have comprehensive knowledge and experience in one or more topics within the signal and image sciences: data analysis, signal processing techniques, statistical decision theory, and algorithm development. - be familiar with machine learning and pattern discovery techniques is a plus. - have experience with coding algorithms in C, C++, Matlab, Python, or similar language used in the signal and image sciences. - have preferably experience with in-vivo Neuro MRI analysis, neurosciences The full job announcement can be found here: https://www.uantwerpen.be/images/uantwerpen/container2675/files/Post%20doct… Candidates can learn more about the Bio-Imaging Lab at https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/rg/bio-imaging-lab/ The Lab is a member of the EGAMI (Expert Group Antwerp Molecular Imaging https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/rg/bio-imaging-lab/collaborations/egami-imagin… ), which represent a service platform that integrates all molecular imaging techniques and expertise present at the University of Antwerp. To apply please send your application, CV and two names of referees to An.Ost(a)uantwerpen.be<mailto:An.Ost@uantwerpen.be> and marleen.verhoye(a)uantwerpen.be<mailto:marleen.verhoye@uantwerpen.be>. Further information can be obtained from: Marleen Verhoye, PI at the Bio-Imaging lab (Tel: + 32 (0)3 265.27.86, Secretary: +32 (0) 3 265.27.80), Deadline of application: March 21th, 2019. Please forward this message to people who might be interested Regards, Marleen Verhoye Faculty of FBD/Department of Biomedical Sciences Campus Drie Eiken - Building UC 1.12 Universiteitsplein 1 - B-2610 Antwerp Belgium marleen.verhoye(a)uantwerpen.be http://bioimaginglab.ua.ac.be/ T +32 3 265 27 86

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Please post: Programmer/Analyst Opening in the Center for Visual Science in Rochester, NY
by Pasternak, Tatiana Feb. 18, 2019

Feb. 18, 2019

Programmer/Analyst Opening in the Center for Visual Science in Rochester, NY The Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester (http://www.cvs.rochester.edu) is seeking a computer programmer to develop software for studying visual information processing in the eye and brain. The position involves working with multiple faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students on a wide range of research projects and requires familiarity with at least some of the systems, programming languages/libraries, and other software tools listed below. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in 3D graphics, image processing, computer vision, interfacing of hardware and software, and/or vision research in general. A successful candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field, and be comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced academic research environment. Systems: DOS, Windows, Macintosh, Linux Languages/Libraries: C, C++, C#, Java, Python, MFC, OpenGL, OpenCL Development tools: Visual Studio, .NET Framework, ASP.NET<http://ASP.NET>, MVC Software: Matlab, LabVIEW Applications should be sent to dshannon(a)ur.rochester.edu<mailto:dshannon@ur.rochester.edu>. **************************************** Tatiana Pasternak, Ph.D. Professor Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Departments of Neuroscience, Brain & Cognitive Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Visual Science University of Rochester

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[job] Call for postdoc application on curiosity-driven deep reinforcement learning
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer Feb. 18, 2019

Feb. 18, 2019

Call for postdoc application Topic: Intrinsically motivated multi-goal deep reinforcement learning in open virtual worlds Host and location: Inria Flowers Lab, Bordeaux, France Collaboration with Ubisoft (Bordeaux) Supervision: Pierre-Yves Oudeyer (Flowers team, Inria and Ensta ParisTech) Duration: between 18 months and 2 years Deadline for application: the position will be assigned and start as soon as possible (from april or may 2019). This postdoc project aims to develop autonomous lifelong machine learning techniques that enable virtual intelligent agents to make discoveries and acquire large repertoires of skills in open uncertain environments. This is key for developing agents that need to continuously explore and adapt interaction skills to new or changing tasks, environments, people to interact with, and preferences of others. The approach will leverage recent advances in curiosity-driven developmental learning (also called intrinsically motivated learning) to drive exploration in a multi-goal deep reinforcement learning framework. In particular, it will consist in studying several extensions of recent results of the Flowers lab in this area, including unsupervised learning of goal spaces using deep learning approaches (Laversanne-Finot et al., 2018) and the CURIOUS algorithm for intrinsically motivated multi-task multi-goal deep RL (Colas et al., 2019). These algorithms will be evaluated on benchmarks involving novel virtual environments dedicated to study exploration and curiosity (e.g. based on Unity3D MLagents), as well as modern open world video games in the context of a collaboration with Ubisoft (Bordeaux). Keywords : Deep RL, neural networks, multi-task learning, transfer learning, curiosity, intrinsic motivation, curriculum learning, Unity3D. Required knowledge and background: Candidates should already have shown very strong experience and achievements, shown by publications in top-tier AI/machine learning conferences and journals (e.g. NIPS, ICML, ICLR) in either: - Deep Learning algorithms (theory and practical implementations) - Reinforcement learning Other requirements: - strong skills in mathematics, statistical inference, machine learning - Advanced programming skills - Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary project Contact and application: Send CV and letter of motivation to pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr Web: Inria Flowers: http://flowers.inria.fr and http://www.pyoudeyer.com The Flowers Lab: developmental robotics and lifelong multitask machine learning ================================================================== The Flowers Lab, headed by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, gathers a team of ~20 members and has been one of the pioneers of developmental robotics and lifelong machine learning and artificial intelligence in the last decade, in particular through developping models of intrinsically motivated learning of repertoires of skills that have both contributed to advance understanding of human curiosity and development, and to advance incremental online multitask machine learning techniques in difficult high-dimensional robotic spaces. This work in the Flowers lab is conducted in the context of large international projects (e.g. ERC grant, European projects 3rdHand and DREAM, HFSP project Neurocuriosity), with interdisicplinary collaborations with other labs in neuroscience, psychology, machine learning and robotics. The successful candidates would be directly involved in these international collaborations. The Flowers lab has recently spin-off the Pollen Robotics startup company, and is involved in multiple collaborations with industrials through Inria's strong support towards impacting both science and industry. Inria and EnstaParistech =================== The lab is within Inria Bordeaux, which is a prestigious, and also the largest, public European research insitution focused on computer science, mathematics and their applications. Inria's teams and researchers (> 2800 employees) have received prestigious awards, coordinate many international projects, and have created strong innovations now used in many parts of industry. Inria research center in Bordeaux gathers around 300 researchers. The Flowers Lab is also associated to EnstaParisTech, which is a prestigious French engineering school (university). Bordeaux ======== The Flowers lab in Bordeaux is located in a great building on the border of one of the world most famous vineyard, and 10mn by tram from Bordeaux town center (and 2 hours from Paris through high-speed trains): https://www.inria.fr/en/centre/bordeaux Bordeaux has been recently rated by Lonely Planet as the world's best city to visit: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/best-cities-in-the-worl… References: Baranes, A., & Oudeyer, P. Y. (2013) Active learning of inverse models with intrinsically motivated goal exploration in robots. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 61(1), 49-73. https://hal.inria.fr/hal-00788440/document COLAS, Cédric, SIGAUD, Olivier, et OUDEYER, Pierre-Yves (2019) CURIOUS: Intrinsically Motivated Multi-Task, Multi-Goal Reinforcement Learning. https://arxiv.org/pdf/1802.05054.pdf Colas, C., Sigaud, O., and P-Y. Oudeyer (2018) Gep-pg: Decoupling exploration and exploitation in deep reinforcement learning algorithms. arXiv preprint arXiv:1802.05054, 2018. https://arxiv.org/abs/1802.05054 Laversanne-Finot, A., Péré, A., Oudeyer, P-Y. (2018) Curiosity Driven Exploration of Learned Disentangled Goal Spaces, In Proceedings of Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL 2018). Blog post : https://openlab-flowers.inria.fr/t/discovery-of-independently-controllable-… Péré, A., Forestier, S., Sigaud, O, and P.-Y. Oudeyer (2018) Unsupervised learning of goal spaces for intrinsically motivated goal exploration. In International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), 2018. https://arxiv.org/abs/1803.00781

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Abstract submissions open for UK Neural Computation 2019
by Mark Humphries Feb. 18, 2019

Feb. 18, 2019

The UK Neural Computation 2019 meeting is now accepting abstract submissions. The main meeting will be 2nd-3rd July 2019, at the University of Nottingham. Abstracts can be in any field of neural computation and computational neuroscience. 300 words maximum. All submissions will be considered for the poster sessions. Please indicate if you are interested in giving a talk (4 abstracts will be selected for talks) Abstract submission closes: May 10th Decisions: May 24th Please visit the Abstracts page for full details on how and where to submit: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019/abstracts Full details of the conference are here: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019 Invited speakers: Athena Akrami / Andy Barron / Tim Behrens / Claudia Clopath / Matthias Hennig / Simon Laughlin / Rosalyn Moran / Cian O'Donnell / Chris Summerfield / Tim Vogels / Barbara Webb Chair: Mark Humphries Committee: Hannes Saal, Robert Schmidt and Stuart Wilson. 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.

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