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

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

by Wilson Truccolo

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY: Applications for NIH-funded post-doctoral positions are invited for the Laboratory of Dr. Wilson Truccolo in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. The positions are for the development of data-driven stochastic and biophysical models of multiscale neural dynamics in human epilepsy. Data consist of simultaneous intracortical microelectrode array recordings of ensembles of single neurons and local field potentials, as well as ECoGs, during seizure and non-seizure states in individuals with intractable epilepsy. The project involves a collaboration between the labs of Dr. Truccolo and Dr. Sydney Cash (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational/theoretical neuroscience and modeling of stochastic neural dynamics. Related recent publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( http://www.truccololab.com/ <http://dl.dropbox.com/u/983891/Truccolo_home.htm>). Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Truccolo (wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu) Applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu. -- Wilson Truccolo, Ph.D. Pablo J. Salame '88 Goldman Sachs Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University Lab website: http://www.truccololab.com/

Sept. 24, 2014

PhD position in systems neuroscience at the Queensland Brain Institute (Australia).

by Allen Cheung

Dear Colleagues, We are seeking a suitable PhD candidate to investigate the computational underpinnings of spatial representations in the rodent hippocampus. The candidate will use in vivo electrophysiology and new wireless recording technologies to record from individual neurons in behaving rodents. The work will be carried out in state-of-the-art facilities at the Queensland Brain Institute in Brisbane, Australia. Further information about the PhD project and the Queensland Brain Institute can be found at: http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/496483/phd-position-in-systems-neuroscienc… Allen ________________________________________________ Dr Allen Cheung Group Leader | Computational Neuroscience | Spatial Navigation Queensland Brain Institute | The University of Queensland Email: a.cheung(a)uq.edu.au ________________________________

Sept. 23, 2014

Recruitment: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour

by Peter Dayan

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour Under the Directorship of Professor John O’Keefe, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at UCL will commence operations in early 2015 bringing together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to create neural representations and guide behaviour. The Centre has been created through substantial investment from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, and is being structured to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, enquiry and excellence. The Centre will be accommodated in a new, purpose-designed, seven-storey building located in Central London and offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment through its provision of state-of-the-art research laboratories with integral biological services capability, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories, significant in-house high-performance computing facilities and extensive data storage systems to support both experimental analysis and theoretical modelling. Neuroscientists working in the Centre will use the latest advanced molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit will be located at the heart of the Centre, facilitating broad and deep collaborations in data analysis and computational modelling. The full complement of scientists in the Centre is expected to reach 150 together with around 50 dedicated support staff. Scientists joining the Centre will become part of UCL Neuroscience which brings together over 450 principal investigators located primarily within the UCL School of Life and Medical Sciences and offers extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Neuroscience is a strategic priority for UCL as it positions itself to become the world’s leading neuroscience institution. The Centre will offer additional opportunities for collaboration, networking and intellectual stimulation through its visitor programme, regular seminar series and the hosting of world-class scientific conferences and workshops. Formal teaching commitments will be minimal allowing scientists to focus on their research. The Centre is recruiting high-achieving, highly-motivated collaborative scientists with backgrounds in neuroscience as well as related physical and biological sciences, at all career levels. We invite applications from outstanding, innovative scientists who can evidence the highest levels of academic excellence through substantial peer-reviewed publications and significant scientific achievement. Given the technologically- advanced research proposed for the Centre, we are particularly interested in scientists wishing to extend the boundaries of technological development in areas such as high-density electrophysiological probes, telemetry, optical recording, molecular and genetic tools, new anatomical mapping techniques, and the use of virtual reality and other novel behavioural approaches such as video image analysis. Recruitment will take place on a continuing ad hoc basis and at dedicated residential recruitment workshops. The first recruitment workshop has been scheduled for 3-4 November 2014 with a focus on Fellowship applications. Senior scientist interviews will be scheduled from November onwards. Competitive salaries, tailored research space and generous relocation and recruitment packages, including research support, will be offered. For further details about vacancies and how to apply online, please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/opportunities

Sept. 23, 2014

Tenure-track faculty position in computational cognitive neuroscience at Dartmouth

by James V. Haxby

********** Assistant Professor, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience: The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College expects to make a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (entry-level or advanced) in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience effective July 1, 2015. We seek an individual who is able to provide high-quality teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and who has exhibited excellence in independent research. We are interested in applicants who investigate how information is encoded in neural activity and who develop and use methods for decoding information from population responses and neural circuits. Our department has particular strength in Cognitive Neuroscience, Social Neuroscience, and Behavioral/Systems Neuroscience. We are particularly interested in applicants whose work focuses on high-level cognitive functions, such as, but not limited to, high-level vision and audition, attention, working memory, social cognition, and decision making. The department is housed in a state-of-the-art research and teaching facility that includes a dedicated 3T MRI scanner for brain imaging research and animal research facilities. Dartmouth also is home to the Neukom Institute for Computational Science, the Geisel School of Medicine, and the Thayer School of Engineering, which provide further opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations. With an even distribution of male and female students and over a third of the undergraduate student population from minority groups, Dartmouth is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Please submit an application including curriculum vita, a statement of research interests, pdf files of representative journal reprints or manuscripts, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted via http://apply.interfolio.com/25762. Questions can be addressed to James Haxby, Chair, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Search Committee, by email (preferred; james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>) or regular mail (Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, 6207 Moore Hall, Hanover, NH 03755). Review of applications will begin in November and continue until the position is filled. ----------------------- James Haxby Director, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences 6207 Moore Hall Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755 Professor Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC University of Trento, Italy email: james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>

Sept. 23, 2014

CFP: Special Issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems"

by Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi

Dear Colleagues, we would like to draw your attention to the forthcoming special issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems <http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic>" in the open access journal Entropy and invite you to contribute -- deadline February 28th, 2015. In recent years, ideas such as "life is information processing" or "information holds the key to understanding life" have become more common. However, how can information, or more formally Information Theory, increase our understanding of life, or life-like systems? Information Theory not only has a profound mathematical basis, but also typically provides an intuitive understanding of processes, such as learning, behavior and evolution terms of information processing. In this special issue, we are interested in both: a.) the information-theoretic formalization and quantification of different aspects of life, such as driving forces of learning and behavior generation, information flows between neurons, swarm members and social agents, and information theoretic aspects of evolution and adaptation and b.) the simulation and creation of life-like systems with previously identified principles and incentives. Topics with relation to artificial and natural systems: information theoretic intrinsic motivations information theoretic quantification of behavior information theoretic guidance of artificial evolution information theoretic guidance of self-organization information theoretic driving forces behind learning information theoretic driving forces behind behavior information theory in swarms information theory in social behavior information theory in evolution information theory in the brain information theory in system-environment distinction information theory in the perception action loop information theoretic definitions of life Christoph Salge Georg Martius Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi Daniel Polani - Guest Editors - Further Information: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic With best wishes, Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi -- Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi, Dr. rer. nat. Information Theory of Cognitive Systems Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences phone: (+49) 341 9959 545, fax: (+49) 341 9959 555, office A11

Sept. 23, 2014

job openings at Tufts university

by sepideh sadeghi

There are two tenure-stream faculty openings (research area: ML) at Tufts, department of Computer Science for Sep 15. There is also another opening for an interdisciplinary professorship (Computer Science, Psychology, Philosophy), intended to bridge research and education across departments and schools. More information can be found at http://www.cs.tufts.edu/Jobs/employment-opportunities.html. *Full Time Faculty* *Faculty Positions in Computer Science* The Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering at Tufts University invites applications for two tenure-stream faculty appointments to begin in September 2015. We are looking for engaged and engaging researchers with a strong vision who can build and maintain a high-quality funded research program at Tufts. We are seeking candidates at the rank of Associate Professor or full Professor, although exceptional candidates at the rank of Assistant Professor will also be considered. We are particularly interested in researchers in the areas of machine learning and data mining broadly interpreted to include related fields where data and its analysis are central. These include, for example, adaptive systems in robotics, computational linguistics, computational sustainability, and visual analytics, as well as research involving interdisciplinary collaborations and applications in science, engineering and the humanities. Senior-level applicants should have an internationally renowned research program and a strong track record of outside funding. Junior-level applicants must hold a PhD in Computer Science or closely related field at time of appointment, and are expected to develop a high-quality funded research program. At all levels, candidates must have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. The Department of Computer Science has grown tremendously in the past decade in faculty and student size and in research expenditures. Located in the Boston area, the department benefits from outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, collaborative faculty, and cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Tufts University is one of the smallest universities ranked as a Research 1 university, and it offers the best of a liberal arts college atmosphere, coupled with the intellectual and technological resources of a major research university. Tufts University supports and encourages a culture of interdisciplinary research and there are numerous such opportunities within the School of Engineering, the School of Arts and Sciences, and through graduate and professional schools. Tufts' School of Engineering distinguishes itself by the interdisciplinary focus and integrative nature of its engineering education within the intellectually rich environment of a research university. Located only six miles from historic downtown Boston, faculty members on the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus have extensive opportunities for academic and industrial collaboration as well as participation in the rich intellectual life of the area. The School of Engineering is in the midst of a period of exciting growth that has seen recruitment of outstanding new faculty, a quadrupling of funded research over the last ten years, addition of new laboratory space, an emphasis on building diversity in engineering, and major curricular initiatives at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We request that applications include the following materials: (a) a curriculum vitae, (b) a statement describing current and planned research, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy, (d) names and affiliations of three to five potential references, and (e) a sample of scholarly work. All these should be submitted online through Academic Jobs Online <https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/4533> (AJO). Reference letters will be solicited only with the candidate's explicit approval. Applicants have the option of providing such approval and asking for their letters to be submitted through AJO. Review of applications will begin December 8, 2014 and will continue until the positions are filled. For more information about the department, the positions, and the application procedure please visit http://www.cs.tufts.edu/. Inquiries should be emailed to cssearch(a)cs.tufts.edu . Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. *Senior Faculty Position in Computer Science, Philosophy, and Psychology* The Departments of Computer Science <http://www.cs.tufts.edu/>, Philosophy <http://ase.tufts.edu/philosophy/>, and Psychology <http://ase.tufts.edu/psychology/> at Tufts University will make an appointment at the level of Associate or Full Professor as part of the Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program <http://cogsci.tufts.edu/>. This interdisciplinary professorship is the first of its kind at Tufts, intended to bridge research and education across departments and schools. We are looking for applications from well-established scholars who could contribute to the ongoing research and teaching mission of the Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program, while expanding the intellectual output and visibility of at least two participating departments. Teaching and service obligations will be shared between the host departments most fitting to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will have achieved international stature in a subfield in cognitive science, and would ideally have an established track record of obtaining external funding and advising Ph.D. students. Any research area in cognitive science that combines some aspects of computer science, philosophy, linguistics, and psychology will be considered, for instance, cognitive or agent-based modeling and simulation, computational pragmatics, and situated embodied cognition. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement describing current and planned research, a statement of teaching philosophy, a writing sample, the names and affiliations of three to five potential references, and an e-mail address and phone number at which the candidate may be reached. Evidence of teaching experience and expertise is also welcome. All application materials should be submitted online throughInterfolio <http://apply.interfolio.com/24625>. Letters of recommendation will be solicited only with the candidate's explicit approval. Review of applications will begin in Spring 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. The Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program at Tufts was started in 2011 and currently enrolls over 20 students for joint degrees in cognitive science and one of the following Ph.D. granting departments: Child Development <http://ase.tufts.edu/epcd/>, Computer Science, or Psychology. The undergraduate major inCognitive and Brain Sciences <http://ase.tufts.edu/psychology/undergradConcCognitive.htm> was started in 2008; currently there are 62 majors. This bridge professorship is intended to enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration in cognitive science at Tufts; the successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage research activity broadly at Tufts and to shape the future of both the graduate and the undergraduate programs. For more information about the programs, please visit the Cognitive Science <http://cogsci.tufts.edu/> departmental page. Inquiries about the position should be emailed to cogsci-search(a)tufts.edu . Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Sept. 22, 2014

Research Associate in Neuroscience, University of Leicester

by Atkinson, Sue

Dear Colleagues, We are recruiting for a Research Associate here at the Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester. This position is supported by the Human Frontier Science Program and aims to investigate how the brain creates conceptual knowledge, bridging systems, cognitive and theoretical neuroscience. You will join an international research team, working alongside colleagues from Rockefeller University (Winrich Freiwald), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Haim Sompolinsky) and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA, Trieste; Mathew Diamond and Davide Zoccolan) studying cross-species (rats, monkeys and humans) comparisons of experimental data, complimented by computational modelling. You will work on the analysis and collection of multiple single neuron recordings in epileptic patients (which are implanted with intracranial electrodes for clinical reasons) performing different cognitive tasks, and contribute towards the study of concept cells (a.k.a. Jennifer Aniston neurons; see e.g. Quian Quiroga et al, Nature 2005; Quian Quiroga; Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012). You may also contribute to related projects using non-invasive scalp EEG recordings (e.g. Navajas et al, J. Neuroscience 2013) and/or electrophysiology and 2-photon imaging recordings in mice. You should have very good quantitative skills, a strong background in neuroscience and, ideally, a good experience with neurophysiology recordings. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Sue Atkinson, Research Centre Manager, sam45(a)le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3249. Click on the link below (or copy and paste into your browser) here and search on the reference number SEN00514 for more information and to apply. http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/jobs/opportunities/jobsearch Sue ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Susan Atkinson Centre Manager Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester, 9 Salisbury Road, Leicester, LE1 7QR, UK T: +44 116 252 3249 E: sam45(a)le.ac.uk<mailto:sam45@le.ac.uk> W: http://www2.le.ac.uk/centres/csn [cid:image001.jpg@01CFD671.58BF8A30] Elite without being elitist Follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/uniofleicester> or visit our Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/uniofleicester> page

Sept. 22, 2014

on behalf of Wulfram Gerstner: New Textbook: Neuronal Dynamics - neurons, networks, cognition

by Reinoud Maex

Dear colleagues and students, we would like to announce the publication of a new textbook Neuronal Dynamics - from single neurons to networks and models of cognition Cambridge Univ. Press 2014 by W. Gerstner, W.K. Kistler, R. Naud and L. Paninski This text covers classical topics of computational neuroscience (Hodgkin-Huxley model, Integrate-and-fire model, Hopfield model, Competitive networks) together with modern developments in the field (Generalized Linear Models, Generalized Integrate-and-Fire models, Network dynamics, Neural fields, Decision Theory, STDP). For students: Worked-out examples and exercises are available for each chapter - plus a series of video lectures For lecturers: Teaching material in pdf or pptx format more info on: http://neuronaldynamics.epfl.ch/ We hope you will enjoy reading! best regards Wulfram Gerstner, Werner Kistler Liam Paninski, Richard Naud

Sept. 20, 2014

Two PhD positions in computational neuroscience at the Institute of Vision in Paris, France

by Angelo ARLEO

Two fully-funded PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience at the Institute of Vision in Paris, France Job description Applications are invited for two PhD positions in the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory at the Institute of Vision (INSERM-CNRS-University Pierre & Marie Curie) Paris, France. The gradual impairment of vision-dependent functions with age is at the core of our research. The main goal is to characterize how healthy visual aging shapes perceptual and cognitive functions in humans. PhD project n.1 The first PhD fellow will model age-related changes of low-level processing, coding and perception in the visual system.This project will be carried out under the supervision of Tim Masquelier & Angelo Arleo (Institute of Vision, Paris, France) and Simon Thorpe (Brain & Cognition Research Center, Toulouse, France). We will design a biologically detailed spiking neural network model of the primate early visual system. The model will have to process natural images and videos, and have self-learning capabilities. We will use this model to study the impact of healthy aging on visual processing and perception. The PhD student will work hand-in-hand with experimentalists in our Aging in Vision and Action lab performing visual psychophysics with elderly humans. We expect this project to bridge the gap between observations at the neuronal level (e.g. spontaneous activity increases, spike timing precision decreases with aging), and observations at the behavioral level (e.g. perceptual thresholds increase). PhD project n.2 The second PhD student will model age-related consequences on visual-based spatial cognition. This project will be carried under the supervision of Denis Sheynikhovich & Angelo Arleo (Institute of Vision, Paris, France) and Ricardo Chavarriaga (EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland). We will build a spatial learning model based on spiking neural networks accounting for existing knowledge on the neural substrates of spatial memory and navigation in animals and humans. We will use this model to study the impact of healthy visual aging on neural coding and adaptation mechanisms mediating spatial orientation and navigation. The PhD student will work hand-in-hand with experimentalists in our Aging in Vision and Action lab studying spatial orientation and navigation in elderly humans. Again, this project aims at cross-linking findings at multiple organisation levels. Requirements Applicants should have a strong quantitative background (physics, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics), and a keen interest in reverse-engineering the brain. Knowledge on computational neuroscience, machine learning, image processing and programming languages (Matlab, C or Python) are a plus, although not mandatory. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory. Successful candidates are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with collaborations with biologists, theoreticians and clinicians. They will be awarded a 3-year PhD fellowship from the University Pierre and Marie Curie Paris. Working environment and laboratory The Institute of Vision is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology. The Institute of Vision includes multidisciplinary research groups, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a clinical investigation center, which fosters truly translational research activity. More information can be found online (http://www.institut-vision.org) The Institute of Vision and Essilor International, world leader in ophthalmic optics, have recently supported the creation of the laboratory of Aging in Vision and Action. This new laboratory aims at evaluating and understanding the functional aspects of the degeneration mechanisms related to visual aging. This research has the potential to produce fundamental knowledge suited for opening to assistive technological developments and rehabilitation solutions. The faculty members of the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory, led by Angelo Arleo, are specialized in visual psychophysics, neurobiology of spatial orientation, neural coding, neurocomputational modeling, and preclinical evaluation. The group has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art platforms including eye trackers, motion capture rooms, virtual reality environments, brain imaging, artificial street labs and home labs (http://www.streetlab-vision.com/en/) How to apply Candidates should send a single pdf file containing a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference). For further inquiries, please contact Angelo Arleo, angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr, phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52. Angelo ARLEO Institute of Vision, Aging in Vision and Action Lab, CNRS - INSERM - University Pierre&Marie Curie, 17, rue Moreau F-75012 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52 Mobile: +33 (0)6 89 89 07 23 email: angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr; angelo.arleo(a)upmc.fr

Sept. 19, 2014

Educational video available

by Geoffrey Goodhill

Dear Computational Neuroscientists, Although it didn't win anything from the Society for Neuroscience, you might be interested in this entry for SFN's Brain Awareness Video contest, entitled "What has Maths got to do with the Brain?". It's a stop motion animation of dolls (representing high school students) discussing what subjects they should study next year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bEU1J-CN-U This was a collaboration between myself (scriptwriter) and my daughter (everything else, plus some script editing). Geoff Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics & Physics University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Phone: +61 7 3346 6431 Fax: +61 7 3346 6301 Email: g.goodhill(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:g.goodhill@uq.edu.au> http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/professor-geoffrey-goodhill

Sept. 19, 2014