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

Postdoc positions in Neuromorphic computing in Singapore

by Yansong Chua

Multiple scientist and research engineer positions are available in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore. This project is part of a large multidisciplinary grant in neuromorphic technologies involving multiple universities and research institutions in Singapore (NUS, NTU, IME, IHPC, I2R). The project is focused on building a new neuromorphic chip using RRAM that enables on-chip learning, together with a suite of learning algorithms that would then be deployed in applications in the advanced manufacturing domain. The primary scope of our research is to develop spike-based computing and learning algorithms for deep spiking neural networks on a neuromorphic chip. Specifically, we are interested in employing spikes in information processing and learning. To this end, successful candidates will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: - Neuronal coding. What coding and readout strategy underlie spike-based representation. How to encode external stimuli into spike based representations and how to readout information from spike activities. - Learning. How does neurons adapt their synaptic weights to perform a given task under cases of supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement signals. What are the underlying mechanisms for deep-structured network learning. - System integration and applications. How to integrate different computational principles into a system and apply it to solve different practical tasks. Preference will be given to candidates who can document knowledge in machine learning, neural networks, information processing, system design or hardware implementation with VLSI and FPGA. Candidates must have a PhD (for scientists) or MS/BS (for engineers) in computer science, computational neuroscience or related fields. Strong programming and quantitative skills are highly desired. Candidates should be proficient in spoken and written English. The appointments will be for 2 years, and extended for another 2 years, after review. Salaries are commensurate with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. For comparison, in 2013, Singapore's per capita GDP is US$55,000 and US's per capita GDP is US$53,000. Other benefits include: - Funding for international conferences and training courses - Collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of international scientists Candidates please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and three references to Dr. Yansong Chua (chuays(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg) or Dr. Qiang Yu (yuqiang(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg) More information: - Institute for Infocomm Research: http://www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/ - Working in Singapore: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/professionals/why_ singapore/

Feb. 23, 2017

master in Brain and Cognition, with focus on Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis, Barcelona

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period. The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) In this email, we emphasize the possibility of participation of outstanding candidates with strong quantitative background, such as physics, mathematics or machine learning eager to learn about computational and cognitive neuroscience. Candidates with these backgrounds could perform research activity with the following experts in computational neuroscience: Gustavo Deco (http://cns.upf.edu/) Albert Compte (http://complab.fcrb.es/complab/pres) Rubén Moreno-Bote (https://portal.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) Overall, the groups participating at the Master are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition https://www.upf.edu/mbc/who_ are_we2.html . Students will be exposed to the ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact mbc(a)upf.edu for further information. Scientific-related questions such as fit of quantitative backgrounds can be consulted to ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Rubén Moreno-Bote -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella, Building 24, office 331 Ramon Trias Fargas, 24-27 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

Feb. 23, 2017

REMINDER: Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2017

by Zrinka Gattin

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and the Bernstein Center Göttingen invite proposals for Satellite Workshops. Satellite Workshops will directly precede the Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Workshops: September 12 - 13, 2017 Main Bernstein Conference: September 13 - 15, 2017 Deadline for proposal submission: March 01, 2017 Notification of workshop acceptance: March 27, 2017 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops. They provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. Workshop formats should be designed to foster debate beyond a mere series of talks. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. Workshop time frame: September 12, 2017, 13:00 - 18:00 September 13, 2017, 9:00 - 12:30 Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs: NEW THIS YEAR – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: For all accepted workshops the registration is free of charge for organizers and speakers. Organizers will also receive a waiver for the main conference fee. New this year: From the accepted workshops a maximum of ten workshops will be selected to each receive financial support of up to 1.500,00 €. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/satellite-workshops Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 01, 2017 Accommodation and Hotel Reservation: We strongly recommend early room booking. The number of available accommodation is limited due to several concurrent events. We arranged for room contingents in a variety of hotels that you may book by yourself by email or phone. Please follow the instructions at our Accommodations Web-site (http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation) We would like to emphasize that these room contingents will be held open up to different expiration dates depending on the hotel (or until they are filled). The earliest expiration date is already end of May 2017 whereas the majority of offers expire at the 12th of July 2017. We strongly encourage participants to share rooms and to book rooms as a group. Groups of three or four are possible if you book a suite. The room contingent contains a set of suits and apartments. We emphasize that it will be very difficult to book accommodation beyond the expiration dates. Please find a list of the hotels at our Accommodations Web-site. CONTACT: contact(at)bccn-goettingen.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Göttingen! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter (Chair) Marion Silies (co-Chair) Christian Tetzlaff (co-Chair) Matthias Bethge Laura Busse Claudia Clopath Julia Fischer Alexander Gail Richard Hahnloser Claus Hilgetag Peter Jonas Siegrid Löwel Michael Platt Viola Priesemann Nicole Rust Fred Wolf (Conference Chair) -- Dr Zrinka Gattin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen PhD Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Phone: +49 (0)551 5176 418 Fax: +49 (0)551 5176 14418 E-Mail: zrinka(a)nld.ds.mpg.de

Feb. 23, 2017

PhD opening in the neural mechanisms of decision making

by Simon Kelly

Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in the Cognitive Neural Systems lab (https://cogneusys.com/) led by Simon Kelly, to study the neural mechanisms of decision making. This position is part of a project funded by Science Foundation Ireland, which involves a combination of psychophysics, computational modelling, non-invasive electrophysiology of human brain and muscle, and analyses of existing single-cell neurophysiological data. The funded research is specifically focused on the impact of value (i.e., how much decision outcomes are worth) on the dynamics of decision formation in sensory, decision, and motor areas of the brain. However, the overall PhD can be significantly broader in scope (including e.g. biomedical/translational applications), depending on the student’s interests within the broader research themes of the lab. The Cognitive Neural Systems lab is situated within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and has strong collaborative links to basic cognitive and clinical neuroscience research groups both locally (e.g. Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience) and internationally (e.g. City College and Columbia University in New York). The successful applicant will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of a broad range of experimental, conceptual, analytic and computational skills. Applicants should have a BSc/B.E. or Masters degree in neuroscience, psychology, Electrical/biomedical engineering, computer science, or other related discipline and a demonstrable interest in cognitive neuroscience. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. Any prior experience in programming, psychophysics, EEG and/or modelling, especially in the area of cognitive neuroscience, is a definite advantage. To apply, submit a CV, short cover letter and contact information for at least two referees to Dr Simon Kelly (simon.kelly(a)ucd.edu) Candidates should explain in their cover letter how their own research interests fit specifically with those of the Kelly lab. ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

Feb. 22, 2017

We have a wide range of posts open in Fudan Univ.

by jianfeng feng

http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/606495-senior-research-fellow… -- -------------------------------------- J. Feng, Prof. of Biology, Computer Science, Medicine and Mathematics Warwick University, UK http://www.dcs.warwick.ac.uk/~feng Fudan University, PR China http://ccsb.fudan.edu.cn/

Feb. 22, 2017

Postdoc and PhD student for project on deep learning in artificial, human, and rodent brains

by Hans Op de Beeck

Postdoc and PhD student for project on deep learning in artificial, human, and rodent brains For a project combining the domains of human functional neuroimaging, computational modelling, and rodent physiology, we are looking for two new collaborators. Hirings can be at the level of postdoc as well as PhD student. First, we look for a scientist to implement and further develop deep neural network modelling. The aim is to compare the representations in these artificial networks over the course of training with neural responses in human and rodent cortex. Here we build upon earlier work such as Kubilius et al. (2016, PLOS Comput. Biology). Candidates should have a background in computational neuroscience, computer vision, artificial intelligence, or related fields. Second, we look for a scientist to study the cortical basis of visual learning in awake rodents through extracellular recordings using electrode arrays. Relevant earlier studies from our lab in this domain are Vinken et al. (2014, J. Neurosci.) and Vinken et al. (2016, Cerebral Cortex). Candidates should have a background in Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical sciences, Bioengineering or a related field. Independent of career stage (so also for incoming PhD students), only candidates will be considered that have a quantitative and computational background including expertise with Matlab, good social skills and team spirit, and good communication skills in English (oral and written). For PhD students, we expect a competitive study record putting the student among the top students in an internationally competitive program. For postdocs, we expect a relevant and competitive publication record (e.g., in computational and systems neuroscience) including first-author peer-reviewed publications. The research will be implemented in the research group of Hans Op de Beeck in the Laboratory of Biological Psychology at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium). The research group focuses upon multidisciplinary work, including human neuroscience research with functional magnetic resonance imaging, rodent behaviour & electrophysiology, and computational modelling. Many members of the group come from countries outside Belgium (e.g., Canada, Brasil, South-Korea, Italy, Belarus), and the professional language is English. The city of Leuven is an old, medieval city which is very lively thanks to a large population of students and researchers. Leuven is at 25 km from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections, also to the international airport of Brussels (20 minutes by train). The university is one of the oldest in the Low Countries (founded in 1425) and is ranked in the top 50 of universities worldwide (THE ranking). It is home to a large community of systems/cognitive/visual/computational neuroscientists. Applications should be submitted before March 8th 2017. Funding is available for up to 3 (postdoc) or 4 (PhD student) years. The starting date is flexible between May and October 2017. Informal queries for further information can be sent to hans.opdebeeck(a)kuleuven.be<mailto:hans.opdebeeck@kuleuven.be> . For the formal application, applicants should go to https://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/vacatures/54073261. The site will ask for a motivation letter (please include contact information for 2 references) and a CV (please include a list of publications if applicable). --- Prof. Dr. Hans P. Op de Beeck Professor in Brain & Cognition Program Director of KU Leuven Bachelor Psychology Laboratory of Biological Psychology University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium Tiensestraat 102, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Email: hans.opdebeeck(a)kuleuven.be<mailto:hans.opdebeeck@kuleuven.be> Website: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/home/english/research/lbp/lbpMembers/00029058

Feb. 22, 2017

Connectomics. Advanced Course. Siena, Tuscany April 22-29, 2017

by Francesca Martini/NSAS

Dear All, The last few seats remain for: Advanced Course Connectomics Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Certosa di Pontignano, Siena, Tuscany April 22-29, 2017 <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/ Coordinator: Sean Hill École Polytechnique Fédérale & The Blue Brain Project, Lausanne, Switzerland Faculty include: Julie Harris, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle. USA Michael Milham, Child Mind Institute, New York, USA Fabrizio de Vico Fallani, Inria & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, Paris, France Patric Hagmann, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Marcello Massimini, University of Milan, Italy Viktor Jirsa, Aix-Marseille University, France Sean Hill, École Polytechnique Fédérale & The Blue Brain Project, Lausanne, Switzerland This Advanced Course will focus on multi-scale aspects of the connectome the comprehensive wiring diagram of the brain and its impact on brain function, behavior and health. Ion channels, receptors, cells and synapses breathe dynamics into this wiring diagram and give rise to sensory responses, perceptions, decisions, memories and actions. When we fall into a deep dreamless sleep, our connectome doesnt change, nor does it change when we experience the vivid hallucinations of dreams. Yet it is the substrate of human experience disrupting the connectome gives rise to neurological deficits or disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the latest techniques of large-scale data acquisition, analysis, theory, modeling and simulation. The Advanced Course will cover 1) the cellular basis of connectivity including gene expression, morphology and electrophysiology, 2) large-scale data gathering and data analysis of whole brain connectivity across scales including electron microscopy, single neurons, meso-scale viral tracers, diffusion and functional whole brain imaging; 3) data integration of multimodal connectome data; 4) data-driven computational modeling and simulation at different scales of brain circuitry; 5) theoretical analyses of brain network topology and principles of connectivity; 6) the development of the connectome and its link to behavior and neurological disorders; 7) predicting whole brain dynamics from the connectome; 8) wakefulness, sleep and disorders of consciousness: the relationship between the connectome and the diversity of brain states and experiences. Course Format <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/course-format/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/course-format/ Application Form <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/application-form/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/application-form/ Kind regards, Francesca The Course Secretariat Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Certosa di Pontignano Via di Pontignano 5, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena. Italy Tel. +39.0577.146.0003

Feb. 22, 2017

Postdoctoral Positions in Machine Learning and Neuromodulation at Emory University and Georgia Tech

by Babak Mahmoudi

Postdoctoral positions are available at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology on developing machine learning algorithms and data analytics tools for the optimization of neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy and memory. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists and clinicians in the Departments of Biomedical Informatics, Neurosurgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Tech, Grenoble University at France, and medical device industry partners. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience or related fields with a strong background in machine learning, optimization theory, multivariate analysis and signal processing. Programming skill sets in Matlab and other languages (e.g., C++ and python) would be key to a successful candidate. Inquiries should be addressed to Babak Mahmoudi (b.mahmoudi(a)emory.edu) The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Please send applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three references to b.mahmoudi(a)emory.edu

Feb. 22, 2017

Post-doc proposal: Charting the human brain with fMRI

by Ana Luísa Pinho

Please find enclosed a post-doc proposal for an original "exhaustive cognitive mapping" performed in the framework of the Human Brain Project. *Duration & salary*: 12 months renewable up to 3 years, about 2100 enet monthly *Research teams*: Parietal (INRIA Saclay) and Unicog (INSERM), located at Neurospin, Saclay,France. *Responsible:* Bertrand Thirion. Contact: bertrand.thirion(a)inria.fr *Application*: Interested candidate should send CV and motivation letter. The post-doc will be in charge of setting a set of protocols up and running to pass them on the existing pool of 12 subjects of the Individual Brain Charting project. These protocols will be provided by the community (potentially from in-house developments) are meant to cover a large array of sensory, motor and cognitive processes. The post-doc will take part to the set of acquisitions performed on Neurospin 3T scanner at high resolution (1.5mm) and analyze the data by using a pipeline provided by the lab. Detailed reports will be provided to assess the quality of the data, motivate the participants and document the content of the database. These reports will provide extensive information on the functional organization of the brain in each individual, which will furthermore be confronted to other imaging modalities, e.g. anatomical and functional connectivity. Complex alignment procedures will then be carried out to obtain a population-level mapping that will lead to the first data-based cognitive atlas of the human brain. The data and atlas and analysis material will be released publicly. See https://team.inria.fr/parietal/files/2011/07/post-doc_ibc-1.pdf for details.

Feb. 22, 2017

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in New York

by Ruben Coen-Cagli

Postdoctoral position in the Coen-Cagli Laboratory Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY I will be at Cosyne and available to meet with candidates there. I am looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational and systems neuroscience in my lab at the Department of Systems and Computational Biology and Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) in New York City. The 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 perceptual 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, psychophysics, and neurophysiology through collaborations. The candidate is expected to perform research related to these topics. Close interaction and collaboration with other members of the department is anticipated. https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/ 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. Experience with psychophysics experiments is a plus. 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 summer 2017, 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, PhD Department of Systems and Computational Biology, and Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine 1300 Morris Park Ave. Price 353B Bronx, 10461. NY office: +1.718.678.1150 web: https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/

Feb. 21, 2017