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

Doctoral studies at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute

by Yael Niv

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience at Princeton University offers a unique and intensive program of study spanning molecular, cellular, systems and cognitive neuroscience, followed by advanced research in a world-class Princeton laboratory. We seek highly motivated and creative students in our efforts to understand the brain. A listing of faculty affiliated with the program can be found online at www.princeton.edu/neuroscience, and below. Our doctoral program is flexible and individually-tailored, and we encourage students to pursue research with more than one faculty and across departmental boundaries. Applications for entry in the Fall of 2014 are now being accepted, with a deadline of December 1. For details, including contact information, please visit www.princeton.edu/neuroscience. Michael Berry - Neural computation in the retina William Bialek - Interface between physics and biology Matthew Botvinick - Neural foundations of human behavior Lisa Boulanger - Neuronal functions of immune molecules Carlos Brody - Quantitative and behavioral neurophysiology Tim Buschman - Neural dynamics of cognitive control Jonathan Cohen - Neural bases of cognitive control Lynn Enquist - Neurovirology Liz Gavis - Neural development and mRNA localization in Drosophila Alan Gelperin - Learning, memory and olfaction Asif Ghazanfar - Neurobiology of primate social agents Elizabeth Gould - Neurogenesis and hippocampal function Michael Graziano - Sensorimotor integration Charles Gross - Functions of the cerebral cortex in behavior Uri Hasson - Temporal scales of neural processing Philip Holmes - Mathematical modeling John Hopfield - Computational neurobiology/biophysics Barry Jacobs - Brain monoamine neurotransmitters Sabine Kastner - Neural mechanisms for visual perception Carolyn McBride - Molecular and neural basis of behavioral evolution Mala Murthy - Neurophysiology of olfactory and auditory perception in Drosophila Coleen Murphy - Molecular mechanisms of aging Yael Niv - Reinforcement learning and decision making Ken Norman - Neural bases of episodic memory Jonathan Pillow - Neural information processing, machine learning, and statistical modeling of neural data Sebastian Seung - Structure and function of neural circuits Joshua Shaevits - Neural and behavioral dynamics in simple organisms David Tank - Neural circuit dynamics Jordan Taylor - Motor control and learning Alexander Todorov - Cognitive neuroscience of social cognition and behavior Nicholas Turk-Browne - Cognitive neuroscience of attention, perception and memory Samuel Wang - Dynamics and learning in neural circuits Ilana Witten - Neural circuits underlying reward and motivation

Nov. 11, 2014

Faculty positions in applied statistics

by Robert Rosenbaum

Dear colleagues, The ACMS department at Notre Dame is hiring two statistics professors, one tenured and one tenure-track. The department strongly supports interdisciplinary and collaborative research, so researchers who focus on statistical applications in neuroscience are encouraged to apply. Applications should be received by Dec 1. See the full advertisement below. The University of Notre Dame has committed four new faculty positions to the Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS) to be filled over the next two years. Positions at both the junior and senior level are available. This year we seek to hire a statistician at the tenured level, and a statistician at the tenure-track level, in any areas of research that build on our existing activities. Preference will be given to applicants whose statistical research includes multi-disciplinary collaborations. ACMS includes research groups in applied mathematics, statistics and computational science. The current fourteen faculty members have research interests in Bayesian statistics, statistical bioinformatics and high-dimensional data, finance, statistics in networks and Big Data, multiscale modeling of blood clotting and biofilms, mathematical modeling in cell biology and tumor growth, MEMS, and numerical and computational algorithms and computational neuroscience. ACMS offers a Bachelor of Science, a doctoral degree, a research masters degree and a professional masters degree. ACMS is a member of the College of Science. The successful applicant must have a doctorate in statistics, biostatistics or a closely related field, and a record of success in both research and teaching. The teaching load in ACMS is 3 courses per year, and the position begins in August 2015. Applications received by December 1, 2014 will be given full consideration. Applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and research and teaching statements, should be filed through MathJobs (www.MathJobs.org) Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be submitted through the MathJobs system. These letters should address the applicant's research accomplishments and supply evidence that the applicant has the ability to communicate articulately and teach effectively. Senior faculty are invited to contact the Department Chair, Steven Buechler, at buechler.1(a)nd.edu, at any time. Notre Dame is an equal opportunity employer, and we particularly welcome applications from women and minority candidates. — Robert Rosenbaum Assistant Professor Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics University of Notre Dame

Nov. 11, 2014

Physics of Neural Systems focus topic at the 2015 American Physical Society March Meeting, March 2-6, San Antonio, TX

by Ilya Nemenman

Dear Colleagues: This is the final reminder that the 2015 American Physical Society (APS) March meeting (March 2-6, 2015; San Antonio, TX) will emphasize “Physics of Neural Systems” as one of the focus topics supported by the Division of Biological Physics. We expect multiple sessions resulting from this focus topic, addressing recent advances in understanding of the structure and the dynamics of neural circuits responsible for sensing, memory, and motor output. Arguably, in the last few years, we have found out more about the dynamics of neural circuits than we have in all of the previous decades combined. Thus we solicit submissions of contributed presentations to the March meeting, focusing on a broad range of topics on the intersection of physics and neuroscience, such as quantitative experimental protocols, modeling of neural dynamics, analysis of collective computation in neural circuits, and others. The neural focus at the meeting will be anchored by talks by Tatyana Sharpee (Salk Institute) and Christopher Fang-Yen (University of Pennsylvania), among others. March meeting abstract submission website: http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/scientific/index.cfm <http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/scientific/index.cfm> Abstract submission deadline: November 14, 2014, 5:00pm EST While the actual timing of the neuro sessions at the meeting will not be known until December and will depend on the number of qualified submissions, the sessions will be scheduled not to conflict with other computational neuroscience meetings, such as COSYNE. APS March meeting is the largest physics meeting in the world, attracting about 10,000 physicists. At the meeting, the APS Division of Biological Physics supports one of the largest and scientifically diverse programs on the interface of physics and biology, from molecular and cellular biophysics, to computational neuroscience and population dynamics, featuring typically more than 500 talks every year. We are looking forward to receiving your abstracts. If you have any questions about neuroscience at the March Meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact Ilya Nemenman (ilya.nemenman(a)emory.edu <mailto:ilya.nemenman@emory.edu>). Sincerely, Ilya Nemenman Associate Professor of Physics and Biology Emory University, Atlanta, GA and Vice-Chair, Division of Biological Physics (DBIO) American Physical Society (APS) http://nemenmanlab.org <http://nemenmanlab.org/> Biophysicist? Join APS/DBIO and come to the March Meeting!

Nov. 10, 2014

Can local inhibition lead to long-range competition?

by Dylan Richard Muir

Dear colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to a recent publication, where we examine the spatial range of competition expected for columnar visual cortex, given known features of cortical anatomy. Reprints are freely available from the author’s homepage (see link below). Models of cortex that assume long-range competition are widespread, although it has long been known through anatomical studies that the spatial extent of inhibition is in fact more restricted than that of excitation. We analyzed straightforward models of interacting cortical columns, and performed simulations of larger models, to show how the spatial scales of excitation and inhibition interact to produce competition through disynaptic inhibition. We found that although disynaptic inhibition is widespread, the presence of competition across the cortical surface is predicted well by the anatomy of direct excitatory and inhibitory coupling. In comparison, the effect of multisynaptic network interactions was very small. This implies that for realistic models of cortex, which should include short-range inhibition and longer-range excitation, the spatial extent of competition is likely to be even narrower than the range of inhibitory connections. Muir and Cook, "Anatomical Constraints on Lateral Competition in Columnar Cortical Architectures", Neural Computation 26 8:1624–1666. Reprints: http://dylan-muir.com/resources/docs/neco_a_00613.pdf Journal: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/NECO_a_00613 Summary: http://dylan-muir.com/projects/lateral_competition_cortex/ Best regards, Dylan Muir. Dylan Muir | Post-doctoral researcher Biozentrum, University of Basel | Klingelbergstrasse 50/70 | CH-4056 Basel Phone: +41 61 267 17 75 | Email: dylan.muir(a)unibas.ch www.biozentrum.unibas.ch | www.dylan-muir.com

Nov. 10, 2014

Postdoctoral position in computational systems neuroscience (sensory processing & decision-making)

by Ralf Haefner

Postdoctoral position in computational systems neuroscience (sensory processing & decision-making) We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Ralf Haefner in the department for Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester (NY). The focus of our group is on understanding the neural basis of perceptual inference. Based on the assumption that the brain performs probabilistic inference using an internal model of the world, we ask questions such as: What is the nature of the internal model? How is it learnt? How are posterior beliefs represented by spiking responses of populations of neurons and what algorithm does the brain use to compute its beliefs? The position requires strong mathematical and good programming skills. The ideal candidate would also be familiar with machine learning techniques, especially regarding generative models and MCMC-sampling-based probabilistic inference. Possible research projects range from purely theoretical to data-driven. Our collaborations with electrophysiology labs allow for testing of theoretical models using state-of-the-art cortical population recordings in vivo and, if desired, the opportunity to record your own data. More information about past work is available here: http://tinyurl.com/rmhaefner and a preprint of a manuscript representative of future work here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1409.0257 For details on current and possible future projects, and general information, please contact us directly. The successful candidate with join a world-class department with a wide range of research interests ( https://www.bcs.rochester.edu/research/index.html ) and a strong tradition in probabilistic modeling. Start date and duration are flexible. Please send applications including a CV and names of 2-3 references by email. Please contact us as soon as possible if you'd like to meet at the upcoming SfN or NIPS conferences. Ralf Haefner Assistant Professor Brain & Cognitive Sciences University of Rochester (NY) rhaefner(a)bcs.rochester.edu

Nov. 10, 2014

Postdoctoral research position: modelling musical preference decisions

by Marcus Pearce

Dear All (with apologies for cross-posting), A postdoc position is available at Queen Mary, University of London as part of an EPSRC-funded project <http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/M000702/1>on predicting musical choices using computational models of cognitive and neural processing. The goal of the project is to understand the cognitive and neural processes involved in musical preference decisions using computational modelling that incorporates the structure of the music, the listener and the listening context. The project also involves behavioural and EEG data collection and analysis using machine learning. Salary: £31,735 - £35,319 per annum Closing date: 14th November 2014 Start date: January 2014 or soon thereafter Duration of post: 14 Months For further information and to apply see: http://music-cognition.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/postdoc.html Marcus -- Lecturer in Sound and Music Processing Queen Mary, University of London Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 6207 Web:http://webprojects.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/marcusp Lab:http://music-cognition.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/

Nov. 10, 2014

G-Node Winter Course on Neural Data Analysis 2015

by Thomas Wachtler

7th G-Node Winter Course on Neural Data Analysis February 23 - 27, 2015 in Munich, Germany The German Neuroinformatics Node (G-Node) organizes its seventh international training course to promote state-of-the-art methods of neural data analysis among PhD students and postdocs. The course offers hands-on experience with model-driven analysis of data from intra- and extracellular electrophysiology. We encourage applications from students/postdocs with an experimental background that want to widen their repertoire of analysis methods, as well as from students with a theoretical background that have an interest in analyzing physiological data. Participants must have ample programming skills in Matlab or Python. Faculty: Jan Grewe · Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen Alex Loebel · Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität München and BCCN München Moritz Grosse-Wentrup · Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems Tübingen Thomas Wachtler · Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität München and BCCN München Topics: · Short-term plasticity · Spectral analysis · Mutual information · Machine learning · Neural tuning and decoding · Deadline for application: December 19, 2014 For more information visit http://www.g-node.org/dataanalysis-course-2015 With best regards, Jan Grewe (Organizer, Tübingen) and Thomas Wachtler (Local Organizer, Munich)

Nov. 9, 2014

Postdoctoral position in Houston--Multisensory Integration and Visual Perception

by Beauchamp, Michael S

The Beauchamp Lab at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston (http://openwetware.org/wiki/Beauchamp) seeks a postdoctoral fellow for a federally-funded research program. The main focus of the lab is to understand the neural substrates of multisensory integration and visual perception. The laboratory uses multiple techniques, including fMRI and electrocorticography: experience with one of these techniques (or related) is a requirement. Data analysis is carried out with specialized software, including AFNI, EEGlab and Fieldtrip, requiring that applicants be comfortable with writing and modifying C-shell scripts. An interest in computational and quantitative modeling of behavioral and neuroimaging data is an asset. Houston has a rich neuroimaging and neuroscience community, with Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as partners in the Gulf Coast Consortia for quantitative biomedical sciences. Facilities include multiple research‑dedicated 3 T scanners, a Blackrock Microsystems 128‑channel recording system, infrared eye trackers, and MR-compatible transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The position is available immediately and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please send your CV to beauchamplab(a)gmail.com<mailto:beauchamplab@gmail.com> for an immediate reply.

Nov. 8, 2014

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience

by Liu, Robert C

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience The Department of Biology in the Emory College of Arts and Science is seeking applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Current computational neuroscience research at Emory is anchored in the Department of Biology (http://www.biology.emory.edu<http://http/www.biology.emory.edu/>) and is grounded in experimental preparations and neurobiological questions (http://compneurosci.college.emory.edu) The ideal candidate would be a theorist who bridges into experimental data analysis in systems neuroscience. Innovative approaches to understanding principles of neural coding, neural dynamics, learning, memory, and behavior are of particular interest. The successful candidate is anticipated to have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in a quantitative science, and is expected to contribute to the Biology Department's teaching mission in the context of programs in quantitative theory and methods (http://quantitative.emory.edu) and neuroscience (http://www.nbb.emory.edu) Interactions with experimentalists and other theorists within Emory's rich, collaborative neuroscience community are encouraged. Emory has more than 120 laboratories participating in graduate programs in Neuroscience (http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/) and Biomedical Engineering (http://www.bme.emory.edu) and spanning Emory College (Biology, Psychology, Physics, Anthropology), School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Georgia Institute of Technology. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement and three confidential reference letters. Applications and reference letters must be electronically uploaded through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/25348<http://go.toutapp.com/ecca7f39a80cf3c11e>. The deadline for applying is December 1, 2014; applications received after this date are not guaranteed full consideration. Emory University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Disability/Veteran employer. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Robert C. Liu, PhD Associate Professor Winship Distinguished Research Professor Emory University Department of Biology Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE, Room 2131 Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-5274 Fax: (404) 727-2880 Email: robert.liu at emory.edu Website: http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Liu/html/index.php This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

Nov. 7, 2014

Faculty position in Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience, Cambridge

by Máté Lengyel

Faculty position in Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Applications are invited for a University Lectureship (~ US Assistant /Professor equivalent) in the Control Group in the Department of Engineering. Exceptional candidates are sought with the potential to develop a record of world-class research commensurate with the Department’s international reputation. The current faculty members in the Cambridge Control Group are: Emeritus Professor Keith Glover, Professor Jan Maciejowski, Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre (Professor of Engineering), Professor Malcolm Smith (Head of Group) and Dr Glenn Vinnicombe (Reader). Candidates will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the general area of Control Engineering and possibly other related areas of Information Engineering. The closing date for applications is 9 January, 2015. The interviewing panel will meet soon after the closing date. Short-listed candidates will be invited to visit the Department, give a short seminar/lecture and attend a formal interview. The field of this University Lectureship is at the interface between Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience. Unprecedented challenges and opportunities exist in this area as a consequence of a fast-developing technology of actuating and sensing devices at the neuronal scale (e.g. neural implants, multi-electrode recordings, and optogenetic techniques). The successful candidate will preferably be working in the field of Control Engineering with a research record in problems of medical neuroscience, and with appropriate theoretical expertise (nonlinear systems). It could be filled by someone whose primary expertise is in a different branch of Information Engineering, but the ability to contribute to teaching in one or more of the ‘core’ areas of Information Engineering (Control, Signal processing, Information theory, etc) will be expected. Medical neuroscience and brain science is a current focus of most national and international funding agencies. Funding opportunities will exist in conjunction with Cambridge Neuroscience. The lectureship will strengthen the Department’s Bioengineering strategic theme. Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre (r.sepulchre(a)eng.cam.ac.uk) or Professor Malcolm Smith (mcs(a)eng.cam.ac.uk)

Nov. 7, 2014