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Postdoc in Neural Data Science @ Tübingen for 3 years
by Philipp Berens Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear all, we, the “Data Science for Vision Research” group at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research at the University of Tübingen (www.berenslab.org) is offering a position for a postdoctoral researcher (100%, TV-L E13) in Neural data science for initially three years to start as soon as possible. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with a PhD in computational neuroscience, machine learning or related fields with a strong interest in applying modern machine learning approaches for deciphering the neural circuits of the retina. The ideal candidate should be interested in working on combining detailed simulations of neurons with machine learning techniques, e.g. for parameter inference, methods for processing two-photon calcium or voltage imaging data, the analysis of spatial transcriptomics data of neural tissues or related topics. Further topics of interest in the lab include machine learning techniques for analyzing single-cell transcriptomics data as well as machine learning for medical image analysis. Applications should include a CV and a motivation letter – let us know why you are excited about your previous research and how you would want to work with us. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply – currently, we are a diverse team from eight different countries with a reasonable gender ratio, and we are excited to receive your application! Please send your application materials as a single pdf to philipp.berens(a)uni-tuebingen.de. The application deadline is February 15th and applications will be evaluated until the position is filled. https://jobrxiv.org/job/data-science-for-vision-research-lab-university-of-… -- Professor of Data Science for Vision Research Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning - New Perspectives for Science" www.berenslab.org

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Tutorial on Modeling Tools: BMTK and SONATA
by Anton Arkhipov Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear colleagues, Please join us for an online tutorial at the Allen Institute. Tools for modeling: The Brain Modeling Toolkit and SONATA data format January 28, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am PT Please register here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/open-fo… The Brain Modeling Toolkit is a Python-based open software package for building, simulating, and analyzing large-scale neural network models. It supports the building and simulation of models at various scales. Dai et al., PLOS Comp. Bio., 2020a<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008386> The Brain Modeling Toolkit is linked to SONATA, a standardized data format for storing networks and simulations. Dai et al., PLOS Comp. Bio., 2020b<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007696> These are the software tools we used to build, simulate, and share our multi-scale models of mouse V1, which are freely available to the community. Billeh et al., Neuron, 2020<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.01.040> https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/models We are looking forward to seeing you there. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 [cidimage001.png(a)01D5B043.A5662590] www.alleninstitute.org<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleni…>

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PhD position in decision-making at University of Balearic Islands
by Catalina Vich Llompart Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

A 3 year PhD student position starting on March-April 2021 is offered to work with Dr. Catalina Vich at Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), together with Dr. Jonathan Rubin at University of Pittsburgh (UPitt), and Dr. Tim Verstynen and Dr. Eric Yttri at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The PhD student will be involved in an international project between USA and Spain to investigate circuit-level mechanisms of adaptive decision-making. They will engage in research on learning algorithms in spiking networks with an emphasis on cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic networks and the role of dopamine, as well as on the relation between spiking dynamics and abstract decision-making frameworks. Required skills from the PhD student: We are looking for highly motivated and self-driven candidate with strong interest and experience in computational neuroscience and significant computational expertise. To be accepted in the PhD program, a MSc degree is required preferably in mathematical biology, computational biology or related disciplines. Students who do not hold a MSc degree but hold an undergraduate degree of 300ECTS are also encouraged to apply. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills (python and C) are essential. The accepted candidate will be mentored, supervised and trained by C.Vich, J. Rubin and T.Verstynen, and they will have to occasionally visit the USA team (when pandemic safety restrictions are lifted). Environment The Universitat de les Illes Balears (https://www.uib.eu <https://www.uib.eu/>) is located in Mallorca, the highest island of the Balearic Islands, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, an area declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, as well as being just a few kilometres from Mallorca’s finest beaches. It is also ranked among the top 5 Spanish universities in innovation and technological development and in research quality. The university is well connected with the main city, Palma, and other villages. It has good transport links to the whole of the archipelago. In fact, it has a bus and underground service with good timetables and frequencies. The accepted student will be a member of the group of Dynamical Systems (SSDD, http://www.ssdd.uib.es <http://www.ssdd.uib.es/>) and the institute of Applied Computing and Community Code (IAC3, http://iac3.uib.es <http://iac3.uib.es/>), with ample opportunities to interact with other young researchers in the fields of physics and mathematics in a highly interactive, dynamic, and multi-cultural environment. Salary Salary will be arranged in accordance to the University salaries for this purpose, which is around 16.000€/year (before TAX). To apply All applicants have to send their Curriculum Vitae, two letters of recommendation and an application letter expressing their interest to Dr. Catalina Vich at catalina.vich(a)uib.es <mailto:catalina.vich@uib.es> with subject “Phd position”. An interview may take place during the selection process. Documents can be written in either English, Catalan or Spanish. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of February. An objective rubric system will be used to score applications for the position, to avoid implicit bias. An online interview might be request. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, etc. Demographic and cultural diversity will be considered in the selection of the trainee. __________________________ Dr. Catalina Vich Llompart Universitat de les Iles Balears

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Postdoc position: Modeling age-related cognitive decline in rhesus monkeys (Boston, MA)
by Christina M. Weaver Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

*Computational Neuroscience postdoc position: Modeling mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline in rhesus monkeys* A postdoctoral research fellowship in computational neuroscience is available immediately with the interdisciplinary research team led jointly by Dr. Jennifer Luebke (Dept of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA), Dr. Christina Weaver (Dept of Mathematics, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA), and Dr. Patrick Hof (Dept of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY). The central goal of the NIH-funded project is to characterize changes in the prefrontal cortex and visual cortex during normal aging in the rhesus monkey, to gain insight into mechanisms that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The successful candidate will build computational models of cortical networks that incorporate age-related changes to individual neurons, and explore mechanisms of network dysfunction. The models will be constrained by our morphology, physiology, and behavior studies in rhesus monkeys, including new multiplexing data in collaboration with GE Healthcare. Our joint publications related to this project include Ibañez et al. *Front. Comput. Neurosci.* (2020), PMID 32009920; Rumbell et al., *J. Comput. Neuro*. (2016), PMID 27106692; and Amatrudo et al., *J. Neurosci.* (2012), PMID 23035077. The appointment as a Boston University School of Medicine research fellow will be for at least 1 year with possibility for extension based on performance. Applicants should have a strong background or interest in computational neuroscience and have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate modeling and empirical data in neuroscience research. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should attach the following: - A cover letter, - A current CV, - A brief statement of current and future research interests, - The contact information of three references. Please be aware that references may be contacted anytime after receipt of your application. *Requirements:* - PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, or a related field from an accredited institution is *required. * - Experience with NEURON compartmental modeling software and/or MATLAB scientific computing software is *required.* - Experience with differential equations-based mathematical models is *required.* - Excellent written and verbal communication skills is *required*. - Experience with conductance-based modeling of single neurons and/or excitatory-inhibitory networks is *preferred.* Please send inquiries and application materials to Dr. Christina Weaver, christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu . Christina M. Weaver, Ph.D. Department Chair, Mathematics Associate Professor Franklin & Marshall College P.O. Box 3003 Lancaster, PA 17604-3003 Email: christina.weaver(a)fandm.edu

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Funded PhD and Data scientist positions
by Abhishek Banerjee Jan. 14, 2021

Jan. 14, 2021

Dear colleagues, Two funded *Ph.D. positions* are available in the newly established Adaptive Decision-making lab as a part of Neuroscience, Neurodisability and Neurological Disorders research theme, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, UK. The research carried out as part of th Ph.D fellowship will investigate the role of behaviourally relevant neural circuits in decision-making and its dysfunctions in neurological disorders using experimental and theoretical approaches (PNAS 2016; BRAIN 2019; bioRxiv 2020). Exciting local and international collaborations will ensure a high standard of training and mentorship. The position is funded (UK/EU rate) for up to 3.5 years and the application deadline is *6th January 2020*. Application details can be found here or by email provided below: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/mrc-dimen-doctoral-training-partnersh… . Additionally, the Banerjee Lab is also hiring a *Data Scientist* to be involved in projects that focus on understanding cortical computation during behaviour by combining large-scale recordings and imaging of neuronal populations. This person will be involved in analysing experimental data, developing software tools, and helping with data infrastructure. The application deadline is *31st January 2020*. Qualifications for the Data scientist position: - M.Sc. degree (or exceptional B.Sc.) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related technical field. - Programming experience in MATLAB is required, and additional experience in Python and LABView is preferred. - Background in computational neuroscience, image analysis, or machine learning is a plus. For informal inquiry, or if interested in applying for the Data scientist position, please submit a CV along with names of 3 referees to: Dr. Abhi Banerjee <abhi.banerjee(a)newcastle.ac.uk>. More details here: https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/11499/overview and http://neuronic.mit.edu/ Best wishes, Abhi -- Abhishek Banerjee Senior Lecturer Head, Adaptive Decision-making Lab Biosciences Institute Newcastle University United Kingdom I neuronic.mit.edu Skype: amiappu I @abhii_mit

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Post-doctoral position in Washington DC
by Rebekah Evans Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

Post-doctoral position in cellular and systems neuroscience The Evans Lab at Georgetown University is looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral fellow for cellular and systems neuroscience research in an NIH BRAIN Initiative-funded position. This post-doc will use two-photon calcium imaging with simultaneous optogenetics to probe dendritic integration and circuitry of the extended basal ganglia including brainstem and dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. In addition, in vivo optogenetics and fiber photometry will be used to probe these circuits during behavior. Experience in electrophysiology and/or microscopy is a plus, but we can train a highly-motivated person on these techniques. Start date is flexible, but summer/fall 2021 would be ideal. Please see the Evans lab website: https://sites.google.com/view/evans-lab/home and contact Dr. Evans at re285(a)georgetown.edu with a letter of interest and CV. Rebekah Evans M.Ed., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Georgetown University 3970 Reservoir Rd. NW, NRB EG31 Washington DC RebekahColemanEvans(a)gmail.com

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PhD position “Whole brain dynamics underlying flexible decision making in rodent” at Donders Centre for Neuroscience at Radboud University, the Netherlands
by Paul Tiesinga Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

PhD position "Whole brain dynamics underlying flexible decision making in rodent" at Donders Centre for Neuroscience at Radboud University, the Netherlands We are looking for A PhD candidate for a collaborative project in the groups of Liya Ma and Paul Tiesinga at the Donders Institute utilizing approaches from both experimental and computational neuroscience. You will study Reinforcement Learning (RL) processes in animal models using experimental and computational approaches. The experiments will establish a mathematical model for RL behaviour in mice, identify neural correlates for value-related parameters in the model using in vivo high-density electrophysiology, manipulate the neural correlates, and measure corresponding changes in RL-guided behaviour. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the neural mechanism by which value signals guide decision making. This will inform state-of-the-art deep learning approaches and shed light on novel interventions for psychiatric diseases. Guided and supported by our supervisory team, you will design and perform experiments in mice, analyse data, conduct computational modelling, and prepare manuscripts. You will also have the opportunity to write grants, peer-review journal articles, and contribute to teaching and event organization. We ask * A dedicated, reliable, detail-oriented, and well-organised team player. * Experience in animal behaviour preferred. * Experience in electrophysiology preferred. * Experience with MATLAB or Python preferred. * Good communication and writing skills in English. We are The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, 4. Neural computation and neurotechnology. State-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as excellent and recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. Paul Tiesinga's group aims to understand how information is processed in the brain by building computational models of the brain and developing methods to analyse signals recorded from the brain. Liya Ma's group studies how cognitive control processes are supported by cortical microcircuits and network-level long-range communications. You will be supported by the two teams' extensive expertise in high-density electrophysiology in behaving rodents, advanced data analyses and computational modelling. To help PhD candidates achieve their ambitions within and beyond academia, Radboud University provides various career training courses and coaching opportunities. Our groups are deeply committed to the professional development of doctoral candidates. PhD candidates at Radboud University receive a competitive salary with holiday pay, year-end bonus and other benefits. Their partners have access to Radboud University's Dual Career and Family Care Services. Please apply via the link in https://www.academictransfer.com/nl/296962/phd-candidate-in-neuroinformatic… before February 12th to receive full consideration. Best regards, Paul Tiesinga Professor of Neuroinformatics Donders Institute/Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

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Postdoc position in brain modelling at QIMR Berghofer, Brisbane, Australia
by Luca Cocchi Jan. 13, 2021

Jan. 13, 2021

The Clinical Brain Networks Team, led by A/Prof. Luca Cocchi at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow. The role is a key part of an NHMRC-funded project to model large-scale brain dynamics underpinning symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The successful candidate will develop novel models of large-scale brain dynamics, and use these to uncover brain activity causing OCD. This will entail: (i) mathematical and computational modelling of brain dynamics at the whole-brain level; (ii) constraining models against empirical neuroimaging data, both structural and functional; and (iii) developing novel analysis tools and implementing them for wide adoption. The role will also include collaboration with Dr Paula Sanz-Leon, A/Prof. James Roberts, A/Prof. Andrew Zalesky and Prof. Leonardo Fontenelle. The successful candidate will have: - A PhD in physics, mathematics, computational neuroscience, computer science, or a related field; - Experience in mathematical modelling; - Proficiency in programming (MATLAB and/or Python). - A strong track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications. And ideally will also have experience in: - Pre-processing and analysis of neuroimaging data, including diffusion imaging and fMRI; - Modelling large-scale brain network dynamics; - Time series analysis and signal processing; and - Handling of large datasets. The position is in Brisbane, Australia, full-time for 3 years. Salary range is $82,506 to $88,522 p.a. plus super and salary packaging. When submitting an application, please include the following: letter of intent, curriculum vitae, list of publications. More details at: https://qimrberghofer.turborecruit.com.au/job/job_details.cfm?id=476191&fro… Closing date: 14 March 2021 Luca Cocchi Clinical Brain Networks Team QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

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PhD & post-doc positions: Neuronal basis of human epilepsy (UNIGE, Switzerland)
by Pierre Bastien Megevand Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

Neuronal basis of human epilepsy: PhD student and post-doc positions PhD student and post-doctoral fellow positions are opening in May 2021 at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, to study the neuronal basis of epilepsy and cognition using microelectrode recordings in human patients. Lab and project: The Human Neuron Lab (@LabNeuron), led by Prof. Pierre Mégevand, is dedicated to advancing the detection and prediction of epileptic seizures. The lab also investigates the neuronal basis of human cognitive brain functions. For that purpose, the lab focuses on invasive neurophysiology in the human brain, including ECoG and stereo-EEG. Additionally, unique microelectrode recordings (using Utah arrays and microwire electrodes) give access to the activity of dozens of single neurons in the patient's brain in order to reveal novel markers of epileptic seizures at the neuronal population level. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for human invasive neurophysiology. It benefits from the powerful computing infrastructure of the University. Importantly, the lab is fully integrated with the epilepsy monitoring unit of Geneva University Hospitals, and thus boasts exceptional access to patients and recordings. This project focuses on defining novel markers of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy. Continuous intracranial EEG and microelectrode recordings will be acquired for several weeks. Single-unit activity will be tracked over time for multiple neurons. Activity within the neuronal population will be examined for the presence of patterns that are specific to the patient’s seizures. The performance of seizure detection and prediction using microelectrode recordings will be compared to existing algorithms based on intracranial EEG data. Research tasks: - Acquire, analyze, and curate a uniquely rich dataset of human intracranial EEG and microelectrode recordings - Build a pipeline for semi-automated single-neuron identification and tracking - Establish novel markers of neuronal population activity that identify seizures - Participate in the mapping of sensory, motor and language functions in epilepsy patients - Daily interactions with the patients and staff of the epilepsy monitoring unit Qualifications: - Background in biomedical engineering, signal processing, or neuroscience - Expertise with analysis of neurophysiological signals, like EEG - Expertise with microelectrode recordings or intracranial EEG is a plus - Strong expertise with scientific computing (Matlab, Python) - Expertise with machine learning is a plus - Working proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential - Conversational knowledge of French must be acquired if not yet mastered - Ability to work independently Work environment: The University of Geneva is a prestigious research hub in neuroscience, federating many labs that cover the full spectrum from basic to cognitive, translational and clinical research. The neuroscience community in Geneva is also strengthened by rich collaborations with other research institutions, including Campus Biotech, the Wyss Center, and the EPFL. This project is fully funded by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation. The PhD and post-doc positions are open for up to 4 years each. Swiss salaries are very attractive in international comparison. The positions will open from May 2021 onwards. Please send your application, including a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, list of publications, and at least two references, by e-mail to: Prof. Pierre Mégevand Division of neurology, Geneva University Hospitals Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland pierre.megevand(a)unige.ch

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Postdoc positions in computational cognitive science at Max Planck Institute in Tübingen
by Eric Schulz Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

Our lab (PI: Eric Schulz) at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, is looking to hire 2 fully-funded postdocs. For the first position (which will be jointly with Georg Martius at the MPI for Intelligent Systems), we are looking for someone to work on computational theories of curiosity at the intersection between cognitive science and robotics: https://bit.ly/38s2p0S The second position is an open topic position, and we would like to hire someone to work on the cognitive science aspects of learning, decision making, and generalization. Knowledge of behavioral (or neuroscientific) experiments, advanced statistical analysis skills, and experience with supervising students would be a strong plus: https://bit.ly/3q2w5ry * Key Requirements * - hold (or expect to hold by start of position) a PhD in CogSci, Psych, Neuroscience, Machine Learning, CS or related disciplines - record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals is highly beneficial * Details * - Deadline: Feb 28th 2021 - Position will last for a minimum of 2 years (extension possible) - Start: April 2021 (negotiable) * Application * - please email a cover letter, CV and 1-2 representative publications, as well as the names and email addresses of 3 referees to Eric Schulz * Questions? * - check our lab website to learn more about us: cpilab.org - email Eric at eric DOT schulz AT tue.mpg.de * Links * - Position 1: https://bit.ly/38s2p0S - Position 2: https://bit.ly/3q2w5ry

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Feb 8/9 Virtual Symposium: Surprise, Curiosity and Reward: from Neuroscience to AI
by Wulfram Gerstner Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

You are all kindly invited to the EPFL Neuro Symposium on Surprise, Curiosity and Reward: from Neuroscience to AI <https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…> which will take place on _February 8 and February 9 2021 as a Webinar, _ _both days from 14h00 - 19h00 Lausanne Time (8am-3pm US East Coast) _ The Symposium will feature talks from 10 speakers performing research at the intersection of Neuroscience and AI. They will provide in-depth insights into the state of the art of surprise and curiosity as drives of learning in human, animals, and robots. Registration is open <https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…>! (mandatory - no fee) After each talk there will be time for questions so as to get, despite the virtual format, into a real discussion with the speakers. Speakers: A. Barto, M.G. Bellemare, J. Gottlieb, T. Griffiths, E. Koechlin, A. Modirshanechi, D. Ostwald, D. Pathak, E. Vassena --- the program will be available soon, best regards M. Herzog and W. Gerstner https://memento.epfl.ch/event/epfl-neuro-symposium-surprise-curiosity-and-r…

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GEM 2021 - Registration deadline update
by Vinita Samarasinghe Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

*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 This workshop will take place in virtual space and is free of charge. The program is available at https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021program <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021program> *The deadline for registration has been extended to 31.01.2021*. Please visit our website <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021> to register. *Abstract:* 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 projects. 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. 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 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 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

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Re: [Comp-neuro] Special Issue on Deep Learning Approaches for Brain-Computer Interfaces (Signals - MDPI)
by Panagiotis Petrantonakis Jan. 12, 2021

Jan. 12, 2021

Call For Papers for a Special issue on: *Deep Learning Approaches for Brain-Computer Interfaces* https://www.mdpi.com/journal/signals/special_issues/Brain_Computer_Interfac… *Special Issue Information* Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) decipher and translate brain signals into commands for the surrounding environment. Different types of brain signals, e.g., EEG and fMRI, have been used as a means to decode intended user commands, and various machine learning approaches have been tested in such a task. With the advent of the deep learning (DL) era, new studies have emerged that exploit the advantages of the deep network architectures for BCI systems and depict more efficient and reliable brain signal decoding systems. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a collection of forefront works investigating the deployment of various deep network types in different BCI applications using a variety of brain signals either of unimodal or multimodal signal processing framework. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: - Deep network architectures for BCIs; - Transfer learning in BCIs; - Big data for DL-based BCIs; - Fusion of multiple brain signals for BCIs using DL methods. *Guest Editor* Panagiotis Petrantonakis (ppetrant(a)iti.gr) Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional questions. Kind regards, Panagiotis

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Special session: Bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms for multimedia - CBMI-2021 (Lille)
by Teresa Serrano Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

*Special session: Bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms for multimedia in conjunction with CBMI-2021 (June 28-30)* CBMI aims at bringing together the various communities involved in all aspects of content-based multimedia indexing for retrieval, browsing, management, visualization and analytics. The Special Session on bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms will be a mini-venue, focusing on the state-of-the-art and research direction of the emerging field of bio-inspired circuits, systems and algorithms and in the envisioned applications and breakthrough that the application of this bioinspired technology and algorithms can bring to the content-based multimedia indexing field development. Special session papers, which can be invited or submitted, will supplement the regular research papers and be included in the proceedings of CBMI 2021. The special session would include four to five papers, which can be invited, or regular submissions. In order to ensure the high quality of all conference papers, all papers submitted to the special session will be peer-reviewed through the standard review process, including invited papers. If the special session has many high-quality submissions, some of the submissions may potentially be moved to some regular sessions. Authors are encouraged to submit previously unpublished research papers including bioinspired circuits, systems and algorithms that address the use of the bioinspired technology and algorithms in the areas of search and retrieval, multimedia content management, user interaction, large-scale search, learning in retrieval, social media indexing and retrieval, surveillance and security. Other applications areas of interest to the CBMI community not listed above maybe considered. *Organizer *: Teresa Serrano Gotarredona, IMSE-CNM —terese(a)imse-cnm.csic.es andcbmi2021-organisation(a)univ-lille.fr Submissions of papers for special sessions are open on EasyChair:https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=cbmi2021. Please select the special session you apply to in the submission form. *STUDENT PARTICIPATION:* We strongly encourage students to participate in CBMI-21 event and submit their research. We strongly believe in their power, and they are the future of the research in content-based multimedia indexing. For these reasons and for the first time in the history of the conference, the 2021 edition of CBMI with support of ACM SIGMM (www.sigmm.org) will sponsor several students, authors of papers submitted and accepted by CBMI-21, and being corresponding author of a paper. The student status will be recognized only to PhDs and master students. Certain students will be totally sponsored, including registration fees, accommodations and travel expenses. Other students will be partly sponsored, including substantial reduction in the registration fees, no cut-backs to the students’ conference experience, and budget accommodation options and arrangement for room sharing. Furthermore, in this edition, prizes will be awarded to the best student poster presentations of CBMI2021. All the participants registered to CBMI2021 as student will be automatically admitted to the selection for the awards. All the papers accepted as poster presentation by the Technical Program Committee (TPC), from students will be considered for the awards, given that a full-paper manuscript has been submitted. The student poster awards committee will evaluate the nominated contributions during the poster sessions of CBMI2021. The evaluation criteria will be independently established by the Committee before the conference and will take into account the scientific content as well as the technical quality of the posters. The Student Poster Awards will be announced during the Gala Dinner, on June 29th. *Instructions to authors:* Special sessions papers will be included in the CBMI proceedings like regular papers. The CBMI proceedings are traditionally indexed and distributed by IEEE Xplore and ACM DL. In addition, authors of certain best papers of the conference will be invited to submit extended versions of their contributions to a special issue of a leading journal in the field (e.g. MTAP - Springer), and other best papers will be invited to submit extended versions of their contributions in a book (ISTE/WILEY publisher). -- Teresa Serrano Gotarredona Investigadora Científica / Research Scientist Imagen Logo IMSE-CNM C/ Américo Vespucio, 28 Parque Científico y Tecnológico Cartuja 41092 Sevilla. SPAIN Ph.: +34 954 466 666 • Fax: +34 954 466 600

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PhD fellowship on dolphin communication and AI
by German Sumbre Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

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PhD position in computational neuroscience at the European Neuroscience Institute
by Jan Clemens Jan. 11, 2021

Jan. 11, 2021

The Clemens lab the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen (Germany) is recruiting a PhD student. The position is part of a DFG funded joint project with Matthias Hennig (Berlin) in the priority program “Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing” (SPP 2205). The project will investigate how pattern recognition networks support the evolution of behavioral diversity, using acoustic communication in crickets as a model system. Building upon existing behavioral and circuit models, we will characterize the nonlinear mapping from circuit parameters to behavior using machine learning. We will combine large behavioral data sets from more than 20 different species, phylogenetic information, and computational modelling to investigate the evolutionary process that shaped the behavior in this species group. Hypotheses produced in the modelling approach will be tested with experimental collaborators in Berlin. Your profile - MSc in computational neuroscience, computational biology, physics, engineering, computer science or equivalent. - Strong quantitative and programming skills are required. - Experience with modelling, statistics, and machine learning. Our offer The position is for 4 years. The successful candidate will join one of the many excellent graduate schools on the Göttingen Campus. In addition, the candidate will be embedded in the diverse community formed by the members of SPP 2205. Application deadline: 15.2.2021 Start date: Spring/Summer 2021 How to apply? Please send your application as a single pdf to Jan Clemens ( clemensjan(a)gmail.com) including a CV as well as names and contact details of two references. Please include a short statement of why this project interests you and how you think you could contribute, based on your scientific background. Jan Clemens European Neuroscience Institute Neural Computation and Behavior group Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen, Germany janclemenslab.org

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PhD position in Machine learning with dynamic models
by Kerstin Bunte Jan. 10, 2021

Jan. 10, 2021

Dear colleagues, The Computer Science department at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has a PhD position for interested candidates on "Machine Learning with dynamic models". We are accepting applications until March 1 2021. More information can be found under the following link: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-0… Kind regards, Kerstin Bunte -- Kerstin Bunte, Assistant Professor | Rosalind Franklin Fellow Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Faculty of Science and Engineering University of Groningen P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK Groningen The Netherlands Email: k.bunte(a)rug.nl Phone: +31 (0)50 363 3966 web: http://www.cs.rug.nl/~kbunte/

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International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science 2020 Online
by Kenji Doya Jan. 9, 2021

Jan. 9, 2021

We are going to hold an online symposium that brings together researchers in the forefront of AI and neuroscience. All talks will be made accessible as pre-recorded movies and we will have two-hour live discussion sessions on October 10-12, 2020. Registration is free and open till September 30. Please register from the web site below. ******** International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science http://www.brain-ai.jp/symposium2020/ Time below is in UTC (i.e., 10pm-0am Japan, 2pm-4pm UK, 9am-11am EDT, 6am-8am PDT) <Saturday, October 10th> 13:00 Get connected 13:15 Greetings: Kenji Doya (OIST) 13:30 Discussion on Keynote: Josh Tenenbaum (MIT) 14:00 Discussion on Session 1: Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning Chair: Jun Morimoto (ATR) Discussant: Shunichi Amari (RIKEN) Speakers: Yann LeCun (NYU, Facebook), Yutaka Matsuo (U Tokyo), Doina Precup (McGill U) David Silver (DeepMind), Masashi Sugiyama (RIKEN AIP/U Tokyo IRCN) <Sunday, October 11th> 13:00 Discussion on Session 2: World Model Learning and Inference Chair: Hiroaki Gomi (NTT) Discussant: Mitsuo Kawato (ATR) Speakers: Ila Fiete (MIT), Karl Friston (UCL), Yukie Nagai (U Tokyo IRCN) Maneesh Sahani (Gatsby Unit), Tadahiro Taniguchi (Ritsumeikan U) 14:00 Discussion on Session 3: Metacognition and Metalearning Chair: Masayuki Matsumoto (Tsukuba U) Discussant: Keiji Tanaka (RIKEN) Speakers: Matthew Botvinick (DeepMind), Ryota Kanai (ARAYA), Angela Langdon (Princeton U) Hiroyuki Nakahara (RIKEN CBS), Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) <Monday, October 12th> 13:00 Discussion on Session 4: AI for Neuroscience and Neuromorphic Technologies Chair: Takatoshi Hikida (Osaka U) Discussant: Kunihiko Fukushima (FLSI) Speakers: Jim DiCarlo (MIT), Yukiyaku Kamitani (Kyoto U), Rosalyn Moran (King’s College London) Terry Sejnowski (Salk Institute), Hidehiko Takahashi (Tokyo MDU) 14:00 Discussion on Session 5: Social Impact and Neuro-AI Ethics Chair: Masamichi Sakagami (Tamagawa U) Speakers: Anne Churchland (UCLA), Kenji Doya (OIST), Arisa Ema (U Tokyo IFI) Hiroaki Kitano (SONY CSL), Stuart Russell (UC Berkeley) Sponsor: KAKENHI Project on Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science (http://www.brain-ai.jp) Co-sponsors: RIKEN AIP (https://aip.riken.jp/?lang=en) U Tokyo IFI (https://ifi.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/) U Tokyo IRCN (https://ircn.jp/en/) Contact: ncus(a)oist.jp ---- Kenji Doya <doya(a)oist.jp> Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan Phone: +81-98-966-8594; Fax: +81-98-966-2891 https://groups.oist.jp/ncu

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Post Doc on AI and Behavior in London
by Dimitris Pinotsis Jan. 8, 2021

Jan. 8, 2021

Post Doc on AI and Behavior in London The Computational Neuroscience and Psychiatry Lab (www.pinotsislab.com) at University of London—City is looking for a Post Doc with a strong background in AI/ Machine Learning and Behavioral Science. The Lab focuses on developing new algorithms for the analysis of behavioral data and human and animal brain imaging data. These are based on computational models of neural dynamics and state of the art machine learning techniques. Particular emphasis is put on applications in Computational Neuroscience and Psychiatry and developing models of human behavior and brain pathology. Also, the Lab develops brain theories that can explain brain function, using theoretical tools from deep neural networks and Bayesian brain theories. The lab also performs EEG recordings. The Post Doc shall conduct research at the intersection of human behavior and machine learning. She or he will build computational tools using state of the art machine learning algorithms. The position has an initial duration of 6 months. The successful candidate should have a PhD in machine learning, psychology, computational neuroscience, engineering or a related field. Expertise in one or more modern scientific computing programming language (Python, Matlab or R) is essential. Experience with large databases, SQL methods for data storage, web architectures and API development is an advantage. For informal inquiries, please email Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis at pinotsis(a)mit.edu

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PhD Studentships, University of Sussex, be.AI programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI
by Miguel Maravall Jan. 8, 2021

Jan. 8, 2021

Dear colleagues The University of Sussex is offering 6 PhD studentships within its new Doctoral Scholarship Programme funded by the Leverhulme Trust. This programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI investigates how intelligence arises from the interaction of the brain with the body and the environment. It includes multiple projects that link between AI and Neuroscience: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai/proposals. Please see below for the announcement (*deadline is 31st Jan 2021*). The University of Sussex invites applications for PhD studentships within the be.AI Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme (www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai>) which will bring together researchers from the humanities, life sciences and computing to pursue artificial intelligence (AI) in its original definition of understanding natural intelligence by emulating it in artificial systems. In our unique interdisciplinary centre, we will advance understanding of how the interaction between brain, body and environment gives rise to intelligence and how this insight can be used to build novel artificial intelligence. As a be.AI Scholar you will: * Be funded for 3.5 years with a tax free living allowance at the standard Research Council rate - currently £15,009 per year- and UK fees * Be eligible for generous financial support of up to £4,000 per year for training and research expenses, such as conference trips and experimental costs * Be eligible to apply for one of three 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships, available only to completing Leverhulme be.AI scholars * Benefit from supervision by world-leading researchers in many different aspects of AI * Benefit from taught courses in topics, such as ethics and data science. The Programme will fund three intakes of 6 students per year, starting in September 2021 (application deadline 31st January 2021). You will be registered within one of the participating schools (Life Sciences, Engineering and Informatics, Psychology, Philosophy, Media Film & Music) but will be encouraged to perform cross-disciplinary research with academics across Schools. In be.AI, you will work in a community of like-minded students and researchers supported by your own research seminars, invited lectures by world leading speakers, as well as student-led conferences and cohort building events. We are passionate about creating an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers, so we expect successful applicants to see beyond their disciplinary boundaries and embrace the opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple fields. For further details, including how to apply, see http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai Thanks! Miguel Prof Miguel Maravall (he/him) Director, Sussex Neuroscience Academic lead, Athena SWAN & gender equality, University of Sussex School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Falmer Brighton BN1 9QG United Kingdom http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/maravalllab/

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Postdoctoral Positions in Theoretical Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, Moscow Russia FEB 14 DEADLINE
by boris gutkin Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

Post-doctoral position in Theoretical Neuroscience DEADLINE 14 February More Information: https://iri.hse.ru/theoretical_neuroscience2021 <https://iri.hse.ru/cognitive_neuroscience3> Application link: https://iri.hse.ru/polls/323647081.html <https://iri.hse.ru/polls/323647081.html> The Higher School of Economics Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in computational and mathematical approaches to understanding neural function and cognition at Theoretical Neuroscience Group (TNG). Research interests of the TNG at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making are wide ranging, carried out in collaboration with the experimental labs at the Center. Current research topics include computational psychiatry, computational neuroeconomics, information processing in neurons and circuits, as well as role of oscillations in cognition. The candidate will have the opportunity to further define and expand the Group’s research programme. We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidate with backgrounds in quantitative disciplines: applied mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering. Knowledge of biology, neuroscience and ability to work with data is highly desired. Candidates will be trained in model building, analysis and will be offered advanced training in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Candidates will have an opportunity to develop independent research projects and collaborations under the direction of the group leading scientists. The TNG is a structural part of the HSE’s Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> with ample collaboration opportunities within the Centre with other research groups, both within Russia and internationally. This new international group is tightly linked with the Group for Neural Theory at the Ecole Normale Superior <http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/?lang=en> in Paris, where research internships and visiting positions can be made available. Application Process Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via an online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship(a)hse.ru <mailto:fellowship@hse.ru> before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring department may not be reviewed. More information can be also obtained from bgutkin(a)hse.ru <mailto:boris.gutkin@hse.ru>

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Fully funded doctoral position at Ecole Normale Superieure and CentraleSupelec Paris in AI/Cognitive Computational Neuroscience/Quantitative Finance from fall 2021
by boris gutkin Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

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

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Workshop 'Invention of Writing' (12-15/01)
by Andrea Santamaria Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

Dear Sir/Madam, We are delighted to announce our Workshop on the invention of writing, organised by the INSCRIBE Invention of Scripts and their Beginnings ERC project, based at the University of Bologna. It will start next Tuesday, 12th January and will run for four consecutive afternoons, until Friday the 15th January. The workshop is articulated into four thematic sessions and crosses boundaries between archaeology, linguistics, cognitive science, and much more. To join us, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Wcibfgg_SRGkJVWJkE_NvA A single registration will allow you to access all sessions. For more information on our guest speakers and the full programme: https://www.inscribercproject.com/workshop//workshop_home.php Thank you and see you very soon! Silvia Ferrara

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Data Scientist Position in Bioinformatics and Neuroscience at Boston University
by Chen, Jerry Jan. 7, 2021

Jan. 7, 2021

The Lab of Jerry Chen at Boston University is hiring a Staff-Level Data Scientist to be involved in several multi-year BRAIN Initiative related NIH and NSF funded projects. These projects focus on understanding cortical computation during behavior by combining behavior, genomics, spatial transcriptomics, anatomical reconstructions, and large-scale population recordings. This person will be involved in help to analyze experimental data, developing software tools to aid in the data analysis, and helping with data infrastructure and management. Specific Projects include: 1. Analysis of genomic data. 2. Image analysis for in situ sequencing of gene expression (ie. spatial transcriptomics) 3. Automated behavioral training and video analysis. 4. Analysis of dense electron microscope reconstructions of neuronal connectivity (ie. Connectomics). Required Skills: * BA/BS degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience or related technical field. * One to three years of academic or professional experience. * Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, and R is required. * Extensive background in either genomic analysis, image analysis, computer vision, or machine learning is preferred. If interested in applying, please submit a CV along with 3 references to jerry(a)chen-lab.org<https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=jerry@chen-lab.org> Jerry Chen, PhD. Assistant Professor Department of Biology Boston University jerry(a)chen-lab.org<mailto:jerry@chen-lab.org> www.chen-lab.org

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Permanent position in computational modeling of neurostimulation in mental disorders
by Axel Hutt Jan. 6, 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Permanent position in computational modeling of neurostimulation in mental disorders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The research of the INRIA-team MIMESIS in Strasbourg / France (https://mimesis.inria.fr) aims to create a synergy between clinicians and scientists to develop new healthcare technologies. The team researchers collaborate closely with clinicians and choose their research focus along the clinical applications. Major scientific objectives are the development of advanced online- and offline simulations involving new numerical techniques for real-time computation and data-driven simulation dedicated to patient-specific modelling. One application branch is embedded in neuroscience with a specific focus on general anaesthesia and neurostimulation of patients suffering from mental disorders. For instance, members of MIMESIS work in the recently funded project A/D Drugs (https://www.inria.fr/en/ad-drugs-exploratory-action-aimed-optimising-neuros…) to develop novel neurostimulation techniques in psychosis that may emerge in schizophrenia patients. The team offers the possibility to apply for a permanent position as Chargé de Recherche (CR) or Directeur de Recherche (DR) in the research field of computational neuroscience with a strong focus on linking brain network modelling with experimental data. The new colleague should have a strong expertise in neurostimulation and/or modelling of experimental data observed in mental disorders. Strong programming and mathematical skills are mandatory. INRIA is a French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (https://www.inria.fr/en) with 8 research centres in France. The team MIMESIS is located in the centre of Strasbourg on the hospital campus as part of the Research Centre Nancy Grand Est. The application deadline will be mid of February 2021, but it is recommended to contact the team (by email: axel.hutt(a)inria.fr) in advance. For more details or sending your application documents (CV including publication list), please contact Dr. Axel Hutt (email: axel.hutt(a)inria.fr) .

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Postdoc in machine learning at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)
by Milekovic Tomislav Jan. 6, 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

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

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Postdoc opportunity (fully funded): Theories and Models of Behaving Brains
by Ann Kennedy Jan. 5, 2021

Jan. 5, 2021

The Kennedy lab (kennedylab.org<http://kennedylab.org/>) is hiring multiple fully-funded postdoctoral researchers for neural network modeling, data analysis, or deep learning projects. Our research goal is to develop new methods for analyzing and modeling high dimensional data, which we use to understand the structure of behavior, its control by the brain, and the dependence of brain activity and behavior on context, experience, and internal state. We work in close collaboration with experimental groups, with available projects studying neural encoding of state and behavior in basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex. We are also pursuing pure theory projects, studying computation and dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks, inspired by the remarkable cell type diversity that has been uncovered throughout the brain via single-cell RNA sequencing experiments. We are a new theoretical neuroscience laboratory at Northwestern University, in the Physiology department of Feinberg Medical School on Chicago's Miracle Mile. Northwestern's Physiology department is ranked #3 in the US, and has an incredible concentration of expertise in the motor control and reward circuitry of the basal ganglia and cortex. Interested applicants, please email ann.kennedy(a)northwestern.edu<mailto:ann.kennedy@northwestern.edu> with a CV and a comment on your research interests.

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Postdoc Position - Human Intracerebral Speech Perception
by Lori Holt Jan. 5, 2021

Jan. 5, 2021

Interested to join a highly collaborative, vibrant research environment in Pittsburgh? We are seeking to understand how the brain flexibly maps speech input across manipulations in short-term input regularities. The postdoctoral position will be supported by a new NIH-sponsored research project, *Flexible representation of speech in the supratemporal plane*, that weds the joint expertise of Lori Holt (Carnegie Mellon University) and Taylor Abel (Pediatric Neurosurgery, University ofPittsburgh) to advance how dynamic, flexible aspects of the mapping of speech input to phonemes are represented in the intracerebral response of human cortex measured with stereoelectroencephalography. You can find more info here: https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/psychology/holtlab/PDF/cmupittpostdocad2020.pdf Please feel free to be in touch with questions for Lori (loriholt(a)cmu.edu) or Taylor (abeltj(a)upmc.edu) ______________________________________________________________ loriholt Professor, Department of Psychology | Neuroscience Institute | Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition Carnegie Mellon University loriholt(a)cmu.edu | www.psy.cmu.edu/~holtlab/ pronouns: she, her, hers

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Digital Info Day - International Master & PhD in Computational Neuroscience @ BCCN Berlin - 27.01.21
by Graduate Programs Jan. 5, 2021

Jan. 5, 2021

Dear Computational Neuroscientists, Please share the following event information with anyone who may be interested. We at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Berlin will hold a "Digital Info Day" to discuss our International Master & Doctoral Programs in Computational Neuroscience on Wednesday, January 27th, at 3pm (CET). The event will consist of talks by: * Prof. Dr. Klaus Obermayer (head of the programs) * Lisa Velenosi (teaching coordinator) * Current master and doctoral students Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet & discuss with current students and ask any questions or concerns that they may have. See our website <https://www.bccn-berlin.de/events-list/information-day-international-gradua…> for a more detailed schedule and registration link. Best regards and happy new year, Lisa Velenosi -- Lisa Velenosi Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Philippstraße 13, Haus 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Tel: +49 (0)30 2093 6773 Technische Universität Berlin Marchstraße 23; Raum 5.061; 10587 Berlin; Germany Tel: +49 (0)30 314 72006 SFB1315 - Network Outreach Coordinator PhD & Postdoc Cohort

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Creating a list of important computational predictions
by Yiota Poirazi Jan. 4, 2021

Jan. 4, 2021

Dear all, I believe you would agree that, the greatest recognition of our computational work comes with the experimental verification of our computational predictions. To highlight the most important outcomes of our theoretical work and facilitate a closer interaction with experimental labs so as to increase the chances of our predictions being experimentally tested, I would like to encourage you to nominate your favorite prediction at the following google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJZ2RrXJ0nZonIuyNzN0Cl gXDKDb7xTzoJOiqZTGxm9Kh7ow/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link This effort started during the CNS 2017 meeting in Antwerp with the support of the OCNS Board. The resulting list will be posted on the CNS 2017 web site and disseminated in social media, as a reference for experimentalists. Thank you very much for supporting this important effort! Best wishes, Yiota Poirazi -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by *E.F.A. Project* <http://www.efa-project.org>, and is believed to be clean. Click here to report this message as spam. <http://mailgate1.imbb.forth.gr/cgi-bin/learn-msg.cgi?id=4BCD7A00A1.A57D7&to…> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/>

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WorldWideNeuRise, an online seminar series promoting early-career researchers
by William Podlaski Jan. 4, 2021

Jan. 4, 2021

We are very pleased to announce the new seminar series WWNeuRise that explicitly targets PhD students and postdocs (https://neurise.github.io/) WWNeuRise aims to give early career scientists an opportunity to share their exciting work with a large audience and make connections with people interested in similar questions. The seminar series will be hosted on WWNeuro and sponsored by eLife. The first seminar block, entitled "Neuroscience at the intersection of experiment and theory", will start in January 2021 and features six exciting talks by Nicolas Meirhaeghe (Jazayeri lab, MIT) Federico Stella (Battaglia lab, Donders Institute) Soledad Gonzalo Cogno (Moser lab, NTNU) Zoe Ashwood (Pillow lab, Princeton University) Claire Hales (Robinson lab, University of Bristol) Arseny Finkelstein (Svododa lab, Janelia HHMI) For more information, please visit the WWNeuRise website ( https://neurise.github.io/) or twitter (https://twitter.com/WWNeuRise) We are looking forward to seeing you all in January! The organising committee, Ellen Boven (Apps lab, U Bristol) Christina Buetfering (Häusser lab, U College London) Lucie Descamps (Kentros lab, NTNU) Gily Ginosar (Ulanovsky lab, Weizmann Institute) Loreen Hertäg (Sprekeler lab, TU Berlin) Joram Keijser (Sprekeler lab, TU Berlin) Bill Podlaski (Machens lab, Champalimaud)

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Call for community project proposals and mentors for INCF's participation in GSoC 2021 - expression of interest due January 15
by Malin Sandström Jan. 4, 2021

Jan. 4, 2021

Hello all, ------- Please forward this email to prospective mentors you might have in your network ---- INCF will be applying again to Google Summer of Code, for the 11th time running. Last year was a record year in the number and diversity of projects, we hope to do at least as well this year! A note on scope: we are looking for open source project ideas with some sort of *neuro connection* - fixes or extensions to big/broadly applicable or small/niche tools used by neuroscience researchers, efforts and initiatives in the broad field of computational neuroscience. If your project supports or implements *neuroscience standards or best practices*, we are especially happy (but all projects are treated equally, when it comes to slot assignments). This year, we are *also looking for mentors who come without their own projects *and are willing to take on student-proposed projects that fit their interests. As you may have seen earlier this year, Google has announced some changes to the program <https://opensource.googleblog.com/2020/10/google-summer-of-code-2021-is-bri…>. Projects will now be SHORTER (10 weeks instead of 12) and entry thresholds for students will be diversified, which will allow more varied student backgrounds. In compensation, there will be more projects. This means, if you have a running project from previous years that you want to continue, you may need to *re-scope* its contents and aims a bit, maybe even split it in two (independent) parts. With a shorter time span and a more varied student body, where not all students will be as near to full-fledged computer scientists, we will need to put a bit more effort into *introductions, support *and *confidence-building*. INCF will help with this, please refer interested students to us at an early stage so we can onboard them into our 'potential students' community. Another important change: this time (and in years forward), we aim to *keep all prospective students in the INCF community*, regardless of if they are accepted to a project or not. They may well be candidates for next year, and also, since you will be putting actual effort into project discussions, we want to make sure it is useful. Also, the usual reminder: there is no guarantee that INCF is accepted this year until we hear from Google on *March 9*. Please be clear with this in your communication with students. The* timeline <https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/how-it-works/>* is similar to the years before: Applications open near the *end of January (29th)*, they close near *mid February (19th)*. We aim to have a live project ideas list in mid January. Orgs are announced on *March 9*, and student applications are open *March 21 - April 19*. *Important*: last year we were near peak capacity in the number of project ideas on our final list, with a flurry of last-minute activity. We therefore want interested mentors to contact us (gsoc(a)incf.org or malin(a)incf.org) *early* with a declaration of interest and a short summary of the intended project, latest *January 15*. If you want to mentor but don't have a project idea, you are still welcome to join our list of potential mentors for ideas that originate with students. Actual project descriptions should ideally come by *January 22*, a week before we officially go live with the project list on *January 29*, but we will take on late requests from *previous mentors only* (including mentors of previous non-accepted projects) on a case-by-case basis if they are well described and properly scoped. Project template: Each submission should come *by email* and contain: 1) An *informative title* with relevant keywords (good-to-have: name of tool/project, name of programming language) 2) A *project description* including a brief general intro, motivation, aims, scope and skills/skill level needed. Please indicate 2-5 tech keywords (Python, C++, Java, SQL, REST, CUDA, ...) 3) Name of *lead mentor* + a *named co-mentor or backup mentor* who would be able and willing to back the main/contact mentor up in mentoring in case something unforeseen happens (can be more than one, as long as you are internally clear on who does what) 4) Any planned *longer absences* during the lead up/student interaction period (*February 1 - April 19*, especially the last week) or the project period (May 17 - *August 30*), and the plan for covering them. 5)* Format*: your choice - txt, doc, docx, pdf or a link to a webpage with the full description(s). Anything that can be copied and pasted. NB: Project ideas will be posted on *Neurostars.org* after the ideas list goes live, and prospective mentors are expected to *join the forum and be available* for questions from students during the run up to the announcement (late Jan - early March) and the student interactions period (March-April). This can be handled by email, mostly, if you prefer, once you have set your NeuroStars account up. Questions and project submissions: please email *malin(a)incf.org <malin(a)incf.org>* AND cc *gsoc(a)incf.org <gsoc(a)incf.org>*. Happy new year of coding! /Malin -- Malin Sandström, PhD Community Engagement Officer malin.sandstrom(a)incf.org International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 15 A SE-171 77 Stockholm Sweden http://www.incf.org

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Postdoctoral fellow – Systems Neuroscience of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Williamson, Ross S Dec. 29, 2020

Dec. 29, 2020

Dear all, Apologies for the cross-posting. A postdoctoral position is available in the Williamson and Thathiah laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to investigate the links between hearing loss and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The information from our senses is used throughout everyday life to guide the decisions we make and the actions that we take. For example, the sound of sirens when driving leads to a decision regarding an appropriate motor action (whether or not, and where, to pull over). The neural circuits that underlie these cognitive processes (accumulation of sensory evidence, short-term memory, perception decision-making, etc.) can be severely altered by disease. Hearing loss is prevalent in >40% of individuals older than 60 years and is considered to be the most heavily contributing modifiable risk factor to dementia. It is our hope that by identifying and studying the neural circuits involved, we will provide insight to drive subsequent therapeutic intervention strategies that may lead to the repair (or prevention) of damage. The Williamson Laboratory uses a variety of state-of-the-art tools to probe the neural circuits of awake mice, including two-photon calcium imaging and high-channel count electrophysiology (both with single-cell optogenetic perturbations), head-fixed virtual reality behaviors, and statistical approaches for neural characterization. A significant focus of the lab is to understand how sensory information is used to guide purposeful behavior in models of health and disease. Details on the research focus and approaches of the Williamson laboratory can be found here: https://www.williamsonlaboratory.com/research/ The Thathiah Laboratory uses molecular, cellular, and behavioral approaches along with optogenetic tools to investigate the mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Recently, the Thathiah lab teamed up with the Williamson lab to investigate the putative causal relationship between hearing loss, disease pathogenesis, and cognitive impairment using our complementary research approaches in AD mouse models. Details on the research focus of the Thathiah laboratory can be found here: https://www.neurobio.pitt.edu/people/amantha-thathiah Both laboratories are embedded within the Departments of Neurobiology and Otolaryngology, are members of the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, the Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, and are affiliated with the Center for Neuroscience (CNUP) and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC). The Thathiah laboratory is a member of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), and the Aging Institute. Postdoctoral fellows will be part of a highly supportive and diverse research environment with excellent career development opportunities. The University of Pittsburgh was ranked third in terms of total NIH funding received in 2018. The Global Livability Index (The Economist) recently ranked Pittsburgh as the second most livable city in America. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, military service, or other protected status. Requirements: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a relevant field and must be eligible for employment in the US. We are looking for individuals with an excellent record of research achievements and expertise at the intersection of two or more of the following areas: electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, quantitative behavior, and computational neuroscience. Experience with molecular and biochemical techniques is preferred but not required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, technical expertise, and scientific creativity are essential. Applications will continue until the position is filled. Contact: Interested candidates should send a brief statement of research interests, a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Ross Williamson: rsw(a)pitt.edu<mailto:rsw@pitt.edu> Dr. Amantha Thathiah: amantha(a)pitt.edu<mailto:amantha@pitt.edu> Thanks, Ross ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ross S. Williamson, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor | Otolaryngology, Neurobiology Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center | Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition University of Pittsburgh | Biomedical Science Tower | W1448 www.williamsonlaboratory.com<http://www.williamsonlaboratory.com>

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Postdoc at International Centre for Translational Eye Research
by Andrzej Foik Dec. 28, 2020

Dec. 28, 2020

Dear all, I would like to repost our announcement about the postdoc we are looking for. we are looking for a postdoc in the neuroinformatics or bioinformatics area. Please, spread the word to your friends if you can. The Ophthalmic Biology Group searches for candidates with a Ph.D. degree experienced in computational biology techniques such as neuronal network modeling, electrophysiological data analyses and/or bioinformatics, and DNA/protein modeling. Candidates should be interested in translational research and the development of new therapies to cure blindness or other diseases. The postdoctoral scholar will have a direct impact on lab development and its success in publishing in high impact factor journals. The person will be also responsible for performing dynamic research to create a competitive research group. The position will be assigned to the Ophthalmic Biology Group led by Andrzej Foik Ph.D. focusing on the development of new viral therapies, visual information processing in the visual system before and after plasticity that happens due to vision recovery or disease. https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/580785 https://ichf.edu.pl/en/job/international-centre-for-translational-eye-resea… Best regards, Andrzej Foik -- Andrzej Foik, PhD Group Leader Ophthalmic Biology Group International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warszawa mobile: +48 695 497 065 office: +48 22 343 3204 email: afoik(a)ichf.edu.pl; andrzejfoik(a)gmail.com NIP: 525-000-87-55 www.icter.pl The controller of your personal data is the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Warsaw, NIP: 5250008755 (the "Institute"). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded – Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) - depending on the circumstances. You have the right to request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing. More information is available on the Institute's website. http://ichf.edu.pl/gen_inf/gen_en/GDPR%20-%20General%20Information%20Clause… -- Andrzej Foik, PhD Group Leader Ophthalmic Biology Group International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warszawa mobile: +48 695 497 065 office: +48 22 343 3204 email: afoik(a)ichf.edu.pl; andrzejfoik(a)gmail.com NIP: 525-000-87-55 www.icter.pl The controller of your personal data is the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Warsaw, NIP: 5250008755 (the "Institute"). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded – Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) - depending on the circumstances. You have the right to request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing. More information is available on the Institute's website. http://ichf.edu.pl/gen_inf/gen_en/GDPR%20-%20General%20Information%20Clause…

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New Journal: Mathematical Neuroscience and Applications
by Zachary Kilpatrick Dec. 27, 2020

Dec. 27, 2020

We are pleased to announce the creation of "Mathematical Neuroscience and Applications". The aim of this new journal is to publish the best work in mathematical neuroscience and its applications and making it broadly available to the scientific community in a completely open fashion, i.e. at no costs for readers and authors (no APCs). The webpage of the journal can be found at https://mna.episciences.org/ <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1Th57tM0Q4wnQK5WU9a83gEk5eiepY75pxIXyIVdMZmATN…> where more information such as how to submit an article, or the list of Editorial Board Members, https://mna.episciences.org/review/staff <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1CXJhkD3WpGFVRfTHEqp6vfR8XHQDkEeIIbSjzi2e5bXzh…> , is available. This is the Diamond Open Access model which is made possible in our case thanks to the support of Episciences, https://www.episciences.org/# <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1EwusptV_q2y1ZQTKNt9O1K0__jJocYNjvm6c6ar0ARXwJ…> Editorial Board Members of MNA are looking forward to publishing your work. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Olivier Faugeras (Editor in Chief), Inria, France Peter Ashwin, University of Exeter, UK Paul Bressloff, University of Utah, USA Stephen Coombes, University of Nottingham, UK Carina Curto, Pennsylvania State University, USA Susanne Ditlevsen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Antonio Galves, University of São Paulo, Brasil Zachary Kilpatrick, University of Colorado Boulder, USA Carlo Laing, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand Eva Löcherbach, Paris I University, France Andre Longtin, University of Ottawa, Canada Benoit Perthame, Sorbonne University, France Patricia Reynaud-Bouret, Côte d'Azur University, France Andrey Shilnikov, Georgia State University, USA Wilhelm Stannat, Technische Universität, Berlin, Germany Etienne Tanré, Inria, France Michèle Thieullen, Sorbonne University, France Stephan A Van Gils, Universiteit Twente, Netherlands Romain Veltz, Inria, France Martin Wechselberger, University of Sydney, Australia

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ANDA 2020 - G-Node Advanced Neural Data Analysis Course, April 14-30, 2020, Jülich, Germany
by Thomas Wachtler Dec. 23, 2020

Dec. 23, 2020

ANDA 2020 - G-NODE ADVANCED NEURAL DATA ANALYSIS COURSE April 14 - 30, 2020 Haus Overbach, Jülich-Barmen, Germany Techniques to record neuronal data from populations of neurons are rapidly improving. Simultaneous recordings from hundreds of channels are possible while animals perform complex behavioral tasks. The analysis of such massive and complex data becomes increasingly challenging. This advanced course aims at providing deeper training in state-of-the-art analysis approaches in systems neuroscience. The course is addressed to excellent master and PhD students and young researchers who are interested in learning advanced techniques in data analytics and in getting hands-on experience in the analysis of electrophysiological data. Internationally renowned researchers will give lectures on statistical data analysis and data mining methods with accompanying exercises. Students will define and perform their own analyses on provided data to solve a challenge. Participants are required to have a strong interest in data analysis, a background in a mathematical or related field, knowledge of algebra, matrix operations, and statistics, and need to have solid programming experience (preferably in Python). FACULTY · Moshe Abeles, Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem, Israel · Michael Denker, Jülich Research Center, Germany · Udo Ernst, Univ. Bremen, Germany · Sonja Grün, Jülich Research Center, Germany · Adam Kohn, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA · Jakob Macke, TU Munich, Germany · Luca Mazzucato, Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, USA · Martin Nawrot, Univ. of Cologne, Germany · Yifat Prut, Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem, Israel · Hansjörg Scherberger, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany · Thomas Wachtler, LMU Munich, Germany TOPICS COVERED Single neuron properties and statistics · Stochastic processes · Surrogate methods · Detection of spatio-temporal patterns · Unitary Events · Statistical analysis of massively parallel spike data · Higher-order correlation analyses · Elephant toolbox · Spike-LFP relationship · Population coding · State space analysis · Machine learning · Data mining · Research data management and reproducibility REQUIREMENTS Applicants should be familiar with linear algebra, probability, differential and integral calculus and experienced using Python or Matlab. Preparatory reading material will be provided. Students should bring their own laptops and should be able to install software on their system. Students that do not have a suitable laptop should indicate this immediately after acceptance to the course. We will be able to provide a small number of laptops for the time of the course. COURSE FEE A course fee of 1000 Euros will be charged to cover costs for accommodation and meals. Limited financial support may be available for students that otherwise would not be able to attend, which is to be indicated in the application. HOUSING Accommodation in 2-bed rooms for students will be provided at the course site. HOW TO APPLY The application should include · a letter of motivation (max 1 page) · curriculum vitae (please indicate the relevant courses you have taken) · description of programming experience · a letter of recommendation. Please send all documents as a single PDF file to <advanced-course(a)g-node.org>. APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications must be received by NOVEMBER 15, 2019. Early application is encouraged. For further information see http://www.g-node.org/anda

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Open Position at Goettingen University - Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) - SPP 2205
by von Behren, Christina Dec. 22, 2020

Dec. 22, 2020

Dear list, We would like to draw your attention to the postdoc opportunity below: The Department of Data-driven Analysis of Biological Networks at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) This position is available starting from March 1st, 2021. It is a full time position with a limited contract of 3 years with the possibility of an extension for one additional year. Salary and working hours will be according to the German grade 13 TV-L (100 %, currently 39,80 hours per week). The position will be associated with the group of Prof. Michael Wibral. We are recruiting a Postdoc for the interdisciplinary research project "Evolutionary Convergence of Hierarchical Information Processing" funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the research initiative SPP2205 "Evolutionary optimization of neuronal processing". The project aims to establish the common information theoretic principles of computation in hierarchical neural systems that are conserved across species from drosophila, via rodents to primates and humans. We are looking for candidates with an excellent PhD in neuroscience, cognitive science, physics, computer science or a related field who are committed to pursuing a career in research. The successful applicant will develop and apply novel information theoretic measures to electrophysiological neural recordings and calcium imaging signals to investigate signatures of predictive hierarchical information processing. The ideal candidate should have excellent skills in scientific writing, experience with the application of information theory to biological data, and should have demonstrated her/his ability to work independently. Prior experience with predictive coding theory and experiments are plus. Proven coding skills in a language relevant to data analysis (e.g. Python, Julia, R, Scala, Java), prior experience with research-data management systems (RDMS) are also considered as an advantage. We expect the job holder to establish a local database that organizes the vast amount of research data in this project. We offer the opportunity to become a member of a vibrant community dedicated to innovative research and teaching at the frontier of the exact and biological sciences, and to connect to the latest developments in information theory, including partial information decompositions. The Göttingen Campus is a leading center of biophysics and neuroscience in Europe hosting numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including the University and its Medical Center, the three life science Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Please submit your application in digital form only and send all relevant documents in one single PDF-document, including a letter of interest, your curriculum vitae with a list of publications, copies of your certificates and contact information of at least two references to christina.vonbehren(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:christina.vonbehren@uni-goettingen.de> by January 15th, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Wibral, via e-mail: michael.wibral(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:michael.wibral@uni-goettingen.de>. Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/document/download/e0b7459b97d917e68e3464b8…> ------ Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Goettingen University of Goettingen Postal address: Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine Hermann-Rein-Str. 3 37075 Goettingen Germany

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Scientist position in modeling at the Allen Institute
by Anton Arkhipov Dec. 22, 2020

Dec. 22, 2020

Join us to analyze world-class experimental data and build the next generation of brain models! This opening is in the lab of Anton Arkhipov at the Allen Institute (Seattle, WA). One position is already taken, but one is still available: Scientist I - Bio-realistic Modeling of Reconstructed Cortical Tissue See details and apply here: https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1415274 The Scientist will focus on data analysis and modeling of structure, activity, and computations in mouse cortical circuits. This project will take advantage of unprecedented experimental datasets from the Allen Institute that contain a systematic characterization of synaptic connections between the cell types (https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/connectivity/synaptic-physiology) and a connectome of individual neurons coupled with dense recordings of activity in the mouse visual cortex (https://microns-explorer.org<https://microns-explorer.org/>). The Scientist will work collaboratively with colleagues to integrate these data into new, highly realistic network models of cortical circuits, use the models to explore theoretical predictions, and provide them as a resource to fuel future theoretical, modeling, and experimental work in the community.

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[JOB] Postdoctoral Fellow in Concussion Neuroscience, Machine learning and Cloud Computing
by Franco Pestilli Dec. 22, 2020

Dec. 22, 2020

We would appreciate if you could share the ad below to relevant list. Drs. Nicholas Port and Franco Pestilli are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate to join a multi-institutional team of Neuroscientists, Computer Scientists, and Engineers to work on a unique project to apply Machine learning and Cloud computing to improve our understanding of concussion and mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Applicants are invited to apply for this research Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate, non-tenure track position with a proposed start date of summer/fall 2021. The primary goal of the project is to use brainlife.io, and advanced machine learning methods to analyze behavioral and clinical outcomes, anatomical and diffusion weighted imaging from a large dataset (the NCAA/DOD CARE Consortium Advanced Research Core). The plan is to build predictive modeling tools available on brainlife.io that can be freely used by clinicians around the world to help in patient care management. Opportunities exist to join several additional concussion, machine learning, informatics and neuroimaging projects with the labs of Drs. Port and Pestilli. The position will be based in Dr. Port’s new, state-of-the-art laboratory within the dedicated Research Center for Elite Athletic Development in the new 66,000 square-foot South-End-Zone edition to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium (https://iuhoosiers.com/facilities/the-excellence-academy/21 https://president.iu.edu/media/photos/2018/excellence-academy-dedication/in…) A major research university, Indiana University currently enrolls over 38,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate and professional students on the Bloomington campus, and has over 114,000 students in the University system. The School of Optometry, Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program are internationally recognized, vibrant research programs with a very collegial environment. The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences has a research dedicated 3T Prisma, which Dr. Port uses regularly. A diverse community, Bloomington is located in a beautifully wooded and hilly area of the state, where cultural and recreational opportunities abound, housing costs are low, schools are excellent, and commute times are short. Additional information on the community of Bloomington can be found at https://www.visitbloomington.com/. The Postdoctoral Fellow position requires a PhD in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Engineering, Informatics, Vision Science or related scientific field by the time of appointment. For the Research Associate position, a minimum of a Masters degrees and 5+ year of appropriate work experience is required. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, and the names and contact information for at least three references. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at: http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/10224 Applications received by Jan 11, 2021, will be assured priority consideration; however, the search will remain open until the position is filled. Best regards, Franco FRANCO PESTILLI, PhD | Associate Professor Department of Psychology <https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/index.php> | College of Liberal Arts <https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/> | The University of Texas at Austin <https://www.utexas.edu/> he/him | pestilli(a)utexas.edu <mailto:pestilli@utexas.edu> | web <https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/fp4834> | github <https://github.com/francopestilli> | brainlife.io <https://brainlife.io/>

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Tenure-track faculty position in computational/theoretical neuroscience at UChicago
by Brent Doiron Dec. 21, 2020

Dec. 21, 2020

*Tenure-track Faculty in Computational/Theoretical NeuroscienceThe University of Chicago: Biological Sciences Division: Department of Neurobiology* Position Description The University of Chicago's Grossman Center for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior and the Department of Neurobiology seek faculty in computational/theoretical neuroscience. The appointee will be a core member of the newly-launched Grossman Center for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior and will lead a ‘dry’ computational lab alongside a growing group of other computational neuroscientists. The Grossman Center seeks faculty who will establish deep and extensive collaborations with the vibrant experimental neuroscience community at the University of Chicago. Those developing computational models and analysis methods at the cellular, circuits, systems, or cognitive levels are especially welcome to apply. Appointment as a tenure-track assistant professor is expected, but we will consider appointments as a tenured associate or full professor. The University of Chicago is currently engaged in a major expansion in neuroscience, with computational neuroscience being an area of focus. The University offers a rich intellectual environment that includes a strong translational neuroscience community and affiliations with Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. The Division, other academic units of the University, and the School of Medicine, are all contained within one compact campus in Chicago's Hyde Park. Appointees will have access to state-of-the-art core facilities and to outstanding colleagues and graduate students affiliated with numerous degree-granting programs within and outside the biological sciences. Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be considered, those interested must apply through the University of Chicago’s Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: http://apply.interfolio.com/82120. Applicants must upload a CV including a bibliography, contact information for 3 references, a statement outlining research goals, and a teaching statement that can include a description of the candidate’s experience in teaching diverse students [the University’s Diversity Statement can be found at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity] Review of complete applications will begin February 1 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity. The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity(a)uchicago.edu with their request. -- Brent Doiron Professor of Neurobiology and Statistics Director of the Grossman Center for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior University of Chicago Chicago IL

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Postdoctoral Position at MassachusettsGeneral Hospital
by Xin Yu Dec. 21, 2020

Dec. 21, 2020

*Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position at Massachusetts General Hospital* The Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital is offering a postdoctoral position based on an NIH-funded Brain Initiative project developing novel multi-modal neuroimaging methodology in animal models. This position is open from Jan 1st. 2021 until filled. Potential candidates will be considered based on the following two research directions: *Research Direction #1 Multi-modal neuroimaging in animal brains, (Biologists/biomedical engineers/electrophysiologists) * a) Implement the MRI/EEG/calcium recording methods to specify brain state fluctuation correlated to pupil dynamics in awake rodents b) Target specific nuclei with deep brain optogenetic stimulation methods to study circuit-specific brain state neuromodulation. c) Develop an advanced fiber-optic imaging device for MRI compatible concurrent brain dynamic signal recordings, e.g., Ca2+, Glutamate, dopamine, and other neuromodulators. Experience with viral transfection, 2-PM or optical fiber recordings, or *in vivo. / in vitro. *electrophysiology in animal models (rodents) is highly desirable. The candidates should bear experience or strong interests in brain functional imaging, e.g. task-based BOLD fMRI. *Research Direction #2 Advanced fMRI and computational method development (Bio-engineering and computational neuroscientists)* a) Develop and optimize the high spatiotemporal fMRI method with high field MRI (>11.7T). b) Advanced resting-state fMRI analysis method development based on the neural network-based learning schemes. (being familiar with recurrent neural network design and implementation, e.g. ESN, GRU, et al.) c) Machine learning-based multi-modal brain signal dynamic signal analysis, e.g. LFP, Calcium, fMRI, pupil dynamics, et al. Candidates with strong computational skills and fMRI data processing experience are highly encouraged to apply for this position. The candidate should have strong teamwork skills to fit in a multi-disciplinary group. Please send your CV, contact information of three references, and a cover letter describing your background, interests, and research goals to Dr. Yu by e-mail: xyu9(a)mgh.harvard.edu. Please include “Postdoc Application for Multi-modal fMRI” in the subject line of your email. We welcome trainees with high motivation, curiosity, and scientific maturity. Also, Dr. Yu’s lab has extensive experience to support trainees to apply for international scholarships and help junior researchers to build their academic careers. Here is the selected publication in 2019-20 from Yu lab: 1. Chen Y, Sobczak F, Pais-Roldán P, Schwarz C, Koretsky AP, Yu X. Mapping the Brain-Wide Network Effects by Optogenetic Activation of the Corpus Callosum. Cereb Cortex. 2020 Oct 01; 30(11):5885-5898. PMID: *32556241 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32556241>*. 2. Sobczak F, He Y, Sejnowski TJ, Yu X. Predicting the fMRI Signal Fluctuation with Recurrent Neural Networks Trained on Vascular Network Dynamics. Cereb Cortex. 2020 Sep 17. PMID: *32940658 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32940658>*. 3. Drew PJ, Mateo C, Turner KL, Yu X, Kleinfeld D. Ultra-slow Oscillations in fMRI and Resting-State Connectivity: Neuronal and Vascular Contributions and Technical Confounds. Neuron. 2020 09 09; 107(5):782-804. PMID: *32791040 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32791040>*. 4. Pais-Roldán P, Takahashi K, Sobczak F, Chen Y, Zhao X, Zeng H, Jiang Y, Yu X. Indexing brain state-dependent pupil dynamics with simultaneous fMRI and optical fiber calcium recording. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 03 24; 117(12):6875-6882. PMID: *32139609 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32139609>*. 5. Ovsepian SV, Jiang Y, Sardella TCP, Malekzadeh-Najafabadi J, Burton NC, Yu X, Ntziachristos V. Visualizing cortical response to optogenetic stimulation and sensory inputs using multispectral handheld optoacoustic imaging. Photoacoustics. 2020 Mar; 17:100153. 6. Handwerker J, Pérez-Rodas M, Beyerlein M, Vincent F, Beck A, Freytag N, Yu X, Pohmann R, Anders J, Scheffler K. A CMOS NMR needle for probing brain physiology with high spatial and temporal resolution. Nat Methods. 2020 01; 17(1):64-67. PMID: *31768059 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31768059>*. 7. Chen X, Sobczak F, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Qian C, Lu Z, Ayata C, Logothetis NK, Yu X. Mapping optogenetically-driven single-vessel fMRI with concurrent neuronal calcium recordings in the rat hippocampus. Nat Commun. 2019 11 20; 10(1):5239. PMID: *31748553 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31748553>*. 8. He Y, Wang M, Yu X. High spatiotemporal vessel-specific hemodynamic mapping with multi-echo single-vessel fMRI. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2020 Oct; 40(10):2098-2114. PMID: *31696765 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31696765>*. 9. Chen Y, Pais-Roldan P, Chen X, Frosz MH, Yu X. MRI-guided robotic arm drives optogenetic fMRI with concurrent Ca2+ recording. Nat Commun. 2019 06 10; 10(1):2536. PMID: *31182714 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31182714>*. 10. Pais-Roldán P, Edlow BL, Jiang Y, Stelzer J, Zou M, Yu X. Multimodal assessment of recovery from coma in a rat model of diffuse brainstem tegmentum injury. Neuroimage. 2019 04 01; 189:615-630. PMID: *30708105 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30708105>*.

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PhD Position in Human Clinical Neurophysiology in Bonn, Germany
by Thomas Reber Dec. 21, 2020

Dec. 21, 2020

PhD Position in Human Clinical Neurophysiology We are offering a PhD position (pay grade 65% E13), starting immediately, for 4 years. Will consider Neuroscientists, Psychologists, Biologists, Physicists, Clinicians, Mathematicians, Engineers, Computer Scientists. Our work in the field of Clinical Neurophysiology focuses on investigating the mechanisms during the generation, propagation, and termination of epileptic seizures at the level of single neurons, small neuronal ensembles, and local field potentials, with special focus on the piriform cortex as a major hub between the temporal and frontal lobe. Our group at the Department of Epileptology at the University of Bonn's Medical School uses the novel technology of single unit recordings via micro-electrodes in epilepsy patients, who have been implanted with temporal lobe electrodes for diagnostic purposes. This method allows us to record action potentials from single neurons as well as local field potentials. After neurosurgical removal of the seizure-generating tissue, human slices of the very same structures that were previously recorded from in vivo can be used for in vitro analysis techniques such as patch clamp or Calcium imaging. The neuroscientific focus of the University of Bonn with numerous labs in the field of animal electrophysiology and human research furthermore offers close interaction with the research institutes Life & Brain, LIMES, caesar, and the newly founded DZNE. The PhD position is embedded in the Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS) and the collaborative research grant "Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease" (SFB 1089). The student's work comprises acquisition and analysis of single unit activity and local field potentials during epileptic seizure in order to monitor emergence, spread and cessation of these events. Advanced programming skills (e.g., experience with Matlab or Python) are absolutely mandatory. Experience with patch clamp or Ca imaging is welcome. A background in neuroscience, medicine, or biology is not obligatory, the necessary knowledge can be acquired during the thesis work. Please email applications and cv to: Florian Mormann, MD, PhD Lichtenberg Professor of Cognitive and Clinical Neurophysiology University of Bonn, Department of Epileptology Venusberg-Campus 1 53127 Bonn, Germany Phone +49 228 287 15738 Email: florian.mormann(a)ukbonn.de http://epileptologie-bonn.de/cms/front_content.php?idcat=324

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Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD programme, Tübingen
by Peter Dayan Dec. 19, 2020

Dec. 19, 2020

The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the University of Tübingen invite students from all over the world to apply for their interdisciplinary 5-year PhD program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience. Full funding will be available for top-ranked applicants. We are seeking talented, curious and open-minded young scientists with strong backgrounds in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, computational science, applied mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, or engineering. Successful candidates will possess a burning aspiration to shape the future of neuroscience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, environment. The application deadline is 30th November 2020. Please visit: https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/imprs-mmfd for more details and information about applying. The PhD program is a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the University of Tübingen. It is closely affiliated with the renowned Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, the centerpiece of neuroscience training in Tübingen. Students (who should have been awarded a Bachelor's degree by September 2021) will receive a broad interdisciplinary training in neuroscience, including expert teaching by international renowned scientists and individual and intensive mentoring. Potential research topics cover a variety of fields in systems neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, computational neuroscience, translational and clinical neuroscience as well as cellular and molecular neuroscience. Teaching and research are conducted in English.

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Open position for a PhD-student in Computational Neuroscience with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany
by Laurenz Wiskott Dec. 19, 2020

Dec. 19, 2020

____________________________________________________________________________ Open position for a PhD-student with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany ____________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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. We are looking for an excellent PhD student (m/f/d) for the following research topic: The project has the goal to understand the neural basis of navigation in rodents. Building on existing models the PhD student (m/f/d) shall develop a model of the hippocampus for storing episodic sequences and apply it to navigational experience. The load of teaching will be calculated according to §3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia). The appointment will be for three years with an option for extension. Anticipated starting date is April 1, 2021. Salary is 29,87 h/w of salary scale TV-L E12/13. Informal inquiries can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and BSc, statement of purpose) should be sent as a single pdf file to Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be refunded. https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/information-collection-personal-data-appl… At Ruhr-Universität Bochum, we wish to promote careers of women in areas in which they are underrepresented, and we would therefore like to encourage female candidates to send us their applications. Applications by suitable candidates with severe disabilities and other applicants with equal legal status are likewise most welcome.

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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience at Hay Lab (KCNI, UofT)
by Etay Hay Dec. 19, 2020

Dec. 19, 2020

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience at Hay Lab (KCNI, UofT): We will study cortical processing in health and depression in pre-clinical animal models using large-scale simulations of rat cortical microcircuits (in collaboration with the Blue Brain Project). The position is for 2 years, with anticipated start time in June 2021. Interested applicants with publications and experience in computational neuroscience, who have completed their PhD in the last 5 years, are invited to send their CV to Dr. Etay Hay (etay.hay(a)camh.ca) In support of diversity, women are particularly encouraged to apply. Hay lab for brain microcircuit modelling is located at Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, within the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (camh). We are fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and situated at the main campus, downtown Toronto. Etay Hay, PhD Independent Scientist, Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. AVIS DE CONFIDENTIALITÉ : Ce message électronique, ainsi que tout fichier qui y est joint, est reserve à l'usage exclusif du destinataire visé et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels et privilégiés. Toute lecture, utilisation, divulgation ou distribution non autorisée est interdite. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire visé, veuillez en aviser l'expéditeur par retour de courriel et détruire toutes les copies du message original.

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PhD Positions at the University of Vermont
by Dave Jangraw Dec. 18, 2020

Dec. 18, 2020

Dr. David Jangraw is seeking PhD students for his new research group, the Glass Brain Lab. The lab's focus is "naturalistic neuroengineering": the use of new technology to study the human brain in realistic situations. By understanding the brain as it operates in real life, we can pave the way for devices that detect problematic brain states in real-time and provide help or support, a sort of pacemaker for the brain. EEG, fMRI, eye tracking, and machine learning will be central to this effort. Sample projects will study mindless reading, attentional reorienting in virtual environments, and automated labeling of psychotherapy techniques. If you are/know a bright undergrad interested in emerging tech and human brain imaging, please get in touch! Our home department gives degrees in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, but students seeking degrees in Neuroscience, Computer Science, or related fields will also be considered. Applications are due 1/15/21. For more information: - Hiring page: https://github.com/djangraw/hiring/tree/master/UVM-GradStudent - Lab site: https://uvm.edu/~brainlab

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PhD Studentships in be.AI - University of Sussex’s Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Biomimetic Embodied AI
by Thomas Nowotny Dec. 17, 2020

Dec. 17, 2020

Dear all, The University of Sussex invites applications for PhD studentships within the be.AI Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme (www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai) which will bring together researchers from the humanities, life sciences and computing to pursue artificial intelligence (AI) in its original definition of understanding natural intelligence by emulating it in artificial systems. In our unique interdisciplinary centre, we will advance understanding of how the interaction between brain, body and environment gives rise to intelligence and how this insight can be used to build novel artificial intelligence. As a be.AI Scholar you will: * Be funded for 3.5 years with a a tax free living allowance at the standard Research Council rate – currently £15,009 per year– and UK fees * Be eligible for generous financial support of up to £4,000 per year for training and research expenses, such as conference trips and experimental costs * Be eligible to apply for one of three 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships, available only to completing Leverhulme be.AI scholars * Benefit from supervision by world-leading researchers in many different aspects of AI * Benefit from taught courses in topics, such as ethics and data science. The Programme will fund three intakes of 6 students per year, starting in September 2021 (application deadline 31st January 2021). You will be registered within one of the participating schools (Life Sciences, Engineering and Informatics, Psychology, Philosophy, Media Film & Music) but will be encouraged to perform cross-disciplinary research with academics across Schools. In be.AI, you will work in a community of like-minded students and researchers supported by your own research seminars, invited lectures by world leading speakers, as well as student-led conferences and cohort building events. We are passionate about creating an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers, so we expect successful applicants to see beyond their disciplinary boundaries and embrace the opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple fields. For further details, including how to apply, see http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ccnr/be_ai Kind regards, Thomas Nowotny, Andrew Philippides, Paul Graham Directors of be.AI -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics, Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny<http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny> <../../owa/redir.aspx?C=9e11bb0e527242938402b42d9b5498ea&URL=http%3a%2f%2fsussex.ac.uk%2finformatics%2ftnowotny> I support the University of Sussex Community Pledge, as I continue to help those around me during the pandemic. Small acts of collaboration, kindness and integrity can make a big difference. www.sussex.ac.uk/community-pledge<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/community-pledge>

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PhD position at the University of Helsinki: Sample-Efficient Probabilistic Machine Learning
by Luigi Acerbi Dec. 17, 2020

Dec. 17, 2020

*Doctoral position in Sample-Efficient Probabilistic Machine Learning (4 years, fully funded)* The Machine and Human Intelligence research group <https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/machine-and-human-intelligence> led by Assistant Professor Luigi Acerbi is looking for a PhD candidate eager to work on new machine learning methods for smart, robust, sample-efficient probabilistic inference, with applications to computational and cognitive neuroscience. The candidate will join a newly established research group at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Helsinki (Finland) with strong links to the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI) <http://fcai.fi/>. Our group is developing novel machine learning approaches for approximate Bayesian inference that use only a small number of likelihood evaluations, which can be a game-changer for complex computational models or when resources are limited. A state-of-the-art framework being developed in our group is Variational Bayesian Monte Carlo (VBMC) <https://github.com/lacerbi/vbmc>, which combines Gaussian process surrogates, active learning, variational inference and Bayesian quadrature (Acerbi, *NeurIPS*; 2018, 2020). Promising thesis projects include extending the representational power of VBMC (e.g., discrete variables, more complex posteriors, higher dimension); exploiting recent advances in Gaussian process inference for superior scalability; combining VBMC with Bayesian deep learning; strengthening the connections with simulator-based inference; and exploring the theoretical properties of the framework. The position is full-time, funded for four years and will be filled as soon as possible, with a negotiable starting date in early 2021. The starting salary is 2350-2700 euros/month, depending on previous qualifications and experience. Application deadline: *January 10, 2021*. For more details and how to apply, see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/machine-and-human-intelligence/ph… -- Luigi Acerbi, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Machine and Human Intelligence Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki Lab: http://www.helsinki.fi/machine-and-human-intelligence

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Cluster hire: Two Canada Research Chairs in Computational Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Canada
by Joern Davidsen Dec. 17, 2020

Dec. 17, 2020

Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Complex Neural System Modelling Applications are invited from emerging leaders in the area of Complex Neural System Modelling, for a Tier II Canada Research Chair position in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Calgary. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) and will be nominated for a CRC Tier II Chair, which would provide a research stipend and protected time for research for up to 10 years. In alignment with the University’s Eyes High strategic vision and in support of its strategic academic and research priorities of interdisciplinarity, leadership, internationalization and creation of a dynamic research environment, the incumbent will join a university-wide community of world-class scholars under the Brain and Mental Health research strategy and the newly established Computational Neuroscience Platform. Current faculty members in that area maintain research programs in complexity science and critical brain dynamics, network neuroscience and complex network theory, dynamical systems theory and computational neuroscience, biological learning and memory formation, neuromorphic systems and nanotechnology, large data and bioinformatics, medical image processing and machine learning, and quantum neuroscience. Link: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/5915163-canada-research-chair-tier-ii-in-c… Deadline: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 15, 2021. Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Computational Behavioural Neuroscience The Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Computational Behavioural Neuroscience. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (Tenure-track) in the Department of Psychology. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2021. The Chair will establish and maintain an active and externally funded research program. The Chair will be expected to undertake research that investigates the neural control of behavior in model systems, and use computational techniques as an integral component of their data collection and/or analysis. Candidates with research programs directed toward understanding the mechanisms of experience-dependent plasticity of neural circuits underlying behavior are of particular interest. The Chair’s research program will be aligned with both the University of Calgary’s and the Faculty of Arts’ strategic plans. Additionally, the Chair will play an important role in teaching and research supervision of students in Psychology undergraduate and graduate programs. Service to the department, faculty, and University, is also expected, particularly in helping to build a diverse and inclusive community. Link: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/5915457-canada-research-chair-tier-ii-in-c… Deadline: Applications are accepted until January 27, 2021 --- Dr. Jörn Davidsen Professor of Physics & Humboldt Research Fellow University of Calgary www.ucalgary.ca/davidsen<http://www.ucalgary.ca/davidsen> www.ucalgary.ca/complexity<http://www.ucalgary.ca/complexity>

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Algorithms and SW Engineering positions at SynSense
by Dylan Muir Dec. 16, 2020

Dec. 16, 2020

SynSense is advertising several positions in our Algorithms and Applications team, to be based in Zürich, Switzerland or in Chengdu or Shanghai, China. Please see here for details: https://www.synsense-neuromorphic.com/join-us <https://www.synsense-neuromorphic.com/join-us> Our Algorithms team at SynSense is responsible for developing applications for our low-power ML inference hardware. We build, train, test and deploy ML models; collect and wrangle data sets. As part of this work we write and maintain several open-source Python packages, with accompanying automated unit testing, documentation and deployment to PyPI and Conda Forge. * Software Engineer — Package management and Python development We are looking for highly motivated candidates willing to take the lead on SW Engineering tasks and work as part of our Algorithms team. We hope that you will also contribute ML algorithms and ideas to our team, based on your experience. * Algorithms and Applications Engineer — Signal processing We are working on a variety of sound processing tasks, for implementation in smart home devices. We are looking for signal processing engineers to help us implement low-power algorithms for audio front-ends based on microphone arrays. * Algorithms and Applications Engineer — Vision applications SynSense has world-leading hardware for ultra-low-power vision processing, aimed at “edge” deployment such as in mobile phone handsets, IoT and smart home devices. We need ML Engineers to help us design, build and deploy the applications for the next generation of vision processing. You may be based in our Zürich office, or in our Shanghai or Chengdu offices. SynSense is a small but growing startup, with a healthy mix of academic and industry experts. We have a very open-minded approach to our work. Your opinions and experience won’t just be highly valued — they will be crucial for us to advance as a company. We are a highly diverse and international team, and strongly encourage applicants that will increase our diversity. We are an equal-opportunity employer. For more details of the positions and how to apply, see our website: https://www.synsense-neuromorphic.com/join-us <https://www.synsense-neuromorphic.com/join-us> Best regards Dylan Muir

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