January 2017 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Multiple Postdoc positions in systems neuroscience at Columbia University

by Qi Wang

Apologies for cross posting. Multiple postdoc positions funded by NIH and DARPA projects are available in the Laboratory for Neural Engineering and Control in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University (http://neclab.bme.columbia.edu/) The projects investigate the role of the locus coeruleus (LC) – norepinephrine (NE) system in modulating perception, behavior and learning, and how to accelerate perceptual learning through control of LC activity and peripheral nerve stimulation. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with excellent academic track-record, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Successful candidates should have, or be in the process of completing, a PhD (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a related field. Ideal applicants should have a background on electrophysiology, behavioral training of rodents, and quantitative analytical methods. Experiences in optical imaging is a plus. Applicants should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Applicants should submit a CV, including a list of publications, a brief description of research interests, and a list of three references. All application materials as well as any inquiries should be sent to qi.wang(a)columbia.edu. Salary will be commensurate to the candidate qualifications. -- ====================================== Qi Wang, Assistant Professor Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University ET 351, 500 W 120th Street New York, NY 10027 Email:qi.wang@columbia.edu Associate Editor IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering http://tnsre.embs.org/

Jan. 6, 2017

Applications open for Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2017

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2017 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 26 to July 13, 2017 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 26th through July 13th, 2017 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 3 - February 5, 2017. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Upinder Bhalla (NCBS, India) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh, USA) • Ila Fiete (University of Texas Austin, USA) • Sonja Grün (Research Centre Jülich, Germany) • Shin Ishii (Kyoto University, Japan) • Jason Kerr (MPI Bonn, Germany) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Subkin Lim (NYU Shanghai, China) • Michele Migliore (Institute of Biophysics, Italy) • David Redish (University of Minnesota, USA) • Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins University, USA) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Charles Wilson (University of Texas San Antonio, USA)

Jan. 6, 2017

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2017

by Aurel A. Lazar

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2017 BCMC 2017 March 13-14, 2017 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various sensory and control circuits in higher brain centers. A Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2017> is being conducted in conjunction with the workshop. Workshop participants are welcome to attend the hackathon. Organizer and Program Chair Aurel A. Lazar <http://www.ee.columbia.edu/~aurel>, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University. Program Overview (Confirmed Speakers) Dinu Florin Albeanu <http://albeanulab.labsites.cshl.edu/people/>, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY. Vijay Balasubramanian <http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~vbalasub/public-html/Home.html>, Department of Physics, University of Pennsylvania. Albert Cardona <https://www.janelia.org/people/albert-cardona>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Ann-Shyn Chiang <http://brc.life.nthu.edu.tw/FlyLab/html/leader.html>, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Jonathan B. Demb <http://eyes.yale.edu/people/jonathan_demb.profile>, Yale School of Medicine. Barry J. Dickson <https://www.janelia.org/people/barry-dickson>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Anmo J. Kim <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labmembers/GabyMaimon/>, Rockefeller University, New York. Konrad P. Kording <http://klab.smpp.northwestern.edu/wiki/index.php5/People>, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Adam H. Marblestone <http://www.adammarblestone.org/>, Synthetic Neurobiology Group, MIT. Katherine I. Nagel <http://www.nagellab.com/people/>, NYU Medical School. Gerald M. Rubin <http://www.hhmi.org/scientists/gerald-m-rubin>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Silke Sachse <https://www.ice.mpg.de/ext/index.php?id=hopa&pers=sisa3622>, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena. Marion Silies <http://www.eni-net.org/members/dr-marion-silies>, European Neuroscience Institute, Göttingen. Andreas S. Thum <https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/neuro/member/?tx_mhkleineidam_pi1%5BpId%5D=5029>, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz. Tim P. Vogels <https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/research/vogels-group>, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. More information about BCMC 2017 can be found here <http://fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/>

Jan. 5, 2017

Fwd: Ressearch Assitant McGill University

by Md. Taufiq Nasseef

I am already a member of this comp-neuro mailing list. Could you circulate this one please. Thanks. Best wishes, Taufiq *Please see advertisement below:* *Job Title:* Research Assistant *Hiring Unit*: Dr. Brigitte Kieffer’s laboratory *Work Location*: Douglas Hospital and Research Center - Perry Building 6875, boul. LaSalle *Hours/week*: 35 hours/week – Mon-Fri *Salary*: $27,000 -36,000 (adjusted according to experience) *Start Date:* February 1st 2017 *Description:* The selected candidate will be part of an internationally renowned team of Prof. Brigitte Kieffer (http://douglas.research. mcgill.ca/brigitte-kieffer) and will be a key actor for two team projects. These studies aim at understanding the function of Mu opioid receptors (the receptors for morphine) within brain networks and also test innovative opiates drugs. Methodological approaches include establishment of functional connectivity signatures using fMRI in live mice and also visualize/quantify receptor signaling by fluorescence microscopy. The selected candidate will be responsible for image acquisition and post-processing of the fMRI images as well as participating in the development of a pipeline to analyze multiphoton or confocal microscopy images. *Primary Duties*: Acquisition of fMRI images (Bruker 7 Tesla) Data analysis and image post-processing 3D reconstruction and volume analysis of microscopy (confocal/multiphoton) images *Requirements:* Bachelors degree in Biology/Computer Science or relevant experience. Knowledge in MRI and animal experimentation. Knowledge in coding, OS and languages (Linux, MATlab, Python) Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong team spirit to ensure optimal interactions with all team scientists. *Comments:* The person will profit from Douglas Research Centre benefits. Applicants are invited to submit their cover letters and resumes via email to: emmanuel.darcq(a)douglas.mcgill.ca We thank all applicants. Only selected candidates will be contacted. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------- Emmanuel Darcq, PhD Brigitte Kieffer Lab, Douglas Research Centre Dpt Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University Perry room E-3403 6875, boulevard LaSalle Montreal (Quebec) H4H 1R3 CANADA Phone :+1 514 761-6131 ext.: 4772 Avis de confidentialité: L'information contenue dans ce courriel peut être confidentielle et/ou privilégiée. Si vous n’êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez le détruire et en informer l’expéditeur. Il est interdit de copier ou de modifier ce courriel sans autorisation de l’auteur. Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal n’assume aucune responsabilité du contenu des messages personnels. Notice of confidentiality: The information contained in this email may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please destroy it and advise the sender. It is forbidden to copy or modify this email without the author's consent. The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is not responsible for the content of personal messages. -- Md Taufiq Nasseef, PhD Post Doctoral Fellow Brain Imaging Center Douglas Mental Health University Institute McGill University 6875 Lasalle Blvd. Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3 Canada Tel: (514) 862-6907 <%28514%29%20557-2740>

Jan. 4, 2017

Master Internship + PhD at CerCo, Toulouse, France

by Timothée Masquelier

Beating Roger Federer: *Modeling visual learning and expertise through a bioinspired neural network embedded in an electronic device* *Goal:* Internship for student in engineering school / Master degree’s student. The project can lead to a PhD grant. *When:* 5-6 months from February to July 2017 *Topic:* How do expert tennis players, like Roger Federer for example, predict if a ball will bounce in or out the field to decide if it should be played or not? After thousands of trajectory presentations, best champions have developed extraordinary skills in such a task, but little is known on how the visual system turns selective to spatiotemporal properties of the visual stimulus (e.g., 3D position, velocity and acceleration) and learns how to make an efficient use of it. The goal of the project is to build an embedded system – based on FPGA circuits and ARM processor – an artificial neural network which would replicate – and perhaps beat – the visual and anticipatory performances of these expert players. To achieve this goal successfully, we will develop a bio-inspired neural network, based on some of the key properties of human vision: the Smart NeuroCam (GST company) will be used to reproduce the retina functioning. It triggers its message under the form of spikes, in an asynchronous way (without any concept of frame per second), responding to spatial or temporal changes in the pattern of illumination. Several kinds of pre-processing filters can be implemented in VHDL language directly in the FPGA circuits, and the output is then sent to a neural network. The artificial network will learn to use this message, applying a simple learning rule, the Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP). This rule allows each neuron to become selective to a particular property of the stimulus, completely autonomously and with no supervision. Several layers will be built to allow perceiving more and more complex properties of the visual scene. Once the network will be established, its performances will be assessed in different conditions of learning and compared to those of the best tennis players. *The project is funded by a French National Research Agency (ANR)*, involving two sites and several researchers: - Robin Baurès, Benoit Cottereau, Timothée Masquelier and Simon Thorpe, CerCo, Toulouse. - Michel Paindavoine, GST, Dijon. *Where: *The candidate will be based at CerCo, Toulouse (France), and will make the interface with the two sites, with regular trips. The computational neuroscience part will be done at Toulouse, and electronic part at Dijon. *Objectives for the engineering / Master internship:* - Matlab (or Python) based simulations of numerical filters. These filters will be applied to the image processing from which spikes are generated and then sent to feed the neural network and STDP learning mechanism. - VHDL coding to implement these numerical filters into the FPGA circuits of the cameras - C/C++ coding of the neural network and STDP mechanism that should work on an embedded ARM processor system - Experimental tests that will allow evaluating the performance of the whole system, from spikes generation to visual properties learning of the embedded system, to predict tennis ball’s trajectories *Required skills:* - Strong knowledge on electronic, and openness to computational neurosciences - Knowledge in signal-image processing, and artificial neural network - Interest for multidisciplinary research - Ability to turn smoothly autonomous, once the road has been set - Ability to be at the interface of two scientific fields and two working areas - Programming with Matlab and/or Python for simulating the neural network - Programming in VHDL language for FPGA circuits - Programming in C/C++ language for porting the algorithms on ARM microprocessors - French is not a requirement if fluent in English, but willingness to learn would be beneficial *Relevant publications for the project:* - Masquelier, T., Guyonneau, R. & Thorpe S.J. (2009). Competitive STDP-Based Spike Pattern Learning.Neural Comput, 21(5),1259-1276. - Masquelier, T. & Thorpe, S.J. (2007). Unsupervised learning of visual features through spike timing dependent plasticity. PLoS Comput Biol, 3(2):e31. - Cottereau, B.R., McKee, S.P. & Norcia, A.M. (2014). Dynamics and cortical distribution of neural responses to 2D and 3D motion in human. Journal of Neurophysiology 111(3), 533-543. - SmartNeuroCam de GST : https://gsensing.eu/fr/ category/sections/products *Contact:* *Robin Baurès, PhD* Associate Professor CerCo, Université Toulouse 3, CNRS CHU Purpan, Pavillon Baudot 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9 – France Office phone: 0033 (0)5 62 74 62 15 <05%2062%2074%2062%2015> Email : robin.baures(a)cnrs.fr *Pr Michel Paindavoine* GlobalSensing Technologies 14, rue Pierre de Coubertin 21000 Dijon email : michel.paindavoine(a)gsensing.eu

Jan. 4, 2017

Postdoc position at TU Berlin/BCCN Berlin

by Philipp Hoevel

The Hövel group (Institute of Theoretical Physics at TU Berlin and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin) invites application for a postdoc position in the area of computational neuroscience. The successful applicant will be joining a DFG-funded project entitled "Temporal fluctuations in functional networks of the human brain - modeling brain transition between cognitive states" Detailed knowledge in the area of computational neuroscience and nonlinear dynamics is essential, experience in neuroimaging data analysis is advantageous. For further details, see official call for applications: https://tub.stellenticket.de/de/offers/31261/ Closing date for applications is January 23, 2017. -- Dr. Philipp Hövel Junior Research Group Leader Technische Universität Berlin Fakultät II - Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften Institut für Theoretische Physik, Sekr. EW 7-1 Hardenbergstr. 36 10623 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 (0)30 314-27658 Fax: +49 (0)30 314-21130 Email: phoevel(a)physik.tu-berlin.de Web: http://www.tu-berlin.de?hoevel

Jan. 4, 2017

Funded PhD position on neural circuits & behaviour, University of Cambridge

by Timothy O'Leary

A funded PhD position "Reverse-engineering invertebrate neural circuits" is available in the group of Timothy O'Leary, University of Cambridge. Start date: October 2017, *application deadline: January 31, 2017*. Eligibility: *UK and EU students*. The project is a collaboration with a leading experimental lab (Marta Zlatic, HHMI), studying the neural circuits underlying behavioural variability in Drosophila. The project aims to uncover circuit principles of action selection using a combination of theory, computational modeling and cutting-edge experiments. Applicants should have strong skills in mathematics, programming and data analysis, and a desire to develop cutting-edge experimental techniques. *Full description and application instructions are available here*: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/12211/ Please feel free to contact Dr O'Leary directly with informal enquiries ( tso24(a)cam.ac.uk) http://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/directory/profile.php?tso24

Jan. 4, 2017

Systems neuroscience mailing list

by Nikolas Karalis

Dear all, I would like to inform you about a new mailing list targeted to researchers in the wider field of Systems Neuroscience. The aim is to create a platform for the distribution of useful information such as job and conference calls. More information about this mailing list can be found at the website: www.systemsneuroscience.eu You can directly subscribe by clicking this link <https://groups.google.com/group/systems-neuroscience/subscribe>. If you would like to advertise any job openings or events you are organizing, please feel free to post to the mailing list by sending an email to the address: systems-neuroscience(a)googlegroups.com Kind regards, Nikolas Karalis -- Nikolas Karalis - http://www.nikolaskaralis.gr <http://nikolaskaralis.gr> Doctoral Candidate in Neuroscience - Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München M.Sc. in Neuroscience (Charité, Berlin & Université de Bordeaux II) B.Sc, M.Sc in Applied Mathematics and Physics (NTUA)

Jan. 4, 2017

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at IDIBAPS/UPF (Barcelona)

by JROCHAV＠clinic.cat

Postdoctoral Position on Behavioural modelling and neural analysis of flexible perceptual decision-making at IDIBAPS / UPF (Barcelona) A postdoctoral research position in computational neuroscience is available to work with Jaime de la Rocha at IDIBAPS (Barcelona) and Alexandre Hyafil at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF, Barcelona). The postdoctoral fellow will be a vital member of the interdisciplinary research team led by Jaime de la Rocha that studies perception and cognition using combined theoretical and experimental approaches. More specifically, the fellow’s work will be part of an ERC-funded project aiming to unravel the behavioural principles and the neural mechanisms underlying how recent experience shapes perception and guides decisions. The fellow will (1) characterize the behavioural influence of recent history onto perceptual choices in rats and humans performing acoustic discrimination tasks, (2) analyze population recordings from cortical neurons obtained from rats to uncover the traces of recent history decision biases and (3) build dynamical models of behaviour based on the population recordings using a variety of machine learning tools. Behavioural and neural data is currently being acquired by other researchers in the lab. The work will be co-supervised between Jaime de la Rocha, head of the Cortical Circuit Dynamics Group (http://neuro.fcrb.es/delaRochaLab/) and Alexandre Hyafil who is establishing his new laboratory in the nearby UPF, and has in the last years develop a set analysis techniques fitted for our data. Both groups are part of the vibrant computational neuroscience community of Barcelona, which promotes the interaction among groups by organizing multiple interaural activities. Applicants should have a strong background in computational neuroscience or applied mathematics and have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate modeling and experimental research. Programming proficiency (Matlab and/or Python) is required. Experience in machine learning methods, advanced statistics as well as nonlinear dynamical systems will be valued. Ability to collaborate in a pluridisciplinary team is essential. Initial appointment for this position is for two years. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants, please send a resume, names and contact of 3 references and a cover letter explaining your interest and research experience to jrochav(a)clinic.cat<mailto:jrochav@clinic.cat> and alexandre.hyafil(a)gmail.com<mailto:alexandre.hyafil@gmail.com>. Jaime de la Rocha Group Leader at IDIBAPS c. Rosselló 149-153 Barcelona, 08036 Spain Tel. +34 932275400 (4307)

Jan. 3, 2017

PhD positions available at the Bernstein Centre Freiburg, Germany

by Carsten Mehring

The Bernstein Center Freiburg (BCF) is inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology. The BCF concentrates research in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The projects are highly interdisciplinary and span across mathematical-theoretical approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks, neuroanatomy, experimentally driven neurophysiology and the development of technologies for medical application. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2017. For more information, please visit our website http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs <http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> -- Dr. Birgit Ahrens birgit.ahrens(a)bcf.uni-freiburg.de <mailto:birgit.ahrens@bcf.uni-freiburg.de> Teaching & Training Coordinator Bernstein Center Freiburg University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9a D - 79104 Freiburg Germany Phone: +49 (0) 761 203-9575 Fax: +49 (0) 761 203-9559

Jan. 2, 2017