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

Call for SMARTSTART Applications
by Smart Start Coordination Office 15 Nov '17

15 Nov '17

Ready for a SMARTSTART into Computational Neuroscience? We invite first and second-year Master students with a background in related fields to apply to our joint training program SMARTSTART. The program aims at complementing previous studies with concepts, theories and techniques of Computational Neuroscience. SMARTSTART consists of two programs. Both of them last one year each and take place at numerous locations of the Bernstein Network and further locations throughout Germany. SMARTSTART 1 provides financial support to then second-year Master students, allowing them to attend supplementary courses and training visits at participating institutions. Students will receive an experienced faculty mentor who will advise and guide them at this educational stage. SMARTSTART 2 provides fully funded positions for pre-PhD students. At the start of the program, these students will have already obtained their Master´s degree and are in the process of selecting a PhD project. SMARTSTART 2 allows them to elaborate their own PhD proposal as a collaborative project between two labs. This comprises exchange visits as well as voluntary attendance of lectures and courses offered by participating institutions. Both SMARTSTART programs will commence the next round in the winter term 2018/19. The Deadline for application is Wednesday, February 28, 2018. More information can be found on our website: www.smartstart-compneuro.de<http://www.smartstart-compneuro.de/> Best regards, Kathrin Hebert -- Coordination Office Smart Start - Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9593 mail: smartstart(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:smartstart@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Princeton Intensive Summer School in Neuroscience
by Carlos Brody 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

** Princeton Intensive Summer School in Neuroscience ** We want to bring to your attention an intensive 4-week summer course, Cellular, Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience (C3N), designed to introduce physicists, mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists to the major questions and techniques of modern neuroscience, with a special emphasis in both lecture and laboratory components on modern recording and analysis methods, ranging from large scale electrode and optical recording (and optogenetic stimulation) to mathematical analysis of neural dynamics within the datasets produced by these methods. The course and application are described in detail at http://C3N.princeton.edu. Senior graduate students or postdoctoral fellows are particularly appropriate candidates for the C3N course. Grants from the NIMH and the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation allow us to meet the full financial needs of all admitted students. The application deadline is Feb. 1 2018. http://C3N.princeton.edu David Tank, Michael Berry and Alan Gelperin, Princeton Neuroscience Institute

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Call for Applications - 2018 Nengo Summer School
by Peter Blouw 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

[All details about this school can be found online at https://www.nengo.ai/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce a special version of our annual Nengo summer school that will host the* first public access* to *Braindrop*, a new mixed analog-digital neuromorphic chip developed in collaboration with Stanford and Yale. In addition to introducing Braindrop, this two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems, and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [1]. Nengo is also being used to program a variety of state-of-the-art neuromorphic chips, including Braindrop! For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/4tVUkQ We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background. [1] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://compneuro.uwaterloo.ca/files/publications/eliasmith.2012.pdf] Application Deadline: February 15, 2018 *Format*: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware - build perceptual, motor, and cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more... *Date and Location:* June 3th to June 15th, 2018 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. *Applications*: Please visit http://www.nengo.ai/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (peter.blouw(a)appliedbrainresearch.com). We look forward to hearing from you!

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PhD position: Calcium signalling in the C. elegans brain
by Melanie Stefan 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

PhD position: Using C. elegans and computational modelling to understand the mechanisms governing calcium signalling in the brain A BBSRC-funded PhD position is available at the University of Edinburgh, in a joint project between the Busch lab and the Stefan lab. The project involves studying Calcium signalling in the C. elegans brain, using both experimental methods (genetics, behavioural assays, functional neuronal imaging) and computational modelling. Full funding is available for UK or EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for 3 years prior to commencement. Further details and instructions on how to apply are available here: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=89850 The application deadline is 4 December 2017. If you wish to discuss the project, contact Emanuel Busch (Emanuel.Busch(a)ed.ac.uk) or Melanie Stefan (melanie.stefan(a)ed.ac.uk) -- Melanie I Stefan, PhD Edinburgh-Zhejiang Lecturer University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9XD http://melaniestefan.net

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Job Posting: Computational Neuroscience Applications Engineer
by Christian Rössert 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Dear Colleagues, INAIT is seeking a permanent and full-time Computational Neuroscience Applications Engineer INAIT is a spin-off from the Blue Brain Project that will leverage 12 years of experience on brain modeling and simulation to build the next generation AI systems. INAIT has a unique position in knowledge of brain structure and function, advanced software ecosystems, and an advanced team of scientists and engineers. We expect to radically innovate on current AI systems to more easily capture diverse brain-like capabilities. Send your cover letter and CV to contact(a)inait.ai Job description *Major duties and responsibilities:* - Contribute to the development of computational neuroscience applications using state of the art computational neuroscience simulation packages and INAIT applications - Contribute to the development of computational neuroscience models of neurons and neural networks - Perform a technical survey of computational neuroscience algorithms and technology *Essential skills and experience required:* - University degree in computational neuroscience - Professional experience in state of the art computational neuroscience simulation frameworks such as NEST, NEURON, GENESIS, … - Experience in developing computational models of morphologically and/or (preferred) point neuron models - Professional experience in Python code development - Professional experience using UNIX/Linux operating systems - Good team player - Fluent spoken and written English *Preferred:* - Experience in the development of state of the art computational neuroscience simulation frameworks such as NEST, NEURON, GENESIS, … - Experience in the use of computational neuroscience simulation frameworks paradigms on shared and/or distributed parallel machines. - Professional experience in the software development life-cycle including unit testing, continuous integration, version control, debugging and documentation *Profile:* - Master’s degree or PhD (preferred) in computational neuroscience followed by at least 2-years professional experience - Quality-driven work ethics - Successful track record in designing, developing and maintaining software projects Where: Lausanne, Switzerland Start date: As soon as possible Activity rate: 100% Deadline for application: until position is filled Duration of contract: CDI Send your cover letter and CV to contact(a)inait.ai INAIT SA EPFL-Innovation Park - Bat. D 1015 Lausanne Switzerland contact(a)inait.ai

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Post-doc position in electrophysiology/neural coding at Columbia University
by Qi Wang 11 Nov '17

11 Nov '17

A postdoc position is immediately available in the Laboratory for Neural Engineering and Control in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University (http://neclab.bme.columbia.edu/). The project investigates the role of the locus coeruleus – norepinephrine (LC-NE) system in modulating neural coding, perception, and learning. The successful applicant should have a background in in-vivo single-unit recording. Experiences in behavioral training of rodents is a plus. We are looking for highly motivated researchers with a strong technical background, ideally with a PhD or equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related discipline. Applicants should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Start date is flexible. Salary will be commensurate to the candidate's qualifications. Applicants should submit a CV, 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. -- ====================================== Qi Wang, Assistant Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University ET 351, 500 W 120th Street New York, NY 10027 Email: qi.wang@columbia.eduhttp://neclab.bme.columbia.edu/ <qw2161(a)columbia.edu>

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support for Two PhD Fellows in Bilbao, Caixa Fellowship
by Jesus Cortes 10 Nov '17

10 Nov '17

Dear colleague La Caixa Foundation has published the call for International PhD fellowships within the program "INPhINIT". This call is providing excellent working conditions for excellent international students. More information at https://obrasociallacaixa.org/el/investigacion-y-becas/progr ama-de-becas-de-posgrado/inphinit/programme-description We will be supporting 2 applicants, one associated to the project “Machine Learning, Neurological Disorders and Brain Networks” supervised by Jesus M Cortes and the other associated to the project "Multi-scale epileptic networks: a longitudinal structural-functional study of human epileptic networks combining deep electrode recordings and MRI" supervised by Paolo Bonifazi. Applicants must have a background in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering. The student will work in the Computational Neuroimaging Lab in Biocruces (Bibao) focused on developing and applying brain connectivity methods in combination with machine learning (such as supervised and unsupervised classification), modeling (neuron or circuit levels) and imaging processing of different imaging modalities (such as magnetic resonance imaging or electroencepaholography). The student will interact with Engineers, Physicists and Clinical Researchers. Further details and readings: To study brain functioning and disfunctioning, the Computational Neuroimaging Laboratory in Biocruces (Bilbao) is focused on brain networks at the macroscale, thus affecting to the large-scale brain organization. While diffusion images provide information about structural connectivity, functional magnetic resonance imaging shed light on resting state functional connectivity. In this project, the student will work with different datasets, some of them publicly available, others acquired in our laboratory, covering different pathologies such as autism, patients in coma, epilepsy, patients with multiorganic failure, neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson and psychiatric disorders. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00215/full http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1162/NETN_a_00007 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01024/full https://www.nature.com/articles/srep10532 Working conditions: 3-years contract, gross salary of about 26.000 euro - 28.000 euro per year, and an extra travelling and conference budget of about 3.500 euro per year. Applicant requirements: At recruitment date, candidates must have MSc degree and an English certification of minimum B2. In addition, candidates must not have residence in Spain longer than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment date. Interested applicants contact to: Prof. Jesus M Cortes Ikerbasque Research Professor Head of the Laboratory of Computational Neuroimaging, Biocruces, Bilbao (Spain) Coordinator of the Quantitative Biomedicine Unit, Biocruces, Bilbao (Spain) Research Professor at the University of the Basque Country (Spain) http://www.jesuscortes.info jesus.m.cortes(a)gmail.com and/or Dr. Paolo Bonifazi Ikerbasque Tenure Track Professor Computational Neuroimaging Laboratory http://www.ikerbasque.net/es/paolo-bonifazi paol.bonifazi(a)gmail.com -- http://www.jesuscortes.info <http://jesuscortes.info> https://neurokafe.github.io/ https://thesciencebridge.org/

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Fully funded PhD Studentship in Biomedical Engineering
by Jayawan Wijekoon 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

Fully funded PhD Studentship in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Manchester (through UK Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership) is now open to UK and EU candidates. The successful candidate who have obtained, or be about to obtain, an undergraduate or Masters qualification in a relevant subject and should meet the minimum entry requirements of the School. The successful PhD student will help to develop a wearable fetal health monitoring vest to reduce stillbirths. The PhD student is expected to carry out electronic engineering or signal processing research. This multidisciplinary project is carried out with the collaboration of St Mary's Hospital, Manchester. For more details, please click the link given below. If you need further details, you can contact me (email: Jayawan.wijekoon(a)manchester.ac.uk<mailto:Jayawan.wijekoon@manchester.ac.uk>) directly. Web link to apply for the studentship<https://www.findaphd.com/search/projectdetails.aspx?PJID=89880>: https://www.findaphd.com/search/projectdetails.aspx?PJID=89880 The deadline for the application is 17th of November 2017. Kind regards, -- Dr. Jayawan Wijekoon Lecturer in VLSI Design & Digital Systems Design D31B, Sackville Street Building, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK Tel. +44 (0)161 306 4736

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CFP: Special Issue on Crossmodal Learning
by Pablo Barros 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

CALL FOR PAPERS Special Issue on Computational Models for Crossmodal Learning of the Cognitive Systems Research Journal. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/ I. Aim and Scope The ability of processing crossmodal information is a fundamental feature of the brain that provides a robust perceptual experience for an efficient interaction with the environment. Consequently, the integration of multisensory information plays a crucial role in autonomous systems to create robust and meaningful representations of objects and events. For dealing with real-world information, an autonomous, intelligent system must be capable of processing, integrating, and segregating different modalities for the purpose of coherent perception, decision-making, and cognitive learning. Recent neurophysiological findings in crossmodal learning have inspired novel computational models with the aim to trigger biologically inspired behavioral responses. A rich set of neural mechanisms support the integration and segregation of multimodal stimuli, providing the means to efficiently solve conflicts across modalities. This special issue aims to invite contributors from psychology, computational neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive robotics to discuss current research on crossmodal learning mechanisms both from the theoretical and modelling perspective. II. Potential Topics Topics include, but are not limited to: - New theories and findings on crossmodal processing - New neuroscientific results on crossmodal learning - Machine learning and neural networks for learning multisensory representations - Computational models of crossmodal attention and perception - Brain-inspired approaches for multisensory integration - Multisensory robot perception III. Submission Authors must use the Evise system to submit their contibutions, more informations can be found here: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/ *All manuscripts must be submitted to the Special Issue "VSI: Crossmodal Learning"* - Paper submission deadline: 09.02.2018 IV. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany German I. Parisi, University of Hamburg, Germany Doreen Jirak, Hamburg University, Germany Bruno Fernandes, Universidade de Pernambuco, Brazil -- Dr.rer.nat. Pablo Barros Research Associate Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.de https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.html www.knowledge-technology.info

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Postdoc at Edinburgh - Visual navigation in ants
by Barbara Webb 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

A research associate position is available in the Insect Robotics group in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh to work on developing experimental and modelling tools as part of the BBSRC funded project “Visual navigation in ants: from visual ecology to brain”, in collaboration with the University of Sussex. Excellent skills in programming are essential and candidates with experience in developing experimental tools such as visual tracking and trackballs, in carrying out advanced analysis of experimental data, in image processing and analysis, will be preferred. Ideally, candidates would also be familiar with invertebrate brain and behaviour research, and/or have expertise in modelling of sensory and neural systems. The post is full time and fixed term for 36 months. The post is available from 1st January 2018. Salary: £32,548 - £38,833 per annum Informal enquiries can be addressed to: Professor Barbara Webb (b.webb(a)ed.ac.uk), Principal Investigator of the project. Further details and the application form can be found at the University of Edinburgh website: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobsp ec?p_id=041829 Closing Date: Wednesday 6th December 2017 at 5pm (GMT). -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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