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

Competitive travel grants: ELSC retreat, January 2017

by Yoram Burak

Please distribute to whoever may be interested. Thanks, Yoram --- *Competitive travel grants: ELSC retreat, January 2017* We'd like to reach out through you to advanced PhD students in your institute who may be interested in a fully supported travel opportunity to join us at the Annual Retreat of our Brain Center (ELSC) in the Desert Resort of Ein Gedi at the end of January 2017. The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is an ambitious scientific venture, building upon Hebrew University’s record of excellence and innovation in its multidisciplinary approach to brain science. At ELSC, researchers work collaboratively, covering the full spectrum of neuroscience research (for more information, see http://elsc.huji.ac.il/science/scientists) ELSC is offering up to 20 competitive travel grants for advanced PhD students to attend ELSC's 2017 annual retreat and present their work. Last year’s program can be seen via the following link: http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/elsc-retreat-2016 Candidates are required to send their CVs, together with letters of intent and recommendation to: elsc-retreat(a)elsc.huji.ac.il by November 1, 2016. ELSC invites selected attendees to extend their visit, at our expense, and spend 2-3 days visiting ELSC labs, exploring opportunities for a postdoctoral internship and collaborations. We will be delighted to assist with the necessary arrangements. See also: http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/elsc-retreat-2017 Many Thanks! The organising committee. ___ Yoram Burak The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Racah Institute of Physics | Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences p: +972-2-6585837/84523 w: http://elsc.huji.ac.il/burak a: Danciger B 103, Safra Campus, Jerusalem 91904, Israel

July 24, 2016

workshop Cortona (Italy), September 12-16, 2016

by thierry nieus

Dear colleagues, it is my pleasure to announce the workshop: NeuroMath, Mathematical and Computational Neuroscience: cell, network and data analysis, that will take place in Cortona (Italy), September 12-16, 2016. We have an extensive list of confirmed speakers, experts in their field. These talks will span over several branches of the Neuroscience field with a common focus on the quantitative and mathematical questions lying behind the scientific questions. The workshop will bring together mathematicians, engineers, physicists and biologists and hopefully this will foster discussions across different research fields. The list of confirmed speakers is: http://www.mat.unimi.it/users/naldi/NeuroMath/ISpeakers.html We will allocate some slots for posters (e.g. Tuesday & Friday evening) and oral communications (10-25’, along the days). The accepted abstract will appear in the Springer INdAM series (http://www.springer.com/series/10283) A financial support can be provided for the stay at the meeting upon explicit request together with the submission of an abstract. Conference details: - Registration to the workshop is free but required - Conference registration starts on September 11, 2016 - Early registration deadline: August 31, 2016 - Web page: http://www.mat.unimi.it/users/naldi/NeuroMath/ - Latest news: http://rgs.mat.unimi.it/other-events Hope to see you there! Sincerely The organizing committee: Giovanni Naldi (Dept of Mathemtics, UNIMI, Milano) Thierry Nieus (Istituto Italiano Tecnologia, Genoa) Claudio Canuto (Politecnico of Turin).

July 23, 2016

Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate - Pruszynski/Diedrichsen

by Andrew Pruszynski

Dr. Andrew Pruszynski (www.pruszynskilab.com) and Dr. Jörn Diedrichsen ( www.diedrichsenlab.org) are looking to hire a postdoctoral fellow/associate in sensorimotor neuroscience. The incumbent will help develop and lead a project involving a mix of non-human primate neurophysiology and computational neuroscience, including (1) large-scale neural recordings in sensorimotor cortex during complex reaching and grasping actions and (2) biologically-realistic neural networks (done in collaboration with Dr. Timothy Lillicrap, Google Deepmind). The incumbent must have a PhD in Neuroscience (or related area) and a strong track record with single-cell electrophysiology in primates as witnessed by excellent peer-reviewed publications; a strong computational background, particularly experience with machine learning, is also desired. Our labs are located at the Brain and Mind Institute (w ww.uwo.ca/bmi) and the Robarts Research Institute (www.robarts.ca) , both at Western University in London, Canada. Systems and cognitive neuroscience is a key area of research strength at Western University, with more than 30 Principal Investigators and 200 trainees. Further details about working as a postdoctoral fellow/associate at Western University and about living in London, Canada can be found here: www.grad.uwo.ca/postdoctoral_scholars/prospective/index.html. Annual salary depends on level of experience but will be no less than $45,000 per year. Funding is available for up to 5 years. Start date is negotiable but ideally would be no later than January 2017. Reimbursement for moving expenses will be available. Applications marked with reference number AP-CIHR-PDF-2016 should be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to andrew.pruszynski(a)uwo.ca. The application deadline is September 15th, 2016. Please include all the following components: 1. A personal statement describing research interests, experience, and goals (<2 pages) 2. A complete curriculum vitae 3. Names and contact information of three references

July 22, 2016

Postdoc Position Available in Deep Learning for Vision at RIT

by Christopher Kanan

One postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Christopher Kanan at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, NY. The lab specializes in applying machine learning algorithms to solve problems in computer vision and related fields. The candidate will be responsible for developing new algorithms for the detecting manipulated and tampered images. They will also work on adversarial networks for image generation and related techniques. Requirements: Ph.D. in computer science or related field; A research record in computer vision and/or machine learning; Familiarity with deep learning The position is initially for one year, but is renewable upon strong performance for an additional year. The salary is significantly above the typical postdoctoral market rate. Applications should be sent by email to ( christopher.kanan(a)rit.edu) and should include a CV, the expected data of availability, and contact information for two references. The starting date is September 2016. *About the lab*: http://klab.cis.rit.edu/ About Rochester, NY Rochester is the third largest city in the U.S. state of New York. The quality of life in the area is excellent. It has a low cost of living and some of the best K-12 public schools in the US.

July 21, 2016

Fwd: Job Advertisement - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics and Brain Dynamics

by Paula Sanz-Leon

Postdoc position at the University of Sydney ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Cindy Guy <cindy.guy(a)sydney.edu.au> Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 8:51 AM Subject: Job Advertisement - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics and Brain Dynamics To: "brain(a)physics.usyd.edu.au" <brain(a)physics.usyd.edu.au>, " complexity-usyd(a)googlegroups.com" <complexity-usyd(a)googlegroups.com> *Please pass this on to anyone you think may be interested.* Link – Live Advertisement <http://sydney.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplicat…> *Closing date: 15 August 2016* POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN NEUROPHYSICS AND BRAIN DYNAMICS *Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics and Brain Dynamics* *ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function School of Physics Reference no. 1100/0616 * *Up to 3 positions studying multiscale, emergent, nonlinear, and critical phenomena in the brain* - *Full-time, fixed term for three years, with further offers available subject to performance, funding and need remuneration package: up to $112K pro rata p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super)* - *The opportunity to work in the Brain Dynamics Group* Applications are sought for up to three Postdoctoral Research Associates (Level A) in the School of Physics and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (CIBF). This is an opportunity to work in the Brain Dynamics Group of Professor Peter Robinson on projects in the area of his Laureate Fellowship on the Physical Brain and/or research in the area of the CIBF. His group also participates in the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity, and the NHMRC-funded Centre for Research Excellence, Neurosleep, and has wide collaborations across the University, Australia, and internationally. The successful applicants will form a team to work on a wide variety of theoretical and computational topics in multiscale, emergent, nonlinear, and critical phenomena in the brain, starting from a physical perspective, with particular focus on nonlinear and stochastic dynamics of brain activity waves, modes, and networks. Key applications will be pursued under the laureate program that involve vision, seizures, imaging, and network evolution; others will be in the CIBF’s focal areas of attention, prediction, and decision. Successful applicants will also be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of theoreticians and experimentalists to advance these projects. *Essential criteria include:* - an undergraduate major in physics, applied mathematics, or similar field - a theoretical/computational PhD in physics, computational neuroscience, biological modelling, applied mathematics, engineering, or allied field; thesis must have at least been submitted for examination by the time of any interview for this position. - demonstrated ability to program in Matlab or C++ - proved research ability and evidence of self-motivation and research potential, including the ability to conduct research activities under limited supervision - publications in refereed journals *Desirable criteria include:* - familiarity with background areas such as quantum theory, fields, networks, Green functions, critical phenomena, wave theory, control systems, and/or nonlinear dynamics - demonstrated ability to relate theoretical predictions to experimental data and vice versa - experience in brain modelling or computational neuroscience - experience with neural field theory - experience with modelling physical or biological systems - experience in multidisciplinary teams - an ability to start work by 31 January 2017. Since a team is being built, the initial appointment process will begin by appointing the most suitable\person; the remaining people will then be assessed with regard to the areas that remain to be covered by the team as a whole, particularly as no one person is expected to possess the full range of skills described above. The position is full-time fixed term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees and satisfactory performance as assessed at the end of the second year. Further offers may be available subject to performance, funding and need. Applications that make a case for a part-time position will also be considered, especially where this advances the Equal Opportunity goals of the University or if the applicant is of unusual merit. This appointment will be for three years with potential for extension subject to ongoing funding. The School of Physics supports a flexible working environment. Subject to visa restrictions, applications will be considered for either a full-time or part-time appointment to this position. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Centre for Complex Systems at The University of Sydney" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to complexity-usyd+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to complexity-usyd(a)googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/complexity-usyd/8AC55DD7-57C5-49A3-B830-7… <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/complexity-usyd/8AC55DD7-57C5-49A3-B830-7…> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

July 21, 2016

PhD Scholarships in complex networks & info theory at USyd

by Joseph Lizier

Dear all, (Apologies for cross-posting) Two PhD scholarships are available to study with Dr. Joseph Lizier in an Australian Research Council DECRA funded project ("Relating function of complex networks to structure using information theory"), within the Complex Systems Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering and IT at The University of Sydney. Both projects involve studying the relationship between complex network structure and dynamics, in terms of information processing. The approach will primarily use information theory (e.g. transfer entropy), with applications to neural data sets: 1. "Inferring information network structure from dynamics" -- http://bit.ly/1SZdnim 2. "Describing network and information processing co-development" -- http://bit.ly/24mp8Vq For any questions, please contact Dr. Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au) The closing date for applications is August 14, with the successful candidate to start by Feb 2017 or earlier. Please forward to any interested parties. Regards, --joe -- Dr. JOSEPH LIZIER | ARC DECRA Fellow | Senior Lecturer Complex Systems Research Group Faculty of Engineering and IT THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Rm 338A, Building J05 | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006 T+61 2 9351 3208 | F+61 2 9351 3343 | M+61 408 186 901 E joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au | W sydney.edu.au TW @jlizier | W lizier.me/joseph CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. Please think of our environment and only print this e-mail if necessary.

July 18, 2016

Neuroscience Gateway Workshop at SFN 2016 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Using the Neuroscience Gateway Portal for Parallel Simulation Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 AM to noon at a site in downtown San Diego This workshop combines didactic presentations and hands-on instruction on how to use the Neuroscience Gateway Portal (NSG) for computationally intensive simulations and data analysis. NSG eliminates most technical and adminstrative barriers to using high performance computing resources, and even gives away free CPU time on parallel supercomputers. Software currently installed on NSG includes Brian, GENESIS, MOOSE, NEST, NEURON, PyNN, Freesurfer, and the Virtual Personalized Multimodal Connectome Pipeline. The registration deadline for this workshop is Friday Oct. 28, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/nsg2016/nsg2016.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

July 18, 2016

NEURON course at SFN 2016 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Using NEURON to Model Cells and Networks Friday, Nov. 11 from 9 AM to 5 PM at a site in downtown San Diego This course provides a practical introduction to building and using models of neurons and networks with NEURON. Covered topics include basic concepts, workflow for building and using models, speeding up simulations with parallel hardware from multicore personal computers to massively parallel supercomputers, using Python with NEURON, and modeling reactive diffusion with the RxD class. The registration deadline for this course is Friday Oct. 28, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/sd2016/sd2016.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

July 18, 2016

Subject: Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience

by Szabolcs Káli

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research at the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The institute, located in the center of Budapest, is dedicated to biomedical research in the field of neuroscience, hosts a variety of world-class research groups, and was awarded the title “Centre of Excellence” by the European Commission. The laboratory, led by Prof. Tamás Freund, employs a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the generation of normal and pathological patterns of network activity in the hippocampus, the roles of subcortical inputs in cortical information processing, and the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Szabolcs Káli on developing detailed biophysical models of hippocampal neurons and circuits in the context of a large-scale initiative for collaborative work in computational neuroscience. The aim of the project is (1) to further the understanding of the dynamics and computational capabilities of cortical cells and networks, and (2) to create a generic framework and corresponding tools for the reproducible, collaborative development, simulation, and validation of data-driven neural models. The successful applicant is expected to contribute to both aspects of the project, developing morphologically and biophysically detailed models of different types of hippocampal neurons, and constructing anatomically and physiologically faithful models of hippocampal circuits. The work will take advantage of the neuroinformatics, brain simulation, and high-performance computing infrastructure developed by the European Human Brain Project, and the holder of this post is expected to make significant contributions to testing an integrative platform for model development, representation, optimization, and validation. He/she will work closely with experimentalists within the group who provide anatomical and physiological data, and is expected to coordinate model and tool development with collaborators at leading European institutions. The job also offers ample opportunities to develop and maintain contacts with members of the wider (experimental and modeling) community. We are looking for an individual holding a PhD in computational neuroscience (or related discipline), with a keen interest in applying theoretical and simulation tools to understanding neural information processing. The position requires an ability to work independently, but also as a member of a large international research team. The applicant should be able to communicate effectively in English, both in speech and in writing. We also expect the successful candidate to have experience in at least some of the following areas: - developing cellular or network models using neural simulation software (such as Neuron) - analysis of anatomical and/or electrophysiological data sets - programming (in Python, MATLAB, etc.) and collaborative software development - advanced parameter optimization methods (such as evolutionary algorithms) The position is available from September 1, 2016 (the exact starting date is flexible) until March 31, 2018 in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. The salary is according to local scales for postdoctoral positions in EU-funded projects, and depends on relevant experience. Review of applications will start on August 10, but applications are accepted until the position is filled. Applications should contain a CV, a brief letter of interest, and two references, and should be sent to Szabolcs Káli (kali(a)koki.hu) Informal inquiries about the post are also welcome. -------------------------------------------------------- Szabolcs Káli Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine Hungarian Academy of Sciences H-1083 Budapest Szigony utca 43. Phone: +36-1-2109413 Fax: +36-1-2109412 E-mail: kali.szabolcs(a)koki.mta.hu www.koki.mta.hu

July 15, 2016

Call for participation "From Single Neurons to Brain Complexity and Human Behavior" Research Topic (Frontiers)

by PRWTOPAPA FWTEINH

Dear potential authors on the comp-neuro mailing list, [Apologies for cross-posting]In collaboration with Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, we are organizing a Research Topic titled "From Single Neurons to Brain Complexity and Human Behavior", hosted by Constantinos Siettos, Jens Starke, Konstantinos Michmizos, Foteini Protopapa, Nikolaos Smyrnis. As host editor, I would like to encourage you to contribute to this topic. Please find more information below: Web site: http://frontiersin.org/Computa tional_Neuroscience/researchto pics/From_Single_Neurons_to_ Brain_Complexity_and_Human_ Behavior/5116Deadlines for this Research Topic are: Oct 01, 2016 (Abstract) and Feb 01, 2017 (Manuscript)Description: During brain data acquisition, from the neural to the behavioral scale, the targeted brain function is typically secluded from the influence of other brain functions. Such an approach results in data acquired at a single spatial and temporal scale of the brain and limits the analysis and understanding of the intrinsically multiscale and parallel brain functions. This calls for a paradigm shift from examining the brain as a monolithic structure to examining –and interacting with– the brain holistically. The proposed Research Topic aims to attract papers that will form a new computational infrastructure resource by combining novel integrative methods in Computational Neuroscience. Specifically, the research focus will be on: 1) The development of new methods and algorithms that can deal with multiscale dynamics and integrate data from synchronized behavioral and neural activity; and 2) The improved understanding of the neural dynamics in behavioral states. The understanding of brain functionality across its scales will have an unprecedented health, social and financial impact. The proposed Research Topic will host advanced mathematical modeling efforts and computational approaches that seek to understand how the interplay among cellular, anatomical and neuronal connectome empowers complex brain functions such as vision, attention, memory, learning and emotion. Tools include, but are not limited to, linear and nonlinear time series analysis of single unit recordings, EEG, MEG, fMRI and PET as well as multiscale modeling and analysis of neuronal systems dynamics, causal connectivity analysis (Granger-based, Phase Synchronization, Mutual Information, Transfer Entropy etc), manifold and machine learning methodologies for handling data complexity (PCA, ICA, ISOMAP, Diffusion Maps) etc. We seek to present research efforts that bridge the bottom-up and top-down approaches. A bottom-up research includes modelling the dynamics of neurons and/or networks of neurons to approximate the complex emergent behavior whereas a top-down research would try to reveal how macroscale phenomena observed in integrative EEG, MEG or fMRI signals can be used to infer about the brain organization and ultimately explain the underlying functional mechanisms. Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to: the reconstruction of functional networks that govern the information flow of the brain signals, the identification of distinct spatio-temporal patterns that can suggest the mechanisms of specific higher cognitive functions, and the modeling and analysis of resting-state activity. We will try to cover studies targeting the healthy brain as well as studies targeting neurologic and psychiatric disorders in adults (such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease Schizophrenia and other Psychotic disorders) and/or in children and adolescents (such as child epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorders). Let us know if you have any questions about this Research Topic. We look forward to hearing from you soon. With best regards, Constantinos Siettos (ksiet(a)mail.ntua.gr) Associate Professor at National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece.and Foteini Protopapa, Ph.D. ( fwteini104(a)gmail.com ) Research Associate at EPIPSI, Greece.

July 14, 2016