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

Research Engineer position - Axion/Columbia

by Robert Butera

Passing this on for a colleague - contact the email address in the job ad for more information. RESEARCH ENGINEER Axion BioSystems, Inc. is a life science company located in Atlanta, GA. We design, develop and manufacture instrumentation used for the precise monitoring and control of excitable cells. Axion’s products are used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies, governmental agencies, and universities for drug safety, drug discovery, and disease modeling assays. We are currently seeking an energetic scientist to lead Axion’s efforts in a collaboration with the Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM) at Columbia University. The objective of the collaboration is to interrogate the genetic mechanisms of epilepsy with multiwell microelectode array (MEA) technology. The newly developed IGM is an integral part of Columbia University’s Precision Medicine Initiative. As part of this Initiative, the IGM performs comprehensive genomic analyses on more than 10,000 patient genomes per year in order to identify new therapeutic targets of neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy. In order to understand how the implicated mutation affects disease, the laboratories of David Goldstein and Michael Boland use both primary neurons from mouse models of epilepsy and neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to study the effects of epilepsy gene mutations on neurodevelopment and neural network behavior. The selected individual will contribute analytical and electrophysiological expertise to complement a highly skilled team of molecular biologists. JOB FUNCTIONS: • Execution of neurophysiological experiments with the multiwell MEA platform. The ability to interpret or debug experiments in real-time is important, such as distinguishing signal from noise or artifacts. • Analysis of large electrophysiological data sets, primarily from the multiwell MEA platform, but also including complementary in vivo data. • Develop experimental hypotheses and identify expected results. Must confirm results through independent analysis and investigate any discrepancies that appear, while understanding the strengths and limitations of model systems (i.e., cellular vs. animal). • Drive innovation of the multiwell MEA assay, leading to new experimental methods and analytical techniques. • Work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment at Columbia University in New York City, with an ability to communicate well with the Axion team in Atlanta. REQUIREMENTS: • PhD in neuroscience or neuroengineering. A recent post-doc experience is a plus. • Hands-on research experience with electrophysiology techniques. Specific experience with MEA technology is desired. • Biostatistical and data analysis experience. • Experience with software analysis tools such as MATLAB or MiniTAB. • Attention to detail with good documentation and communication skills. • U.S Citizenship or permanent residency required. USEFUL KNOWLEDGE: The following are not required, but will enhance an applicant’s candidacy. • Hands on experience in general biological protocols including knowledge of primary cell dissociation, cell culture protocols, CRISPR, gene editing, and basic molecular techniques. • Experience with screening technologies, such as high-throughput patch clamp or high content imaging. • Knowledge of pharmacology and neurotoxicity research. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to careers(a)axionbio.com

July 1, 2016

CFP: Advances in Biologically Inspired Reservoir Computing

by John Butcher

Dear all, We are seeking papers for a special issue on Reservoir Computing, paper submission deadline is 31st September 2016. For more details see below and http://ispac.diet.uniroma1.it/cognitive-computation-special-issue/ Many thanks *Scope and motivation* *Reservoir computing is a family of techniques for training and analyzing recurrent neural networks, wherein the recurrent portion of the network is assigned before the training process, typically via stochastic assignment of its weights. The non-linear reservoir acts as a high-dimensional kernel space, which generates complex dynamics characterized by sharp transitions between ordered and chaotic regimes. The behavior of this model emulates the functioning of many biological (complex) systems, among which the brain.* *Driven by the conceptual simplicity of the reservoir and by links with neuroscience, computer science and systems’ theory, researchers have achieved remarkable breakthroughs, both in theory and in practice. These include dynamical models for explaining the working behavior of reservoirs, unsupervised strategies for the adaptation of the network, and the design of unconventional computing architectures for its execution.* *The recent upsurge of interest in fully adaptable recurrent networks, far from shifting the attention from the field, has brought renewed interest in reservoir computing models. In our era of extreme computational power and sophisticated problems, it is essential to understand the limits and the potentialities of simple (both deterministic and random) collections of processing units. For this reason, many fundamental questions remain open, including the design of optimal task-dependent reservoirs in a stable fashion, novel investigations on the memory and power capabilities of reservoir devices, and their applicability in an ever-increasing range of domains.* *In light of this, the aim of this special issue is to provide a unified platform for bringing forth and advancing the state-of-the-art in reservoir computing approaches. Researchers are invited to submit innovative works on the theory and implementation of this family of techniques, in order to provide an up-to-date overview on the field.* *Topics* *The topics of interest to be covered by this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:* *-Theoretical analyses on the computational power of reservoir computing.* *-Deep reservoir models.* *-Techniques for the automatic adaptation of the reservoir and the readout.* *-Supervised, unsupervised and semi-supervised training criteria.* *-Non-conventional substrates for the implementations of reservoirs.* *-Parallel and distributed algorithms for reservoir computing.* *-Comparisons between reservoir computing and standard (deep) neural networks.* *-Reservoir computing for reinforcement learning problems.* *-Fundamental links between reservoir computing and neuroscientific findings.* *-Investigation of reservoir dynamic in a phase space of reduced dimensionality.* *-Applicative papers in all areas (including robotics, industrial control, etc.) are welcome, as well as outstanding surveys on specific aspects of the field.* -- Dr John Butcher Neuroscience Research Associate School of Life Sciences Huxley Building Keele University UK ST5 5BG http://www.keele.ac.uk/lifesci/people/researchassistants/johnbutcher/

July 1, 2016

Postdoctoral Scholar in memory neuroscience using computational/modelling approach

by Sze Chai Kwok

Dear all, I am looking to employ a post-doc in memory neuroscience using computational/modelling approach <http://icn.ecnu.edu.cn/Data/View/1066>. Please spread the word to interested parties. Thank you. *Postdoctoral Scholar in **memory neuroscience**using computational/modelling approach * ** A postdoctoral position is available in the Laboratory of Attention and Memory (PI: Sze Chai Kwok) in the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China. Research will study the theoretical and neurobiological basis of episodic memory. Focus will be on the development of cognitive and/or biophysical network models using cross-species data from both human fMRI (with TMS) and ECoG, extra-cellular LFP / whole-cell recordings (combined with ire/reversible intervention) in awake monkeys performing analogous memory tasks using naturalistic stimuli such as videos. Candidates are expected to take advantage of the Lab’s unique experimental expertise in both humans and macaques. The Lab has active collaboration with groups in UCL, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, UCLA, and University of Oxford. Appointment is contingent upon completion of a PhD in computer science, mathematics, physics or other quantitative disciplines. Relevant research experience in modelling would be preferable. Salary is commensurate with experience. This postdoc appointment will run for initially a period of two years with a flexible starting date. Interested candidates should initiate informal inquiries and/or send a CV, a statement of research interests, representative first-author publications (in one single PDF), and references to: sk5899(a)nyu.edu <mailto:sk5899@nyu.edu>. Applications are accepted beginning now, and will continue until the position is filled. Sze Chai Kwok, DPhil Associate Professor at East China Normal University Associated faculty at NYU-Shanghai University (<http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/sze-chai-kwok>http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/sze-chai-kwok) -- ------------------------------ 5x1000 PER LA NOSTRA RICERCA SANITARIA <http://www.hsantalucia.it/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=999> la tua firma, il nostro codice fiscale: 97138260589 <http://www.hsantalucia.it/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=999> ------------------------------ 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'errore via e-mail o telefonando al numero +39 06515011. 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 criminal code and the law 196/03 (privacy). If you receive this message please don't read it but destroy it and then inform us by e-mail or by phone - number +39 06515011.

July 1, 2016