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[job] PhD position opening in Machine Learning for Adaptive Language interaction with an intelligent dialog companion.
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer May 18, 2018

May 18, 2018

*Title: Machine Learning for Adaptive Language interaction with an intelligent dialog companion *Keywords: Deep reinforcement learning, interactive machine learning, natural language processing, neural networks, intelligent dialog companion *Context: The thesis takes place in the context of a collaboration between the Robot Cognition Laboratory (INSERM/CNRS), the innovation services department of Intrinsic Cloud Temple, and the Flowers laboratory (Inria). *Background: Based on RCL experience in human-robot cooperation and learning, we have developed an intelligent agent that accompanies humans in their experience using web-based tools, learns from explicit demonstration, and allows the user to re-use and recompose learned plans to form more complex structured plans. *Project: For the moment, the system learns from demonstration. The project will extend and study algorithms for interactive machine learning (using Deep RL) to include language instructions as one of the ways that the system can learn, that is, by using the invariant structure of the human verbal description to organize procedural representations. This will advance the state of the art in the integration of language into reinforcement learning systems. * Location: Lyon and Nanterre, France (Inserm and Cloud Temple) * Response modalities: Send (1) a letter of motivation stating your interest in the project, (2) a CV, and (3) two letters of recommendation to the three addresses for Jean-Michel Dussoux, Peter Ford Dominey, and Pierre-Yves Oudeyer listed in the call, with the subject [Intelligent Assistant PhD]. jmd(a)intrinsec.com; pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr; peter.dominey(a)inserm.fr More details: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g5ksylrrlgatkf2/RCL-CT-THESE-interaction-manager-…

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POSITIONS: Lecturer/Associate Professor in Robotics, School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, UK
by Roman Borisyuk May 18, 2018

May 18, 2018

Dear colleagues, The University of Plymouth is seeking to fill two positions as Lecturer/Associate Professor in Robotics. General Description The School offers a wide range of degree programmes related to Technology in the areas of Robotics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics. We provide a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to business and industry and offer excellent employment prospects for our graduates. We have a well-established interdisciplinary research base which covers: Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS); Security, Communications & Networks; Nanotechnology & Electronics Research and Development. Four current active areas of research in Plymouth are the design and construction of agricultural robots for fruit and vegetable harvesting; the study of human-robot interaction and collaboration; the computational modelling and development of manipulation systems based on experimental investigations of human motor control and the design and development of robotic applications for Urban Search & Rescue and Nuclear Decommissioning. We have vacancies for enthusiastic, innovative and dynamic individuals to join our vibrant School to support Robotics and Machine Learning, especially as applied to solving real-world problems by building systems that can operate near people. Areas of interest include (but are not limited to) aspects of robotics systems such as sensors and actuators, kinematics and dynamics, autonomous mobile platforms and deep learning for control and recognition. Required qualifications Applications are invited from academics and/or professional engineers, who can demonstrate a commitment and enthusiasm for innovation in higher education and to the development of the next generation of Robotic Engineers. You must have undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in relevant disciplines (such as Engineering/Maths/Physics/Computer Science) together with an international profile and reputation for research excellence. We offer * Salary: from £33,518 to £56,950 (Grade 7/8/9) depending on the candidate's qualification and the level of experience * Contract Type: full-time, working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis Duties and responsibilities As well as carrying out cutting edge research, you will supervise and contribute to training of Research Assistants (RAs) and PhD students, as well as contributing to teaching on the undergraduate and postgraduate Robotics programmes, as well as other courses within the School. The Electronics and Robotics subject groups are renowned for excellence in producing high quality hands-on engineers and you should be able to support practical hardware and software projects. How to apply Candidates can apply online by visiting the application link below: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BJS594/lecturer-associate-professor-in-robotics/ Contact for informal discussion: For informal queries, do not hesitate to contact Dr Ian Howard (ian.howard(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:ian.howard@plymouth.ac.uk>). Further information about the school and its courses is available at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/compmath<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/compmath>, with details of our research centre available at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/crns<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/crns> Closing date: 12 midnight, Thursday 31 May 2018. University of Plymouth is committed to an inclusive culture and respecting diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is a Stonewall diversity champion. The University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia. University of Plymouth has been recognised by Bloomberg as one of the 50 best UK employers for 2016. Dr Mario Gianni Lecturer in Computer Science School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics Faculty of Science and Engineering Plymouth University A221 Portland Square Drake Circus, Devon PL48AA, UK +44(0)1752 586318<tel:+44%201752%20586318> ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form. ========================================================== This email comes from the euRobotics mailinglist. You can edit your personal mailinglist profile (including unsubscription) via https://lists.iais.fraunhofer.de/sympa/info/euron-dist ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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PhD position in (Hearing-Impaired) Auditory Signal Processing at Ghent University (BE)
by Sarah Verhulst May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018

Dear List, We invite applications for a 4-year PhD position at the Hearing Technology Lab, Dept of Information Technology, Ghent University. Evaluation of the applications starts June 15th and continues until the position is filled (starting date Oct 2018 or earlier if preferred). The PhD position is part of the ERC project RobSpear: “Robust Speech Encoding in Impaired Hearing” that takes an interdisciplinary approach (combining auditory models with EEG, psychoacoustics and machine-learning) to study sound processing in listeners with impaired hearing. You will be part of an international team of researchers with different backgrounds to develop signal-processing strategies for hearing aids of the future. Aside from signal-processing, behavioral sound perception and/or EEG experiments with normal and hearing-impaired listeners is expected as part of this project. The Hearing Technology lab of Prof. Verhulst offers an international research environment and access to world-class research facilities (waves.intec.ugent.be/hearing-technology and gasp.ugent.be). Funding is available for 4 years provided positive intermediate evaluations. Applicants should hold an academic university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Engineering (Electrical, Acoustical, Biomedical), (Engineering) Physics, Mathematics, Informatics. Coding skills (Python, Matlab) and digital signal processing knowledge are required, experience with auditory modeling, sound applications, machine learning are a big plus. Excellent written and oral English skills are required and knowledge of the Dutch language a plus. Experience with writing scientific papers is a plus. Applications including a CV, motivation letter, copies of higher-education degrees, grade transcripts and the name and contact details of two persons who are willing to give a reference should be sent electronically to: isabelle.vanderelstraeten(a)ugent.be<mailto:isabelle.vanderelstraeten@intec.ugent.be>. Please mention “PhD vacancy hearing” in the subject line. Inquiries about the position can be directed to Prof. Verhulst (s.verhulst(a)ugent.be)<mailto:s.verhulst@ugent.be)>. Kind Regards, Sarah Verhulst --- Sarah Verhulst Associate Professor T +32 9 33 14 844 Dept. Information Technology Waves Technology Campus, iGent, Technologiepark 15, 9052 Zwijnaarde (BE) T secretariaat +32 9 264 33 21 / F +32 9 264 35 93 www.ugent.be<https://www.ugent.be/> www.waves.intec.ugent.be e-maildisclaimer<https://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php>

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The 2nd International Neural Dynamics Summer School 2018 - application deadline 15th June 2018
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018

The 2nd International Neural Dynamics Summer School 2018 Experience experimental and computational neuroscience research 05/09/2018 –07/09/2018 Bristol University, UK We are offering twelve fully funded positions on the Wellcome Trust sponsored summer school for training and research experience in neural dynamics (TRENDs). The training and research in neural dynamics summer school is an exciting Wellcome Trust funded course held at the University of Bristol. The aim is to introduce young scientists to experimental and computational techniques used in neuroscience research. The summer school will be a three-day course made up of a series of seminars and lab visits where successful candidates will get first hand experience of electrophysiological recordings (bothin vitro and in vivo), EEG recordings, brain imaging, optogenetics, data analysis workshops and practical classes on learning to code in Python. No prior experience is necessary, but a keen interest is essential! We welcome applications from science undergraduates from a wide range of backgrounds. For successful applicants all costs to attend the course, including travel expenses within the UK, accommodation and food will be covered. Overseas travel expenses will be considered on a case by case basis. Deadline 15 June, 2018 Please send a completed application form, along with a cover letter, a copy of your CV and one academic reference or the name of one referee to will.gawned(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:will.gawned@bristol.ac.uk>. The application form is available as .doc ( TRENDS_2018_docx (Office document, 9kB)<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/neural-dynamics/documents/tren…>) or as a LaTeX template (TRENDS_2018_tex<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/neural-dynamics/documents/stud…>), please submit either .doc or .pdf. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Department of Mathematics & Living Systems Institute, T02.17 University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298

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8th International Summer School „Multimodal integration of brain measurements in research and clinical practice“
by Uwe Graichen May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the 8th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering „Multimodal integration of brain measurements in research and clinical practice“, 1st – 12th October 2018 in Chengdu, China. This event stands in the tradition of a series of successful summer schools on hot themes in biomedical engineering, dedicated to intense learning in the fruitful atmosphere of tight interaction between students and world-leading specialists. This year’s summer school is devoted to EEG/MEG source reconstruction technologies in the frame work of multimodal integration of brain measurements in research and clinical practice. In particular, the 8th International Summer School on Biomedical Engineering will focus on methodological approaches and challenges, measurement devices and characteristics, types of underlying theoretic modeling, specifics of data analysis, ability to derive conclusions about neuroscientific meaning. It will cover both theoretical foundations and practical applications. We aim at a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Thus, we will develop a critical view on current applications and possible future developments. The second important aim of the summer school consists in providing contact with both leading experts in the field and other students with similar interests, thereby facilitating the exchange of ideas on latest developments in the field. Target Group: - PhD students - Advanced Master students - Researchers entering the field of brain measurement and stimulation techniques Further Information about the 7th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering: www.bme-school.org We would be happy to receive your application. Please pass this announcement to your colleagues who might be interested. Sincerely, Jens Haueisen and Thomas Knösche

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Neuroplasticity Workshop: From Bench to Machine Learning 13 July 2018 - 14 July 2018 -- University of Surrey near London
by a.gruning＠surrey.ac.uk May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018

Dear colleagues, Full information at <http://www.ias.surrey.ac.uk/workshops/Neuroplasticity/index.php>. Neuroplasticity: From Bench to Machine Learning 13 July 2018 - 14 July 2018 The Surrey Sleep Research Centre, the Department of Computer Science, and the Institute of Advance Studies at the University of Surrey are pleased to announce a call for participation in and contributions to a two-day workshop where researchers can share and discuss the current advances in neuroplasticity and machine learning and their mutual inspiration. On one hand, Neuroscience keeps discovering new mechanisms involved in neural plasticity and its modulation, which involves the so-called “third factors” (e.g. dendritic computations, glia, neurotransmitters) and dynamics of neural networks (e.g. oscillations). However the functional and computational interpretation of these phenomena and their utilisation in machine learning remains to be explored. On the other hand, the advent of “deep networks” in machine learning has allowed us to model artificial neural networks that perform highly complex tasks (e.g. chess, go, image classification). But to date, none of these modeling approaches competes with general human or animal intelligence in terms of cost-effectiveness or domain-transferability. The main goal of this workshop will be to discuss the missing links between neural-level phenomena and their computational function on behavioural or technical level. This meeting will bring together international and national leaders in the fields of synaptic function and plasticity, network dynamic, computational neuroscience and machine learning and will offer a unique platform to establish new interdisciplinary collaborations. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Katharina Wilmes, Imperial College London, UK Matthew Larkum, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany Cyril Hanus, INSERM U894, France Brendon Watson, University of Michigan, USA Keith Hengen, Washington University, USA Giorgos Kastellakis, IMBB-FORTH, Crete Friedemann Zenke, University of Oxford Connor Houghton, University of Bristol Liam McDaid, Ulster University David Lester, SpiNNaker, University of Manchester Tiina Maninen, Technical University of Turku -- Brief? Here's why: http://emailcharter.org<http://emailcharter.org/> Dr Andre Gruning Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) Postgraduate Research Director Department of Computer Science University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH United Kingdom

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Information theory workshop at CNS*2018 -- call for contributed talks
by Joseph Lizier May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018

Dear all, We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Methods of Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience will be held once again at CNS*2018, Seattle, USA. The workshop will be held over the final two days of the main conference, July 17 and 18. Our confirmed invited speakers include the following (schedule available soon): * Braden Brinkman, Stony Brook University -- "Signal-to-noise ratio competes with neural bandwidth to shape efficient coding strategies" * Mireille Conrad, University of Geneva -- "Mutual information vs. transfer entropy in spike-based neuroscience" * Benjamin Cramer, University of Heidelberg -- "Information theory reveals a diverse range of states induced by spike timing based learning in neural networks" * Alex Dimitrov, Washington State University Vancouver -- "Modeling of perceptual invariances in biological sensory processing" * Eva Dyer, Georgia Tech -- "Finding low-dimensional structure in large-scale neural recordings" * Justin Gardner, Stanford University -- "Optimality and heuristics for human perceptual inference" * Jim Kay, University of Glasgow -- "Partial Information Decompositions based on Dependency Constraints" * Joseph T. Lizier, The University of Sydney -- "Pointwise Partial Information Decomposition Using the Specificity and Ambiguity Lattices" * Leonardo Novelli, The University of Sydney -- "Validation and performance of effective network inference using multivariate transfer entropy with IDTxl" * Tatyana Sharpee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies -- TBA * Nicholas M. Timme, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis -- "From neural cultures to rodent models of disease: examples of information theory analyses of effective connectivity, computation, and encoding" * Taro Toyoizumi, RIKEN Brain Science Institute -- "Emergence of Levy Walks from Second-Order Stochastic Optimization" * Siwei Wang, Hebrew University of Jerusalem -- "Closing the gap from structure to function with information theoretic design principles" * Patricia Wollstadt, Goethe University, Frankfurt / Honda Research Institute Europe "Validation and performance of effective network inference using multivariate transfer entropy with IDTxl" Also, we would like to call for contributions of talks (25 min + 5 min Q&A). If you are interested in contributing such a talk, please send a title and abstract to Joseph Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au) by Friday June 8, 2018. Please see our website http://bit.ly/cns2018itw for more details. We hope you will join us there! Organising Committee: Joseph Lizier Viola Priesemann Justin Dauwels Taro Toyoizumi Alexander Dimitrov Lubomir Kostal Michael Wibral

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postdoc @ UCLA: consciousness, AI, blockchain tech
by Hakwan Lau May 15, 2018

May 15, 2018

in collaboration with the industry (a startup company based in the Bay Area), we are looking for a postdoc to follow up on this <http://science.sciencemag.org/content/358/6362/486/tab-figures-data>. the ideal candidate may be someone with a computer science background, passionate for understanding neuroscience and human consciousness. familiarity with / interest in neural network modelling and/or blockchain tech a plus. the job will be primarily based at UCLA with frequent opportunities to travel to San Francisco & Hong Kong (not an obligation). please send CV to hakwan(a)gmail.com Hakwan Lau, D.Phil [my work <https://qualia.psych.ucla.edu/> & blog <https://inconsciousnesswetrust.blogspot.com/>]

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PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of sleep/memory at UPF (Barcelona)
by DE SANCRISTOBAL ALONSO, BELEN May 15, 2018

May 15, 2018

*PhD Position inComputational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience (https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote <https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote>) in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. The candidate will be supervised by both postdoctoral researcher Belén Sancristóbal Alonso and the head of the group, Rubén Moreno Bote.The selected candidate will develop his PhD within the field of sleep, sensory perception and memory. He/she will have access to rat’s electrophysiology recordings and can be involved in the design of behavioral experiments, thanks to our experimental collaborators. The project will require statistical analyses of neural data, programming and creative thinking. We are looking for motivated students with Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or Computer Science backgrounds, holding a Master’s degree and, ideally, with knowledge of Neuroscience. We will also consider candidates with Psychology background with strong mathematical skills and interested in modeling. This position is financed by the Junior Leader La Caixa Fellowship Programme.The candidate will also benefit from a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona (http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com <http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com>).APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for bachelor and master studies should be sent to belen.sancristobal(a)upf.edu <belen.sancristobal(a)upf.edu>DEADLINE: until the position is filledSTARTING DATE: Fall 2018* Belén de Sancristóbal Alonso Center for Brain and Cognition Universitat Pompeu Fabra c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 5th floor (room 24.512) 08005, Barcelona

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Michael Arbib's autobiography is now open
by Érdi Péter May 13, 2018

May 13, 2018

Dear All: The memoir of one of the legendary brain theoreticians, Michael Arbib: >From cybernetics to brain theory, and more: A memoir published in Cognitive Systems Research is now freely available by August 13th at ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389041718301360 Hope you will enjoy to read this paper! Kind regards Péter Érdi

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