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

Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity: deadline approaching

by Subhasis Ray

(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

March 27, 2014

Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain, Friday Harbor: deadline approaching!

by Adrienne Fairhall

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

March 27, 2014

Fwd: a foundation professor in computational neuroscience at Monash, Australia

by Naotsugu Tsuchiya

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

March 26, 2014

Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience 2014

by Máté Lengyel

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

March 26, 2014

post-doc available in computational neuroscience applied to regenerative biology

by Levin, Michael

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

March 25, 2014

Ninth Summer School on Advanced Statistics and Data Mining (Madrid, June 23rd - July 4th, 2014)

by asdm＠fi.upm.es

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.

March 25, 2014

Fully funded PhD position: computational neuroscience / complex system theory

by Prof. Claudius Gros

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) --- --------------------------------------------------------

March 25, 2014

Position for a Senior Postdoctoral Neuroscientist

by Ileana Hanganu-Opatz

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

March 25, 2014

Call for Abstracts: Bernstein Conference 2014

by Kerstin Mosch

March 25, 2014

Research Associate Position at University of Manchester

by Sergio Davies

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/

March 24, 2014