February 2015 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Research Fellow in Computational Neuroscience, University of Surrey, UK
by Thomas Nowotny 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

On behalf of Dr. Andre Gruening, University of Surrey: Research Fellow in Computational Neuroscience, University of Surrey, UK We are looking for a Research Fellow (Post-Doc) to work on a cross-disciplinaryresearch project in the fields of computational neuroscience, nature-inspired computation and machine learning on "Structures of Learning Algorithms for Spiking Neural Networks" with Dr Andre Gruning at the Computing Department of the University of Surrey. This post and research project are funded by the European Union's high-profile flagship "Human Brain Project", and the researcher will become part of the vibrant community of the Human Brain Project (https://www.humanbrainproject.eu<https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/>) and is expected to proactively interact within other research groups within the Human Brain Project. The researcher will be based at the University of Surrey, but will also be given the opportunity to spend significant amounts of her/his research time at the European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience at Paris (www.eitn.eu) or with other collaborating Human Brain Project partners. The post holder is expected to hold a PhD (or be close to completion of a PhD) in a relevant area such as Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Engineering. Programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python are a must as well as excellent mathematical and analytical skills. Expertise in computational and mathematical modelling of spiking neural networks and their learning algorithms is a plus. Experience with standard neural network modelling tools such as PyNN and NEST are also highly desirable as are excellent scientific writing skills. Mathematical experience should include differential equations, partial derivatives and basic stochastics. Start date: 1st March 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment is until 31st March 2016 in the first instance. Interviews for the post are planned for February 2015. Informal enquires are encouraged directly to Dr Andre Gruning (e-mail:a.gruning@surrey.ac.uk<mailto:a.gruning@surrey.ac.uk>, tel: +44-1483-68-2648). A more detailed project description is available on request. Please apply online at https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=005015 -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny

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postdoc position
by Yuri Ivanenko 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

I would like to advertise a postdoc position in 'Development of interactive locomotion', see below the job description. Thanks, Yuri Ivanenko ********************** Postdoc position in DEVELOPMENT OF INTERACTIVE LOCOMOTION -- Rome, Italy A postdoctoral position is available in the research group led by Yuri Ivanenko (y.ivanenko(a)hsantalucia.it) in the Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology of the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Italy, to conduct studies in the area of human interactive locomotion. The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in a new interdisciplinary project (CogIMon), funded by the H2020 program of the European Union, aiming at a step change in human-robot interaction. The consortium comprises leading robotics, computational neuroscience, and human motor control European research groups. Research will be focused on investigating human sensorimotor strategies for coordination and control of human-human interactive locomotion including agents of different sizes (children, adults). Experiments will be conducted to understanding the acquisition of locomotor patterns when in physical contact with others. Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, a real interest in development of human locomotion and sensorimotor control, and strong quantitative and programming skills. Experience with collection and analysis of experimental data, online data processing/control, and modeling of sensorimotor processes are valuable assets. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Applicants should provide a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for references. The position is available starting on April 1^st 2015 and open until filled. _____________________ Yuri P. Ivanenko, PhD Head of Gait Laboratory, Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 306 via Ardeatina, 00179 Rome, Italy tel ++39 06.51.50.14.75 fax ++39 06.51.50.14.82 e-mail: y.ivanenko(a)hsantalucia.it Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio sono riservate e destinate esclusivamente alla/e persona/e o all'ente sopra indicati. E' vietato ai soggetti diversi dai destinatari qualsiasi uso, copia e diffusione di quanto in esso contenuto sia ai sensi dell'art. 616 del codice penale che ai sensi della L. 196/03 (privacy). Se questo messaggio Vi e' pervenuto per errore, Vi preghiamo di non leggerlo, di distruggerlo e di comunicarci l'errone via e-mail o telefonanicamente. The information contained in this message is confidential and is intended for the exclusive use of the person(s) or company(s) above addessed. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are expressly prohibited from using, copying and distributing this message or any part of it in accordance with art. 616 of the Italian criminal code and the Italian law 196/03 (privacy). If you received this message by mistake please don't read it but destroy it and then inform us by e-mail or by phone.

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Re: [Comp-neuro] New computational neuroscience paper on human postural control system in PLoS Comput Biol.
by André Fabio Kohn 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Mesoscale neural model of human spinal cord, muscle receptors, muscle dynamics and standing control biomechanics. This recently published paper starts from neuronal ionic channels to model spinal cord neurons and ends at studying human postural control during quiet stance. It represents a closed loop system, with feedback achieved through appropriate muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ models. It is a mesoscale model and it was successfully validated both at the individual level and the overall behavior level. Spinal cord neurons (motoneurons and excitatory and inhibitory interneurons) are modeled based on ionic channel dynamics, synapses have dynamic properties, afferent and efferent axons introduce delays, muscles and tendons are modeled based on human data, appropriate models of muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs provide sensory feedback to the spinal cord. Brain commands on the spinal cord are modeled through Gamma point processes with appropriate parameters. >From an overall theoretical view, the system is composed of nonlinear elements, it is stochastic and has delays and is described by approximately 5000 differential equations. Among its many new results, one is that a mixture of intermittent and continuous motor control may arise from the overall dynamics of the closed loop system, without influence from the brain. Elias, L.A., Watanabe, R.N. Kohn, A.F., 2014 (November). Spinal Mechanisms May Provide a Combination of Intermittent and Continuous Control of Human Posture: Predictions from a Biologically Based Neuromusculoskeletal Model http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.10039… Andre Fabio Kohn, Ph.D. Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience University of Sao Paulo, Brazil www.leb.usp.br 2015-01-30 18:36 GMT-02:00 André Fabio Kohn <andfkohn(a)gmail.com>: > This recently published paper starts from neuronal ionic channels to model > spinal cord neurons and ends at studying human postural control during > quiet stance. It represents a closed loop system, with feedback achieved > through appropriate muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ models. It is a > mesoscale model and it was successfully validated both at the individual > level and the overall behavior level. Spinal cord neurons (motoneurons and > excitatory and inhibitory interneurons) are modeled based on ionic channel > dynamics, synapses have dynamic properties, afferent and efferent axons > introduce delays, muscles and tendons are modeled based on human data, > appropriate models of muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs provide > sensory feedback to the spinal cord. Brain commands on the spinal cord are > modeled through Gamma point processes with appropriate parameters. > > From an overall theoretical view, the system is composed of nonlinear > elements, it is stochastic and has delays and is described by approximately > 5000 differential equations. > > Among its many new results, one is that a mixture of intermittent and > continuous motor control may arise from the overall dynamics of the closed > loop system, without influence from the brain. > > > > Elias, L.A., Watanabe, R.N. Kohn, A.F., 2014 (November). Spinal Mechanisms > May Provide a Combination of Intermittent and Continuous Control of Human > Posture: Predictions from a Biologically Based Neuromusculoskeletal Model > > > http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.10039… > > > > Andre Fabio Kohn, Ph.D. > > Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience > > University of Sao Paulo, Brazil > > www.leb.usp.br >

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Reminder - Feb. 15 Application Deadline for 2015 Summer School on Large-Scale Brain Modelling
by Peter Blouw 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

[All details about this school can be found online at http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is inviting applications for our 2nd annual summer school on large-scale brain modelling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun <http://www.nengo.ca/build-a-brain/spaunvideos> [1], and provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for simulating cognitive and neural systems. We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific training in the use of modelling software is required, but we encourage applications from active researchers with a relevant background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, engineering, computer science, or a related field. For a look at last year's summer school, please see this short video: http://goo.gl/BXJ3x5 [1] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper] ***Application Deadline: February 15, 2015*** Format Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modelling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or provide a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. More generally, participants will have the opportunity to: - build perceptual, motor, and cognitive models with spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - use Nengo with your favorite simulator, e.g. Brian, NEST, Neuron, etc. - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. There will be a weekend break on June 13-14, and fun activities scheduled for evenings throughout. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Date and Location: June 7th to June 19th, 2015 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Applications: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (pblouw(a)uwaterloo.ca)

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Announcing Allen/UW Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain 2015
by Adrienne Fairhall 12 Feb '15

12 Feb '15

Applications are now open for the second Allen Institute for Brain Science/UW Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain. Directed by Christof Koch and Adrienne Fairhall, this course takes place on beautiful San Juan Island, WA, from Aug 23-Sept 6. The course features lectures in basics of experimental and theoretical neurobiology along with practical sessions on coding, big data, modeling and the use of the Allen Institute tools for neuroanatomical exploration and model development. Students will also have access to new high-throughput data sets collected by the Institute in the past year with which to carry out an independent project. Deadline April 1. For details and link to application, see one of: http://alleninstitute.org/summerworkshop http://courses.washington.edu/braindyn/

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New Book: Information Theory
by Jim Stone 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

I'd like to announce the publication of this book: Information Theory: A Tutorial Introduction by JV Stone Reviews, synopsis, and table of contents can be found here: http://jim-stone.staff.shef.ac.uk/BookInfoTheory/InfoTheoryBookMain.html Note that the examples explored in the final chapter are especially relevant to computational neuroscience and biology. regards, Dr Jim Stone University of Sheffield, UK. http://www.jim-stone.staff.shef.ac.uk/

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Postdoctoral position at Group for Neural Theory, Paris
by Srdjan Ostojic 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

A postdoctoral position is available in Srdjan Ostojic’s team at the Group Neural Theory, Paris, France (see http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/), to investigate dynamics and computations in spiking neural networks, combining theoretical approaches, simulations and analysis of neurophysiological datasets. The Group for Neural Theory is a highly interactive and dynamic environment situated in central Paris, and embedded within the strong Parisian theoretical neuroscience community. The ideal candidate should have a strong quantitative background, e.g. in computational neuroscience, physics, applied maths, computer science. Previous experience in neuroscience is preferred but not required. Starting dates are flexible. The position is for two years, with a possible extension for a third year. Candidates should send a letter of motivation (2 pages max), the contact information of 2 to 3 referees and their CVs to srdjan.ostojic at ens.fr *BEFORE March 20th, 2015*. I will be available at Cosyne for informal inquiries. Srdjan Ostojic Group for Neural Theory Ecole Normale Superieure Paris 29, rue d'Ulm 75005 Paris, France

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Open PhD position in MEG/EEG research at Research Center Juelich, Germany
by Martina Reske 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

We have an open PhD student position in our collaborative project entitled “From spike trains to whole-brain dynamics – Bottom-up and top-down processing during active vision” to fill. This project addresses the question how visual input is processed in extremely short time cycles of fixations and saccades through interaction of various cortical areas. MEG recordings from human subjects performing free viewing tasks will allow for the simultaneous observation of neuronal activities from different cortical areas during active vision. Analysis of subjects’ performance and brain activity on these visual tasks enables us to study the information flow through various cortical areas, and to identify top-down components interacting with bottom-up processes. What we expect from you: * We seek for a highly motivated candidate with curiosity and persistence * A preferable candidate will have background and strong Master degree in physics, neuroscience, electrophysiology, biology, computer science or a closely related field of natural science, preferably in the field of MEG/EEG biophysics, data acquisition and analysis, biostatistics, MEG/EEG biophysics or signal processing * Obligatory: excellent educational records in the related field, good programming and data processing skills, time series analysis and M/EEG source estimation * Substantial expertise in scientific programming (preferable languages: Python, C, C++ ) and substantial knowledge of Linux and Windows * Strong motivation to carry out neuroimaging studies utilizing MEG and to perform source and connectivity analysis * Beneficial: basic knowledge of neuroscience concepts * Ability and willingness to work independently and proactively * Confident appearance and ability to work cooperatively in an interdisciplinary environment * Good interpersonal and communication skills, structured and systematic working style * Fluent in English (spoken and written); beneficial: knowledge of German The candidate will primarily be based at the Jülich Research Center. What we offer: We offer a position in a creative and international team, themes ranging from computational neuroscience, simulation technology and multimodal imaging, see www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> and http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-4/EN/Forschung/MEG-Physik/_node.html. The Jülich Research Center is one of the largest research centers in Germany, with excellent scientific equipment, located on a green campus, and near the cultural centers Köln, Düsseldorf, and Aachen. The PhD position is available for 3 years. Applications, including a letter clearly motivating your application, CV, publication list, copies of university certificates, and one reference letter should be sent as a single PDF email attachment (max. 10MB) mentioning the internal reference code CSC-GID latest until March 31st , 2015, to should be sent to: Dr. Martina Reske (m.reske(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:m.reske@fz-juelich.de>) – Scientific Coordinator. Project leaders will be: Prof. Dr. Sonja Grün (INM-6/IAS-6), Dr. Junji Ito (INM-6/IAS-6), Dr. Jürgen Dammers (INM-4) Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6, INM-4), Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), Jülich Research Center and JARA52425 Jülich, Germany, www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Ikerbasque Research Fellow ("Tenure"). Methods in Neuroimaging, Bilbao (Spain)
by Jesus Cortes 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Dear researcher, One position for "Ikerbasque Research Fellow" will be host by the new emerging group of Computational Neuroimaging in Biocruces. http://www.biocruces.com/web/biocruces/bc5.08 More information about the position, "Ikerbasque Research Fellow" at http://www.ikerbasque.net/fellows More information about Biocruces http://www.biocruces.com/ Interested researchers must contact me before April 1, 2015. Feel free in contacting me for any further question or comment. Provide a copy of an updated CV remarking best 5 publications. Prof. Jesus M Cortes Ikerbasque Research Professor Head of the Computational Neuroimaging Lab Biocruces Health Research Institute

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Introductory Workshop on Computational Methods in Neuroscience, June 10 – 19, 2015
by Artur Luczak 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Campus Alberta Neuroscience is pleased to announce the second annual Introductory Workshop on Computational Methods in Neuroscience. This ten-day workshop is comprised of lectures and hands-on Matlab exercises to introduce students to neuronal data analysis methods. Workshop is aimed for graduate students with little priory experience in quantitative methods who wants to learn Matlab and its application for data analyses. Most costs – including registration fees, travel to Lethbridge, accommodation, and most meals – will be covered for Alberta trainees. Individuals from outside of Alberta are encouraged to apply, but must cover their own costs. These costs are estimated to be around $1300 (excluding travel). Registration for the workshop is now open – complete applications must be received by March 10, 2015 at albertaneuro(a)uleth.ca . Workshop will take place at University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, June 10 – 19, 2015. Course Director is Dr. Bruce McNaughton and course instructors include Drs David Euston, Aaron Gruber, Artur Luczak, Masami Tatsuno and Majid Mohajerani. Further information and application details are available at: www.albertaneuro.ca/workshop Cheers, Artur ------------------------------------------------ Artur Luczak, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada tel.: (403) 394-3974; fax: (403) 329-2775 http://lethbridgebraindynamics.com/artur_luczak

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