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

Postdoctoral Position in Brain Mapping / Computational Neuroscience

by Stepanyants, Armen

The Neurogeometry Lab of Prof. Armen Stepanyants at the Department of Physics, in collaboration with the BIG-DATAbase group of Prof. Mirek Riedewald at the College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, invite applicants for a postdoctoral position in Brain Mapping / Computational Neuroscience to begin in the fall of 2015. The successful candidate will work on an NIH sponsored project to develop algorithms and software tools for large-scale automated reconstruction of neurons from stacks of light microscopy images. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related quantitative disciplines. Track record of experience in image processing, as well as excellent programming skills in Java and MatLab are essential. Knowledge of computer vision and machine learning algorithms is a plus. To apply, please send (1) a CV, including a list of publications, (2) a summary of prior research accomplishments, and (3) names and contact information of three reference providers by email to Prof. Armen Stepanyants, a.stepanyants(a)neu.edu<mailto:a.stepanyants@neu.edu>. The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal on a yearly basis. Northeastern is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Title IX Employer. More information can be found at the Neurogeometry Lab website, www.neurogeometry.net<http://www.neurogeometry.net>. Armen Stepanyants Associate Professor Department of Physics and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Systems Northeastern University 110 Forsyth St., Boston, MA 02115 Phone: (617) 373-2944 Fax: (617) 373-2943 http://www.neurogeometry.net/

Sept. 25, 2015

News for Brain States: Characterization and Neuromodulation by DBS‏

by neuro girl

****News for Brain States: Characterization and Neuromodulation by DBS**** Abstract submission ends Sunday, September 27, 2015 at midnight EST. Registration is now open but space is limited. Please register now to secure your spot. Registration includes breakfast, coffee breaks and lunch. Information for submission and registration can be found at http://bit.ly/1JVElkf and https://dbs.veomed.net/. The Brain States: Characterization and Neuromodulation by DBS conference will take place on November 11-13, 2015 in Cologne, Germany. This is an interdisciplinary meeting with leading experts in academia and medicine who will present physiological, computational and clinical approaches to the brain dynamics and brain mechanics of complex functional networks in the brain. Transformations of the neurodynamic operations of the brain between the normal to the pathological state will be explored using multivariate data analysis (EEG, MEG, DBS, etc…). Special attention will be given to next-generation approaches which allow the collaboration of clinical practice and science to advance the field from principles of organization to the causal control of function. ********************************************************************************* Brain States: Characterization and Neuromodulation by DBS November 11-13, 2015 Cologne, Germany ******************************************************************************** We are proud to present a unique combination of internationally renowned speakers in an intimate setting which encourages open discussion. You are cordially invited to participate. Confirmed Speakers: Hagai Bergman (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) Peter Brown (University of Oxford) Stephan Chabardes (University Hospital Grenoble) Alain Destexhe (CNRS) Emad N. Eskandar (Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School) Martijn Figee (University of Amsterdam) John J. Foxe (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) Marc Goodfellow (University of Exeter) Anthony A. Grace (University of Pittsburgh) Rowshanak Hashemiyoon (University Hospital of Cologne) Jens Haueisen (Technische Universität Ilmenau) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université /CNRS) Jens Kuhn (University Hospital Cologne) Klaus Lehnertz (University of Bonn) Andres Lozano (University of Toronto) Cameron McIntyre (Case Western Reserve University) Christoph M. Michel (University of Geneva) Urs Ribary (Simon Fraser University) Günter Schiepek (Paracelsus Medical University) Wolf Singer (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research) Dimitri van de Ville (University of Geneva) Veerle Visser-Vandewalle (University Hospital of Cologne) Jürgen Voges (Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg) Looking forward to seeing you in Cologne! With kind regards, Row Hashemiyoon Rowshanak Hashemiyoon, PhD Chief, Behavioral Neurophysiology and Computational Neuroscience Klinik für Stereotaxie und Funktionelle Neurochirurgie Universitätsklinikum Köln Kerpener Str. 62 D - 50937 Köln Email: row.hashemiyoon(a)uk-koeln.de http://www.uk-koeln.de/de/stereotaxie

Sept. 25, 2015

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre Fellowships

by Peter Dayan

Under the Directorship of Professor John O’Keefe, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) will bring together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to create the neural representations that guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of SWC is to transform understanding of brain function. The Centre, located within UCL and close to its main campus in central London, is being structured to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, enquiry and excellence. SWC scientists will use the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy an unparalleled research environment offering state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities. Commencing research operations in early 2016, SWC will comprise 12 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed, seven-storey building. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit has relocated to the new building, facilitating broad and deep collaborations in data analysis and computational modelling. Scientists joining SWC will become part of UCL Neuroscience which brings together over 450 principal investigators offering extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Formal teaching commitments will be minimal allowing scientists to focus on research. The Centre invites applications for SWC Senior and Principal Research Fellowships from outstanding, innovative, highly-motivated collaborative scientists with backgrounds in neuroscience as well as related physical and biological sciences. It is 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. Competitive salaries, tailored research space and generous relocation and recruitment packages, including research support, will be offered. Shortlisted fellowship candidates will be invited to a residential recruitment symposium scheduled for 18-20 November 2015. For further details, please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/opportunities Expressions of interest in senior academic positions are also welcome and may be addressed to the Centre Director or Centre Manager. Contact details are available on the web pages.

Sept. 24, 2015

Call for applications: travel grants for advanced PhD students, the 2016 ELSC Annual Retreat

by Yoram Burak

Dear Colleagues, Please distribute this to graduate students who might be interested. Sincerely, Yoram Burak --- The 2016 ELSC Annual Retreat January 24-26, Kibbutz Ein Gedi, Israel The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences at the Hebrew University offers competitive scholarships to support the travel and accommodation of 20 outstanding advanced international Ph.D. students to present their work in our annual retreat. These scholarship are offered for the first time this year. ELSC is a multidisciplinary neuroscience center. Our retreat thus covers the whole spectrum of brain research, including computational, molecular, cognitive, and systems neuroscience. The ELSC retreat is an optimal venue for advanced Ph.D. students to present their work and receive expert feedback. The program includes talks by our advanced graduate students, and plenary speakers: Fred Wolf (MPI for Dynamics and Self Organization, Göttingen), Ilana Witten (Princeton University), and Serge Domoulin (Utrecht University). Candidates are requested to send their CV, a letter of intent, and a recommendation letter to BRAIN(a)ELSC.huji.ac.il by November 1st, 2015. Awardees will be announced no later than November 15th. See also: http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/travel-grants-elsc-retreat ---

Sept. 24, 2015

Three postdoctoral positions in computational and systems olfactory neuroscience in Pittsburgh

by Nathan Urban

Drs. Bard Ermentrout and Nathan Urban of the University of Pittsburgh, (Departments of Mathematics and Neurobiology) and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition invite applications for three postdoctoral positions for a NSF-funded BRAIN initiative project focused on the experimental and computational analysis of odor-driven navigation. (See NSF press release: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=136333&org=NSF&from=news and http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1555862&HistoricalAwards=fa… ) This three year project involves investigators at six institutions and is focused on analysis of how olfactory cues are used to guide navigation behavior in a number of species. Both behavioral strategies and brain mechanisms will be evaluated. The Pittsburgh group will combine experimental and computational approaches and will integrate detailed measurement and analysis of mouse behavior with simultaneous measurements of neural activity. We seek candidates with expertise in: Neurophysiology especially in vivo recording Automated behavioral analysis Computational models of brain networks The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent degree in neuroscience, applied math, engineering, computer science or a related discipline. Successful candidates will have a track record of publications and experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience. Postdocs will be expected to participate in ongoing collaborations with other groups in Pittsburgh and in other locations, especially the other members of this project team. Postdocs in the lab will have the opportunity to present their work at national and international meetings and to take advantage of many opportunities for professional development.. Applicants can contact Dr. Urban via e-mail at nurban(a)pitt.edu and/ or Dr Ermentrout at bard(a)pitt.edu and should apply via: *https://goo.gl/HkhtY5 <https://goo.gl/HkhtY5>.Nathan Urban, Ph.D.Vice Provost for Special Projects829 Cathedral of LearningProfessor and Associate Chair - Department of Neurobiologyhttp://www.neurobio.pitt.edu/ <http://www.neurobio.pitt.edu/>Co-Director Center for the Neural basis of Cognitionwww.cnbc.cmu.edu <http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu/>Associate Director Pittsburgh Brain Institutehttp://www.braininstitute.pitt.edu/ <http://www.braininstitute.pitt.edu/>E1440 BSTWR200 Lothrop StreetUniversity of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15213Phone: 412-648-3396nurban(a)pitt.edu <nurban(a)pitt.edu> *

Sept. 23, 2015

Announcing the first NESTML community workshop

by Jochen Martin Eppler

Announcing the first community workshop on NESTML, the novel modelling language to create neuron models for the NEST simulator for spiking neuronal networks (nest-simulator.org) Abstract ^^^^^^^^ Currently, neuron and synapse models in NEST are written as C++ classes. These classes implement the simulator API for updating the neuronal dynamics, sending and receiving events, and auxiliary tasks such as initialization, recording of internal variables, calibration and handling of parameters. As the model code is hand-written and often created by copy and paste, this method is prone to errors and hinders the programmatic re-use of components such as neuronal dynamics, post-synaptic responses and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Moreover, as many neuroscientists are not experts in C++, the process of creating models is often seen as complicated and in many cases the resulting model implementations are not optimal with respect to performance, consistency and testability. To ease writing models for NEST and improve the general quality of the code, we have created the NEST Modelling Language. NESTML comprises a language specification to describe neuron models in terms of neuroscience concepts and a set of tools to generate efficient C++ code for NEST from this description. During the workshop, we will give a general introduction to model creation for NEST and an in-depth introduction to the concepts and application of NESTML. In hands-on sessions the participants have the opportunity to write their own models in NESTML with the assistance of experienced tutors. The feedback collected in a dedicated session will be used to shape the future design and development of NESTML. Target Audience ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The workshop aims at students and researchers in computational neuroscience who want to create their own neuron models in NEST. Some understanding of programming and experience with one of the simulators NEST, NEURON, or Brian will be helpful, but are not strictly required. Location and date ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The workshop will take place at the Chair of Software Engineering (se-rwth.de) of RWTH Aachen University from Monday, December 7 to Wednesday, December 9, 2015. Details and registration Workshop attendance is possible free of charge. However, in order to be able to plan rooms, lunches and coffee breaks, we require registration. For details and enrolment, visit www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc/nestml-ws. With best regards, Jochen! -- Dr. Jochen Martin Eppler Phone: +49 2461 61-9471 ---------------------------------- Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sept. 23, 2015

Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience

by Curtu, Rodica

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience Position Description: A postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience is available in the Human Brain Research Laboratory at The University of Iowa (HBRL; http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/Labs/hbrl-neurosurgery/index.html) The appointment is funded through the Mathematics Department but the work will be conducted in the HBRL. The initial appointment is for 12 months, renewable for another year subject to satisfactory progress, and potentially longer depending on funding. The position is available immediately and the salary is commensurate with experience. The postdoctoral scholar will work under the guidance of Dr. Rodica Curtu (Mathematics) and Dr. Kirill Nourski (Neurosurgery) on a project studying the neural mechanisms of auditory perceptual representation and perceptual switching (http://homepage.math.uiowa.edu/~rcurtu and http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/dept_primary_apr.aspx?appointment=Neurosurger… ).The project involves collection of human electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings, signal processing and modern data-driven analytics, and dynamical systems modeling. HBRL is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment administered by the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa, College of Medicine. The lab covers a broad range of research interests in auditory processing, neuroeconomics, sensory-motor integration, and visual processing. The Department of Mathematics has an active, vibrant Mathematical Biology/Computational Neuroscience research group with established interdisciplinary collaborations both within and outside the University of Iowa. Qualifications: The successful candidate should have a PhD or equivalent degree in Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants should have substantial expertise with at least one programming language (preferably Matlab) and be able to conduct research both independently and as part of a team. Good written and oral communications skills are required. Knowledge in signal processing and/or dynamical systems is highly desirable. Particularly, experience in modeling complex neural systems or experience in analyzing data from large-scale electrophysiological recordings will be appreciated. Evidence of research productivity is also considered an asset. How to apply: Complete application forms should be submitted at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/postdoc/view/2459 (jobs.uiowa.edu; requisition # 2459), and include: 1) a CV including education, research experience and a list of publications 2) a 1-2 page statement of prior research experience and accomplishments 3) a 1-2 page statement of future research interests and objectives 4) the names and contact information of 2 individuals who can provide reference letters. For questions, applicants can write to: Dr. Curtu at rodica-curtu(a)uiowa.edu or Dr. Nourski at kirill-nourski(a)uiowa.edu The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Sept. 23, 2015

CFP: FLAIRS 2016 , Key Largo, Florida

by bisant＠umbc.edu

CALL FOR PAPERS FLAIRS 2016, Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Symposium Special Tracks on Data mining and Special Track on Cyber Security Key Largo, Florida http://www.flairs-29.info/ Paper submission deadline: November 16, 2015. Notifications: January 18, 2016. Camera ready version due: February 22, 2016. FLAIRS is an interdisciplinary artificial intelligence conference which especially encourages novel ideas and which features a double-blind review process. Data Mining Track This special track will be devoted to data mining with the aim of presenting new and important contributions in this area. Papers and contributions are encouraged for any work related to Data Mining. Topics of interest may include (but are in no way limited to): 1. Applications such as Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy. 2. Modeling algorithms such as hidden Markov models, decision trees, neural networks, statistical methods, or probabilistic methods; case studies in areas of application, or over different algorithms and approaches. 3. Feature extraction and selection. 4. Post-processing techniques such as visualization, summarization, or trending. 5. Preprocessing and data reduction. 6. Knowledge engineering or warehousing. Papers dealing with Cloud-based unstructured data or Cloud-based tool suites, such as Mahout or Apache Spark, are also encouraged. Cyber-Security Track Original high quality papers are sought for leading edge research and applications relating to the application of AI and Cyber Security. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to: · Machine Learning for Intrusion Detection Systems · NLP for text analysis in Cyber Security · Video and CCTV semantic analysis for terrorist or criminal action detection · AI & Biometrics, Internet of Things, and Cloud Computing security · AI & SCADA systems, Network Systems, and Embedded Systems security · Formal and theoretical approaches of intelligent security in WSNs · Legal and policy issues in intelligent security · Integrity, privacy, authentication and access control · Intelligent secure systems in multimedia databases · Social networks security · Intelligent incident response techniques in network and communication systems · Risk analysis and intelligent management · Virtual Private Networks intelligent security · Automated reasoning techniques of incidents and evidence analysis · Evidentiary aspects of digital forensics · Collaborative intelligent investigation · Intelligent systems in management, storage and reassembly · Steganography, watermarking, and forensic techniques in multimedia content processing · Lightweight security techniques · Intelligent Large-scale investigations and Big Data · Innovative non-repudiation techniques · Intelligent vulnerability analysis and assessment · Attacks tracking · Data hiding, tamper detection and recovery techniques · Security of e- healthcare systems and applications Note: We invite original papers (i.e. work not previously submitted, in submission, or to be submitted to another conference during the reviewing process). Submission Guidelines Interested authors should format their papers according to AAAI formatting guidelines. The papers should be original work (i.e., not submitted, in submission, or submitted to another conference while in review). Papers should not exceed 6 pages (or 4 pages for short paper, to be presented as a poster) and are due by November 16, 2015. For FLAIRS-29, the 2016 conference, the reviewing is a double blind process. Author names and affiliations should be Xd out on submitted papers to provide double-blind reviewing. Papers must be submitted as PDF through the EasyChair conference system, which can be accessed through the main conference web site (http://www.flairs-29.info/) Note: do not use a fake name for your EasyChair login - your EasyChair account information is hidden from reviewers. Authors should indicate the Data Mining special track for submissions. The proceedings of FLAIRS will be published by the AAAI. Authors of accepted papers will be required to sign a form transferring copyright of their contribution to AAAI. FLAIRS requires that there be at least one full author registration per paper.

Sept. 22, 2015

Fwd: Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Position in Neurodegeneration

by Sharmila Venugopal

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Postdoctoral Research Position Department of Integrated Biology and Physiology, UCLA A two year Postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the changes in synaptic and membrane properties in brainstem sensory neurons, interneurons and motoneurons in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We use methods that include electrophysiology, pharmacology, molecular biology and computational modeling to understand the mechanisms underlying the disease process. The successful applicant should have a solid background and publication record in using brain slice patch-clamp methodology and/or Computational Neuroscience and be willing to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team. Expertise in systems biology approaches is also desirable. Please send your CV and 1-2 references to: Dr. Sharmila Venugopal (vsharmila(a)g.ucla.edu <https://mail.mednet.ucla.edu/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=Cp9PAbfQ8hjH3yo9m6P6kT5EHJ…>) Department of Integrated Biology and Physiology University of California Los Angeles

Sept. 22, 2015

Postdoctoral positions in computational Neuroscience -- Poirazi lab, Crete

by Yiota Poirazi

Could you please advertise these postdoctoral positions in my lab through the NeuroInfo-Comp-Neuro mailing list*?* Thank you very much in advance, Yiota Poirazi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Description:* We are looking for highly motivated candidates to fill 1-2 postdoctoral positions in the laboratory of Panayiota Poirazi at IMBB-FORTH in Crete, Greece. The positions are funded by the ERC starting grant dEMORY, whose goal is to characterize the role of dendrites in learning and memory processes so as to formulate a unifying theory regarding their contribution in memory formation across brain regions and abstraction levels. This will be achieved via the development of computational models at different abstraction levels in the hippocampus the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. By manipulating the biophysical, anatomical and plasticity properties of dendrites and tracking the effect on memory, the project aims to infer the key rules by which these thin structures shape mnemonic processes. These rules will then form the basis for deducing theoretical abstractions of trainable neurons with dendrites.The project has been running since 2012 and has already produced a number of outcomes, which can be found at the following web sites: www.demory.gr <http://www.demory.gr>, www.dendrites.gr <http://www.dendrites.gr> *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate should have expertise in computational neuroscience, preferably but not necessarily in biophysical modelling, and a deep interest in neural/dendritic computations, learning and memory. *To apply: **_ Application deadline: October 20^th , 2015 (applications will be continuously screened until the positions are filled)._* The position(s) will be available for 2 years, as of November 1st, 2015.*_ _*Salary: 28,000-36,000 Euro (including benefits), depending on experience and career stage. Candidates should send a *resume and two (2) reference letters* to *poirazi[at]imbb.forth.gr*. If possible, recommendations should be sent by the referees. *__* *__* <http://www.dendrites.gr>*THE POIRAZI LAB* The Computational Biology Laboratory <http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/poirazi/>at IMBB-FORTH performs research that is at the forefront of Computational Neuroscience and places special emphasis on understanding the role of dendrites in information processing and storage. Outcomes of the lab have significantly influenced the field of dendritic computations by providing key predictions that were later verified experimentally. For her contributions to Neuroscience Dr. Poirazi received several awards including the EMBO Young Investigator award, two Marie Curie fellowships, a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), membership to the Young Academy of Europe and the Young Scientist Community of the World Economic Forum etc. Yiota Poirazi is currently the Chair of FENS-Kavli Network of excellence, a prestigious network of 30 outstanding Neuroscientists whose goal is to shape the future of Neuroscience in Europe and beyond. -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr http://www.dendrites.gr Chair, FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/

Sept. 22, 2015