February 2016 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Position available: Doctoral Student in Auditory Neuroscience
by Vollmer, Maike Feb. 5, 2016

Feb. 5, 2016

The Comprehensive Hearing Center (CHC) at the University Hospital of Wuerzburg offers the position of a Doctoral Student in Auditory Neuroscience. The DFG-funded research project (Priority Program 1608) investigates age-dependent effects of unilateral hearing loss on binaural signal processing and tests for neural plasticity and functional recovery using chronic electric stimulation with cochlear implants. The laboratory uses state-of-the art recording techniques across different auditory brain regions in animal models and computational analyses of neural data. In a collaborative team of investigators, corresponding histological and immunohistochemical analyses and modeling of neuronal data are performed. The CHC provides a rich interdisciplinary training environment within one of Germany's largest cochlear implant centers. Candidates can be integrated into the Ph.D. program of the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Applicants should have a Master's degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biology, bioengineering, neuroscience or related disciplines and show an interest in the auditory system and electrophysiology. Experience with Matlab and computational/programming skills are a plus. The position is available from April 2016 for three years. Applications from severely handicapped persons with basically similar qualification will be given priority. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit a CV, one page statement of research interests, and the name of one referee electronically to: Maike Vollmer, MD PhD Vollmer_M(a)klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de Comprehensive Hearing Center Auditory Neuroscience University Hospital Wuerzburg Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11 97080 Wuerzburg Germany

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PhD student in model-based neuroscience and dynamical systems
by Marieke van Vugt RUG Feb. 4, 2016

Feb. 4, 2016

I am looking for a PhD student to work on a project looking at how computational models of cognition can help to interpret the functional significance of interactions between brain areas. application portal: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=… <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=…> PhD position Model-based neuroscience & dynamical systems (1.0 fte) Organisation Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge. Job Description We invite applications for a fully-funded four-year PhD student position in the Data Science and Systems Complexity research theme of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. This PhD position is a collaboration between the Cognitive Modeling group (Marieke van Vugt, http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt>, Jelmer Borst, http://www.jelmerborst.nl <http://www.jelmerborst.nl/> , and Niels Taatgen (http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/ <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/>)), the Discrete Technology & Production Automation group (Ming Cao, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.cao <http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.cao>) and the Software Engineering group (Mircea Lungu, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.f.lungu/ <http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.f.lungu/> ). The main aim of the project is to understand how brain areas communicate in the service of information processing. To answer this question, we will combine cognitive models of cognition with a dynamical systems analysis of EEG. We have previously shown that cognitive models can be used to help interpret patterns of interaction between brain oscillations in a specific attention task. This project seeks to extend this approach to other tasks, and to link more generally the stable states and state transitions manifesting in EEG to information processing steps predicted by the model. Eventually we hope to develop a general-purpose “brain-activity parser” that can interpret what the interactions between different brain areas may mean. The position is one of the four new PhD positions embedded in the Data Science and System Complexity initiative and thus the student will have ample opportunity to interact with other PhD students and staff who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research on large data and complex systems. Qualifications A successful candidate has a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field, and solid programming skills. Experience in cognitive neuroscience or EEG analysis is a plus. Good communication skills (both verbal and written) in English are a prerequisite. The candidate should be enthusiastic about research, capable of learning new skills, and happy working both independently and in collaboration with other scientists. Conditions of employment The University of Groningen offers a salary of €2.174 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2.779 gross per month year (salary scale PhD students Dutch Universities) in the final based on a fulltime position (1.0 fte). The appointment is limited to a period of 4 years, which should be finished with a PhD examination. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate’s performance after nine months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining 3 years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate’s contract will be extended for a total of 4 years. A training program within the Graduate School of Science is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional education and supervising that is specific to your needs. The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources:http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/ <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/> Starting date The candidate starts as soon as possible, preferably March 1st. Application You may apply for this position before February 16th Dutch local time by means of the application form (see http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=… <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=…>) Apply with a cover letter (with professional goals and a statement of interest), a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation (all PDF format). Information Dr. Marieke van Vugt, m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Marieke van Vugt, PhD Assistant Professor, Cognitive Modelling Group University of Groningen Bernoulliborg, room 326 Nijenborgh 9 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands phone: +31-6-5195-4984 (cell) +31-50-363-9487 (office) http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt> twitter: @mvugt m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> / mkvanvugt(a)gmail.com

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[2nd call for applications] *Graduate Programs in Computational Neuroscience* in Berlin; MSc and PhD; 7 PhD scholarships; deadline March 15, 2015
by Robert Martin Feb. 3, 2016

Feb. 3, 2016

[Apologies for cross-posting] *Doctoral* and *Master Program* "Computational Neuroscience" at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin in Berlin, Germany Application deadline: *March 15, 2016* Begin of courses: October 2016 Internet: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de _Doctoral Program_ The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin and the TU Berlin invite applications for *6 fellowships* of the Research Training Group "Sensory Computation in Neural Systems" (GRK 1589/2, https://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/) The *scientific program* of the research training group combines techniques and concepts from machine learning, computational neuroscience, and systems neurobiology in order to specifically address sensory computation. Doctoral candidates will work on interdisciplinary projects investigating the mechanisms of neural computation, address the processes underlying perception on different scales and different levels of abstraction, and develop new theories of computation hand in hand with well-controlled experiments in order to put functional hypotheses to the test. The training group offers structured supervision complemented by a teaching and training program. Each student will be supervised by two investigators with complementary expertise and will be associated with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (https://www.bccn-berlin.de/) a leading research center dedicated to the theoretical study of neural processing. Candidates are expected to hold a Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, physics, mathematics, etc.) and have the required advanced mathematical background. Candidates selected in the first application step will be invited for lab visits and an interview, expected to take place in June 2015. The *fellowships of 1468 €/month* - with additional children allowances if applicable---will be granted for up to three years. _Master's Program_ The tuition-free Master program in Computational Neuroscience offers *15 places* per year, has a duration of 2 years and is fully taught in English. The *curriculum* is subdivided into ten modules, whose content includes theoretical neuroscience, programming, machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, acquisition, modelling, and computational analysis of neural data, with a strong focus on a complementary theoretical and experimental training. Three lab rotations and a Master's thesis are accomplished in the second year. The aim of the program is to provide the students with an interdisciplinary education and an early contact to the neurocomputational research environment. *Requirements* BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (typically in the natural sciences, in an engineering discipline, in cognitive science, or in mathematics), certificate of English proficiency, proof of sufficient mathematical knowledge (at least 24 ECTS credit points). ~~~ _For more information_ ... ... come and visit us at the BCCN Berlin: https://www.bccn-berlin.de/Home/Contact/How_to_reach/ ... or browse: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de ... or e-mail: graduateprograms(a)bccn-berlin.de . Best regards, Robert Martin -- Robert Martin, PhD Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin Philippstr. 13 House 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 2093 6773/6771 http://www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de GRK 1589/1, Sensory Computation in Neural Systems Technische Universitaet Berlin Sekretariat MAR 5-6; Marchstr. 23; 10587 Berlin Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 314 72006/73121 http://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/

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CNS*2016
by Sharon Crook Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) CNS*2016 25th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting Jeju Island, South Korea July 2-7, 2016 The main meeting (July 3-5) will be preceded by a day of tutorials (July 2) and followed by two days of workshops (July 6-7). Invited Keynote Speakers: Nicolas Brunel, University of Chicago, USA Mitsuo Kawato, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute, Japan Tatyana Sharpee, Salk Institute, USA Registration opened on January 13, 2016. Abstract submissions are now being accepted and will close on February 28. Workshop proposals are now being accepted. Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. For up-to-date conference information, please visit http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2016-jeju ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for travel awards and more. Visit our website for more information: http://www.cnsorg.org

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Open postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience+machine learning+statistics
by Turaga, Srinivas C Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

The Turaga Lab is looking for an exceptional postdoctoral researcher, for research at the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience. https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab —— About the lab —— With recent technological advances in 3d electron microscopy, optogenetics and large-scale chronic in vivo neural imaging, it is now possible to measure and perturb the activity of large populations of neurons, and to map their connectivity. These new data can be used understand how the structure of a neural circuit gives rise to its function. Our lab develops machine learning algorithms to map neural connectivity, and statistical models to characterize neural activity and to relate activity to connectivity. We have pioneered the use of deep-learning based machine learning algorithms to map neural connectivity from 3d electron microscopic images of brain tissue, and we are now working to improve these methods. This involves solving interesting new problems in structured prediction, active learning and unsupervised learning at an unprecedented scale (imagine working with labeled training datasets with 10^9 examples in a 10^6 dimensional feature space and wanting to achieve accuracies of 99.999%!). We are developing novel statistical methods for the analysis of large-scale calcium imaging datasets, and medium-scale connectome datasets, in order to help understand the latent structure of neural activity and neural connectivity. Our ultimate goal is build models combining large-scale activity measurements with structural connectomes in order to relate neural activity to neural connectivity with statistical and mechanistic models. —— About the institute —— HHMI's Janelia Research Campus is a unique, world-class research community near Washington, D.C. dedicated to understanding the function of neural circuits and developing synergistic imaging technology. Our highly collaborative structure is designed to support interdisciplinary work in small lab groups. We seek candidates who are comfortable with risk and are able to think independently to develop novel approaches. —— Applying —— Applicants should have a strong quantitative background with degrees or expertise in machine learning, computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, physics or related discipline. Excellent collaborative programming skills in Python, C/C++, Java or similar languages are essential. To apply, please send me a CV and names and addresses of 2-3 references by email. I will also be attending Cosyne 2016 in Salt Lake City from Feb 25-28 and will be happy to meet you there. Srini Turaga, Group Leader turagas(a)janelia.hhmi.org https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab Howard Hughes Medical Institute / Janelia Research Campus 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn VA 20147 Office: +1 (571) 209 4131 Fax: +1 (571) 209 4939

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PhD Position: Modelling Gait in People with Parkinsons Disease, University of Exeter
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop a data-driven mathematical modeling framework in order to study gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s under the supervision of Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova. To Apply: Candidates with strong quantitative training (e.g. a BSc or MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, or Engineering) and evidence of scientific achievement are invited to apply. Knowledge of biomechanics and/or neuroscience is a plus. Please apply using the following link: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=2057 Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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***INDIN 2016 special session: Cognitive computing for Cyber Physical Systems ***
by Evgeny Osipov Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

Dear colleagues, Sorry for a possible cross-posting Please consider to submit your publication to special session “Biologically-Inspired Cognitive Architectures in Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems” on IEEE INDIN 2016 >> EXTENDED (FINAL) DEADLINE FEBRUARY 29, 2016 << >> LINK FOR SUBMISSION: http://vps.ieee-ies.org/submit-cgi-bin/authorlogin.pl?event=INDIN16 << >> Choose “SS Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures in Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems” as Technical Track when submitting your contribution. << IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRIAL INFORMATICS INDIN’16 18-21 JULY 2016, FUTUROSCOPE-POITIERS, FRANCE Special Session on “Biologically-Inspired Cognitive Architectures in Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems” Organized by IEEE Industrial Electronic Society. Technical Committee on Industrial Informatics. Sub-Committee on Bio-inspired industrial informatics Principal Organizer: Prof. Evgeny Osipov, Luleå University of Technology ———————————————————— INDIN 2016 (http://ieee-indin2016.sciencesconf.org/) is an IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics will be held on 18-23 July 2016, Futuroscope-Poitiers, France. The conference is sponsored by IEEE Industrial Electronics Society and Pprime Institute, Futuroscope-Poitiers, France. The proceedings are indexed by the Web of Science. Note that good quality papers may be considered for publication in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics subject to further rounds of review. ———————————————————— Call for Papers Traditional computing architectures are designed to produce reliable systems with specifiable behaviours and properties. Their major strengths come from easiness of inspection, maintenance, interoperability, and reuse. However, all modern computing systems operate based on strict assumptions about their environments, thus are too inflexible to react to changing demands. In critical environments such as industrial automation, smart grids and dependable cyber-physical systems in general, this inflexibility results in serious in many cases life-critical errors. Alternative computing architectures, which greatly borrow their functionality from the versatility and efficiency of systems developed by nature, are known as biologically-inspired cognitive computing architectures (BICA). Traditionally these architectures find their applications in areas like natural language processing, image and speech processing. Very little attention so far was paid at exploring their applicability in the context of dependable industrial systems. This special session solicits contributions exploring diverse applications of BICA architectures for enriching intelligent functionality of industrial systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Associative memory based reasoning • Combined machine learning / BICA solutions • Neural networks in cognitive computing architectures • Cognitive architectures for continuous signal processing • Cognitive fault detection and system identification • Cognitive and hybrid automatic control • Cognitive wireless communications • Symbiosis of cognitive and Von-Neumann computing architectures • Novel application areas and use-cases for BICA architectures in CPS and IoT. • BICA empowered software engineering • Spiking Neural Networks interfacing BICA architectures. Industrial usecases. -- Prof. Evgeny Osipov Dependable Communication and Computation Systems Department of Computer Science Electrical and Space Engineering Luleå University of Technology Tel. +46 920 49 15 78 Web. https://sites.google.com/site/evgenyosipov/

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Ph.D. and PostDoctoral positions on High-Performance Brain Simulations
by C. Strydis Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

Dear all, Please find below new job postings in the field of High-Performance Brain Simulations https://www.hipeac.net/jobs/9011/one-phd-position-and-one-postdoctoral-posi… Please direct all queries and applications to: c.strydis(a)erasmusmc.nl Lab job listings at: www.erasmusbrainproject.com/index.php/workopen/positions Kind regards, Christos Strydis -- ============================== Christos Strydis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Neuroscience Department Erasmus Medical Center Wytemaweg 80 (12th floor) Office Ee1210a 3015 CN Rotterdam Tel: +31 - 10 - 70 - 43294 Fax: +31 - 10 - 70 - 44734 E-mail: C.Strydis(a)erasmusmc.nl Web: www.erasmusbrainproject.com/index.php/strydis ==============================

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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in New York
by Ruben Coen Cagli Feb. 1, 2016

Feb. 1, 2016

Postdoctoral position in the Coen-Cagli Laboratory Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY Start date August 2016 or later We are looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational and systems neuroscience in the laboratory of Ruben Coen-Cagli - Department of Systems and Computational Biology and Department of Neuroscience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) in New York City (https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/<https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/>). Our lab studies how biological sensory systems interpret the surrounding environment. Topics include probabilistic representations of natural images; models of selectivity and variability in large cortical populations; the behavioral consequences of neuronal variability; and uncertainty in visual and auditory perception. We combine theories of probabilistic neural coding, tools from computer vision and machine learning, eye-tracking experiments, and neurophysiology through collaborations. The candidate is expected to perform research related to these topics. The lab features state of the art computing and eye-tracking facilities. Close interaction and collaboration with other members of the department is anticipated. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with an academic record of scientific excellence and independent research. Prior experience should include areas such as computational neuroscience, machine learning, computer vision, or statistics. Applicants should have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches to biological and neural systems. AECOM offers a vibrant interdisciplinary environment, with a growing systems and computational contingent. It is located in a quiet neighborhood of New York, only a short subway ride from Manhattan. Information about working at the AECOM, including benefits and housing for postdocs, can be found at https://www.einstein.yu.edu/research/belfer-institute/ The position starts in or after August 2016, and is funded for several years, with an initial one year appointment and expectation of extension given satisfactory performance. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter, CV, and publication list to ruben.coencagli(a)gmail.com. Furthermore, candidates should organize two letters of reference, to be sent to the same e-mail address. The position is open until filled. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. ----------------- Ruben Coen-Cagli will be available at Cosyne to meet with candidates.

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Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at NYU-Shanghai
by Sukbin Lim Feb. 1, 2016

Feb. 1, 2016

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in Sukbin Lim's lab at NYU-Shanghai as part of NYU’s global network and the NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science (https://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain) The overarching goal of our lab is to understand network interactions and dynamics in neuronal systems. In particular, our work is focused on investigating network mechanisms and synaptic plasticity for higher cognitive functions such as learning and memory. More information on the research can be found at http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/Sukbin-Lim. Environment: Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at NYU-Shanghai is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment. Candidates will be encouraged to collaborate with experimental and computational groups at NYU and NYU-Shanghai, and will have the opportunities to spend time at NYU in New York in case of a collaboration between Shanghai and New York. The initial appointment is for 1 year, renewable up to 3 years subject to progress and globally competitive compensations will be provided. To Apply: Qualified applicants are expected to hold a PhD by the start date of the position in computational and theoretical neuroscience, or related discipline with a strong quantitative training in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences and Engineering. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB or C/C++) and experience in modeling networks/complex systems will be highly valued. Knowledge of Neuroscience would be a plus. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. To be considered, please send a curriculum vitae, short research statement and the names and contact information of two references to *sukbin.lim(a)**nyu.edu <xinying.cai(a)nyu.edu>*.

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