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

NEURAL COMPUTATION - April, 2014
by Terry Sejnowski April 24, 2016

April 24, 2016

Neural Computation - Contents -- Volume 26, Number 4 - April 1, 2014 Available online for download now: http://www.mitpressjournals.org/toc/neco/26/4 ----- Article Parametric Inference in the Large Data Limit Using Maximally Informative Models Justin Block Kinney, Gurinder Singh Atwal Letters Input Statistics and Hebbian Crosstalk Effects Anca R. Radulescu Learning Nonlinear Regularities in Natural Images by Modeling the Outer Product of Image Intensities Peng Qi, Xiaolin Hu Dissociable Forms of Repetition Priming: A Computational Model Kirill Makukhin, Scott Bolland Refined Rademacher Chaos Complexity Bounds With Applications to the Multi-Kernel Learning Problem Yunwen Lei, Lixin Ding Large Margin Low Rank Tensor Analysis Guoqiang Zhong, Mohamed Cheriet Large-scale Linear RankSVM Ching-Pei Lee, Chih-Jen Lin ------------ ON-LINE -- http://www.mitpressjournals.org/neuralcomp SUBSCRIPTIONS - 2014 - VOLUME 26 - 12 ISSUES USA Others Electronic Only Student/Retired $70 $193 $65 Individual $124 $187 $115 Institution $1,035 $1,098 $926 Canada: Add 5% GST MIT Press Journals, 238 Main Street, Suite 500, Cambridge, MA 02142-9902 Tel: (617) 253-2889 FAX: (617) 577-1545 journals-orders(a)mit.edu ------------

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2 Post-doc positions on the relation of information and causation (Prof. Giulio Tononi)
by Larissa Albantakis Dec. 17, 2014

Dec. 17, 2014

Up to 2 postdoctoral positions are available at the center for sleep and consciousness science in the laboratory of Dr. Giulio Tononi (University of Wisconsin, Madison), to study the relation of information and causation within the framework of the integrated information theory of consciousness (Balduzzi & Tononi, 2008; Tononi, 2012). Immediate funding is available for a range of projects related to foundational questions regarding the ontological status of information, and its relation to causation, emergence, adaptation, evolution, and consciousness (see detailed scope of work below). Successful candidates will work at the center for sleep and consciousness science, dedicated to a broad range of research problems focused on two neurobiological problems -- the mechanisms and functions of sleep and the neural substrates of consciousness. Candidates are expected to have strong training in an analytically rigorous discipline such as theoretical biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. For at least one of the positions, we explicitely encourage mathematicians to apply. Experience in information theory, complex systems, and an interest in the philosophy of information/causation are a plus. Programming experience is required (knowledge of MATLAB and/or C++ is of advantage). Appointments are renewable from year to year for up to 3 years, starting as soon as possible or until the positions are filled. Post-doc salaries correspond to the National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule for postdoc trainees, based on number of years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement of previous research and future research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Giulio Tononi, gtononi(a)wisc.edu. Balduzzi D, Tononi G (2008) Integrated information in discrete dynamical systems: motivation and theoretical framework. /PLoS Comput Biol/ 4:e1000091. Hoel, E. P., Albantakis, L., & Tononi, G. (2013). Quantifying causal emergence shows that macro can beat micro. /PNAS/, /110/(49), 19790--19795. Tononi G (2012) Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness: An Updated Account. /Arch Ital Biol/ 150:56--90. The scope of work will range from: -theoretical development and computational implementation of the notion of intrinsic causal information -causal analysis, including the systematic use of perturbations, counterfactuals, and irreducibility -analysis of complex systems in terms their causal/informational structure -meaning (understanding and control) from the intrinsic perspective of the system -actual causation (causal explanation) -examining similarities and differences between existing notions of information and causation (Shannon information, algorithmic information,...) -defining emergence in terms of the spatio-temporal grain size at which a system of elements achieves a maximum of causal power -evolutionary/adaptive aspects of information/causation including simulations based on small adaptive neural networks (animats), which evolve and adapt to an environment that requires sensitivity to context for survival

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KOGWIS 2014 Last Call for Papers
by Anna Belardinelli May 8, 2014

May 8, 2014

Please consider to submit your work to the following conference: ================ FINAL CALL FOR PAPERS ================ * KOGWIS 2014 * * 12th Biannual Conference of the German Society for COGNITIVE SCIENCE * * 29th of September - 2nd of October 2014 * * Topical focus: How Language and Behavior Constitute Cognition * Submission deadline: 7 May 2014 * * http://www.ccs.uni-tuebingen.de/kogwis14 * ====================================================== KogWis 2014 invites submissions of extended abstracts on current work in cognitive science. Generally *all topics related to cognitive science* are welcome. Contributions that address the focus of this meeting, that is, language and behavior and the construction of cognition due to language and behavior are particularly encouraged. Submissions will be sorted by topic and paradigms and will be independently reviewed. Notifications of acceptance will depend on the novelty of the research, the significance of the results, and the presentation of the work. Submission and Proceedings: KogWis calls for submissions in extended abstract format. Abstracts for oral presentations should not exceed 4 pages, abstracts for poster contributions should not exceed 2 pages, including pictures and references. All accepted contributions will be published in the form of a *Supplement KogWis 2014* in the journal *Cognitive Processing* (Springer Verlag). ——— PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS —————— Confirmed plenary speakers: * Prof. Dr. Harold Bekkering * Prof. Dr. Henrik Ehrsson * Prof. Dr. Karl Friston * Prof. Dr. Wayne Gray * Prof. Dr. Gregor Schöner * Prof. Dr. Natalie Sebanz Confirmed symposia: * Processing Language in Context: Insights from Empirical Approaches Organizers: Christian Brauner , Bettina Rolke, & Gerhard Jäger (University of Tübingen) * Manual action Organizer: Dirk Koester (Bielefeld University) * How language and number representation contribute to numerical cognition Organizer: Hans-Christoph Nürk (University of Tübingen) * Eye tracking, linking hypotheses and measures in language processing Organizers: Pia Knoeferle and Michele Burigo (Bielefeld University) * Cognition of human actions: From individual actions to interactions Organizer: Stephan de la Rosa (MPI, Tübingen) * Cortical Systems of Object Grasping and Manipulation Organizer: Marc Himmelbach (University of Tübingen) * Modelling of cognitive aspects of mobile interaction Organizers: Nele Russwinkel, Sabine Prezenski, & Stefan Lindner (TU Berlin) * Predictive processing: philosophical and neuroscientific perspectives Organizer: Alex Morgan (University of Tübingen) * PhD Symposium Organizers: Dong-Seon Chang, Zhen Peng, Stefan Kopp, Marco Ragni, and Kai Vogeley (MPI Tübingen, Bielefeld University, University of Freiburg, & University Hospital Cologne) * History of Cognitive Science Organizers: Stefan Kopp and Kai Vogeley (Bielefeld University and University Hospital Cologne) ****** PRIZES AND AWARDS****** * CCS - Best Student Paper Award, sponsored by the Cognitive Science Society (plus 1 year Membership) * SMI - Best Poster Award, sponsored by SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI,www.smivision.com) * Brain Products - Best Paper Award, sponsored by BRAIN PRODUCTS _____________ The Organizing Committee: General chair: Martin V. Butz Local organizers: Anna Belardinelli, Elisabeth Hein and Jan Kneissler ------------------------------------------- Anna Belardinelli, Cognitive Modeling, Department of Computer Science University of Tübingen http://www.wsi.uni-tuebingen.de/lehrstuehle/cognitive-modeling/staff/staff/…

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Summer school in Computational Sensory-Motor Neuroscience (CoSMo 2014)
by Gunnar Blohm March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

*Fourth Annual Computational Sensory-Motor Neuroscience Summer School (CoSMo 2014)* University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA August 3-17, 2014 We would like to invite you to join us for the third annual Computational Sensory-Motor Neuroscience Summer School. The course is about experimental, computational and medical aspects of sensory-motor neuroscience with a focus on data/model sharing. Covered topics include Bayesian approaches, motor control, computational neuroimaging, sensory-motor transformations and prosthetics. An important focus is on doing research as opposed to just hearing about it. Each teaching module will take up two days with morning lecture sessions. Afternoon sessions involve hands-on Matlab programming, simulation and data-analysis. Newly acquired computational tools can also be applied in 2-week evening group research projects. The course is aimed at students and post-doctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds including Life Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics and Engineering. Basic knowledge in calculus, linear algebra and Matlab is expected. Enrollment will be limited to 40 trainees. *Application deadline: April 27, 2014* For more information and to apply, please go to http://www.compneurosci.com/CoSMo/ The school is co-organized by Drs Gunnar Blohm, Paul Schrater and Konrad Körding. It receives funding from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) via an NSERC-CREATE training grant on "Computational Approaches in Neuroscience – Action, Control & Transformations", and from the National Science Foundation (NSF, USA). -- ------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Gunnar BLOHM Assistant Professor in Computational Neuroscience Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, and Psychology, School of Computing, and Canadian Action and Perception Network (CAPnet) Queen’s University 18, Stuart Street Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6 Tel: (613) 533-3385 Fax: (613) 533-6840 Email:Gunnar.Blohm@QueensU.ca Web:http://www.compneurosci.com/

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2014 NEURON Summer Course
by Ted Carnevale March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

This year's NEURON Summer Course has two components that can be taken individually or together. NEURON Fundamentals, which runs from June 21-24, addresses all aspects of using NEURON to model individual neurons, and also introduces parallel simulation and the fundamentals of modeling networks. Parallel Simulation with NEURON is for users who are already familiar with NEURON and need to create models that will run on parallel hardware. Registration is limited, and the registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2014. For more information regarding NEURON courses see http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/courses --Ted

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Open Source Brain workshop 2014: Building and sharing models of the cortex
by solinas March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

(Apologies for cross postings) Announcing the 2014 Open Source Brain Workshop: Building and sharing models of the cortex. May 14-16th, Alghero, Sardinia. There are an increasing number of cortical cell and network models being developed and made publicly available, from networks of leaky integrate and fire neurons based on cortical connectivity and firing properties, to multicompartmental, conductance based cell models. Many of these are being reused, reimplemented and extended to address new scientific questions by labs around the world. In this meeting, we will look at the range cortico-thalamic models out there which are of widespread interest and work towards getting these into public, open source repositories, in standardised formats such as NeuroML and PyNN. We will investigate the steps needed to ensure these models are well tested, annotated and ready for use as research tools by the attendees and the wider community. There will be presentations from experimentalists who are producing the data to constrain these models, as well as simulator and application developers who will create the infrastructure to build, simulate, analyse and share the models. On the morning of Friday 16th, there will be a symposium on Oscillation and Resonance in CNS Network Loops. The symposium will focus on the reconstruction and analysis of oscillating networks. These methods can be applied at multiple levels of brain modelling providing valuable constraints for single neuron and network models. There will be presentations of modelling studies on how the brain generates oscillations and how external, oscillating electro-magnetic fields influence brain activity. Confirmed speakers Sharon Crook, Arizona State University, USA Markus Diesmann, Research Center Jülich, Germany Dirk Feldmeyer, Aachen University, Germany Alon Korngreen, Bar-Ilan University, Israel Dave Lester, SpiNNaker project, University of Manchester, UK Robert A. McDougal, Yale University School of Medicine, USA Michele Migliore, National Research Council, Italy & Yale University School of Medicine, USA Eilif Muller, Blue Brain Project, EPFL, Switzerland Ole Paulsen, University of Cambridge, UK Angus Silver, University College London Tim Vogels, University of Oxford, UK Daniel Wójcik, Nencki Institute, Poland Full details of the workshop can be found here: http://www.opensourcebrain.org/projects/osb/wiki/OSB2014 There will also be a NeuroML Editorial Board meeting on Tues 13th. More details will follow on the NeuroML mailing lists. Interested parties are welcome to attend; please email p.gleeson(a)ucl.ac.uk. The Open Source Brain initiative aims to encourage collaborative, open source model development in computational neuroscience and is primarily supported by the Wellcome Trust. The OSB symposium is primarily supported by the IRCCS C. Mondino and the Italian Ministry of Health through the research project GR-2009-1493804. Regards, The OSB 2014 organising committee

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New book - Directed Information Measures in Neuroscience
by Joseph Lizier March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following edited book: "Directed Information Measures in Neuroscience" edited by Michael Wibral, Raul Vicente, Joseph T. Lizier in series "Understanding Complex Systems", Springer, Berlin, 2014. About the book: http://www.springer.com/physics/complexity/book/978-3-642-54473-6 Analysis of information transfer has found rapid adoption in neuroscience, where a highly dynamic transfer of information continuously runs on top of the brain's slowly-changing anatomical connectivity. Measuring such transfer is crucial to understanding how flexible information routing and processing give rise to higher cognitive function. Directed Information Measures in Neuroscience reviews recent developments of concepts and tools for measuring information transfer, their application to neurophysiological recordings and analysis of interactions. Written by the most active researchers in the field the book discusses the state of the art, future prospects and challenges on the way to an efficient assessment of neuronal information transfer. Highlights include the theoretical quantification and practical estimation of information transfer, description of transfer locally in space and time, multivariate directed measures, information decomposition among a set of stimulus/responses variables and the relation between interventional and observational causality. Applications to neural data sets and pointers to open source software highlight the usefulness of these measures in experimental neuroscience. With state-of-the-art mathematical developments, computational techniques and applications to real data sets, this book will be of benefit to all graduate students and researchers interested in detecting and understanding the information transfer between components of complex systems. Downloads of individual chapters (requires Springer access) via: http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-642-54474-3 Contents: Section 1 - Introduction to Directed Information Measures Chapter 1. "Transfer Entropy in Neuroscience", Michael Wibral, Raul Vicente, Michael Lindner -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_1 Chapter 2. "Efficient Estimation of Information Transfer", Raul Vicente, Michael Wibral -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_2 Section 2 - Information Transfer in Neural and Other Physiological Systems Chapter 3. "Conditional Entropy-Based Evaluation of Information Dynamics in Physiological Systems", Luca Faes, Alberto Porta -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_3 Chapter 4. "Information Transfer in the Brain: Insights from a Unified Approach", Daniele Marinazzo, Guorong Wu, Mario Pellicoro, Sebastiano Stramaglia -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_4 Chapter 5. "Function Follows Dynamics: State-Dependency of Directed Functional Influences", Demian Battaglia -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_5 Chapter 6. "On Complexity and Phase Effects in Reconstructing the Directionality of Coupling in Non-linear Systems", Vasily A. Vakorin, Olga Krakovska, Anthony R. McIntosh -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_6 Section 3 - Recent Advances in the Analysis of Information Processing Chapter 7. "Measuring the Dynamics of Information Processing on a Local Scale in Time and Space", Joseph T. Lizier -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_7 Chapter 8. "Parametric and Non-parametric Criteria for Causal Inference from Time-Series", Daniel Chicharro -- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-54474-3_8 Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3642544738/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=17… Regards, Michael Wibral, Raul Vicente and Joseph Lizier

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Decision Making Bristol 2014: Abstract Submission deadline EXTENDED to 7 April 2014
by DMB 2014 Mailbox March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

***The Deadline for submission of abstracts to the Decision Making Bristol 2014 conference has been extended to 7 April 2014.*** *Decision Making Bristol 2014* The Decision-making Group at the University of Bristol invites you to submit abstracts to our second conference - Decision Making Bristol 2014<http://www.bris.ac.uk/decisions-research/conference2014/> - to be held 9-12 September 2014. Following the success of the 2012 conference, this conference aims to embrace a breadth of research, appealing to those interested in all aspects of decision making. We are pleased to announce that the following Key Note speakers have been secured Gerd Gigerenzer<http://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/en/staff/gerd-gigerenzer> , Tom Griffiths <http://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/tom-griffiths>, Antonio Rangel <http://www.rnl.caltech.edu/index.html> and Jeffrey D. Schall<http://www.vanderbilt.edu/psychological_sciences/bio/jeffrey-schall>. These will be accompanied by invited talks from Nick Chater<http://www.wbs.ac.uk/about/person/nick-chater/> , Eric-Jan Wagenmakers <http://www.ejwagenmakers.com/> and Daniel Wolpert<http://learning.eng.cam.ac.uk/Public/Wolpert/Wolpert> . Held in the beautiful city of Bristol, at one of the UK's leading science and discovery centres, At-Bristol <http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/>, the conference will promote interdisciplinary collaborations and welcomes attendance from both theoreticians and experimentalists. The *call for short abstracts *(500 words) is now *OPEN *and we invite you to submit your abstract to the following email address: DMB-2014(a)bristol.ac.uk. The closing date for receipt is now *****7 April 2014**.* *Further information and Registration: * http://www.bris.ac.uk/decisions-research/conference2014/ . Registration closing date is 30 June 2014. Please feel free to share this email with your colleagues and research students. We look forward to seeing you in September. Best wishes, Sally-Ann Parry, *on behalf of the Decision-making Group* -- *Decision Making Bristol 2014, * *9- 12 September* e: DMB-2014(a)bristol.ac.uk w: http://www.bris.ac.uk/decisions-research/conference2014/ w: http://www.bris.ac.uk/decisions-research/ a: University of Bristol, 5 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ

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PhD position available at the School of Engineering, University of Lincoln
by Basabdatta Sen Bhattacharya March 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

A fully funded PhD is available at the School of Engineering, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, to work under the supervision of Dr. Basabdatta Bhattacharya <http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/bbhattacharya> and Prof. Timothy Gordon <http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/tgordon>. The details and how to apply are available at: https://sites.google.com/site/bsenbhattacharya/phd/fully-fundedphdstudentsh… The *Deadline* for Application is *18th April 2014.* For informal enquiries please contact Basabdatta Sen Bhattacharya at bbhattacharya(a)lincoln.ac.uk or at basab(a)ieee.org. A link to the advert on the University website is available at the link below; scroll down to the heading 'College of Science': http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studyatlincoln/postgraduateprogrammes/postgra… *Note:* The *full funding* is for UK/EU students *only*. International students would need to provide the difference in fees as appropriate. --------------------------------------------------------------- Basabdatta Sen Bhattacharya, PhD Lecturer, School of Engineering ENG 321, Engineering Hub University of Lincoln Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS United Kingdom Telephone: +44(0)1522837947 *http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/bbhattacharya <http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/bbhattacharya>* Personal page: https://sites.google.com/site/bsenbhattacharya

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application deadline extended till Apr 14 for international summer school: CAMP@Bangalore
by Aditya Gilra March 29, 2014

March 29, 2014

The deadline for applying to the international summer school: Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity, CAMP@Bangalore 2014<http://www.ncbs.res.in/camp/>is extended to 14th April, 2014. Please download the poster <http://www.ncbs.res.in/camp/content/poster> and circulate widely. Details follow ... Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity (CAMP @ Bangalore) 2014<http://www.ncbs.res.in/camp> . Website: http://www.ncbs.res.in/camp/ Venue: National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India<http://www.ncbs.res.in/> Dates: 28th June to 12th July, 2014 Organizer: Upinder Bhalla (NCBS, Bangalore, India)<http://www.ncbs.res.in/bhalla> CAMP @ Bangalore is a 15-day summer school on the theory and simulation of learning, memory and plasticity in the brain. PhD students and post-docs from theoretical and/or experimental backgrounds (physics, math, neuroscience, engineering, etc.) are welcome. Familiarity with programming, dynamical systems, and/or computational neuroscience is highly desirable. Master's or Bachelor's degree students can apply if they have sufficient background beyond course-work. The school will start with remedial tutorials on neuroscience / math / programming and then work upwards from sub-cellular electrical and chemical signaling in neurons, onward to micro-circuits and networks, all with an emphasis on learning, memory and plasticity. Students worldwide are encouraged to apply online at www.ncbs.res.in/camp latest by 14th Apr, 2014. Lecturers: Sumantra Chattarji (NCBS, Bangalore) <http://www.ncbs.res.in/shona>, Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University, New York)<http://www.cns.nyu.edu/wanglab/> , Suhita Nadkarni (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune)<http://www.iiserpune.ac.in/~suhita/Suhita/Home.html> , Claudia Clopath (Imperial College, London)<http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/> , Eve Marder (Brandeis University, Waltham/Boston)<http://blogs.brandeis.edu/marderlab/> , Rishikesh Narayanan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore)<http://mbu.iisc.ernet.in/~rngrp/> , Arthur Wingfield (Brandeis University, Waltham/Boston)<http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/faculty/wingfield.html> , Michael Hausser (University College, London)<http://www.ucl.ac.uk/WIBR/research/neuro/mh/index.htm> , Arvind Kumar (Bernstein Center, Freiburg)<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/people/details/kumar> , Stefano Fusi (Columbia University, New York)<http://neurotheory.columbia.edu/stefano.html> , Raghav Rajan (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune)<http://www.iiserpune.ac.in/~raghav/> For more information, email camp2014(a)ncbs.res.in Best Regards, Aditya. ---- Aditya Gilra, Prof Upinder S Bhalla's lab, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore - 560065, India. Ph: 91-80-23666507.

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Post-doc - Detailed Neuronal Modeling - Blue Brain Project, Lausanne, Switzerland
by emuller March 28, 2014

March 28, 2014

Dear comp-neuro community, I wish to draw your attention to an opening for a post-doctoral researcher in "Detailed Neuron Modeling and Dendritic Integration" (full advert below), at the Blue Brain Project, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland. For more details, and instructions how to apply, see: http://emploi.epfl.ch/page-106385-en.html Best regards, Eilif ------------- Dr. Eilif Muller Section Manager - In Silico Neuroscience - Experimentation EPFL - Blue Brain Project QIJ 3ème étage CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland Tel: ++41 21 693 0698 Fax: ++41 21 693 5350 www: http://bluebrain.epfl.ch/page-77926-en.html www: http://neuralensemble.org/people/eilifmuller ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Blue Brain Project, led by Prof. Henry Markram, seeks outstanding candidates for the position of: Post-doctoral Researcher in Detailed Neuron Modeling and Dendritic Integration The primary objectives for this position are to strengthen on-going large-scale detailed neuron modeling and validation efforts in the project, and to undertake original scientific research to characterize the role of single cell and dendritic integration mechanisms in computation and dynamics at the network level. Scientific leadership is expected to supervise computational neuroscience students, as is an intimate knowledge of the employed software in order to interface with engineering teams. The position is in close contact with an electrophysiology lab and modeling will go hand in hand with available and newly acquired experimental data. Detailed Requirements: * PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, physics or related field * expert in NEURON and multi-compartment conductance-based modeling as demonstrated by strong publication record * expert in automated neuron model optimization techniques * expert knowledge of whole cell electrophysiology, ion channel experiments * expert of scientific computing (python, scipy, numpy, hdf5, matplotlib, Linux, etc.) * knowledge of other programming languages (C++) and parallel computing is of advantage * familiarity with model description languages (e.g. NeuroML) * experience in supervision of students and teaching * strong team player * fluent English in speech and writing What we offer: * An internationally visible project in simulation-based research in neuroscience having a leading role in the EU FET flagship “Human Brain Project” * A vibrant, dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and international working environment * Very competitive salary Start date: 1 June 2014. Deadline for application: open until position is filled. Activity rate: 100%. Duration of contract: 1 year, renewable. For more details, and instructions how to apply, see: http://emploi.epfl.ch/page-106385-en.html

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Postdoctoral and Ph.D. positions at the Ben Gurion University, Israel
by David Golomb March 27, 2014

March 27, 2014

Funded postdoctoral and Ph.D. positions in theoretical and computational neuroscience or experimental neurophysiology are available at the Ben-Gurion University, Be'er-Sheva, Israel. We are looking for highly motivated post-doctoral fellows and PhD students to lead projects aiming to explore the rodent whisker somatosensory system, the visual system, and possible applications to robotics. Fellows and students will participate in collaborative research combining neurophysiology and computational neuroscience with emphasis on the dynamic transformation of sensory information along the sensory pathways at the brainstem, thalamic and cortical levels, as well as sensory-motor control. Candidates should have a strong background in neurophysiology, physics, mathematics or electrical engineering, and be proficient programmers and creative thinkers. The Ben-Gurion University has strong and interacting neuroscience and robotic communities. Be'er-Sheva is within one-hour train ride from Tel-Aviv.* * ***Deadline: May 1, 2014 or until position fulfilled.* For more information, please contact: Prof. David Golomb -- golomb(a)bgu.ac.il <mailto:golomb@bgu.ac.il>__ Prof. Rony Azouz -- razouz(a)bgu.ac.il <mailto:razouz@bgu.ac.il> Dr. Maoz Shamir -- shmaoz(a)bgu.ac.il <mailto:shmaoz@bgu.ac.il>

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Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity: deadline approaching
by Subhasis Ray March 27, 2014

March 27, 2014

(With apologies for cross postings) Reminder for the international summer school at NCBS, Bangalore, organized by Dr. Upinder Bhalla. The deadline for application is 30 March 2014. This 15 day workshop will involve both lectures and hands-on tutorials. The confirmed speakers are: Sumantra Chattarji (NCBS, Bangalore) Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University, New York) Suhita Nadkarni (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Claudia Clopath (Imperial College, London) Eve Marder (Brandeis University, Waltham/Boston) Rishikesh Narayanan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) Arthur Wingfield (Brandeis University, Waltham/Boston) Michael Hausser (University College, London) Arvind Kumar (Bernstein Center, Freiburg) Stefano Fusi (Columbia University, New York) Raghav Rajan (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Further details and application form are available here: http://ncbs.res.in/camp/ ------ Subhasis Ray NCBS, TIFR GKVK Campus Bellary Road Bangalore 560065 +91 80 67176520

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Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain, Friday Harbor: deadline approaching!
by Adrienne Fairhall March 27, 2014

March 27, 2014

Reminder that applications for the Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain, co-organized by the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the Computational Neuroscience Program at the University of Washington and directed by Drs. Christof Koch and Adrienne Fairhall, are due on April 1st. Application procedures and more information can be found at http://courses.washington.edu/braindyn/ . This intensive two week summer course aims to give advanced students – graduate students, postdocs and faculty – a rapid introduction to the current state of understanding of the neurobiology of sensory processing, including anatomy, physiology and neural coding; tutorials on the tools of the Allen Brain Institute; and an opportunity to carry out an informatics or computational research project with the guidance of faculty. The experimental focus is on vision in rodents. Faculty will include: Christof Koch Wyeth Bair Jay Neitz Clay Reid Shawn Olsen Adrienne Fairhall Rajesh Rao Anne Churchland Hongkui Zeng Bill Howe

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Fwd: a foundation professor in computational neuroscience at Monash, Australia
by Naotsugu Tsuchiya March 26, 2014

March 26, 2014

We seek to appoint a dynamic and talented principal investigator to lead the development of Computational Neuroscience at Monash University. The successful candidate is expected to have an internationally recognised track record of scientific achievement and demonstrable ability to build a cutting edge multidisciplinary research platform that will transform the landscape of computational neuroscience at Monash, within Australia and internationally. This appointee will complement and integrate with experimental neuroscience researchers in the new Faculty of Biomedical and Psychological Sciences who work across a wide range of levels including single-unit recordings in non-human primates through to in vivo EEG and functional MRI in humans. These collaborations will leverage existing Monash University research platforms such as Monash Biomedical Imaging and the MASSIVE Supercomputing facility, as well as the newly established ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function to undertake novel, multi-disciplinary research programs. An excellent remuneration package is available for both the principal investigator and their team. Enquiries Confidential enquiries should be directed to either Professor Kim Cornish, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, tel: +61 3 9902 0488 or email: kim.cornish(a)monash.edu or Professor Mark Bellgrove, Director, Research Strategy, School of Psychological Sciences, tel: +61 3 9902 4200 or email: mark.bellgrove(a)monash.edu Closing Date Friday, 15 May, 2014, 11:55pm Aus. Standard Daylight Time Applications Expressions of interest, comprising a cover letter and CV should be submitted as part of your application. The University reserves the right to appoint by invitation. For details, please check http://jobs.monash.edu.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=523000&lWorkTypeID=&lLocat… -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nao (Naotsugu) Tsuchiya, Ph.D. 1. ARC Future Fellow & Associate Professor Tsuchiya Laboratory School of Psychological Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University 2. Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan 3. Visitor, RIKEN, Japan 4. Visitor, Caltech, USA homepage: http://users.monash.edu.au/~naotsugt/Tsuchiya_Labs_Homepage/Main.html

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Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience 2014
by Máté Lengyel March 26, 2014

March 26, 2014

ADVANCED COURSE IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE August 3 - 30, 2014, FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/accn/ *** NOTE EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS *** Applications accepted: February 10, 2014 – March 31, 2014 SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORS: * Ehud Ahissar (Weizmann Institute, Israel) * Dieter Jaeger (Emory University, USA) * Máté Lengyel (University of Cambridge, UK) * Christian Machens (Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Portugal) LOCAL ORGANIZERS: * Jochen Triesch (FIAS, Frankfurt, Germany) * Hermann Cuntz (FIAS & ESI, Frankfurt, Germany) FUNDING: FENS, IBRO, FIAS, MPI Brain Research, Hertie Foundation The ACCN is for advanced graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in learning the essentials of the field of computational neuroscience. The course has two complementary parts. Mornings are devoted to lectures given by distinguished international faculty on topics across the breadth of experimental and computational neuroscience. During the rest of the day, students pursue a project of their choosing under the close supervision of expert tutors. This gives them practical training in the art and practice of neural modeling. The first week of the course introduces students to essential neurobiological concepts and to the most important techniques in modeling single cells, synapses and circuits. Students learn how to solve their research problems using software such as MATLAB, NEST, NEURON, Python, XPP, etc. During the following three weeks the lectures cover networks and specific neural systems and functions. Topics range from modeling single cells and subcellular processes through the simulation of simple circuits, large neuronal networks and system level models of the brain. The course ends with project presentations by the students. The course is designed for students from a variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics and psychology. Students are expected to have a keen interest and basic background in neurobiology as well as some computer experience. Students of any nationality can apply. Essential details: * Course size: about 30 students. * Fee (which covers tuition, lodging, meals and excursions): EUR 750. * Scholarships and travel stipends are available. * Application start: February 10, 2014 * Application deadline: March 23, 2014 * Deadline for letters of recommendation: March 23, 2014 * Notification of results: May, 2014 Information and application http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/accn/ Contact address: accn(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de FACULTY Erik De Schutter (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan), Dieter Jaeger (Emory University, USA), Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA), Charles Wilson (University of Texas, San Antonio, USA), Michael Hausser (University College London, UK), Sophie Deneve (Ecole Normale Superieure, France), Christian Machens (Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal), Jochen Triesch (FIAS, Germany), Misha Tsodyks (Weizmann Institute, Israel), Carl van Vreeswijk (CNRS Paris, France), Peter Dayan (University College London, UK), Joern Diedrichsen (University College London, UK), Máté Lengyel (University of Cambridge, UK), Zhaoping Li (University College London, UK), Tatjana Tchumatchenko (MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany), Ehud Ahissar (Weizmann Institute, Israel), Merav Ahissar (Hebrew University, Israel), Nava Rubin (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain) General Interest Lectures: Hans-Joachim Pflueger (Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany), Erin Schuman (MPI for Brain Research, Germany), Erik De Schutter (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan), J. Kevin O'Regan (Paris Descartes University, France) Tutors: Daniel Miner (Frankfurt, Germany), Andreea Lazar (Frankfurt, Germany), Wieland Brendel (Lisbon / Tuebingen, Portugal / Germany), Sina Tootoonian (Cambridge, UK), Peter Jedlicka (Frankfurt, Germany) SECRETARY DURING THE COURSE Chris Ploegaert (University of Antwerp, Belgium) -- Mate Lengyel, PhD Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 332 662 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

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post-doc available in computational neuroscience applied to regenerative biology
by Levin, Michael March 25, 2014

March 25, 2014

A funded post-doctoral position is available at Tufts University (near Boston) in the lab of Dr Michael Levin - www.drmichaellevin.org to work on applications of computational neuroscience to developmental biology and regenerative medicine. My group studies the role that slow bioelectrical communication plays in coordinating cell activity towards building and repairing large-scale anatomical structures (as occurs during embryogenesis and regeneration in species like salamanders and planaria, which can rebuild whole body parts). Through the last 14 years, we've shown that distributions of resting potentials in non-neural somatic tissues (and their dynamics via gap junctions, or electrical synapses) play an important part in regulating growth and form (having developed molecular-genetic tools for tracking and altering resting potentials in vivo). We hope to take some ideas and approaches from cognitive science and computational neurobiology to understand how memories of shape and pattern are stored in non-neural network electrical dynamics. This project can be described as cracking the bioelectric code to understand the semantics encoded in electrical signaling among non-neural cells. We will build in silico models of shape memory storage in electrically-connected (slow) cell networks and then implement them in real embryonic (frog, chick) or bioengineered (human) tissues to test and refine the models. The ideal applicant will have a strong background in computational neuroscience (understanding how activity of neurons adds up to logic, memory, and decision-making in simple circuits); experience in computer modeling is a strong plus. This is a very interdisciplinary project and ideal for someone who is 1) strong in basic computational neuroscience, 2) likes thinking way outside the box in a novel area, 3) wants to extend their repertoire and training to include developmental, regenerative, and molecular biology, and 4) wants to contribute to an entirely new area of deep basic and clinical significance. Please check our website and contact michael.levin(a)tufts.edu if interested. --- Dr. Michael Levin Biology Department, and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology Tufts University Suite 4600, 200 Boston Ave. Medford, MA 02155-4243 Tel. (617) 627-6161 Fax: (617) 627-6121 email: michael.levin(a)tufts.edu http://www.drmichaellevin.org/ http://www.cellregeneration.org/ Center Administrator: William F. Baga Tel. (617) 627-5735 Fax: (617) 627-5035 email: william.baga(a)tufts.edu

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Ninth Summer School on Advanced Statistics and Data Mining (Madrid, June 23rd - July 4th, 2014)
by asdm＠fi.upm.es March 25, 2014

March 25, 2014

Dear colleagues, The Technical University of Madrid (UPM) will once more organize the summer school on 'Advanced Statistics and Data Mining'. The summer school will be held in Madrid, between June 23rd and July 4th. This year's programme comprises 12 courses divided into 2 weeks. Attendees may register in each course independently. Early registration is now *OPEN*. Extended information on course programmes, price, venue, accommodation and transport is available at the school's website: http://www.dia.fi.upm.es/ASDM Please, send this information to your colleagues, students, and whoever may find it interesting. Best regards, Pedro Larranaga, Concha Bielza, Bojan Mihaljevic and Laura Anton-Sanchez. -- School coordinators. *** List of courses and brief description *** * Week 1 (June 23rd - June 27th, 2014) * 1st session: 9:30 - 12:30 Course 1: Bayesian Networks (15 h) Basics of Bayesian networks. Inference in Bayesian networks. Learning Bayesian networks from data. Real applications. Course 2: Time Series(15 h) Basic concepts in time series. Descriptive methods for time series. Linear models for time series. Extensions. 2nd session: 13:30 - 16:30 Course 3: Supervised Pattern Recognition (15 h) Introduction. Assessing the performance of supervised classification algorithms. Preprocessing. Classification techniques. Combining multiple classifiers. Comparing supervised classification algorithms. Course 4: Bayesian Inference (15 h) Introduction: Bayesian basics. Conjugate models. MCMC and other simulation methods. Regression and Hierarchical models. Model selection. 3rd session: 17:00 - 20:00 Course 5: Neural Networks and Deep Learning (15 h) Introduction. Training algorithms. Learning and Optimization. MLPs in practice. Deep Networks. Course 6: Feature Subset Selection (15 h) Introduction. Filter approaches. Wrapper methods. Embedded methods. Advanced topics. Practical session. * Week 2 (June 30th - July 4th, 2014) * 1st session: 9:30 - 12:30 Course 7: Statistical Inference(15 h) Introduction. Some basic statistical test. Multiple testing. Introduction to bootstrap methods. Introduction to Robust Statistics. Course 8: Bayesian Classifiers (15 h) Discrete predictors. Gaussian Bayesian networks-based classifiers. Other Bayesian classifiers. Bayesian classifiers for: positive and unlabeled data, semi-supervised learning, data streams, temporal data. 2nd session: 13:30 - 16:30 Course 9: Text Mining (15 h) Introduction. Fundamentals. Language Modeling. Text Classification. Information Extraction. Course 10: Unsupervised Pattern Recognition (15 h) Introduction to clustering. Data exploration and preparation. Prototype-based clustering. Density-based clustering. Graph-based clustering. Cluster evaluation. Miscellanea. Conclusions and final advise. 3rd session: 17:00 - 20:00 Course 11: Support Vector Machines and Convex Optimization (15 h) Introduction. SVM models. SVM learning algorithms. Convex non differentiable optimization. Course 12: Hidden Markov Models (15 h) Introduction. Discrete Hidden Markov Models. Basic algorithms for Hidden Markov Models. Semicontinuous Hidden Markov Models. Continuous Hidden Markov Models. Unit selection and clustering. Speaker and Environment Adaptation for HMMs. Other applications of HMMs.

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Fully funded PhD position: computational neuroscience / complex system theory
by Prof. Claudius Gros March 25, 2014

March 25, 2014

I would like to bring your attention to our PhD-program in Complex Dynamical Systems Theory / Computational Neurosciences At the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt Field(s): complex systems theory, computational neurosciences neural models and networks, dynamical systems Application deadline: April 27, 2014 Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros E-mail: cgr(a)itp.uni-frankfurt.de Address: Institute for Theoretical Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Job description: Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Frankfurt University. We are developing new models and generative principles for the brain using a range of toolsets from dynamical systems theory and computational neurosciences. Examples are new objective functions and generating functionals, attractor metadynamics, transient state dynamics and self-limiting Hebbian plasticity rules. Several subjects are available for the announced PhD thesis including studies of the autonomous brain dynamics and/or studies of new synaptic plasticity rules, like trace formulations of STDP and the interplay between short term synaptic plasticity and neural dynamics. The work will include analytical investigations and numerical simulations of neural models and neural networks, using the toolset of dynamical systems theory. The candidates should have a Diploma/Master in physics with an excellent academic track record and good computational skills. Experience or strong interest in the fields of complex systems, computational neurosciences, dynamical systems theory and/or artificial or biological cognitive systems is expected. The degree of scientific research experience is expected to be on the level of a German Diploma/Master. The appointments will start summer 2014, for up to three years. Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and arrange for two letters of reference to be sent to the address below. Prof. Dr. C. Gros Institute for Theoretical Physics Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 1 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany cgr(a)itp.uni-frankfurt.de http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ***************************************** *** Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros *** *** +49 (0)69 798 47818 *** *** http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros *** ***************************************** -------------------------------------------------------- --- Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer --- --- A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13) --- --------------------------------------------------------

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Position for a Senior Postdoctoral Neuroscientist
by Ileana Hanganu-Opatz March 25, 2014

March 25, 2014

Invitation for applications: A postdoctoral position for neurophysiology and optogenetics is available at the Department of Developmental Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany. Our group investigates the synchronized patterns of electrical activity in the immature brain, their relevance for the development of cognitive and behavioral abilities and their impairment associated with neurological disorders, such as perinatal ischemia and schizophrenia (www.zmnh.uni-hamburg.de/zmnh/groups/hanganu/hanganu) We seek a Senior Postdoctoral Neuroscientist to develop, execute and analyze state-of-the-art electrophysiological, optogenetic, anatomical and behavioral experiments in rodents as part of a research project aiming to elucidate the neuronal circuitry accounting for the maturation of cognitive and multisensory abilities. The position offers an excellent opportunity to perform highly collaborative research within the DFG-funded Priority Program 1665 and Collaborative Research Center 936. Qualified candidates should hold a Ph.D, M.D. or equivalent qualification, and should have outstanding certificates and good publication record. Candidates are also expected to have significant experience in electrophysiology and optogenetics as well as strong background in mathematics with good programming experience (MATLAB). Good communication skills, creative and independent thinking are mandatory. The position is available from September 2014 or later and will run initially for 3 years. The salary will be on the level of the German public service research salary (E13-14, 40.000-45.000 EUR per annum, depending on experience). Applications including (i) CV, (ii) a brief statement of expertise and interests, (iii) academic achievements and list of publications and (iv) 2 letters of reference should be sent to *Prof. Dr. Ileana Hanganu-Opatz*by email (*hangop(a)zmnh.uni-hamburg.de*) Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information please contact --------------------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Ileana Hanganu-Opatz, PhD University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Developmental Neurophysiology Postal address: Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH) Falkenried 94 20251 Hamburg Germany Phone: +49 (0) 40 7410 58966 Fax: +49 (0) 40 7410 58925 Email: ileana.hanganu-opatz(a)zmnh.uni-hamburg.de i.hanganu-opatz(a)uke.de Website: www.zmnh.uni-hamburg.de/zmnh/groups/hanganu/hanganu Website SPP 1665: www.spp1665.de -- Pflichtangaben gemäß Gesetz über elektronische Handelsregister und Genossenschaftsregister sowie das Unternehmensregister (EHUG): Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts Gerichtsstand: Hamburg Vorstandsmitglieder: Prof. Dr. Christian Gerloff (Vertreter des Vorsitzenden) Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus Joachim Prölß Rainer Schoppik

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Call for Abstracts: Bernstein Conference 2014
by Kerstin Mosch March 25, 2014

March 25, 2014

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Research Associate Position at University of Manchester
by Sergio Davies March 24, 2014

March 24, 2014

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=7520 You will join the SpiNNaker team, part of the Advanced Processor Technologies (APT) group within the School of Computer Science at Manchester. The APT group is a world-leading research centre, continuing the long and distinguished record of the University of Manchester in the field of Computer Architecture. This record includes the development of the world's first stored program computer, the invention of virtual memory and the building of the first practical Dataflow computer. The group's high international research profile has attracted a great deal of UK and EU funding and resulted in significant industrial collaboration. The APT staff have significant expertise in computer architecture, system software and Neuromorphic Engineering, which is demonstrated by its extensive industrial impact (e.g. the ICL Goldrush Database server, Amulet processors for ARM Ltd., and Transitive Corporation, now IBM Manchester, and Silistix Ltd. spin offs). As a Research Associate you will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) and possess proven research ability. As a Research Assistant a good/relevant MSc (or equivalent experience) is essential. You will also have knowledge in one or more of the following areas: 1. Hardware system development and commissioning including FPGA design, basic robotics, circuit board testing, microprocessor systems, ARM processors. 2. System software development including operating systems, parallel computing, C and Python programming. Informal Enquiries Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Steve Furber, ICL Professor of Computer Engineering Email: steve.furber(a)manchester.ac.uk More information can be found at: http://apt.cs.manchester.ac.uk http://apt.cs.man.ac.uk/projects/SpiNNaker/ http://www.prime-project.org http://apt.cs.manchester.ac.uk/people/sfurber *Please note for the Research Assistant post *if you do not have permission to work in the UK, the University of Manchester will not be able to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for you to take up this position. Therefore you must have valid immigration status and/or a UK visa valid for the duration of the contract. The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. -- Dr Sergio Davies Research associate - APT Group Room IT 302 - IT Building School of Computer Science Oxford Road, Manchester The University of Manchester M13 9PL, U.K. mailto: daviess(a)cs.man.ac.uk mailto: sergio.davies(a)gmail.com http://apt.cs.man.ac.uk/people/daviess/

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Research Associate Position at University of Manchester
by Sergio Davies March 24, 2014

March 24, 2014

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=7614 Applications are invited for the above post to work as research assistant/associate on the SpiNNaker project. The SpiNNaker architecture is optimized to support the simulation of simple (point-like) neurons and their connections (or synapses). This architecture now has a world-wide user base, drawn to a reliable and flexible platform for real-time neural network simulation; this community is comprised of both traditional computational neuroscientists and also scientists and engineers from application areas such as robotics. The position is linked to the PRiME EPSRC-funded Programme Grant led by the University of Southampton, with Imperial College, London, and the Universities of Manchester and Newcastle as partners. This position will run immediately until 12th May 2018. You will join the SpiNNaker team, part of the Advanced Processor Technologies (APT) group within the School of Computer Science at Manchester. The APT group is a world-leading research centre, continuing the long and distinguished record of the University of Manchester in the field of Computer Architecture. This record includes the development of the world's first stored program computer, the invention of virtual memory and the building of the first practical Dataflow computer. The group's high international research profile has attracted a great deal of UK and EU funding and resulted in significant industrial collaboration. The APT staff have significant expertise in computer architecture, system software and Neuromorphic Engineering, which is demonstrated by its extensive industrial impact (e.g. the ICL Goldrush Database server, Amulet processors for ARM Ltd., and Transitive Corporation, now IBM Manchester, and Silistix Ltd. spin offs). We are seeking a motivated researcher with knowledge in one or more of the following areas: 1. Hardware system development and commissioning including FPGA design, basic robotics, circuit board testing, microprocessor systems, ARM processors. 2. System software development including operating systems, parallel computing, C and Python programming. It is essential that candidates for the Research Associate appointment should possess proven research ability, a PhD or other equivalent experience, while a good/relevant MSc or other equivalent experience will be essential for the Research Assistant appointment. Please note that if you do not have permission to work in the UK, the University of Manchester will not be able to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for you to take up the Research Assistant position. All non EU/EEA candidates must have valid immigration status and/or a UK visa valid for the duration of the contract in order to be considered for this appointment. *Informal enquiries* Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Steve Furber, Email: steve.furber(a)manchester.ac.uk The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. -- Dr Sergio Davies Research associate - APT Group Room IT 302 - IT Building School of Computer Science Oxford Road, Manchester The University of Manchester M13 9PL, U.K. mailto: daviess(a)cs.man.ac.uk mailto: sergio.davies(a)gmail.com http://apt.cs.man.ac.uk/people/daviess/

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Research Associate position at Bernstein Centre Freiburg, Germany
by Carsten Mehring March 24, 2014

March 24, 2014

Invitation for applications: Research Associate in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Bernstein Centre, University of Freiburg A research associate position (‘akademischer Rat’, A13Z) is available in the group of Carsten Mehring at the Bernstein Centre and the Institute of Biology 3 at the University of Freiburg, Germany. This is a new lab, established to study sensorimotor behavior and brain-machine interfaces. Research topics include: motor adaptation and skill learning; brain-machine and machine-brain interfaces; neuronal dynamics; decision making. The primary research tools are behavioural experiments, electrophysiology and neuroimaging (EEG, ECoG, fNIRS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS&tACS), advanced neural signal analysis and computational modeling. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist who has expertise in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology. This is a full-time position, with an initial 3 years fixed-term contract that can be extended by another 3 years. The salary will be according to A13. The position includes teaching duties in neuroscience, which can be carried out in English. Starting date is flexible, if possible May/June 2014. The ideal candidate has a strong background in quantitative analysis, experience running behavioural and/or neurophysiological experiments and proficiency in programming. A PhD in a relevant field is required. The lab is located in Freiburg (Germany), which is in the southwest of Germany close to the French and Swiss borders. Freiburg has a vibrant academic community and our group is part of the Bernstein Centre Freiburg (http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de) and the cluster of excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools (http://www.brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de) which provide first-class environments for research on Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology. Applicants should email a CV, a letter of motivation, a short research statement (max. 1 page) and contact details for two academic references to carsten.mehring(a)biologie.uni-freiburg.de. Reviewing of applications starts on April, 15th. Further information: Carsten Mehring carsten.mehring(a)biologie.uni-freiburg.de http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/people/details/mehring

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First neural connectomics challenge: from imaging to connectivity
by Demian Battaglia March 24, 2014

March 24, 2014

The brain contains nearly 100 billion neurons with an average 7000 synaptic connections. Recovering the exact wiring of the brain (connectome) at this neural level is therefore a daunting task. Traditional neuroanatomical methods of axonal tracing or electrophysiological direct assays cannot scale up to very large networks. Could there be alternative methods, such as inference algorithms, to recovering neural network structures from patterns of neural activity? This challenge (inaugurating a series of future "Connectomics" challenges) will stimulate research on network structure inference from calcium fluorescence data, including causal discovery methods. WHAT YOU GET: Time series of the activity of 1000 neurons in a culture (simulated calcium fluorescence data) WHAT YOU PREDICT: The directed connections between neurons. 45 days to go, 3000 $ allocated for the top three ranked competitors (if they accept to make an open release of their code ;-) Challenge submission website: https://www.kaggle.com/c/connectomics Over 70 teams are already attending! There will be $3000 in prizes awarded. We are an official challenge at IEEE WCCI 2014 meeting in Beijing, where challenge results will be spotlighted: http://www.ieee-wcci2014.org (see "accepted competitions") Participants may present their results at a dedicated workshop at ECML 2014 (Nancy, France): http://www.ecmlpkdd2014.org (see "discovery challenges") http://connectomics.chalearn.org/workshop (workshop webpage) The top-ranked challenge participants and authors of the best workshop papers will be invited to participate to full length submissions (individual or collective, including detailed post-challenge analytics and algorithm comparisons and benchmarking) to peer-reviewed journals, such as Frontiers in Neuroinformatics or PLoS Computational Biology. Calendar: May 5, 2014: End of challenge. May 20, 2014: All teams must turn in fact sheets. The three top ranking teams must turn in their code to qualify for prizes. The post-challenge verifications start. June 1, 2014: End of the post challenge verifications. Release of the official ranking. June 20, 2014: ECML workshop proceeding paper submission deadline. July 6-11, 2014: Result presentation at WCCI 2014, Beijing, China. August 30, 2014: Revised papers due for ECML workshop proceedings. Beginning of post-challenge papers design. September 15 or 19, 2014: ECML workshop, Nancy, France. Discussion of the results and preparation of post-challenge synthesis. For any information or request, please contact: Demian Battaglia, demian.battaglia(a)univ-amu.fr --- Demian Battaglia, PhD Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille Université - Marseille, France Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience - Göttingen, Germany http://www.nld.ds.mpg.de/~demian

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