October 2014 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoc positions in neuromathematics in Brazil

by Antonio C. Roque

Positions for postdoctoral researchers The recently established Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and funded by FAPESP (Sao Paulo Research Foundation, http://www.fapesp.br/en/) is offering several postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. We seek candidates fitting at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes or alternatively in statistics with emphasis on statistical model selection. Previous knowledge of rigorous statistical mechanics, random graphs or stochastic modeling in biosciences will be favorably considered. - A strong background in systems neuroscience, backed by programming skills, experience of imaging and/or EEG acquisition and analysis and strong interest in interdisciplinary research. - A strong background in computer science, interested in developing algorithms, software tools or databases in close connection with the several research teams of NeuroMat. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible extension to up to four years, conditional or research progress. Salary is competitive at international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. Application instructions Applicants should complete and submit the application form at http://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc-form. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): - Summary of the CV. Please follow the FAPESP format; see www.fapesp.br/en/6351 for instructions. - List of publications, with links if available online. - Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. - A summary of your research plan for the next 2 years, up to 5 pages length. It should explicitly address its place in the framework of the Neuromat mission and research program ( http://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific_project) - Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require *at least 2 recommendation letters*. Those should be mailed by the recommenders directly to *postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br* <postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br>. Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. Two independent evaluation rounds are planned, each one over then current applications: 1. On November 20, 2014. 2. On January 30, 2015. Appointments are expected to be effective within 2 to 6 months after evaluation date. *Remark* Candidates approved on either round will be requested to expand their five-page research plan to full two-year proposals. For the implementation of the fellowships, those proposals, together with all the application material received, will be submitted to FAPESP for final approval. -- Dr. Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil E-mails: antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br aroquesilva(a)gmail.com URL: www.sisne.org Tels: +55 16 3602-3768 (sala/office); +55 16 3602-3859 (lab) FAX: +55 16 3602-4887

Oct. 23, 2014

Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, PhD Programme

by Peter Dayan

Training in theoretical and computational neuroscience and machine learning. The Gatsby Unit is a centre for theoretical neuroscience and machine learning, focusing on unsupervised, semi-supervised and reinforcement learning, neural dynamics, population coding, Bayesian (Including nonparametric) statistics, kernel methods and applications of these to the analysis of perceptual processing, neural data, artificial intelligence and bioinformatics. It provides a unique opportunity for a critical mass of theoreticians to interact closely with each other, and with other world-class research groups in related departments at UCL, including Computer Science, Functional Imaging, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Statistical Science, the cross-faculty Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, and with other UK and overseas universities. We expect particularly close links with the nascent Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, with which we will shortly share a brand new building. The Unit has openings for exceptional PhD candidates. Applicants should have a strong analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience and/or machine learning and a relevant first degree, for example in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. The PhD programme lasts four years, including a first year of intensive instruction in techniques and research in theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. All students are fully funded, regardless of nationality. The Unit also welcomes applications from students with pre-secured funding or who are currently soliciting other scholarship/studentships. Gatsby PhD studentships cover the cost of tuition at the appropriate rate, and include a tax-free stipend of £20,000 per annum. Applications (including a CV, statement of research interests, and letters from three referees) for 2015/16 admission must be sent directly to the Gatsby Unit admissions(a)gatsby.ucl.ac.uk by midnight December 17th, 2014. Full details of our programme, and how to apply, are available at: http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/phd For further details of research interests please see http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html and the individual faculty webpages at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/members.html

Oct. 23, 2014

Assistant/Associate Professor position at CU Boulder

by Randall O'Reilly

Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure track position Institute of Cognitive Science, CU-Boulder The Institute of Cognitive Science at the University Colorado Boulder is seeking to hire a tenure-track professor at the Assistant level or a tenured professor at the Associate level. Institute research is focused in three strategic areas: • Learning and Education: theories, communities, and technologies; • Language Processing: computational and technological advances; • Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience: memory, executive function, language, affective, decision, social processes, brain-computer interaction. We are looking for candidates with a strong research track record in one or more of these areas, whose work demonstrates both computational sophistication and a commitment to interdisciplinary research. Applicants should have expertise in computational methods for the analysis and characterization of complex data sets in cognitive science, such as machine learning or network analysis (e.g., network topology, social networks, graph theory, brain or interpersonal dynamics). Cognitive scientists are at the forefront of exploiting the internet and massive data repositories (e.g., language corpora, neuroimaging collections, educational data logs) to advance understanding of learning and cognition. These data and methods for analyzing it are changing paradigms in the allied fields of cognitive science. Applicants should demonstrate a strong capacity for, and a commitment to, interdisciplinary research and education. The Institute integrates faculty and researchers from seven departments – Computer Science, Education, Integrative Physiology, Linguistics, Philosophy; Psychology & Neuroscience; and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences – and offers a Joint PhD in Cognitive Science and an affiliated field. Ideal candidates can collaborate with faculty across these departments and teach courses in cognitive science and an allied field(s). This vanguard characteristic should be evident in the applicant’s publication history.” Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a field related to Cognitive Science. For full consideration, applications should be completed by December 1,2014 but will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Applications should include a current curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research philosophy, publications demonstrating the characteristics described above, and a cover letter specifically addressing the applicant’s match to the criteria described above. Applications are not considered complete until all letters of recommendation have been received. Applications will only be accepted at http://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/89482. The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator at hr-ada(a)colorado.edu. The University of Colorado Boulder conducts background checks on all final applicants being considered for employment. For questions please contact: Donna Caccamise, Search Committee Chair donna.caccamise(a)colorado.edu

Oct. 22, 2014

Online course (Gerstner), starting Oct 27, Computational Neuroscience of Single Neurons

by Dane Corneil

On behalf of Prof. Gerstner: ------ Dear all, After a first run of our Online-Course last year, we offer the course 'Neuronal Dynamics - Computational Neuroscience of Single Neurons' a second time this fall on the EdX platform, see https://www.edx.org/course/epflx/epflx-bio465-1x-neuronal-dynamics-4281 Start: Oct. 27, Duration 7 weeks. Registration possible until Nov. 9 The online course covers parts I and II of the textbook: Neuronal Dynamics - from single neurons to cognition, http://neuronaldynamics.epfl.ch/ by W. Gerstner, W.M. Kistler, R. Naud and L. Paninski Cambridge University Press 2014 Students who would like to have an introduction into the field of Neuron Modeling, (Hodgkin-Huxley, Integrate-and-Fire, Generalized Linear Model) are welcome to enroll to take the online course, either as auditors or for certificate. best regards Wulfram Gerstner -- Wulfram Gerstner Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience Professor Brain Mind Institute EPFL Computer&Communication Sciences http://lcn.epfl.ch/ Station 15 +41-21 693 6713 1015 Lausanne EPFL

Oct. 22, 2014

Neurocomputing special issue Call for Papers

by Zhijun Yang

Dear Colleagues, May we draw your attention to a Neurocomputing special issue CFP: Advances on Biological Rhythmic Pattern Generation: Experiments, Algorithms and Application. The full announcement can be found in an internet link below. Please note, due to requests for extra time to allow more authors to prepare their manuscripts, we have made this final extension of submission due date to 10 December 2014. http://www.journals.elsevier.com/neurocomputing/call-for-papers/special-iss… Instructions for submission: * The submission website for Neurocomputing is located at: http://ees.elsevier.com/neucom/default.asp * To ensure that all relevant manuscripts are correctly identified for inclusion into this special issue, it is important that authors select SI: Creating Biology Rhythm when reaching the "Article Type" step in the submission process. We look forward to receiving your contributions to what promises to be an exciting special issue. Regards, Zhijun Yang Mehmet Karamanoglu Felipe M.G. França --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that Middlesex University's preferred way of receiving all correspondence is via email in line with our Environmental Policy. All incoming post to Middlesex University is opened and scanned by our digital document handler, CDS, and then emailed to the recipient. If you do not want your correspondence to Middlesex University processed in this way please email the recipient directly. Parcels, couriered items and recorded delivery items will not be opened or scanned by CDS. There are items which are "exceptions" which will be opened by CDS but will not be scanned a full list of these can be obtained by contacting the University.

Oct. 22, 2014

DEADLINE EXTENDED: MLINI 2014 - 4th NIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and Interpretation in Neuroimaging: Beyond the Scanner

by Irina Rish

Call for Papers MLINI 2014 - 4th NIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and Interpretation in Neuroimaging: Beyond the Scanner https://sites.google.com/site/mlininips2014/ Friday, December 12, 2014, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Submission deadline: EXTENDED to October 27th, 2014 Workshop Overview: ----------------------- MLINI workshop focuses on machine learning approaches in neuroscience, neuroimaging, with an extension to behavioral experiments and psychology. This year, our focus is specifically on "Going Beyond the Scanner", which includes making inferences about mental states of a subject from ''cheaper'' (as opposed to fMRI) behavioral data such as subject's speech and/or text, audio, video, EEG and signals collected from various wearable devices. We believe that machine learning has a prominent role in shaping how questions in neuroscience are framed, and that the machine-learning mind set is now entering modern psychology and behavioral studies. It is also equally important that practical applications in these fields motivate a rapidly evolving line or research in the machine learning community. In parallel, there is an intense interest in learning more about brain function in the context of rich naturalistic environments and scenes. Efforts to go beyond highly specific paradigms that pinpoint a single function, towards schemes for measuring the interaction with natural and more varied scene are made. In this context, many controversies and open questions exist. The goal of the workshop is to pinpoint the most pressing issues and common challenges across the fields, and to sketch future directions and open questions in the light of novel methodology. The proposed workshop is aimed at offering a forum that joins machine learning, neuroscience, and psychology community, and should facilitate formulating and discussing the issues at their interface. Motivated by the previous workshops in this series, MLINI ‘11, MLINI’12, and MLINI’13, we will center this workshop around invited talks and a panel discussion. Triggered by the discussions, this year we plan to adapt the workshop topics to a less traditional scope neuroimaging scope and investigate the role of behavioral models and psychology, including topics such as psycholinguistics. Open questions and possible topics for contribution include, but are not limited to, the following: - How can we move towards more naturalistic stimuli, tasks and paradigms in neuroimaging and neuro-signal analysis? - What kind of mental states can be inferred from cheaper and easier to collect data sources (as an alternative to fMRI), such as text, speech, audio, video, EEG, and wearable devices? - How can we leave the lab when acquiring neuroimaging data, towards exploiting mobile acquisition (EEG and NIRS)? - What type of features should be extracted from naturalistic stimuli such as text, voice, etc., to detect specific mental states and/or mental disorders? - How can we combine traditional neuroimaging with naturalistic data collected from a subject or group of subjects? - In general, can we characterize situations when multivariate predictive analysis (MVPA) and inference methods are better suited for brain imaging analysis than more traditional techniques? - Given recent advances of deep learning in image analysis and other applications, a natural question to ask is whether neuroimaging analysis can benefit from such approaches? - How well can functional networks and dynamical models capture the brain activity, and when using network and dynamics information is superior to standard task-based brain activations? Workshop Format: -------------------------- In this one-day workshop we will explore perspectives and novel methodology at the interface of Machine Learning, Inference, Neuroimaging and Neuroscience. We aim to bring researchers from machine learning and neuroscience community together, in order to discuss open questions, identify the core points for a number of the controversial issues, and eventually propose approaches to solving those issues. Each session will be opened by several invited talks, and an in depth discussion. This will be followed by original contributions. Original contributions will also be presented and discussed during a poster session. The workshop will end with a panel discussion, during which we will address specific questions, and invited speakers will open each segment with a brief presentation of their opinion. Paper Submission: -------------------------- We seek for submission of original (previously unpublished) research papers. The length of the submitted papers should not exceed 8 pages in Springer format, excluding the references (LaTeX2e style files are available on the workshop page). Submission of previously published work is possible as well, but the authors are required to mention this explicitly. Previously published work can be presented at the workshop, but will not be included into the workshop proceedings (which are considered peer-reviewed publications of novel contributions). Moreover, the authors are welcome to present their novel work but choose to opt out of the workshop proceedings in case they have alternative publication plans. Important dates: -------------------------- - October 10, 2014 - paper submission - October 24, 2014 - notification of acceptance/rejection - December 12, 2014 - Workshop at Montreal, Quebec, Canada , following the NIPS conference Organizing Committee: -------------------------- Guillermo Cecchi (IBM T.J. Watson Research Center) Kai-min Kevin Chang (Language Technologies Institute, Carnegie Mellon University) Georg Langs (Medical University of Vienna, CSAIL, MIT) Brian Murphy (Machine Learning Department, Carngie Mellon University) *Irina Rish (IBM T.J. Watson Research Center) - main contact Leila Wehbe (CMU)

Oct. 21, 2014

postdoctoral researcher position - Stanley lab Georgia Tech

by Ortiz, Alex D

Project title: In-vivo intracellular electrophysiology postdoctoral researcher position Project description: We are seeking to fill one postdoctoral researcher position in the Stanley laboratory. The ideal candidate has an extensive in-vivo electrophysiology background. Our laboratory conducts research into how information about the outside world is encoded by the patterns of spiking neurons in the sensory pathways of the brain. We combine experimental and computational approaches to better understand and control aspects of the neural code. Specifically, we focus on the visual and somatosensory pathways at the junction between the sensory periphery and sensory cortex. Our experimental approaches include multi-site, mutli-electrode recording, optical imaging, behavior, and patterned stimulation. This postdoctoral researcher position is specifically focused on our Brain Initiative project, in collaboration with the lab of Craig Forest, which is aimed at developing automatic patching techniques for deep brain structures. We aim to uncover the subthreshold dynamics underlying sensory information transmission in the thalamocortical pathway. The successful candidate will be an expert in vivo electrophysiologist, preferably with experience in engineering design and implementation. Requirements: We are interested in an independent, motivated, and talented candidate with a PhD in neuroscience, neuroengineering, or an equivalent field. An excellent in vivo intracellular electrophysiology background is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in awake animal recordings, quantitative methods, and engineering design/implementation. Application instructions: Please send the following materials to aortiz(a)gatech.edu. Applicants with the appropriate background may be asked for additional information. • Curriculum vitae, with complete list of publications • Summary of current work • Contact information for two references Additional details: Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA Start Date: Immediately Salary: Based on experience and background. For more information visit our website: stanley.gatech.edu Please forward to any interested parties. Thank you, -- Alex Ortiz, B.S. Research Associate Stanley Lab Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology

Oct. 21, 2014

Dual computational-experimental Postdoctoral position

by Jean-Marc

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) The Computational and Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory <http://amygdala.psychdept.arizona.edu/lab.html> is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The research project is geared towards understanding the role of awake hippocampal replay in spatial navigation. The techniques used include high density electrophysiology in the behaving rat. The project is multidisciplinary and involves collaboration with a robotics team (University of South Florida, Tampa) and a computational neuroscience team (INSERM, Lyon, France). Good communication skills are necessary. This position is also appropriate for a computational neuroscientist with some experimental background interested in branching out to experimental neuroscience. Applicants with a subset of the following skill set are strongly encouraged to apply: - Scientific expertise or interests in hippocampus and/or prefrontal-cortex - Electrophysiology (in vivo chronic behaving, or in vitro) - Behavioral Neuroscience (rat training/testing) - General laboratory skills (e.g. histology, surgery) - Matlab programming and spike-data analyses Applicant should send a cover letter, CV and the names of at least 2 references to Dr. Jean-Marc Fellous (fellous at email.arizona.edu) The search is ongoing and is projected to be completed by *October 30th, 2014*. The CENL and the University of Arizona are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Information about the laboratory can be found at: http://emotion.psychdept.arizona.edu/lab.html

Oct. 19, 2014

study abroad program in Budapest: Summer 2015, Fall 2015

by Érdi Péter

Dear All: BSCS-US announces a regular and a new study abroad program in Budapest for 2015. 1. Our regular program: BSCS - BUDAPEST SEMESTER IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE PHILOSOPHY TO NEUROSCIENCE will be held in the Fall of 2015, see http://www.bscs-us.org/ . 2. We open also a new program: ***************************************** Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program start/end dates June 8th- Aug 7th, 2015 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest **************************************** For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ Inquiry: Péter Érdi (SysNeuro, Director; BSCS Co-Director) perdi(a)kzoo.edu bscs(a)bscs-us.org

Oct. 19, 2014

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience at UCL

by Silver, Angus

A postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience is available in the Silver Lab at UCL. This research position will involve studying early stage neural coding in the cerebellar cortex in Prof. Silver's laboratory in the Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, UCL. The research project will build on our recent work (Billings et al., Neuron 2014) by exploring how synaptic properties, inhibition and heterogeneity contribute to sparse encoding and pattern separation. The candidate will be expected to develop and analyse models of spiking neuronal networks with information theoretic and machine learning approaches. The successful candidate will have excellent mathematical skills and a PhD in theoretical neuroscience or a related field. They will also have experience of information theory and machine learning as well as the development and management of large scale network simulations. Proficiency in computer programming in at least one of the following languages: Python, Java, C is essential. Appointments will be made on the Research salary scale according to experience. For further details about the vacancy and how to apply online please go to http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/ and search on Reference Number 1436983 Closing Date: 24th October 2014 If you have any queries regarding the vacancy, please contact me at a.silver(a)ucl.ac.uk Best wishes Angus Silver R. Angus Silver Professor of Neuroscience and Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT Tel : 020 7679 7830 www.ucl.ac.uk/silverlab/

Oct. 17, 2014