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post-doctoral positions: Neuroscience and Philosophy of Free Will
by Schurger Lab April 13, 2019

April 13, 2019

The post-doctoral positions will be part of a large international project on the neuroscience and philosophy of free will, where some 20 neuroscientists and philosophers will collaborate to explore the neural basis of volition, using experimental, theoretical and computational approaches. Please see here for details: https://braininstitute.us/static-media/uploads/freewill_postdoc_2019.pdf

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Computational Neuroscience Modeler for Neurodegeneration Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Project at Certara
by Hugo-Geerts＠In-Silico-Biosciences.com April 13, 2019

April 13, 2019

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight (UK time), May 12, 2019 Line of Management: Senior Vice President QSP Position Type: Full Time Salary and benefits: Dependent on qualifications, experience and location Location: QSP offices in Sheffield or Canterbury (United Kingdom). Alternative locations and flexible working arrangements can be considered depending on individual circumstances. Job Overview: Certara is expanding its Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) services in Neurodegeneration and has bold ambitions to revolutionise drug discovery and development in this area of highest medical and societal need. As a result, we have an immediate opening for a Computational Neuroscience Modeller to join our QSP group. This is a unique opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team in a world-class organisation and utilise your advanced computational skills to make a difference to the lives of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Successful applicants will contribute to the development of multi-scale QSP models for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Specifically, they will develop biophysically realistic neuronal circuit-level computer models, linking pathways, pharmacological effect and clinical outcomes. Requirements: Essential * PhD and at least 2 years postdoctoral experience in computational biosciences * Strong publication record (commensurate with level of experience) * Experience in computational neuroscience and neural modelling with NEURON or equivalent software * Excellent programming skills * Good written and oral communication skills * Combines scientific excellence with ability to make impact in drug discovery and development programs in a timely manner * Ability to work virtually with project teams across different locations and time zones Desirable * Experience in QSP modelling * Experience in modelling neurodegenerative diseases * Experience working in drug discovery and development Company Overview: Certara is a world leader in bio-simulation which combines sophisticated research and development informatics with the power of predictive science methodologies to span the drug development spectrum and offer pharma a previously unavailable 'end-to-end' solution in the quest for improving human health. The Certara UK division develops industry-standard mechanistic models and tools in the areas of physiologically-based pharmacokinetics (PBPK), quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and quantitative systems toxicology and safety (QSTS). Certara combines sophisticated research and development informatics with the power of predictive science methodologies to span the drug development spectrum and offer pharma a previously unavailable 'end-to-end' solution in the quest for improving human health. Applications: Please send your CV, covering letter and the names of two references to the Certara Careers Page: www.certara.com

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Postdoc position in the Dutch Research Consortium 'Language in Interaction' (1.0 FTE)
by Verhoef, J.P. (Julia) April 12, 2019

April 12, 2019

Postdoc position in the Dutch Research Consortium 'Language in Interaction' (1.0 FTE) Donders Institute, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging Maximum salary: € 4,978 gross/month Vacancy number: 30.05.19 Application deadline: 5 May 2019 [Logo NWO] [Logo Language in Interaction] Responsibilities We are currently recruiting for a 3-year postdoctoral researcher position regarding "Understanding the nature of the mental lexicon" in the Language in Interaction consortium. The goal of this project is to use advanced computational models applied to neural data to understand the structure and function of the language system and obtain a better understanding of the mental lexicon. You will be member of Big Question 1 (BQ1), a larger endeavour to develop computational models of the mental lexicon from linguistic, psychological and neuroscience perspectives. Your responsibility is to develop computational models and apply them to neural data to obtain new neurolinguistic insights. To this end, you will make use of existing publicly available datasets. You will also facilitate collaborative projects in BQ1 that combine the scientific expertise across different work packages. You are expected to take a leading role in translating modeling work to scientific output that provides new insights into the neural correlates of language, as disseminated via high-impact publications. The position also includes a small number of organizational and administrative tasks within BQ1 and the larger consortium. This position provides an opportunity to conduct world-class research as a key member of an interdisciplinary team operating at the interface between artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience. Work environment The Netherlands has an outstanding track record in the language sciences. The Language in Interaction research consortium, which is sponsored by a large grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific research (NWO), brings together many of the excellent research groups in the Netherlands in a research programme on the foundations of language. In addition to excellence in the domain of language and related relevant fields of cognition, our consortium provides state-of-the-art research facilities and a research team with ample experience in the complex research methods that will be invoked to address the scientific questions at the highest level of methodological sophistication. These include methods from genetics, neuroimaging, computational modeling, and patient-related research. This consortium realises both quality and critical mass for studying human language at a scale not easily found anywhere else. We have identified five Big Questions (BQs) that are central to our understanding of the human language faculty. These questions are interrelated at multiple levels. Teams of researchers will collaborate to collectively address these key questions of our field. Our five Big Questions are: BQ1: The nature of the mental lexicon - How to bridge neurobiology and psycholinguistic theory by computational modeling? BQ2: What are the characteristics and consequences of internal brain organization for language? BQ3: Creating a shared cognitive space - How is language grounded in and shaped by communicative settings of interacting people? BQ4: Variability in language processing and in language learning - Why does the ability to learn language change with age? How can we characterise and map individual language skills in relation to the population distribution? BQ5: How are other cognitive systems shaped by the presence of a language system in humans? You will be appointed at the Donders Institute, Centre for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The project is embedded in the Donders Institute’s research theme "Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication" and will be supervised by Prof. Marcel van Gerven. The research is conducted in an international setting at all participating institutions. English is the lingua franca. What we expect from you We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence or a related field of research. We expect you to have expertise in the domain of language research, excellent computational skills and Python programming experience, as well as experience with neural data analysis. You will further develop the modeling approaches that are being created within the team and apply these approaches to rich neural datasets to generate new insights about the nature of the mental lexicon. You should have an outstanding scientific track record, excellent organisational, and communication skills, a strong motivation, and high proficiency in written and spoken English. Applications from excellent candidates with a less than ideal profile will also be considered. What we have to offer * employment: 1.0 FTE; * a maximum gross monthly salary of € 4,978 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 11); * in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus; * term of contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 12 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 24 months; * UFO job profile: Researcher, Level 3; * the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) of Dutch Universities is applicable to this position; * Dutch universities and the institute involved have a number of regulations in place that enable employees to create a good work-life balance; * you will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service<http://www.ru.nl/dualcareerservice> where our Dual Career Officer will assist with family related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation. Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions<http://www.ru.nl/english/arbeidsvoorwaarden?kn>? Other Information The institute involved is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities. Would you like to know more? Further information on: Language in Interaction<https://www.languageininteraction.nl/> Further information on: Donders Institute<https://www.ru.nl/donders/> For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. dr. Marcel van Gerven, Principal Investigator Artificial Cognitive Systems, and Telephone: +31 24 365 59 31 E-mail: m.vangerven(a)donders.ru.nl<mailto:m.vangerven@donders.ru.nl> Prof. dr. Peter Hagoort, Programme Director Language in Interaction consortium Telephone: +31 24 361 06 48, +31 24 352 13 01 E-mail: p.hagoort(a)donders.ru.nl<mailto:p.hagoort@donders.ru.nl> Are you interested? You should upload your application (attn. of Prof. dr. M. van Gerven) exclusively using the button 'Apply' below. Your application should include (and be limited to) the following attachment(s): * a cover letter * CV, including a list of publications and the names of at least two persons who can provide references Please apply before 5 May 2019, 23:59 CET. [Apply]<https://www.ru.nl/applyonline?recid=601960&tk=uk>

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PhD in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start)
by James Rankin April 12, 2019

April 12, 2019

*PhD in Computational and Mathematical Biology (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start) [re-advertised]* General information & apply (funding is primarily targeted at UK students): http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 Project description: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Tabak-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf <http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Rankin-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf> *Closing date 13 May 2019. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter Streatham Campus during the week of 10 June 2019.* Neurons and endocrine cells generate pulses of electrical activity. The patterns of electrical activity vary from cell-to-cell, and characteristics of these patterns (pulse duration, amplitude, timing) are critical to the function performed by the cell. For instance, electric pulse duration and frequency determines the quantity of hormone released by endocrine cells. Electrical currents are produced by ion channels, which act as non-linear electric conductances. The interactions between these non-linear conductances generate the complex patterns of electrical activity. Thus, the exact activity pattern of a given cell depends in a complex way on the exact distribution, or combination of weightings, of the different ion channels. To understand how different combinations of ion channel weightings result in a given pattern of electrical activity, we use mathematical models based on nonlinear differential equations that describe how the conductances vary with the cell electric potential and how they in turn change this potential. The problem with these models is that a lot of parameters are unknown, including the weightings of each channel. Electrophysiologists can record the electrical activity patterns from individual cells, but they cannot measure all the channel weightings from one cell. The objective of this funded PhD project is to extract information about the weightings from the measured electrical activity. The successful candidate will generate a database of channel weighting combinations and compute the resulting electrical activity pattern associated with each combination. They will then apply machine learning and/or topological data analysis to this database. This will allow them to deduce the relationships between weightings across models that generate electrical activity patterns selected from a subset of the database. By identifying the relationships between channel weightings across a highly heterogeneous population we can pinpoint the rules that regulate electrical activity across heterogeneous populations of cells. These methods will then be applied to existing datasets of electrophysiological recordings from electrically active cells. This project provides a unique opportunity to develop experience in machine learning and to receive training in mathematical modelling of neurons. This work will be done in close collaboration with experimentalists using cutting-edge methods that incorporate modelling and electrical recordings together. The student will therefore be exposed to multidisciplinary teamwork. If they so desire, they will also have the opportunity to learn electrophysiology and generate their own dataset of experimental electrical recordings. Candidates with quantitative backgrounds (mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science) are encouraged to apply to this 3.5 year PhD Scholarship. Programming experience, knowledge of dynamical systems theory and experience in biological modelling are a plus. The successful candidate will also be expected to travel to conferences to present their work. *For further information, please contact Dr Joel Tabak J.Tabak(a)exeter.ac.uk <J.Tabak(a)exeter.ac.uk> and Dr James Rankin j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk <j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk>* http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/jar226

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NEST Conference 2019 --- Abstract submission extended to 23 April
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019

Dear colleagues! We are looking forward to welcoming you to NMBU's beautiful campus south of Oslo for the NEST Conference 2019 on 24/25 June 2019 (Monday/Tuesday) To give you a chance to include your latest results in your NEST Conference 2019 Abstract, we have EXTENDED the ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE to TUESDAY 23 April Please submit your one-page abstract by email to conference(a)nest-initiative.org using the template available from http://www.nest-initiative.org/conference As we experienced problems with our email system in recent weeks. If you have submitted an abstract, but not received a confirmation of receipt, please submit your abstract once more by mail to conference(a)nest-initiative.org. We apologise for the inconvenience. The NEST Conference provides an opportunity for the NEST Community to meet, exchange success stories, swap advice, learn about current developments in and around NEST spiking network simulation and its application. We would like you to share your experiences made and results obtained with NEST during the conference. You can do so either by a short oral presentation (10–15 minutes), on a poster, through a demo, or by organizing group work. Important dates • 23 April 2019 — Deadline for abstract submissions • 01 May 2019 — Notification of acceptance • 15 May 2019 — Deadline for registration For details, abstract submission and registration, please see http://www.nest-initiative.org/conference You are also welcome to contact us at conference(a)nest-initiative.org. Hans Ekkehard Plesser President The Neural Technology Simulation Initiative http://www.nest-initiative.org -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Head, Data Science Section Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

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Call for applications: Brains for Brains Young Researchers' Computational Neuroscience Award 2019
by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019

Dear colleagues, It's our pleasure to inform you that for the ninth time, the Bernstein Network<http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-association> is announcing the "Brains for Brains Young Researchers' Computational Neuroscience Award". The call is open for researchers of any nationality who have contributed to a peer reviewed publication (as coauthor) or peer reviewed conference abstract (as first author) that was submitted before starting their doctoral studies, is written in English and was accepted or published in 2018 or 2019. The award is endowed with a travel grant of 2.000 € to cover a trip to Germany, including participation in the Bernstein Conference 2019 in Berlin (www.bernstein-conference.de<http://www.bernstein-conference.de>), and an individually planned visit to up to two German research institutions in Computational Neuroscience. Deadline for application is April 24, 2019, 2:00 p.m. CET (Application deadline will not be extended!) Detailed information about the application procedure can be found under: https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/the-network/awards/b4b2019 For inquiries please contact bernstein.network(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:bernstein.network@fz-juelich.de> Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwälder -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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PhD summit on Intelligent Systems on Oct. 2-4, 2019 at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
by Auke Ijspeert April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

*PhD summit on Intelligent Systems on Oct. 2-4, 2019 at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland* https://phdsummit.epfl.ch/ Please circulate widely. Dear Colleagues, dear PhD students, The School of Engineering of EPFL in Switzerland is pleased to announce the 2nd edition of the annual Engineering *PhD Summit, a workshop for final year PhD students* interested in a career in academia. This year the summit will focus on *"Intelligent Systems"*, i.e. software and/or hardware systems that can interact with their dynamic environments, process data, perform proper actions, and improve over time, see https://phdsummit.epfl.ch/intelligent-systems/ * *Workshop dates: October 2-4, 2019* * *Deadline for application: May 31st, 2019* *Top final year PhD students active in intelligent systems are invited to apply.* We will select up to 20 candidates on a very competitive basis and invite them to EPFL Switzerland where they will get the opportunity to present their research and get informal feedback from top faculty members. Each accepted student will be given the opportunity to visit EPFL laboratories related to summit theme and have intensive exchange with the lab head and the students. The PhD Summit prize for the best presentation and research content will be awarded at the end of the workshop.*Funds for travel and accommodation will be provided for the selected candidates.* Visit the Engineering PhD Summit website: https://phdsummit.epfl.ch/ More details about the application process: https://phdsummit.epfl.ch/application-process/ Many thanks in advance and best regards, Auke Ijspeert -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

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Computational Vision Summer School 2019 in the Black Forest, Germany - Application deadline April 15th
by Hendrikje Nienborg April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

** *[apologies for cross-posting]* * We are seeking applications for the 3rd Computational Vision Summer School (CVSS) from 30.6. to 7.7.2019 in Freudenstadt (Black Forest), Germany. The summer school, aimed at PhD students and Postdocs, spans the spectrum of vision research from neuroscience and psychophysics to computer vision to foster discussions at the intersection of biological and artificial vision systems. It seeks to bring together people from diverse disciplines who all share a computational view of vision and who, due to the diversity of disciplines involved, do not regularly meet. CVSS is free of tuition and accomodation is sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG: CRC/1233 Robust Vision). Application deadline: April 15, 2019 http://orga.cvss.cc/ Confirmed speakers: Ted Adelson (MIT, USA) Matthias Bethge (University of Tübingen, Germany) Michael Black (MPI-IS Tübingen, Germany) EJ Chichilnisky (Stanford University, USA) Alexei Efros (UC Berkeley, USA) Sanja Fidler (University of Toronto / NVIDIA, Canada) Chelsea Finn (UC Berkeley, USA) Roland Fleming (University Giessen, Germany) Bill Geisler (UT Austin, USA) Otmar Hilliges (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) Mackenzie Mathis (Harvard University, USA) Bruno Olshausen (UC Berkeley, USA) Ruth Rosenholtz (MIT, USA) Stefan Roth (TU Darmstadt, Germany) Eero Simoncelli (New York University, USA) Antonio Torralba (MIT, USA) Raquel Urtasun (University of Toronto / Uber ATG, Canada) Felix Wichmann (University of Tübingen, Germany) Li Zhaoping (MPI-IS and University of Tübingen, Germany) Program Chairs and Advisory Board: Andreas Geiger, Hendrikje Nienborg, Siyu Tang, Bei Xiao Matthias Bethge, Michael Black, Felix Wichmann * -- Dr. Hendrikje Nienborg Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience Universitaet Tuebingen Tel: +49 (0) 7071- 29 88846 email: hendrikje.nienborg(a)cin.uni-tuebingen.de

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Position Group Leader Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
by Vacatures April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

[cid:image001.jpg@01D4EEB8.807F5A50] The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) is an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). We aim to explain how circuits of neurons enable us to see the world and act upon it. We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring Group Leader who is a creative and independent scientist with leadership capabilities and who increases the diversity of the staff. Can you develop a productive and innovative research program and establish an independent research group through a combination of core funding and extramural funding? Can you complement our research program, which is dedicated to understanding the circuits of the brain? Would you enjoy working in close collaboration with other research groups at our institute? And do you have a clear vision on how to approach current challenges in neuroscience? Then this job may be for you. We are looking for a candidate whose research fits with that of our current groups and who harmonizes with us by contributing conceptual and methodological bridges. If you are using innovative ways to analyze brain circuits at any level from synaptic plasticity to sensation and behavior, you could strengthen the institute’s portfolio. Our groups use state of the art electrophysiology, in vivo microscopy, transgenic and viral techniques, gene expression profiling as well as high-density EEG and 3T and 7T functional MRI. Ideal candidates are passionate about sharing these approaches and would contribute with their own excellence in, for example, computational, big data, molecular, cell biological or behavioral approaches. Job description You would have the following responsibilities: • coordinate and conduct research in one of the above mentioned fields • acquire external research funding • mentor PhD students and postdocs • make an inspiring and complementary contribution to the NIN • actively collaborate with the diverse groups at the NIN Desired skills and experience • you preferably have obtained your PhD degree no longer than 10 years ago. We will deduct a 1.5 year period for each child when comparing productivity across candidates to account for the family investment involved in maternity • you have an excellent and demonstrable track record in scientific research, and publications in relevant journals, • experience in acquiring external funding for research, • excellent communication skills, • ability to work and troubleshoot independently and collaboratively. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage those who are underrepresented in neuroscience to consider our employment opportunities. Team The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (www.nin.nl<http://www.nin.nl>) is the country’s leading fundamental neuroscience research institute. It provides a critical mass of scientists in the neuroscience techniques, together with a dynamic multi-cultural environment. English is the working language of all research groups. Amsterdam is an internationally-oriented city and an attractive, progressive and easy-to-integrate environment. The research groups have members from more than 27 nations with backgrounds ranging from philosophy to engineering, but with an emphasis on biology and psychology. Appointment We offer an exciting job at a dynamic research institute and an attractive package of fringe benefits. Based on seniority, the position is either tenure track with predefined evaluation criteria or tenured. The salary is in accordance with the regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €67,000 up to a maximum of €89,000 per year before tax, (including holiday and end of year allowance) based on a full-time appointment, and depending on expertise and previous experience. Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities. <http://www.vsnu.nl/en_GB/cao-universiteiten.html> Additionally, the housing department of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience assists foreign employees and students in finding accommodation. Starting date Summer 2019 Application and time schedule Applications should be submitted via email (to vacatures(a)nin.knaw.nl<mailto:vacatures@nin.knaw.nl>): · * a cover letter and a statement summarizing your research interests and motivation (max 1 page); * * a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and a list of your five best papers; * * your previous research accomplishments and your future research goals (max 2 pages); * * the name and email addresses of up to three referees * * a completed excel file with specific questions that you download from https://nin.nl/form.xlsx The deadline for applications is 15 May 2019. Pre-selection of candidates will be completed 31 May 2019 by a gender-balanced panel of peers from the institute. Applicants will be emailed about pre-selection outcomes by 3 June 2019. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day visit to our institute in Amsterdam on the 24th and 25th of June 2019 for presentations, discussions and interviews. For further information on our institute please visit our website: https://nin.nl/ or contact Pieter Roelfsema p.roelfsema(a)nin.knaw.nl<mailto:p.roelfsema@nin.knaw.nl>; General Director, Ronald van der Neut r.van.der.neut(a)nin.knaw.nl<mailto:r.van.der.neut@nin.knaw.nl>; Managing director, or Dorien Bisselink d.bisselink(a)nin.knaw.nl<mailto:d.bisselink@nin.knaw.nl>; head human resources department. Any acquisition further to this advertisement will not be appreciated Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience Meibergdreef 47 1105 BA Amsterdam The Netherlands Present on: Monday|Tuesday|Wednesday|Thursday|Friday [Logo]

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Fully funded PhD positions in Frankfurt, Germany
by Martin Vinck April 9, 2019

April 9, 2019

Apologies for cross-posting: The laboratory of Dr. Martin Vinck at the Ernst Struengmann Institute for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society <http://www.esi-frankfurt.de/esi-frankfurt/>is seeking multiple candidates for computational neuroscience Ph.D. positions to be filled in Spring/Early Summer 2019. Positions are fully funded. These positions encompass following projects: 1) Theoretical and data-analytical approaches to population coding in the nervous system. These include: - Mathematical approaches to understand the relationship between rate and temporal coding. - Development of unsupervised machine learning techniques to study neuronal patterns in high-dimensional state-spaces, with an emphasis on temporal sequencies in neural activity. This work builds further on our recent Plos Computational Biology paper. <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006283> - Study of state-space trajectories on short time-scales. 2) Study of travelling wave patterns from electrode arrays. The goal here is to detect different kinds of spatio-temporal travelling wave patterns and understand how they relate to behavior and sensory stimulation. 3) The study of predictive coding using deep learning network models. These projects include: - Use of deep learning models for predictive coding models, and optimization of learning strategies in unsupervised learning models. - Predicting features of neural activity from these models. 4) Development of algorithms and open-source platform for efficient analysis of high-dimensional neural datasets on high-performance computing clusters and GPUs in Julia or Python. The focus is on the extraction of network correlation measures in high-dimensional spiking datasets, and the development of new tools to quantify Granger-causality and spike-field coherence. PhD students will work together with experimental neuroscientists in our laboratory and apply methods and models on experimental datasets from primate and rodent animal models. Experiments in the laboratory include multi-areal electrophysiology with sillicon probes together with optogenetics. It is also possible for PhD students to participate actively in these experiments. We are primarily looking for students with training in a quantitative discipline (physics, electrical or biomedical engineering, computer science, mathematics, etc.), or neuroscientists with additional quantitative training. Some experience with neuroscience, or a proven interest in neuroscience, is a pre, but not a must. Frankfurt is an internationally oriented city with many prestigious neuroscience institutes in the neighbourhood, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research <http://brain.mpg.de/home.html>, the FIAS <https://fias.institute/> and the Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience <https://www.izn-frankfurt.de/en/>. Major collaborator on this project is Dr. Francesco Battaglia from the Donders Centre, Nijmegen. ------------------------------ Interested candidates are invited to send their application materials in electronic form (PDF format) to martin.vinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de Applications should contain a letter of intent, a detailed curriculum vitae, lists of university courses completed with marks obtained, and the names of at least two scientists who can give references (or at least two reference letters). Please indicate which projects are of your core interest. First deadline is 15th of April. The advertisement will be valid until positions are filled.

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MIT challenge and workshop (July 19-20): The Algonauts project - explaining brain data with computational models
by Yalda Mohsenzadeh April 9, 2019

April 9, 2019

Dear community, The Algonauts Project has launched its first Challenge, Explaining the Human Visual Brain<http://algonauts.csail.mit.edu/>, inviting you to come up with a computer model of how the human brain sees and recognizes objects. Participants who develop the best models will be invited to present their work at a workshop July 19-20 at MIT in Cambridge, Mass. The overall goal of the Algonauts Project is to explain brain data with computational models, and to bring biological and AI researchers together on a common platform to advance human and machine intelligence research. To enter the 2019 Explaining the Human Visual Brain Challenge, download the development kit and data here: http://algonauts.csail.mit.edu/challenge.html The deadline to submit a model is June 22, 2019. Please also join us July 19-20 at MIT for the Algonauts’ Explaining the Human Visual Brain Workshop. The workshop will feature student tutorials, presentations from Challenge winners, and talks by pioneers in neuroscience, cognitive science and computer science. Good luck with your submission and we look forward to seeing you at the workshop in July! Best, The Algonauts Project team Organizers: Radoslaw Cichy, FUB Aude Oliva, MIT Gemma Roig, SUDT

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Nottingham Fellowships in: Mathematical Neuroscience, Computational Imaging
by Stephen Coombes April 8, 2019

April 8, 2019

Nottingham Research and Anne McLaren Fellowship Opportunities in the Precision Imaging Beacon Fellowships in: Mathematical Neuroscience Computational Imaging - AI https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/NARFB2019X2 <https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/NARFB2019X2> This is an exciting opportunity to join the research team in the Precision Imaging Beacon of Excellence, which is driving the discovery and translation of new imaging tools which will transform non-invasive diagnosis, improve the outcomes for patients, and allow better evaluation of the success of medical interventions. Our prestigious internal fellowship schemes are a fundamental part of the University of Nottingham’s Research Vision and support its aim to recruit the next generation of outstanding research leaders. We will be recruiting a diverse cohort of 100 Nottingham and Anne McLaren Research Fellows by the end of 2022, and as part of this we are particularly interested to recruit outstanding candidates to the Precision Imaging Beacon. Beacon fellows will be supported to develop an independent research career, whilst actively contributing to the aims of the Beacon Research Programme and are expected to become active members of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC). We support applicants with diverse career paths and backgrounds and also welcome applications from those wishing to work part-time in order to combine the fellowship with personal responsibilities. Each fellowship offers: Three years independent funding, (nominal start date October 2019), to conduct research while based at the University of Nottingham. Extensive career development support, including participation in a mentoring scheme Competitive salary set on the Clinical Academic Salary Scale or Research and Teaching Staff Scales Level 5 The linking of the Fellowship to an established academic post for scientists Research expenses totalling £75,000. Additional childcare costs of up to £5,000 per annum Relocation expenses of up to £1,500 The opportunity to spend periods of time at University of Nottingham Campuses in China and Malaysia. Closing Date Wednesday, 8th May 2019 ----------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ----------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

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Post-doctoral Research Scientist or PhD candidate in Cochlear Implant Psychoacoustics and (neural) Modeling
by Seeber, Bernhard April 6, 2019

April 6, 2019

Dear List, we are inviting applications for a post-doctoral research scientist or a PhD candidate to join our team in cochlear implant research/psychoacoustics. Main responsibilities are: - Research on binaural hearing and auditory scene analysis with users of auditory neuronal prostheses (cochlear implants) - Development of listening tests and stimulation strategies using direct stimulation of cochlear implants - Measurement and modeling of neuronal processing and statistical analysis of the results - Publication in English-language scientific journals and presentations at conferences - Supervision of student projects, assistance with teaching and with raising external funding. The position is full time and will start at the earliest convenient date. Qualifications: - (Interest in completing a) Doctoral degree (PhD) in one of the following areas: psychoacoustics, medical physics/audiology, neuroscience, audio technology, acoustics, signal processing, or a related area - Knowledge and experience desirable in designing and analyzing psychoacoustic experiments, direct stimulation of cochlear implants, algorithms for hearing devices, auditory scene analysis, binaural hearing, models of the auditory system, audio signal processing - Very good programming skills in Matlab, Python, or C/C++ - Excellent written and oral communication skills as well as experience with scientific publications - Knowledge and command of the German language desirable for working with cochlear implant users - Interest in basic research and the development of technical systems for medical applications - Flexibility and good interpersonal skills - Interest in supervising students, helping with teaching and raising external funds. We offer... you the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team, to work with up-to-date technical equipment including sound booths equipped with direct stimulation hardware for cochlear implants, an anechoic chamber hosting an audio-visual virtual reality system, and to learn about the latest methods in hearing research. Our close interaction with the Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Munich (www.bccn-munich.de) the Munich School of BioEngineering (www.bioengineering.tum.de) the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de) the Hearing Research Network Munich, our extensive cooperation with industry and with scientific partners, and the numerous courses offered at TUM create an attractive environment with excellent perspectives for personal development. Please find further information at www.aip.ei.tum.de. Employment is according to the state employees salary scheme (TV-L/E13) and is initially for 1 year and intended to be extended. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply. Severely handicapped persons will be favored if they are equally qualified. In principle, the position could also be filled part-time. Munich - the city famous for the Oktoberfest, high-end cars and its unique location to the Alps - is a bustling, international and interesting place to live which offers a wide range of opportunities to engage in cultural and leisurely activities - from opera to skiing. Interested? I look forward to answering your questions on the phone (+49 89 289 28282) or by email. Please send your expressive application stating research interests preferably by email no later than 12 May 2019 to: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Seeber Professorship of Audio Information Processing Technical University of Munich Arcisstrasse 21 80333 Munich, Germany Email: aip(a)ei.tum.de. Data Protection Information: When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. Please take note of TUM's data protection information for collecting and processing the personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information. The job advertisement can be downloaded from: http://www.aip.ei.tum.de/fileadmin/w00bmm/www/Stellenanzeigen/BCCN_Post_Doc… Kind regards, Bernhard -- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard U. Seeber Audio Information Processing Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technische Universität München Arcisstrasse 21 D-80333 Munich, Germany Office: +49 89 289-28282 Fax: +49 89 289-28211 Mobile: +49 (0)174 928 6338 Visitors: Theresienstrasse 90, building N5, room N6504 Web: www.aip.ei.tum.de

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Post-doctoral associate machine learning and human auditory neuroscience
by Jochem Rieger April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Dear list, The DFG-funded cluster of Excellence "Hearing 4 All" has an open post-doctoral position in project "Characterizing central neural speech processing in normal and hearing impaired listeners using machine learning". The aim of the project is to combine neurophysiological measurements (fMRI and/or MEG/EEG) with data driven machine learning to characterize cortical consequences of hearing loss. We offer an international and interdisciplinary research environment and access to up-to-date research facilities. The position is available from June 1st, 2019 until October 31st, 2022. Salary level German TV-L E13, full time. The salary includes an experience dependent component. Application deadline is April 20th 2019 The full job announcement can be found here: https://uol.de/stellen/?stelle=66544 Contact for further questions is jochem.rieger(a)uol.de Oldenburg is a city in northern Germany with high quality of life. It is located 1h from the north sea and 30 min from Bremen. Please forward this message to people who might be interested Regards, Jochem -- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jochem Rieger Head of Applied Neurocognitive Head of Neuroimaging Unit Psychology Faculty VI Carl-von-Ossietzky University 26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49(0)4417984533 Fax: +49(0)4417983865

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Barcelona summer school for Advanced Modelling of Behavior (BAMB!), September 4-10, 2019
by Alexandre Hyafil April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

The new Barcelona summer school for Advanced Modelling of Behavior (BAMB! <http://www.bambschool.org>) teaches advanced techniques in model-based analysis of behavior (humans and other species) to cognitive and computational neuroscientists at PhD and early career levels. This will be achieved through structured lectures, talks, hands-on tutorials and group project aimed at making knowledge obtained directly applicable to the participants' own research. We want the trainees to acquire both the conceptual bases and the technical skills that will enable them to pursue a full modelling approach on their own when they come back to their lab. The course is intended for PhD students and postdocs in cognitive and computational neuroscience with solid background in computational/quantitative analysis to benefit maximally from the advanced training offered by the course. Proficiency in either Python or Matlab is also required. We will seek a nice blend of experimentalists (cognitive psychology / neuroscience) and theoreticians (with or without experience in cognitive modeling). Female scientists and scientists from underrepresented countries are especially encouraged to apply. Organizers: Chris Summerfield (Oxford / Deepmind) Klaus Wimmer (CRM, Barcelona) Alex Hyafil (UPF/CRM, Barcelona) Confirmed Faculty: Jean Daunizeau (ICM, Paris) Alex Hyafil (UPF/CRM, Barcelona) Kerstin Preuschoff (Geneva) Alfonso Renard (Champalimaud) Maneesh Sahani (UCL) Chris Summerfield (Oxford / Deepmind) Klaus Wimmer (CRM, Barcelona) Angela Yu (UC San Diego) Dates and location: September 4-10 2019, downtown Barcelona, Spain Applications are open until June 3rd. Please see the course website for further details: www.bambschool.org. The summer school benefits from the generous support of the William K. and Katherine W. Estes Fund <https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/awards-and-honors/estes-fund>, from the Sociedad Española de Neurociencia <http://www.senc.es/> and from the Centre de Recerca Matemática <http://www.crm.cat>.

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MSc in Computational and Systems Neuroscience – University of Leicester
by CSN April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

MSc in Computational and Systems Neuroscience – University of Leicester We are delighted to introduce a new one-year, full-time postgraduate degree covering theoretical and practical aspects of modern computational neuroscience, and their applications in areas of cellular, systems and cognitive neuroscience. Students will learn the basics of neuroscience and how to apply different approaches from artificial intelligence and machine learning into neuroscience data modelling and analysis. The MSc Project will provide substantial experience with the main steps of undertaking a neuroscience research project, including experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and result interpretation. The programme will take advantage of the expertise of Centre for Systems Neuroscience (CSN) staff, whose research bridges the experimental and theoretical worlds. Applications for October 2019 entry will be accepted in May 2019. We welcome applicants with a background in Psychology, Biological Sciences (or related disciplines), Neuroscience, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics. Further details can be found on our webpage: https://le.ac.uk/courses/computational-and-systems-neuroscience-msc/2019 Please contact Joy Kocik on msccn(a)le.ac.uk or +44 (0) 116 373 6264 for more information. With best regards, Dr Hernan Rey Programme Lead University of Leicester

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Postdoc position in computational neuroscience at the Gatsby Unit
by Peter Latham April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, a world-class centre for theoretical neuroscience and machine learning, invites applications for one or more postdoctoral training fellowships in theoretical neuroscience. We are looking especially for someone with an interest and/or background in synaptic plasticity and learning. Candidates should have a very strong analytical background in physics, mathematics, statistics, or machine learning, with an emphasis on the use of Bayesian methods in neuroscience, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literature, and a publication record in highly ranked conferences and journals. Candidates must also have a PhD in a relevant subject area by the agreed start date of the position. Training fellowships are funded by the Wellcome Trust, and are part of a continuing program of training postdoctoral researchers. The position is available for an initial period of two years, and may be renewed to a maximum of three years. To apply, go to http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies/index.html and click on Research Fellow (Training Fellowship in Theoretical Neuroscience or Machine Learning) Please be sure to attach to your online application a copy of your CV, statement of research interests, and full contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three academic referees. CVs should include education history, details of current or most recent position, and details of previous employment or fellowships. For further details of our research, go to http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html Questions should be directed to Peter Latham, pel(a)gatsby.ucl.ac.uk

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Stanford Postdoctoral Fellowship: Computational Modeling of Brain Networks
by Christina Atkinson April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BRAIN NETWORKS   Currently Available: The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in computational modeling of human brain imaging data using deep neural networks. The successful candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary project that seeks to develop novel computational frameworks for robust identification of neurobiological signatures of psychiatric and neurological disorders combining deep learning and convolution networks and dynamic brain circuit analyses with task and resting-state fMRI. Clinical disorders currently under investigation include autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disabilities, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. We seek talented and highly-motivated individuals with a strong background in at least one of these areas: deep learning algorithms and optimization (theory and practical implementations); computational modeling, statistical inference, and machine learning, especially as applied to fMRI and MRI data. The candidate will have access to multiple large datasets and state-of-the-art computational resources, including HPCs and GPGPUs. Please email a CV, statement of research interests and relevant background, and have three letters of reference sent to Drs. Vinod Menon and Aarthi Padmanabhan at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com>

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Full PhD scholarship on Research in areas of Machine Learning and Data Science, Western Sydney University, Australia
by Oliver Obst April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

We are offering a research scholarship and tuition fee waiver to a highly motivated PhD student at the Centre for Research in Mathematics, Western Sydney University. Our team conducts research both in the theoretical aspects of data science, such as computational statistics and machine learning methods (for example deep learning and reinforcement learning), as well as in problems arising from applications across a very broad spectrum of partners in business and government. Required qualifications are a first class honours or a Master degree with a research component, in relevant areas of Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or Statistics. For details, please see the full information here: http://bit.ly/2UkpCvS and contact me at o.obst(a)westernsydney.edu.au<mailto:o.obst@westernsydney.edu.au> to discuss potential projects. Applications close 30 Apr 2019 (11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time). -- Oliver Obst, Associate Professor in Data Science Centre for Research in Mathematics Director for Research, Quality, and Innovation School of Computing, Engineering, and Maths Western Sydney University, Parramatta +61 2 9685 9429 http://www.oliverobst.eu/

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Call for proposals to host CNS*2021
by Sharon Crook April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

The Organization for Computational Neurosciences requests proposals from candidate local organizers to hold CNS*2021, preferably at a location in Europe, but all applications will be considered. Groups or individuals interested in organizing the 2021 meeting should submit a proposal following the on-line instructions and using the on-line templates at: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2021-local-organizer Proposals should be submitted by email to OCNS President Volker Steuber at president(a)cnsorg.org no later than October 1, 2019. The OCNS Board Members will consider the proposals, contact local organizers for more information if necessary, and select a location in a timely agreement between OCNS and the potential local organizers. As usual, the selected location will be officially announced in at the CNS Meeting in July of 2020. An earlier email to the OCNS President declaring the intent to submit a proposal would be appreciated, but is not required. The OCNS Board thanks you for your support. ________________________________ Organization for Computational Neurosciences • 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359, Grandville, Michigan 49418, United States

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Reminder - Course announcement : CAMP@Bangalore 2019
by Bhanu Priya April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

We would like to announce CAMP@Bangalore 2019 from 27 June 2019 to 12 July 2019. CAMP (Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity at NCBS, Bangalore) is a 16-day summer school on the theory and simulation of learning, memory and plasticity in the brain. The course consists of four modules covering sub-cellular electrical models, micro-circuits and network models, detailed models with electrical and chemical components, and systems level models, all with an emphasis on learning, memory and plasticity. The flavor of this edition of CAMP will be Synaptic Plasticity. Students worldwide are encouraged to apply. Accommodation and food will be free for the selected students. There is no registration fee. Students are advised to obtain independent travel grants. Application deadline : 6 April, 2019. Referee letters must reach by 8 April, 2019 Please check the course website http://camp.ncbs.res.in/ for more details. Course Organizers: Arvind Kumar (KTH Stockholm) Rishikesh Narayanan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) Suhita Nadkarni (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Upinder Bhalla (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore) -- Bhanu Priya S Graduate Student Dr. Upinder Bhalla Lab National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India

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Awesome-computational-neuroscience a list of researchers at graduate institutions
by Eli Selkin April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019

To all researchers, I’ve started a list of computational and theoretical neuroscience programs, including a list of researchers at each institution and a link for easy access to their research. It is in its very infancy and needs everyone’s help to flesh out schools in regions around the world. The list can be found here: https://github.com/eselkin/awesome-computational-neuroscience My motivation for starting the list was to find institutions with researchers who had interests even tangentially related to my own. Searching through publications only yielded limited matches and institution pages are generally outdated or not complete. Additionally, there doesn’t seem to be any centralized list that gives an overview of what institutions value computational or theoretical neuroscience. I wanted to change that. GitHub is a very stable and functional way to change this. Similar to a wiki, everyone has the opportunity to participate on an open repository. Additionally most labs have someone who is familiar with git if not GitHub in particular. The list has a code of contribution with rules about formatting. This style guide allows the list to be consistent between institutions. Additional information about how to apply to the school is welcome. I have found that schools, even in the US, have very diverse admission criteria. If you are looking to attract students who are interested in your work, please add yourself and your institution. Many thanks! Sincerely, Eli Selkin ejselkin(a)cpp.edu https://github.com/eselkin -- --- Eli Selkin, L.C.S.W. MS'18 http://www.cpp.edu/~ejselkin https://www.github.com/eselkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliselkin https://eliselkin.com

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Research Position in NeuroComputing / Computational Neuroscience at TU Chemnitz (Germany)
by Julien Vitay March 27, 2019

March 27, 2019

A PostDoc or Ph.D. position is available at the Chemnitz University of Technology in the Department of Computer Science. The position is initially until 31.12.2021, starting as soon as possible. The research position is funded by the state of Saxony AI initiative. The goal in our project is to develop brain-inspired cognitive architectures, particularly regarding recurrent dynamics in the prefrontal cortex and their shaping by reinforcement learning processes in the basal ganglia. The proposed neuro-computational approach will rely on reward-modulated recurrent networks (reservoir computing) using closed-loop interactions with the basal ganglia and the thalamus. The model will be tested against behavioral and physiological data and its functional properties will be compared to classical machine learning approaches. The ideal candidate should have prior experience in neural networks, neurocomputing or computational neuroscience and sufficient programming experience. Very good English reading and speaking skills are required. German language skills are not required, but the willingness to learn German would be useful. The salary is according to German standards (E 13 TV-L, 75%). The university is an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will receive priority in case they have equal qualifications. Chemnitz is the third-largest city of the state of Saxony and close to scenic mountains. Major cities nearby are Leipzig and Dresden with a rich tradition of music and culture. Applications should be sent by email (preferably in PDF format) to ( fred.hamker(a)informatik.tu-chemnitz.de) as soon as possible. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Prof. Dr. Fred Hamker Künstliche Intelligenz Fakultät für Informatik TU Chemnitz 09107 Chemnitz www: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/informatik/KI/index.php.en

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PhD position in Machine Learning at Imperial College London
by MyPAJudith March 27, 2019

March 27, 2019

PhD position in Machine Learning in the Clopath lab under the joint supervision of Dr Claudia Clopath (Imperial College London) and Dr Razvan Pascanu (DeepMind London) -----------------Description-------------- This is a 3-year, fully-funded PhD position at Imperial College London. The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Claudia Clopath (head of the lab) and Dr. Razvan Pascanu (Research Scientist at DeepMind). The student will be based in the Clopath lab. The focus of the PhD will be on machine learning while drawing inspiration from computational neuroscience. In particular, the main themes will revolve around Deep Learning and Deep Reinforcement Learning. The research will be published at conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML or ICLR. An *incomplete* list of topics of interest could include: Theory of Deep Learning/Deep Reinforcement Learning Understanding learning dynamics Representational power of neural networks Exploiting our understanding of dopamine for training RL systems Topics around introducing structure in neural networks (e.g. Graph-Nets) Optimization for neural networks (theory/application) Understanding memory in recurrent models/attention based models (improve the memory capacity of RNNs) Meta-learning/Continual learning or exploration in RL systems Although we welcome the student’s suggestion for potential projects. ---------------Requirements-------------------- The perfect candidate has a strong background in maths, physics, engineering or related fields. Machine Learning background is a plus but not necessary. The candidate should have strong programming skills (knowledge of tensorflow/pytorch would be a plus but not required). Interest in neural networks research and experience is a plus. Due to the funding requirement of the position, the candidate should be an *EU or British citizen*. The funding/position will not be affected by the Brexit outcome. ------------ The lab ------------ The Computational Neuroscience Laboratory is very young and dynamic, and publishes in prestigious journals and conferences. It is part of the Department of Bioengineering, which conducts state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research. The lab is at Imperial College London, the 3rd ranked university in Europe, is in the top 10 worldwide, and is located in the city centre of London. More information can be found at: http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/ DeepMind is a company focusing on AI and ML research, with world-wide recognized expertise. Its research centers around Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning, with successes such as AlphaGo, first AI winning against a human professional at the game of Go. More information here: https://deepmind.com/about/. For more info on Razvan Pascanu’s work see https://sites.google.com/view/razp. ----------------- How to apply:----------------- Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1 to 2-page motivation letter followed by a CV (including publication list) to judith(a)mypajudith.com, with the subject containing 'PhD_ML_2019'. In addition, candidates should organize two letters of reference to be sent to judith(a)mypajudith.com, with the subject containing 'PhD_ML_2019'. The position is open until filled but the earlier applications will be considered first (first round of consideration will take applications sent before April 10th).

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2019 NEURON Summer Course
by Carnevale, Nicholas March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019

The 2019 NEURON Summer Course will be held at the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota, from Monday, June 10, through Saturday, June 15. The course will present a thorough introduction to computational modeling of neurons and networks with NEURON, and is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. The registration deadline is Friday, May 31, 2019. No applications will be accepted after that date, and there will be no on-site registration. Space is limited, and applications will be considered in the order received. For more information and the on-line registration form, see https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/summer2019/summer2019.html --Ted

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The Virtual Brain - Node #8 Workshop [Marseille, May 20-21]
by Jan Fousek March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019

Get up to speed about the fundamental principles of full brain network modeling using the open-source neuroinformatics platform The Virtual Brain (TVB) at our 2-day workshop held in Marseille on May 20-21, 2019 . TVB NODE#8 takes place ahead of NeuroFrance2019; be sure to register for both! TVB enables biologically realistic modeling of network dynamics using Connectome-based approaches across different brain scales. Generate macroscopic neuroimaging signals including fMRI, intracranial and stereotactic EEG, surface EEG and MEG for single subjects. Personalized brain network models can be derived from an individual’s MRI data. Researchers from different backgrounds can benefit from an integrative software platform including a supporting framework for data management (generation, organization, storage, integration and sharing) and a simulation core written in Python. Applications to use cases in the healthy and diseased brain are explicitly presented. Workshop program overview: * Theoretical background of large scale brain network modeling * Architecture of The Virtual Brain * Interacting with TVB using GUI and Python CLI * Preprocessing neuroimaging data, or how to obtain a TVB dataset * Clinical applications of The Virtual Brain: modeling epilepsy * Modeling brain dynamics in brain tumor patients * Fitting the brain model parameters to the functional data * Modeling resting state networks * Modeling brain stimulation and mouse brains * Modifying TVB code and implementing new features * Optional: bring your own data LOCATION Aix-Marseille Université - Faculté de Médecine Campus La Timone Bâtiment Pédagogique 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin Marseille, France 13005 REGISTER HERE: https://tvb-node8.eventbrite.ca The workshop is organized with interleaved oral presentation and hands-on sessions. Attendants will have the time to ask questions. The hands-on sessions will let you immediately apply the concepts from the lectures to your simulations in TVB. *Bring your own device.* Refreshments will be available during the breaks and lunch will be provided. *WORKSHOP HAS LIMITED ATTENDANCE* *Registration will be closed on April 29th.* More information: https://www.thevirtualbrain.org/tvb/zwei/newswire-event-single/243713-works… Please contact Jan Fousek (jan.fousek at univ-amu.fr) if you have any questions. Jan Fousek INS - Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes UMR INSERM 1106, Aix-Marseille Université 27 Bd Jean Moulin 13005 Marseille France https://ins-amu.fr/

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Course announcement : CAMP@Bangalore 2019
by Bhanu Priya March 24, 2019

March 24, 2019

We would like to announce CAMP@Bangalore 2019 from 27 June 2019 to 12 July 2019. CAMP (Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity at NCBS, Bangalore) is a 16-day summer school on the theory and simulation of learning, memory and plasticity in the brain. The course consists of four modules covering sub-cellular electrical models, micro-circuits and network models, detailed models with electrical and chemical components, and systems level models, all with an emphasis on learning, memory and plasticity. The flavor of this edition of CAMP will be Synaptic Plasticity. Students worldwide are encouraged to apply. Accommodation and food will be free for the selected students. There is no registration fee. Students are advised to obtain independent travel grants. Application deadline : 6 April, 2019. Please check the course website http://camp.ncbs.res.in/ for more details. Course Organizers: Arvind Kumar (KTH Stockholm) Rishikesh Narayanan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) Suhita Nadkarni (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Upinder Bhalla (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore) -- Bhanu Priya S Graduate Student Dr. Upinder Bhalla Lab National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India

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post-doc position, Moreno-Bote lab, Barcelona
by Ruben Moreno Bote March 23, 2019

March 23, 2019

*Post-doctoral position* *Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote Lab * *University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain* We are looking for strong post-doctoral candidates interested in joining the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Rubén Moreno-Bote lab. We are looking for excellent post-doctoral candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background, ideally with knowledge of Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, and interested in theory and applications. The publication record of the candidate should be very strong in his/her respective discipline. The candidate will develop state of the art mathematical techniques to understand neuronal dynamics and will have access to multielectrode recording neural data. He/she could also be involved in the design of electrophysiology experiments through our collaborators. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. Financial support is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format, a 1 page-long project in pdf format, and names and email addresses of 2 referees should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Informal inquiries are welcome. DEADLINE: up to the position is filled STARTING DATE: preferably any time between September 2018 and January 2019 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

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Job opening in Computational Neuroscience: Scientist for press and public relations work - focus on designing public presentations on a part-time basis
by Martina Reske March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, investigates the structure and function of the human brain on different spatial and temporal scales within the research program “Decoding the Human Brain”. The INM focuses on the structure and function of the healthy and diseased human brain, its variability, and its development during a lifetime. It aims to understand the structural and functional changes caused by neurological and psychiatric disorders and thus to improve their early diagnosis and treatment. Scientists from various disciplines have therefore joined forces, employing state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), microanatomy, cell biology, genetics, and the methods used in physics and information science. The INM-6, Computational and Systems Neuroscience, develops mathematical models of the dynamics and function of neural circuits. These include model-driven analysis of brain activity and structure, and the simulation of biologically realistic models. The subinstitute is also part of the Institute of Advanced Simulation (IAS-6, Theoretical Neuroscience) and hosts the coordination office (BCOS) of the national Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience. The INM-6 is strongly involved in the EU flagship project "Human Brain Project" (HBP, http://www.humanbrainproject.eu/) and leads several work packages in the subproject Theoretical Neuroscience as well as in the platforms Neuroinformatics, Brain Simulation and High-Performance Analytics and Computing. Together with its partners, the INM-6 develops leading codes for simulation (http://www.nest-initiative.org/) and data analysis (https://python-elephant.org/) on the brain scale with the resolution of individual nerve cells in an open source approach. We are looking to recruit a Scientist for press and public relations work - focus on designing public presentations on a part-time basis Your Job: * Development of the communication strategy and communication management of the institute * Development of concepts for graphic presentations and public relations of the institute as well as their creative implementation for various PR formats and scientific journals and media * Creation of popular scientific articles, placement of announcements in the media, design of texts, presentations and graphics in compliance with the corporate design * Inspection, analysis and evaluation of very complex, technically difficult and thematically diverse scientific information for the provision of information tailored to the target group * Planning and design of scientific graphics, figures, texts and audiovisual or interactive media for the visualization of scientific contents of the institute as well as their integration into the international scientific community * Development of new concepts for the institute website and for social media channels, including the creation and maintenance of a Twitter or Instagram account for the institute * Identification of high-profile research results and their preparation for the internet * Reworking of material prepared by scientists, e.g. image, text, video and graphic data, according to the target group * Preparation, revision and editing of scientific and non-scientific publications and presentations in German and English language * Graphic creation and preparation of scientific talks and lectures * Coordination and participation in the creation of posters and institute flyers * Taking scientific photographs or films and editing them digitally * Coordination of the work with the graphic service units of the research centre * Preparation, organization and monitoring of internal and external scientific events * Training of executives and scientists in dealing with the media Your Profile: * A university degree in physics, mathematics or biology or alternatively a university degree in communication & media sciences and very good knowledge of physics, mathematics and biology * Very experienced handling of graphics and video software such as GIMP, Inkscape as well as common Adobe applications * Good experience in dealing with the media and social media * Experience in writing German and English scientific and/or administrative texts * Experience with Linux, LaTeX and Python is desirable * Very good knowledge of layout and website editing systems * Very good knowledge of written and spoken English * Very independent and proactive working style * Pertinence and sensitivity to the specific needs of the customer Our Offer: * Exciting working environment on an attractive research campus with excellent infrastructure, located between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen * International and interdisciplinary working atmosphere * Working in a creative team with an international perspective * World-class work at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * A comprehensive further training programme * Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and private life * A part-time job with 19,5 hours per week * Limited for 2 years with possible longer-term prospects * Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD) Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application, preferably online<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf…> via our online recruitment system on our career site until 14.04.2019, quoting the reference number 2019-126. Questions about the vacancy? Contact us by mentioning the reference number 2019-126: career(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:career@fz-juelich.de?Subject=Questions%20about%20the%20vacancy%202019-126&body=You%20can%20use%20this%20field%20to%20send%20us%20questions%20about%20the%20job%20advertisement%20you%20have%20selected.%20If%20you%20would%20like%20to%20apply%20for%20the%20position%2C%20please%20note%20that%20this%20is%20only%20possible%20via%20our%20online%20application%20portal.> Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email. -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Junior Scientist Workshop on Advanced Neural Data Analysis 2019 in NYC
by Rainer Engelken March 20, 2019

March 20, 2019

*Junior Scientist Workshop on Advanced Neural Data Analysis 2019 <https://ctn.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/junior>* August 26th - 29th 2019, New York City, USA Hosted by the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience <https://ctn.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/> at Columbia University Apply HERE <https://goo.gl/forms/xqlaJYZA7tiuhlWX2> by May 15 (11:59 p.m. EST): This workshop is intended for PhD students and postdocs who want to learn and share with their peers new advanced techniques in data analysis and apply them to complex neural datasets. During the workshop, attendees will present their research projects, followed by a hands-on programming tutorial on the computational techniques used in their work. The purpose is to gain a detailed understanding of the complexity of data and of the appropriateness of the different analysis techniques. The ideal participants are theoreticians with experience in analyzing experimental data as well as computationally minded experimentalists. By mixing a group of scientists with a diverse background but with overlapping goals of uncovering structure in neural data, the participants will learn an array of techniques and foster fruitful collaborations. The workshop will include presentations, tutorial sessions and lots of time and space for unfiltered in-depth discussions and data hacking sessions. We envision tutorials both on advanced data analysis as well as on specific experimental techniques and data processing. Participants are therefore expected to contribute with code or data to share and a reasonable dose of energy for giving tutorials on their work. Data and/or code can come in any format, including artificially generated data, but we encourage to make them available in a form that everyone can explore them with minimal overhead. Any data is shared only within the workshop. In order to foster an interactive atmosphere and allow everyone to give a detailed description and tutorial of their work, the workshop will be limited to a small group of participants. Participants will be provided with funds to cover travel, accommodation, and meals. We encourage applications from female scientists and those belonging to underrepresented minorities. The Junior Scientist Workshop is organized in partnership with the NeuroNex Theory Team at the University of Houston <https://neuronex.org/projects/13> and funded by NSF's NeuroNex <https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=242652> initiative. The 2019 workshop will be held at Columbia University's Jerome L Greene Science Center <https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jerome+L.+Greene+Science+Center/@40.81685…>. Organizers: Fabio Stefanini, Mario Dipoppa, Rainer Engelken, Krešimir Josić, and Ashok Litwin-Kumar. ************************************************************* Rainer Engelken Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute Columbia University pgp fingerprint: F94E 83D9 77AB 76F6 15E9 1503 3AD6 FCDC 410B 14F2 re2365(a)columbia.edu ctn.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu *************************************************************

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PhD Positions Available in Computational Neuroscience at Simula/UiO
by Kimberly McCabe March 19, 2019

March 19, 2019

The Simula School for Research and Innovation seeks applicants for 3 *PhD positions* offered as part of a larger collaborative PhD programme between Simula, the University of Oslo (UiO), and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). This programme has been named SUURPh (the Simula-UiO-UCSD Research and PhD training programme), and more details can be found on the programme home page <https://www.simula.no/education/educational-partnerships/suurph-programme>, and on the page for SUURPh applicants <https://www.simula.no/education/educational-partnerships/suurph/suurph-appl…> . Detailed descriptions of the projects being offered can be found on the Projects Page <https://www.simula.no/education/educational-partnerships/suurph/available-s…>. Each project will require slightly different expertise and experience, but all are within the scope of *computational biology *and medicine. Thus, Simula and UiO are seeking motivated and independent students from a wide range of training backgrounds, but particularly with a strong working knowledge in computational and quantitative sciences to take up these doctoral fellowships. The duration of SUURPh doctoral fellowships will be 3 years, and the time of initiation will vary depending on the project but can be as early as August 1st 2019. All Simula-based SUURPh fellows will be enrolled as PhD students at the University of Oslo Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty. An additional unique feature of the SUURPh programme is that SUURPh fellows will be required to conduct a portion of their doctoral research in San Diego. As such, all applicants should be prepared and eager to spend a portion of their degree (generally 6 months – 1 year) at UCSD. Applicants are also obligated to meet academic standards for PhD students at UiO, including receipt of a Master’s Degree by June 30, 2019. The deadline for applications is April 15, with hiring decisions expected by mid-June. Details regarding available projects, application requirements, and the hiring process can be found through our online application portals (through Simula <https://www.simula.no/about/job/simula-school-research-and-innovation-seeks…> or UiO <https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/166324/phd-fellowships-avail…>). UiO is separately advertising 4 PhD positions for this programme, and applicants are welcome to rank projects from both the Simula and UiO sections during the application process. Please feel free to forward this announcement to those who may be interested. If you have any questions, you may direct them to the programme coordinator Kim McCabe (kimberly(a)simula.no) Best, Kim Kimberly McCabe SUURPh Programme Coordinator Simula School for Research and Innovation

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post-doc positions at UCL, Space and Memory group of Neil Burgess
by Bicanski, Andrej March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

Two post-doc positions at University College London, in the Space and Memory group, with Neil Burgess Two post-doc positions are available at the UCL Inst of Cognitive Neuroscience with Neil Burgess’ Space and Memory group (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/icn/people/neil-burgess) Posts are until Sept 2021 in the first instance, extension contingent on further funding. Candidates will perform research in human cognitive and computational neuroscience that should complement the group’s current work, which includes: MEG decoding of sequential planning [1]; 3T and 7T fMRI of neural mechanisms in imagery, memory, navigation [2-4]; the effects of emotional content on memory [5]; intracranial recording in epilepsy patients [6]; computational modelling of imagery, memory and the roles of grid and place cells [7,8]. Researchers will collaborate with related work on grid and place cells in rodent virtual reality [9] and related groups at the ICN, Welcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour and the wider UCL neuroscience community. For details and to apply, please see https://tinyurl.com/yyhr3kzr The deadline is 9th April. selected recent publications: 1. Kornysheva et al (2019) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.018 2. Horner et al (2016) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.01.042 3. Horner et al (2015) https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8462 4. Grande et al (2017) http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4376/presentation/7698 5. Bisby & Burgess (2017) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2017.07.012 6. Bush et al (2017) https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1708716114 7. Bicanski & Burgess (2018) https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.33752.001 8. Bicanski & Burgess (2019) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.077 9. Chen et al (2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08550-1 Dr. Andrej Bicanski Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience University College London 17 Queen Square, WC1N 3AZ London, UK www.andrejbicanski.com<http://www.andrejbicanski.com>

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Tenure-track position: Theoretical and Computational Neurophysics, University of Calgary, Canada
by Nicola, Wilten March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

Tenure-track position: Theoretical and Computational Neurophysics, University of Calgary, Canada The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary seeks outstanding candidates for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, in the area of theoretical and computational neurophysics. The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent research program related to the fundamentals of brain and neural dynamics at the intersection of physics and neuroscience. Theoretical, computational and data-driven areas of interest in modeling neural systems include neural dynamics, plasticity, information propagation, and network neuroscience. Link: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/3670741-assistant-professor-theoretical-an… Deadline: May 31, 2019 --- Dr. Jörn Davidsen Associate Professor of Physics & Humboldt Research Fellow University of Calgary www.ucalgary.ca/complexity/davidsen<http://www.ucalgary.ca/complexity/davidsen>

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MSc Neuroscience program University of Freiburg, Germany
by Carsten Mehring March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

MSc program in Neuroscience - University of Freiburg, Germany We are inviting applications for the interdisciplinary MSc program in Neuroscience at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The program provides theoretical and practical training in neuroscience, covering both the foundations and the latest research in the field. It is taught by lecturers from an international scientific community from three faculties and two neuroscience research centres. The modular course structure caters to the specific backgrounds and research interests of each individual student and we offer specialisations in computational neuroscience, neuro-/optophysiology, neurotechnology and genes,circuiots & behaviour. All courses are taught in English. We welcome applications with a background in natural sciences, mathematics, behavioural sciences, computer science or engineering sciences. The deadline for applications for the October 2019 entry is the 31st of May 2019. Further details can be found on our homepage http://www.mscneuro.uni-freiburg.de <http://www.mscneuro.uni-freiburg.de/> Please contact mscneuro@uni-freiburg,de for further questions. With kind regards Carsten Mehring University of Freiburg

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INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE, Beijing, August 2019
by Rava A. da Silveira March 16, 2019

March 16, 2019

*CNeuro**: International Summer School and Workshop* *in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience* *Tsinghua University, Beijing (August 2019)* *Background* How intelligence and behavior emerge from complex and intricate interactions within the brain remain important and unsolved mysteries in modern science. In the last decade, we have seen rapid progress in experimental tools that now make it possible to monitor and manipulate brain circuits in unprecedented detail. This research area presents both challenges and opportunities for experimentalists and theoreticians. The complexity and dynamics of the brain make it difficult to tackle its mechanisms and functions with experimental approaches alone. Mathematical theory is pivotal for obtaining new insights and for guiding experiment, as well as for identifying and unifying concepts and principles of brain functions. The aim of the two-week summer school and workshop will be to introduce students with strong quantitative background (e.g., in mathematics, theoretical physics, computer science, or engineering) to the emerging field of theoretical and computational neuroscience. The course will also bring together leading scientists in theoretical and computational neuroscience. We envision a collaborative environment where faculty and students will have in-depth discussions on topics in the frontier of neuroscience. The course will be a pedagogical basis for new students, introducing them to advanced mathematical methods and modeling approaches that are currently being used and developed to understand brain functions. *Time* 15 – 29 August 2019 *Location* The summer school will be held at the Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence (THBI), at Tsinghua University, in Beijing. THBI is a flagship project of the university. It is a new interdisciplinary research institute recently established by Tsinghua University, with dedicated faculty positions and research space. The institute aims to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research across the fields of systems and computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The institute occupies three floors in a newly renovated building with large classrooms for teaching and computer labs, and ample offices for visiting scholars. *Organizers* Xiaoqin Wang, Johns Hopkins University and Tsinghua University Aravi Samuel, Harvard University Rava Azeredo da Silveira, Ecole Normale Supérieure Quan Wen, University of Science and Technology of China Sen Song, Tsinghua University *Faculty* Yoram Burak, The Hebrew University Dmitri Chklovskii, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation Michael Hausser, University of College London Yu Hu, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Dezhe Jin, Penn State University Jian Liu, University of Leicester Cengiz Pehlevan, Harvard University Aravi Samuel, Harvard University Rava Azeredo da Silveira, Ecole Normale Supérieure Sen Song, Tsinghua University Louis Tao, Peking University Srinivas Turaga, Janelia Research Campus Xiaoqin Wang, Johns Hopkins University and Tsinghua University Quan Wen, University of Science and Technology of China Kechen Zhang, John Hopkins University *Applications* Please send a CV and a statement of purpose to thbi(a)tsinghua.edu.cn Application deadline: *20 May 2019* *Housing* International students will be housed on the Tsinghua University campus.

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PhD Comp Neuro position, Moreno-Bote lab, Barcelona
by Ruben Moreno Bote March 16, 2019

March 16, 2019

*PhD Position in* *Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab * *Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain* 1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background interested in developing theory for the brain and mind. Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience or Neuroscience would be ideal, but it is not necessary. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models to understand neuronal dynamics and coding and will have access to multielectrode recording neural data. She/he could also be involved in the design of monkey and human behavioral experiments and the development of models of visual perception, decision making and working memory. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. Financial support is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2019 and January 2020 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

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[CALL FOR PAPERS] IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence (WI'19) 14-17 OCTOBER 2019 Thessaloniki, GREECE
by Gigg Liu March 16, 2019

March 16, 2019

IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence (WI'19) 14-17 OCTOBER 2019 Thessaloniki, GREECE https://webintelligence2019.com/ Sponsored By: Web Intelligence Consortium (WIC) Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) IEEE Computer Society In Cooperation With: Chinese Computer Federation (CCF) CALL FOR PAPERS Web has evolved as an omnipresent system which highly impacts science, education, industry and everyday life. Web is now a vast data production and consumption platform at which threads of data evolve from multiple devices, by different human interactions, over worldwide locations under divergent distributed settings. Such a dynamic complex system demands adaptive intelligent solutions, which will advance know-ledge, human interactions and innovation. Web intelligence is now a cutting edge area which must address all open issues towards deepening the understanding of all Web’s entities, phenomena, and developments. The theme for the WI'19 is: "Web Intelligence = AI in the Connected World". The 18th Web Intelligence conference (WI'19) aims to achieve a multi-disciplinary balance between research and technological disruptive advances in the fields of how intelligence is impacting the Web of People, the Web of Data, the Web of Things, the Web of Trust, and the Web of Health. WI'19 welcomes research, application as well as Industry/Demo track paper submissions in these core thematic pillars under wider topics, which demand WI innovative and disruptive solutions for any of the next indicative sub-topics. Track 1: Web of People Social networks analytics Social media and dynamics User and behavioral modeling Human centric computing Opinion mining Recommendation engines Sentiment analysis Crowdsourcing and social data mining People oriented applications and services Track 2: Web of Data Data science and machine learning Big data analytics Data integration and data provenance Cognitive models Computational models Information search and retrieval Algorithms and knowledge management Knowledge bases and semantic networks Linked data management and analytics Data driven services and applications Track 3: Web of Things IoT data analytics Web infrastructures and devices Mobile web Distributed systems and devices Open autonomous systems Industrial multi-domain web Streaming data analysis Smart city applications and services Track 4: Web of Trust Hidden web analytics Blockchain analytics and technologies Web-scale security, integrity, privacy and trust Web cryptography Fake content and fraud detection Web safety and openness Monetization services and applications Track 5: Web of Health Personalized health management and analytics Health data exchange and sharing Big data in medicine Wellbeing and healthcare in the digital era Omics research and trends Healthcare and medical applications and services IMPORTANT DATES The Program Chairs are soliciting contributed technical papers for presentation at the Conference and publication in the Conference Proceedings by ACM. Submissions are encouraged before the next deadlines: Feb 20th, 2019: Workshop Proposals May 12th, 2019: Full Papers; Demo papers; Tutorial proposals June 30th, 2019: Notification of Acceptance/Rejection July 14th, 2019: Final, Camera Ready Papers, Due PAPER SUBMISSION Please follow guidelines: https://wi-lab.com/cyberchair/2019/wi19/scripts/submit.php?subarea=Wr/. Papers must be submitted electronically via Cyberchair in standard ACM format (max 8 pages). Submitted papers will undergo a peer review process, coordinated by the International Program Committee. ORGANIZATION General Chairs Georg Gottlob, UK Yannis Manolopoulos, Cyprus Program Chairs Payam Barnaghi, UK Athena Vakali, Greece Steering Committee Chairs Jiming Liu, HK, China Ning Zhong, Japan Track Chairs Panagiotis Bamidis, Greece Marios Dikaiakos, Cyprus Elena Ferrari, Italy Josiane Xavier Parreira, Ireland Herman Purohit, USA Workshop Chairs Dimitrios Katsaros, Greece Rahul Pandey, USA Demo Chairs Amelie Gyrard, USA George Pallis, Cyprus Proceedings Editor Theodoros Tzouramanis, Greece Publicity Chairs Karin Becker, Brasil Leonidas Anthopoulos, Greece Yang Liu, Hong Kong Xujuan Zhou, Australia

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Post-Doc position: HuRRiCane project (deadline 27/03)
by Xavier Hinaut March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

Dear Colleagues, I would like to share the following post-doc position opening in my team (see below) with the title: HuRRiCane: Hierarchical Reservoir Computing for Language Comprehension If you know people interested, please forward. Thank you very much. Best regards, Xavier Hinaut Inria Researcher (CR) Mnemosyne team, Inria LaBRI, Université de Bordeaux, France Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives +33 5 33 51 48 01 www.xavierhinaut.com --- Title HuRRiCane: Hierarchical Reservoir Computing for Language Comprehension Post-doc position for 1 year Starting October 2019 Deadline for applications Send email ASAP and before 27th of March 2019 Apply on before 31st of March 2019 How to apply? All info here: https://sites.google.com/site/xavierhinaut/job-internship-offers/post-docto… Remuneration 2653€ / month (before taxes) Keywords Computational Neuroscience, Recurrent Neural Networks, Reservoir Computing, Language Processing, Language Acquisition, Speech Processing, Modeling, Language Grounding, Prefrontal Cortex, Sequence Learning, Machine Learning. Scientific research context How does our brain understand a sentence at the same time as it is pronounced? How are we able to produce sentences that the brain of the hearer will understand? There is a huge number of tools for Natural Language Processing (NLP), but there is fewer computational models that try to understand how language comprehension and production works effectively in the brain. There are theoretical models or models based on psychological experiments (Dell & Chang 2014), but few models are based on neuro-anatomy and brain processes (Hinaut & Dominey 2013). Moreover, even fewer of these models have been implemented in robots, to demonstrate their robustness among other things (Hinaut et al. 2014). Using robots to study language grounding, acquisition and development is not a new topic, in fact Cangelosi et al. (2010) have proposed a roadmap to tackle this long research plan. In order to model how a sentence can be processed, word by word (Hinaut & Dominey 2013), or even phoneme by phoneme (Hinaut 2018), the use of recurrent neural networks such as Reservoir Computing (Jaeger 2004), and its extension, the Conceptors (Jaeger 2017), offers advantages and interesting results. In particular, the possibility to compare the dynamics of the model with the dynamics of brain electrophysiological recordings (Enel et al. 2016) is an interesting asset. The Reservoir Computing paradigm is also interesting because it can be trained with few data and have quick execution time for human-robot interactions. The use of linguistic models with robots, is not only useful to validate the models in real conditions: it also enables to test other hypotheses, notably the anchoring of the language (Harnard 1990) or the emergence of symbols (Taniguchi et al., 2016). Work description The objective is to experiment how a sentence comprehension model, based on reservoir computing, can learn to understand sentences by exploring which meanings can have the sentences, implying several steps from stream of phonemes to words and from stream of words to sentence comprehension. The model will be implemented on a virtual agent first and then on the Nao humanoid robot For the experiments we want to make, a model implemented in a situated agent or robot is needed in order to "understand" the meaning of the utterance which is being told and figure out whether the meaning is plausible or not. If the meaning found does not make sense, the model could "re-parse" the sentence and reinterpret it. Moreover, we prefer to have a concrete corpus of based on actions a robot can do rather than abstract sentences of the Wall Street Journal (a classical benchmark). We have already performed several experiments with both sentence comprehension and production models with humanoid robots such as iCub and Nao (Hinaut et al. 2014, Twiefel et al. 2016). Having a plausibility measure of a meaning will allow us to set up a cascading reinterpretation if necessary, first from the word level, and if that is not enough, to reinterpret the phonemes to find new plausible words. There exists two main types of observations made with an electroencephalogram (EEG) with human subject: P600 and N400. They are assumed to correspond to syntactically or semantically reinterpretations of the sentence. The model developed will have to account for these induced observations. In Hinaut & Dominey (2013), we showed that our model could provide an equivalent of P600 when a sentence was syntactically complex. This project is linked to other projects in the team on the hierarchical organization of the prefrontal cortex (including Broca's area, involved in language). This hierarchy corresponds to an increasingly higher abstraction, which is made by different sub-areas. We will therefore be able to link this post-doc project to existing projects of the team, where different levels of abstractions are necessary for sentence comprehension. Main References - G. S. Dell, & F. Chang (2014) The P-chain: Relating sentence production and its disorders to comprehension and acquisition. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 369(1634). - H. Jaeger, (2017) Using conceptors to manage neural long-term memories for temporal patterns. The Journal of Machine Learning Research, 18(1), 387-429. - X. Hinaut, P.F. Dominey (2013) Real-Time Parallel Processing of Grammatical Structure in the Fronto- Striatal System: A Recurrent Network Simulation Study Using Reservoir Computing. PloS ONE 8(2): e52946. - X. Hinaut, M. Petit, G. Pointeau, P.F. Dominey (2014) Exploring the Acquisition and Production of Grammatical Constructions Through Human-Robot Interaction. Frontiers in NeuroRobotics 8:16. - Hinaut, X. (2018). Which Input Abstraction is Better for a Robot Syntax Acquisition Model? Phonemes, Words or Grammatical Constructions? In 2018 Joint IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning and Epigenetic Robotics (ICDL-EpiRob). Skills Good background in computational neuroscience, computer science, physics and/or mathematics; A strong interest for neuroscience, linguistics and the physiological processes underlying learning; Python programming with experience with scientific libraries Numpy/Scipy (or similar programming language: matlab, etc.); Experience in machine learning or data mining; Independence and ability to manage a project; Good English reading/speaking skills. French speaking is not required Benefits package Subsidized meals Partial reimbursement of public transport costs Possibility of teleworking (after 6 months of employment) and flexible organization of working hours Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.) Social, cultural and sports events and activities Access to vocational training Social security coverage

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PhD FELLOWSHIP IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE @ LISBON (pre-selection 20th Mar, application 28th Mar)
by Prata, Diana March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

For divulgence - many thanks. PhD FELLOWSHIP IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE @ LISBON (pre-selection 20th Mar, application 28th Mar) The annual FCT state-sponsored PhD scholarship application call is now open (deadline 28th of March - see conditions in https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/concursos/individuais2019.phtml.en) and is an excellent opportunity to be part of a PhD project at the Biomedical Neuroscience Lab (Diana Prata's lab; dpratalab.wordpress.com<http://dpratalab.wordpress.com>) at the University of Lisbon. If you are interested in a project within one the research streams below, please contact the PI (diana.prata(a)kcl.ac.uk<mailto:diana.prata@kcl.ac.uk>) for a skype interview by 20th of March, to ascertain mutual interest. This being ascertained, your FCT PhD scholarship (deadline 28th Mar) application can be associated with one of the lab's projects. Research stream 1: Neurobiology of Social Cognition Context. Understanding the neurochemistry and circuitry mediating social cognition is key to treat a large range of neuropsychiatric disorders – as social deficits are often present at their origin and often do not subside with treatment. Working out what others think, intend and feel is essential for optimal communication and cooperation and is dysfunctional in schizophrenia and other illnesses. We are characterizing the physiology involved in social cognition, for example: how does oxytocin promote social reinforcement learning? What effect does it have in brain and behaviour? How does it interact with other neurotransmitter systems? Tools. We will study healthy humans and schizophrenia patients with structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI, DTI and MRS), double blind placebo-controlled pharmacological administration, psychological testing, social cognition tasks, eye-tracking, pupilometry, skin conductance response, EEG, DNA/proteomics testing and computational modelling. We use mainly MATLAB, SPSS, and other more specific quantitative data analysis and task presentation software. Sponsors. European Commission, Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, and Bial Foundation. Main collaborations. King’s College London (UK), Emory University (USA), and The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (The Netherlands). Project Stream 2. Multimodal biomarkers to predict the onset and prognosis of neuropsychiatric illnesses. Keywords. Genetics, neuroimaging, environment, clinical biomarkers, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s. Context. Psychiatry and, to a lesser extent, neurology are still fields of medicine that take very little advantage of quantitative, biological and objective measurements – with a lot of trial-and-error and one-size-fits-all therapeutics. This may be why diagnosis, prediction of prognosis and response to treatment are relatively inaccurate, late and expensive. For example, about a third of Alzheimer’s cases go on mis- or under-diagnosed; it is still undetected which one third of people with at-risk symptoms for schizophrenia go on to develop this chronic illness, and about one quarter of schizophrenia patients do not respond to their first line of treatment. Can we capitalize on the existing information in brain scans and other quantitative measurements to assist clinicians in deciding on patients’ diagnosis or prognosis, earlier and more accurately than currently – so that the correct treatment can start as soon as possible? Tools. We are developing pattern recognition algorithms that can statistically predict the level of personalized risk of each new patient. To train these algorithms, we use pre-existing samples (free online or our own) containing neuroimaging and also genetic, psychological, environmental and clinical data. We use mainly MATLAB, Python and machine learning tools. Sponsors. Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, NIHR (National Institute for Health Research, UK) Main Collaborations. King’s College London (UK), Radboud University Nijmegen (The Netherlands), University of Munich (Germany)

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Job Openings: Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor (Computer Science) at Hong Kong Baptist University
by COMP HKBU March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

The Department of Computer Science of Hong Kong Baptist University, presently offers BSc, MSc, MPhil, and PhD programmes, now seeks outstanding applicants for the following faculty positions on tenure-track. The appointees are expected to perform high-impact research; to teach and manage programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as to contribute to professional and institutional services. Collaboration with other faculty members in research and teaching is also expected. They will be encouraged to collaborate with colleagues within the Department to contribute to two special thematic applications including (a) health informatics and (b) secure and privacy-aware computing, and/or outside the Department to contribute to interdisciplinary research projects under our University’s Research Cluster on Data Analytics and A.I. in X. Applicants should possess a PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, and sufficiently demonstrate abilities to conduct high-quality research in one of the Department’s key research areas: (i) computational intelligence, (ii) databases and information management, (iii) networking and systems, and (iv) pattern recognition and machine learning. Applicants should also demonstrate strong commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in computer science and/or information systems, possess track record of innovative research and high-impact publications, and demonstrate the ability to bid for and pursue externally-funded research programmes. Initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract of three years. Re-appointment thereafter is subject to mutual agreement and availability of funding. For enquiry, please contact Dr. William Cheung, Head of Department (email: william(a)comp.hkbu.edu.hk) More information about the Department can be found at http://www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk . Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Application Procedure: Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System (jobs.hkbu.edu.hk). Applicants are requested to send in samples of publications, preferably three best ones out of their most recent publications. Applicants should also request two referees to send in confidential letters of reference, with PRnumber (stated above) quoted on the letters, to the Personnel Office (email: recruit(a)hkbu.edu.hk) direct. All application materials including publication samples, scholarly/creative works will be destroyed after completion of the recruitment exercise. Details of the University's Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at http://pers.hkbu.edu.hk/pics. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the posts advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. Review of applications will begin in mid April 2019 and will continue until the positions are filled. URL: https://www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/v1/?page=job_vacancies&id=503

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CFP 28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2019, Sept 17-19, Munich, DE, Deadline extension
by Paolo Masulli ENNS March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks http://icann2019.org = Second announcement - submission deadline extended to April 1, 2019 = Munich, Germany 17 - 19 September 2019 Special event: BIGCHEM (http://bigchem.eu) final meeting ============================================================ The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2019 the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH (HMGU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) together with the "Big Data in Chemistry" Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network European Industrial Doctorate project (BIGCHEM) organize the 28th ICANN Conference from the 17th to the 19th of September 2019 in Munich, Germany. CONFERENCE TOPICS ICANN 2019 is a dual-track conference featuring tracks in Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: Machine Learning: Deep Learning, Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models Recurrent Networks. Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organisation, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics. Neural Applications for: Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. Special session (BIGCHEM): Big Data analysis in chemistry, chemoinformatics, use of deep learning to predict molecular properties, drug-discovery, modelling and prediction of chemical reaction data, synthetic route prediction, structure generation, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry. Special sessions: Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Informed and Explainable Methods for Machine Learning, Deep Learning in Image Reconstruction, Machine Learning with Graphs: Algorithms and Applications, Neural Variational Inference and Time Series. Workshops: 1st International Workshop on Reservoir Computing (RC 2019) CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2019 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications - demonstrations Call for Papers: Authors willing to present original contributions in either oral or poster category may submit: - a proceedings paper manuscript of about 10 - 12 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI - extended abstracts of a maximum length of 4 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. The number of oral slots is limited. In case the number of requested oral presentations is larger than the available slots the ICANN scientific committee will select which papers will be reassigned to a poster session. This selections will be based on the coherence of the programme and is totally independent of the category of submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details will be made available soon on the conference website: http://icann2019.org IMPORTANT DATES Deadline of special sessions submission: 1 February 2019 Opening of contribution submissions: 1 February 2019 Submission of demonstration proposals: 1 March 2019 Deadline of proceedings paper submission: EXTENDED to 1 April 2019 Deadline of extended abstracts submission: 1 April 2019 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2019 Camera-ready paper and registration opening: 1 June 2019 Deadline early registration at discount rate: 15 June 2019 Conference dates: 17-19 September 2019 REGISTRATION FEES (EARLY RATES) Full registration: 400 EUR Student registration: 250 EUR Reductions for ENNS members BEST PAPER AWARDS ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards, two in the Brain Inspired Computing track (one poster and one oral communication) and, analogously, two in the Machine Learning Research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. TRAVEL GRANTS The European Neural Network Society sponsors a number of Student Travel Grants covering part of the costs for attending ICANN. Details on the conference website. ORGANISATION General Chair: Igor Tetko (ENNS/HMGU Munich, Germany) and Fabian Theis (HMGU/TUM Munich, Germany) Organising Committee Chairs: Monica Campillos (HMGU Munich, Germany), Alessandra Lintas (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) Honorary Chair: Vera Kurkova, Czech Academy of Sciences (ENNS President) Communication Chair: Paolo Masulli (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland)

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[journals] CfP : Special Issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning
by Nguyen, Sao Mai March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

Dear Colleagues, IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems is currently running a Special Issue entitled " Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning". Dr. José Antonio Iglesias Martínez, Assoc. Prof. We would like to invite you to prepare a research article or a comprehensive review to be published in this special issue. AIM AND SCOPE Although machine learning algorithms continue to improve at a rapid pace enabling technologies and products such as autonomous driving cars and sophisticated image and speech recognition, it is often forgotten that these applications represent tailored solutions to specific tasks. Thus it is not clear if or how these autonomous systems can pave the road to general purpose machines envisioned by many. The pursuit for higher levels of autonomy and versatility in robotics is arguably lead by two main factors. Firstly, as we push robots out of the labs and productions lines, it becomes increasingly difficult to design for all possible scenarios that a particular robot might encounter. Secondly, the cost of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining such systems becomes prohibitive. As the algorithms for learning single tasks in restricted environments are improving, new challenges have gained relevance in order to get more autonomous artificial systems. These challenges include multi-task learning, multimodal sensorimotor learning and lifelong adaptation to injury, growth and ageing. Addressing these challenges promise higher levels of autonomy and versatility of future robots. This special issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning is primarily concerned with the developmental processes involved in unsupervised sensorimotor learning in a life-long perspective, and in particular the emergence of representations of action and perception in humans and artificial agents in continual learning. These processes include action-perception cycle, active perception, continual sensory-motor learning, environmental-driven scaffolding, and intrinsic motivation. The special issue will highlight behavioural and neural data, and cognitive and developmental approaches to research in the areas of robotics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, etc. Contributions might focus on mathematical and computational models to improve robot performance and/or attempt to unveil the underlying mechanisms that lead to continual adaptation to changing environment or embodiment and continual learning in open-ended environments. Contributions from multiple disciplines including cognitive systems, cognitive robotics, developmental and epigenetic robotics, autonomous and evolutionary robotics, social structures, multi-agent and artificial life systems, computational neuroscience, and developmental psychology, on theoretical, computational, application-oriented, and experimental studies as well as reviews in these areas are welcome. THEMES This special issue aims to report state-of-the-art approaches and recent advances on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning with a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics relevant to this special issue include but are not limited to: Emergence of representations via continual interaction Continual sensory-motor learning Action-perception cycle Active perception Environmental-driven scaffolding Intrinsic motivation Neural substrates, neural circuits and neural plasticity Human and animal behaviour experiments and models Reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning for life-long learning Multisensory robot learning Multimodal sensorimotor learning Affordance learning Prediction learning SUBMISSION Manuscripts should be prepared according to the “Information for Authors” of the journal found at http://cis.ieee.org/component/content/article/7/131-ieee-transactions-on-au…. Submissions must be done through the IEEE TCDS Manuscript center: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee. Please select the category “SI: Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning”. IMPORTANT DATES 6th January 2019 – Paper submission deadline 15th March 2019 – Notification for authors 31st May 2019 – Deadline revised papers submission 30th June 2019 – Final notification for authors 31st July 2019 – Deadline for camera-ready versions September 2019 – Expected publication date More information on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… GUEST EDITORS Nicolás Navarro-Gerrero Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark nng(a)eng.au.dk Sao Mai Nguyen IMT Atlantique, Francenguyensmai(a)gmail.com Erhan Öztop Özyeğin University, Turkeyerhan.oztop(a)ozyegin.edu.tr Junpei Zhong National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japanjoni.zhong(a)aist.go.jp ---- Nguyen Sao Mai nguyensmai(a)gmail.com Researcher in Cognitive Developmental Robotics http://nguyensmai.free.fr

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3-year PhD studentship at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
by Shuzo Sakata March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship is available to work with Dr Shuzo Sakata at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. This PhD project concerns a large dataset of in vivo silicon probe recordings with optogenetic tagging from the mouse auditory system across age. By applying advanced statistical approaches, we aim to better understand how state-dependent and cell-type-specific information processing in the auditory system can change over multiple timescales. In this project, data analysis with computer programs (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is an essential component. A successful candidate should have or expect to have an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Computational Neuroscience, Physics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics or related fields. During their PhD, they will also have an excellent opportunity to learn about in vivo experimental approaches as well as neurotechnology. In the first instance, candidates may send their application to Dr Shuzo Sakata (shuzo.sakata(a)strath.ac.uk) including a CV and cover letter, detailing their motivation for this particular PhD project and their career goal. -- Shuzo Sakata, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer in Circuit Neurophysiology Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK tel: +44-(0)141-548-2156, fax: +44-(0)141-552-2562 email: shuzo.sakata(a)strath.ac.uk The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SC015263

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Bernstein Network Information Booth at the 13th Göttingen Meeting of the German Neuroscience Society (NWG)
by Alexandra Stein March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

Dear colleagues, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://www.bernstein-network.de/de/neues/termine/13th-goettingen-meeting-o…> will have an exhibition booth (C) at the upcoming Göttingen Meeting of the German Neuroscience Society<https://www.nwg-goettingen.de/2019/> (March 20-23, 2019). The booth will present: * research fields * open positions * study and training programs * infrastructural facilities: Bernstein Facility for Data Technology: G-Node<http://www.g-node.org/> and Bernstein Facility for High Performance Simulation and Data Analysis: Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience <http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc/EN/Expertise/SimLab/slns/_node.html> * Data management service (GIN)<https://web.gin.g-node.org/>, Electrophysiology Analysis Toolkit (Elephant)<http://neuralensemble.org/elephant/>, and The Neural Simulation Technology (NEST) Initiative <http://www.nest-initiative.org/> Furthermore, there will be various demos at our booth. Please find the schedule below: G-Node will give demo presentations of their data management services (GIN) for organizing, sharing, and publishing research data: Wednesday, March 20, 13:00 - 14:30 Thursday, March 21, 10:00 - 11:30 and 16:30 - 18:00 Friday, March 22, 10:00 - 11:30 Walk-ins are welcome any time during the conference. Demos of data analysis using the Electrophysiology Analysis Toolkit (Elephant) will take place at: Wednesday, March 20, 13:00 - 14:30 Thursday, March 21, 16:30 - 18:00 Friday, March 22, 10:00 - 11:30 The Neural Simulation Technology (NEST) Initiative will give demos at the following times: Wednesday, March 20, 13:00 - 14:30 Thursday, March 21, 16:30 - 18:00 Friday, March 22, 10:00 - 11:30 We are looking forward to welcoming you at our booth no. C! Best regards, Alexandra Stein -- Dr. Alexandra Stein Head of Bernstein Coordination Site Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9583 mobile: (+49) 0151 67114645 mail: a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany YouTube: Bernstein TV Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Computational Vision Summer School (CVSS) 2019 Call for Applications
by Hendrikje Nienborg March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

[apologies for cross-posting] We are seeking applications for the 3rd Computational Vision Summer School (CVSS)from*June 30th to July 7th 2019*in Freudenstadt (Black Forest), Germany. ** *The summer school, aimed at PhD students and Postdocs, spans the spectrum of vision research from neuroscience and psychophysics to computer vision to foster discussions at the intersection of biological and artificial vision systems. It seeks to bring together people from diverse disciplines who all share a computational view of vision and who, due to the diversity of disciplines involved, do not regularly meet.* *** CVSS is free of tuition and accomodation is sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG: CRC/1233 Robust Vision). Application deadline: April 15, 2019 http://orga.cvss.cc/ Confirmed speakers: ** Ted Adelson (MIT, USA) ** Matthias Bethge (University of Tübingen, Germany) Michael Black (MPI-IS Tübingen, Germany) EJ Chichilnisky (Stanford University, USA) Alexei Efros (UC Berkeley, USA) Sanja Fidler (University of Toronto / NVIDIA, Canada) Chelsea Finn (UC Berkeley, USA) Roland Fleming (University Giessen, Germany) Bill Geisler (UT Austin, USA) Otmar Hilliges (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) Mackenzie Mathis (Harvard University, USA) Bruno Olshausen (UC Berkeley, USA) Ruth Rosenholtz (MIT, USA) Stefan Roth (TU Darmstadt, Germany) Eero Simoncelli (New York University, USA) Antonio Torralba (MIT, USA) Raquel Urtasun (University of Toronto / Uber ATG, Canada) Felix Wichmann (University of Tübingen, Germany) Li Zhaoping (MPI-IS and University of Tübingen, Germany) Program Chairs and Advisory Board: Andreas Geiger, Hendrikje Nienborg, Siyu Tang, Bei Xiao Matthias Bethge, Michael Black, Felix Wichmann * -- Dr. Hendrikje Nienborg Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience Universitaet Tuebingen Tel: +49 (0) 7071- 29 88846 Fax: +49 (0) 7071- 29 25008 email:hendrikje.nienborg@cin.uni-tuebingen.de

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PhD position on embodied cognition, Peter König lab.
by Peter König March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

A PhD position 75% E 13 TV-L for 3 years is available in my lab (Peter König) at the University Osnabrück, Germany: Perform EEG recordings and eye tracking in the real and virtual worlds to explore embodied cognition. Example data are at https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ax3d2pad7pd6yv/EEG_Eyetracking_dataset_hq%20%28C… The red dot indicates the gaze position, the audio concurrent alpha activity. For full information see: https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote_… … or drop a line. Best, Peter König -- Prof. Dr. Peter König, Institute of Cognitive Science, University Osnabrück

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Open position: HPC-Coordinator at the Campus Institute Dynamics of Biological Networks
by von Behren, Christina March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

We would like to draw your attention to the job vacancy below: GWDG is looking for a HPC-Coordinator (m/w/d) for the inter-faculty Campus Institute "Dynamics of Biological Networks". The position with a regular weekly working time of 39 hours should be filled as soon as possible. Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the civil service (Bund); depending on the qualification, a classification up to the pay grade TVöD E 14 is possible. The position is initially limited to two years. By mutual agreement, it may become open-ended after this time. The Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen (GWDG) is a joint facility of the University of Göttingen Foundation under Public Law and the Max Planck Society. It functions as the data and IT competence center for the Max Planck Society and the University of Göttingen. Its scientific research tasks lie in the field of applied computer science. Additionally, it promotes the training of professionals in information technology. Numerous internationally recognized research institutions of the Göttingen Campus form a leading center in the field of neuroscience in Europe. In addition to the University of Göttingen and the University Medical Center Göttingen, these include three Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen (ENI-G), the German Primate Center (DPZ) and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen. The Campus Institute "Dynamics of Biological Networks" (CIDBN) is a newly founded, transdisciplinary institute. It is jointly funded by the University of Göttingen, the University Medical Center Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Its mission is to advance research at the frontiers of mathematics, physics and biological sciences, and to develop mathematical and computational concepts for the analysis of biological networks. Responsibilities * Planning, application, procurement, installation, configuration and administration of HPC clusters and matching storage solutions (file and database servers) * Development of hardware and software concepts for HPC clusters for scientific high-performance computing in the life sciences * Optimization of the hardware and software components used * Monitoring and error analysis on HPC systems and file and database servers * Implementation of the infrastructure requirements imposed by the HPC clusters and storage servers * Participation in HPC projects of the Campus Institute: o Independent development or adaptation and maintenance of scientific software in the HPC area (parallelization, performance analysis and tuning) o Development, installation, configuration and administration of the connection of experiments to the HPC and storage solutions in collaboration with the scientists of the involved research groups * Participation in campus-wide HPC topics Requirements * Completed mathematical and scientific higher education (ideally with doctorate) * Experience with the administration of HPC clusters or other Linux server farms or with the efficient use of HPC systems * Good analytical reasoning * Independent, structured and systematic way of working * Strong team and communication skills * Very good knowledge of German and English (in spoken and written form) Desirable Experience or results in one or more of the following areas: * Publication of HPC-relevant research * Acquisition and management of third-party funds * Development or optimization of high-scaling HPC applications * Experience with GPU programming (OpenCL or Cuda) * Conduct of interdisciplinary life science research projects The GWDG strives for gender equality and diversity and therefore welcomes applications from every background. The GWDG strives to employ more severely disabled people. Applications of severely disabled persons are expressly desired. Have we piqued your interest? Then please send your application until March 20th, 2019 via our online form at https://s-lotus.gwdg.de/gwdgdb/age/20190221.nsf/bewerbung If you have any questions about the vacancy, please do not hesitate to contact the HPC team (E-Mail: hpc-team(a)gwdg.de<mailto:hpc-team@gwdg.de>) or Dr. Ing. Christian Boehme (Tel .: +49 (0)551 201-1839, E-Mail: christian.boehme(a)gwdg.de) For further information and the original vacancy notice, please visit: www.gwdg.de<http://www.gwdg.de> --- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Postal address: Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine Hermann-Rein-Str. 3 37075 Goettingen Germany Email: christina.vonbehren(a)ds.mpg.de<mailto:christina.vonbehren@ds.mpg.de> Tel.: +49-(0)551-39-26674

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MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course - deadline March 19
by Stephen A. Baccus March 10, 2019

March 10, 2019

Applications are open for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. The course will run from July 29 to August 23, 2019, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 19*. The course covers a range of topics in computational neuroscience including neuronal biophysics, neural coding & information processing, circuit dynamics, learning & memory, motor control, and cognitive processing & disease. In addition, numerous tutorials and problem sets will cover a broad range of computational and mathematical modeling methods. The course strongly emphasizes the collaboration between theory and experiment in solving neuroscience problems, and lectures will be given by a mixture of theorists and experimentalists. The final weeks of the course are primarily reserved for work on projects that students design in collaboration with the resident faculty. Further information can be found on the MCN website: http://www.mbl.edu/mcn/ 2019 Course Directors: Stephen Baccus, Stanford University Xiao-Jing Wang, New York University 2019 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Institute Anne Collins, UC Berkeley Shaul Druckmann, Stanford University Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, U. of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, U. of Washington Ila Fiete, University of Texas Austin James Fitzgerald, Janelia Res., HHMI Loren Frank, UCSF Michale Fee, MIT Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Mark Goldman, UC Davis Kenneth Harris, U. College London James Haxby, Dartmouth University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, Univ. of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University David Redish, U. Minnesota Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Mike Shadlen, Columbia U. Reza Shadmehr, Johns Hopkins Univ. Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Klaas Stephan, Univ. of Zurich Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Nao Uchida, Harvard University Greg Wayne, DeepMind Hongkui Zeng, Allen Institute

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NEST Conference 2019 --- Abstract submission and registration open
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser March 8, 2019

March 8, 2019

Dear colleagues! It is a great pleasure to invite everyone interested in large-scale neural network simulation, particularly current and potential users of NEST, the Neural Simulation Tool (http://www.nest-simulator.org) to the NEST Conference 2019 to be held on 24/25 June 2019 (Monday/Tuesday, lunch to afternoon) on the beautiful campus of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences at Ås, 30km south of Oslo. The NEST Conference provides an opportunity for the NEST Community to meet, exchange success stories, swap advice, learn about current developments in and around NEST spiking network simulation and its application. We would like you to share your experiences made and results obtained with NEST during the conference. You can do so either by a short oral presentation (10–15 minutes), on a poster, through a demo, or by organizing group work. Important dates • 15 April 2019 — Deadline for abstract submissions • 01 May 2019 — Notification of acceptance • 15 May 2019 — Deadline for registration For details, abstract submission and registration, please see http://www.nest-initiative.org/conference You are also welcome to contact us at conference(a)nest-initiative.org. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Ås in June! Hans Ekkehard Plesser President The Neural Technology Simulation Initiative http://www.nest-initiative.org -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Head, Data Science Section Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

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Bernstein Conference 2019 in Berlin: Deadline for Workshop Proposals, March 27!
by Alexandra Stein March 7, 2019

March 7, 2019

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/start_page> invites proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2019<http://www.bernstein-conference.de/> in Berlin. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Satellite Workshops: September 17 - 18, 2019 Main Bernstein Conference: September 18 - 20, 2019 Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: March 27, 2019, 3 pm CET (Deadline will not be extended!) Notification of Workshop acceptance: April 2019 Special in 2019: The Conference on Cognitive Computational Neuroscience (CCN)<https://ccneuro.org/> will be held back-to back with the Bernstein Conference on September 13 - 16. ************************************************************** The Bernstein Conference is the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe. It hosts pre-conference workshops which provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a mere series of talks. The selection criteria for workshop proposals will include scientific excellence, topical relevance and gender diversity. Satellite Workshop Schedule: September 17, 2019, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm September 18, 2019, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop Costs – Financial Support: All organizers and speakers of accepted workshops will receive a waiver for the workshop fee. Organizers of accepted workshops additionally receive a waiver for the main conference. Coffee break catering will be provided. Up to 10 selected workshops can receive financial support up to 1.500,00 € each. Instructions for Workshop Proposal Preparation: Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment 4) Optional: a comment on how the organizers plan to achieve gender diversity among speakers Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: www.bernstein-network.de/en/bernstein-conference/2019/satellite-workshops<http://www.bernstein-network.de/en/bernstein-conference/2019/satellite-work…> Deadline for submission of Workshop Proposals: March 27, 2019, 3 pm CET (Deadline will not be extended!) For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website www.bernstein-conference.de<http://www.bernstein-conference.de> Contact: bernstein.conference(at)fz-juelich.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Berlin! Workshop Selection Committee: Tatjana Tchumatchenko (Workshop Chair) Tim Vogels (Workshop Vice Chair) Danielle Bassett Alexander Borst Alain Destexhe Tim Gollisch Máté Lengyel Stephanie Palmer Elad Schneidman (Program Vice Chair) Susanne Schreiber (Program Chair) Terry Sejnowski Sara Solla Henning Sprekeler (Conference Chair and Host) Gina Turrigiano -- Dr. Alexandra Stein Head of Bernstein Coordination Site Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9583 mobile: (+49) 0151 67114645 mail: a.stein(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:a.stein@fz-juelich.de> web: www.bernstein-network.de<http://www.bernstein-network.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany YouTube: Bernstein TV Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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