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

PhD fellowship Computational Neuroscience - Sapienza University of Rome

by Stefano Ferraina

A fully funded 3-year PhD position beginning November, 2017 is available in the Ferraina Lab [https:// <goog_951822054>goo.gl/ra6Ims] in the PhD School of Neuroscience and PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience [https://goo.gl/c644] at Sapienza University of Rome. The call is open to non-resident researchers only. The lab is interested to the study of neuronal activity recorded from chronically implanted multielectrode arrays (Utah array, Blackrock; 96 channels) in non-human primates (NHP) trained in sensorimotor and cognitive tasks. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background. Prior training and experience in neuroscience and neural data analysis is desirable, though we accept those candidates new to the field. During the 3 years, he/she will be involved in collaborative projects with the group of Paolo del Giudice [https://goo.gl/VWZSNe] and Maurizio Mattia [ https://goo.gl/H1cxbk] at the Italian National Institute of Health with strong expertise in Computational Neuroscience. The candidate could be also involved in monkey experiments and learn methods used in behavioural neurophysiology. The successful candidate will be fully founded (€ 19.000,00 per year). If interested please email your CV to: stefano.ferraina(a)uniroma1.it ____ *Stefano Ferraina, MD PhD* Full Professor of Neurophysiology Dept Physiology and Pharmacology Sapienza University Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome ITALY ph +39 0649910306; fax +39 0649690236

April 10, 2017

Neuroscience Summer Schools List

by Philippe Castonguay

Dear all, We made a neuroscience (and related field) summer schools list that could be of interest to students. They are ordered by deadlines and some of them are still open to registration for their 2017 edition. https://github.com/PhABC/neuroSummerSchools/blob/master/README.md You can add missing summer schools or edit current list by sending a pull request or by sending me a message. Philippe Castonguay

April 7, 2017

The 44th Naito Conference on Decision Making in the Brain: Poster application by April 12, 2017

by Kenji Doya

The 44th Naito Conference Decision Making in the Brain: Motivation, Prediction, and Learning https://www.naito-f.or.jp/en/conference/co_index.php?data=info_44 The Naito Conference is a four-day meeting with 25 invited speakers and about 60 poster presenters for in-depth discussion and networking. We are now calling for poster presentations, due April 12, 2017. Date: October 3 (Tue.) - 6 (Fri.), 2017 Venue: CHATERAISE Gateaux Kingdom SAPPORO http://www.gateauxkingdom.com ● Plenary Lecturers 　Randolf H. MENZEL, Free University Berlin, Germany 　Wolfram SCHULTZ, University of Cambridge, UK ● Invited Lecturers 　Ralph ADOLPHS 　Nathaniel D. DAW 　Hans Henrik EHRSSON 　Aikaterini FOTOPOULOU 　Stefano FUSI 　Hiroshi IMAMIZU 　Masaki ISODA 　Mitsuo KAWATO 　Etienne KOECHLIN 　Anatol C. KREITZER 　Minmin LUO 　Masanori MATSUZAKI 　Masako MYOWA 　Hiroyuki NAKAHARA 　Hitoshi OKAMOTO 　Michael PLATT 　Joshua W. SHAEVITZ 　Angela SIRIGU 　Hidehiko TAKAHASHI 　Sho YAGISHITA <Call for Poster Presentations> ● No registration fee. ● Accommodations and meals will be covered by the Naito Foundation. ● Official langage is English. ● Participation for full four days is a prerequisite. Application Period: March 17 (Fri.) - April 12 (Wed.), 2017 Application: via the web site http://naito.umin.jp/index-e.htm <Organizing Committee> 　Kenji DOYA (Chair), Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan 　Masamichi SAKAGAMI, Brain Science Institute, Tamagawa University, Japan 　Shinsuke SHIMOJO, California Institute of Technology, USA 　Hiromu TANIMOTO, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Japan 　Makiko YAMADA, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Japan <Contact> ● The Naito Conference Secretariat https://www.naito-f.or.jp ● Phone: +81-3-3813-3005 ● Email: naito44(a)sunpla-mcv.com ---- Kenji Doya <doya(a)oist.jp> Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan Phone: +81-98-966-8594; Fax: +81-98-966-2891 https://groups.oist.jp/ncu Postdoc positions available!

April 7, 2017

Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Computational Neuroscience (Neural Networks)

by samarasinghe＠ini.rub.de

Pending funding approval, Prof. Sen Cheng in the Institute for Neuroinformatics at Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full time position of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience*. The position starts on 1st July 2017 and is funded for 3 years. The research focuses on the neural bases of episodic memory and spatial navigation in rodents, including the development of quantitative models of the hippocampus. Further information can be found at https://www.ini.rub.de/research/groups/computational_neuroscience/. The working language at the institute is English. There is no teaching obligation. *Your Profile:* Candidates should have an excellent degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling, and excellent programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++, Matlab) are mandatory. Experience with interdisciplinary research in integrative neuroscience and cognitive science and with collaborative research would be a further asset. Please send your applications, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de by 23.04.2017. In addition, at least two academic references may be sent independently to the above email address. Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The Ruhr-University Bochum provides a dynamic research environment in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation unifies various core competencies extending from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Monday 9-12 & 14-16; Friday 9-12 & 14-16; Wednesday 12 - 16

April 7, 2017

Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Computational Neuroscience (Data Analysis)

by samarasinghe＠ini.rub.de

Pending funding approval, Prof. Sen Cheng in the Institute for Neuroinformatics at Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full time position of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience*. The position starts on 1st July 2017 and is funded for 3 years. *Job description* Analyze the learning dynamics in neural and psychophysiological data as well as behavioral data that will be collected by other projects within the framework of a collaborative research group. Comparing the learning dynamics between individuals, species, learning phases and learning paradigms. Develop algorithms to analyze the learning dynamics. Coordinate research with other participating projects. Further information can be found at https://www.ini.rub.de/research/groups/computational_neuroscience/. The working language of the institute is English. There is no teaching obligation. *Your Profile:* Candidates should have an excellent degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling, and excellent programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++, Matlab) are mandatory. In addition, relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required. Experience in the study of learning dynamics and in working within a collaborative research group would be a further asset. Please send your applications, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de by 23.04.2017. In addition, at least two academic references may be sent independently to the above email address. Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The Ruhr-University Bochum provides a dynamic research environment in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation unifies various core competencies extending from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Monday 9-12 & 14-16; Friday 9-12 & 14-16; Wednesday 12 - 16

April 7, 2017

grants for the Systems Neurosceince summer program

by Érdi Péter

BSCS grants are available for our Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program in Budapest (June 12 - Aug 4 2017, Budapest). See http://sysneuro-semester.org/ Official transcript of the program is issued by the Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest! For students with European passports we are proud to announce the availability of a limited number of grants provided by BSCS! For successful applicants the tuition fee AND accommodation is a dramatically reduced 1500 euro. Program start/end dates June 12th- Aug 4th, 2017. The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest. **************************************** Applications should be sent to ALL of these addresses by April 21th, 2017. However, they will be reviewed on rolling base! Péter Érdi (SysNeuro Director; BSCS Co-Director), perdi(a)kzoo.edu László Négyessy SysNeuro Co-Director <negyessy(a)gmail.com> bscs(a)bscs-us.org

April 6, 2017

PhD in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Exeter (fully funded)

by James Rankin

PhD in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Exeter (fully funded) ***Closes in 4 days*** 3.5 year college funded PhD Studentship in Computational Neuroscience: *Neural dynamics of perceptual competition * Ref: 2589 Open to UK, EU and International students with maintenance (£14,296 per year) and tuition fees fully funded http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=2589 This interdisciplinary project will use mathematical modelling, in conjunction with psychophysics (human perception experiments), to better understand the neural competition underpinning the dynamics of perception. Ambiguity in fixed sensory stimuli can lead to spontaneous switches in perception, both in vision, e.g. binocular rivalry, Necker cube, and audition, e.g. auditory streaming (switches between grouped or segregated interpretations of tone sequences). A set of common characteristics (inevitability of perceptual changes, exclusivity between the competing percepts, and randomness in the percept durations), generalise across sensory modalities. The neural competition driving these perceptual switches has been successfully modelled in small networks of Wilson-Cowan (firing rate) units, each associated with the different perceptual interpretations. For certain stimuli, where competition takes place across a continuous feature space (say, visual orientation, motion direction, or auditory pitch), a continuum model, such as the neural field equation can be applied. This PhD project will involve the derivation of perceptual competition models in a dynamical systems framework, based on plausible neural mechanisms commonly found in sensory cortex. Modelling hypotheses and predictions will be tested against experimental data collected in our lab or from collaborators. On the modelling side, tools from bifurcation analysis including numerical continuation will be applied to investigate dynamics. The project will be flexible in terms of the balance between modelling and experiments. Candidates with quantitative backgrounds (mathematics, physics, and engineering) and from neuroscience or psychology programmes are encouraged to apply. Programming experience and/or knowledge of dynamical systems theory is a plus. Contact: j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk Informal enquiries welcome. Application deadline: 10th April 2017 Please forward to interested parties as appropriate Thanks, James

April 5, 2017

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: "New Directions in Motor Control" - May 18-19. 2017

by David Hofmann

Dear colleagues, We are writing to announce that registration is now open for the Kavli Brain Forum Symposium at Emory, which will take place at Emory on May 18-19, 2017. Speakers at the symposium, which is entitled “New Directions in Motor Control”, will discuss their work exploring how the nervous system controls complex behaviors, with emphasis on how the brain employs sensory information to guide motor action and how patterns of motor activity are organized in space and time. This workshop is sponsored by the Kavli Brain Forum at Emory and Georgia Tech, Emory’s Center for Mind, Brain, and Culture, and an anonymous gift to promote theoretical physics approaches in biology. The conference, which will include both formal presentations and half-day small-group tutorials on advanced methods for analyzing neural and behavioral data, will be held at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel (1615 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30329). Presentations will be given by a number of distinguished neuroscientists from around the world as well as by members of the local neuroscience community. REGISTRATION DETAILS: Conference registration is free and open to all, however you must be registered to attend the workshop/tutorials. Please visit the workshop website ( http://www.physics.emory.edu/home/new-directions-in-motor-control/index.html ) for registration information and to find more information on the workshops and tutorials. All attendees must register by May 4, 2017. For attendees traveling to Atlanta from elsewhere, housing (group rate) is available at the conference hotel for $169/night. The deadline for reserving hotel rooms at the group rate is April 25, 2017. Information for making housing arrangements is available in the “Lodging” tab on the workshop website. Keynote speakers Michael Brecht<https://www.activetouch.de/index.php?id=1&L=0> (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Berlin) Nicholas Hatsopoulos<http://pondside.uchicago.edu/oba/faculty/Hatsopoulos/lab/> (University of Chicago) Mackenzie Mathis<http://www.mousemotorlab.org/> (Harvard University, Universität Tübingen) Leslie Osborne<http://osbornelab.uchicago.edu/PI.html> (University of Chicago) Carl Petersen<https://people.epfl.ch/carl.petersen> (EPFL Lausanne) Jennifer Raymond<https://profiles.stanford.edu/jennifer-raymond?tab=bio> (Stanford University) Reza Shadmehr<http://www.shadmehrlab.org/> (Johns Hopkins University) Local speakers Don Edwards<http://www2.gsu.edu/%7Ebiodhe/> (Georgia State University) David Hofmann<http://nemenmanlab.org/%7Eilya/index.php/Lab_Members> (Emory University) Dieter Jaeger<http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Jaeger/> (Emory University) Ilya Nemenman<http://nemenmanlab.org/%7Eilya/index.php/Ilya_Nemenman> (Emory University) Chethan Pandarinath<http://snel.gatech.edu/> (Emory University/Georgia Tech) Sam Sober<https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/soberlab/> (Emory University) Simon Sponberg<http://s1.sponberg.gatech.edu/> (Emory University/Georgia Tech) Lena Ting<http://neuromechanicslab.emory.edu/people/ting-lena.html> (Emory University/Georgia Tech) Hands-on Tutorials Tutorials will be held (concurrently) the morning of May 19. The registration site<http://www.physics.emory.edu/home/new-directions-in-motor-control/register.…> will allow you to select a tutorial to attend. Information theoretic analysis of neural spike trains led by Ilya Nemenman Application of generalized linear models to spike trains led by David Hofmann Beyond Spikes: Insights from local field potential recordings in electrode array data led by Audrey Sederberg Quantitative behavioral analysis using dimensionality reduction led by Gordon Berman Looking forward to seeing you in May! On behalf of the organizing committee, David Hofmann (Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University Physics) Sam Sober (Assistant Professor of Biology, Emory University) Simon Sponberg (Assistant Professor of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology) ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

April 4, 2017

NeuroMorpho.Org v7.1 released March 30th, 2017

by NeuroMorpho Administrator

Dear colleagues, We’re pleased to announce the March 30, 2017 release of Version 7.1 of NeuroMorpho.Org<http://neuromorpho.org/>, including 11,948 additional reconstructions from 72 new datasets. The repository now provides access to 62,304 cells (a 65% yearly increase since the March 2016 release) from 40 species and 278 labs. Notably, glia arbors are now included in the database in addition to neuron. Please visit the What’s new page<http://neuromorpho.org/WIN.jsp> for details on the added data and other updates. The literature coverage database was also updated to include publications through March 2017. We are continuously grateful to all the data contributors<http://neuromorpho.org/acknowl.jsp#DC> who freely share their hard-won tracings with the community. We appreciate any and all feedback and comments. Our apologies if you receive multiple versions of this message through cross-listing. Sincerely, The NeuroMorpho.Org team<http://neuromorpho.org/acknowl.jsp#NMO> ---------------- Giorgio Ascoli<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/cn3/ascoli>, PhD University Professor Bioengineering Department<http://bioengineering.gmu.edu/>, Volgenau School of Engineering<http://volgenau.gmu.edu/> Neuroscience Program<http://neuroscience.gmu.edu/>, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/> Director, Center for Neural Informatics, Structures, & Plasticity<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/cn3> MS2A1 - George Mason University<http://gmu.edu/>, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 Ph. +1(703)993-4383/+1(703)673-8894 Author of “Trees of the Brain, Roots of the Mind<http://www.amazon.com/Trees-Brain-Roots-Giorgio-Ascoli/dp/0262028980/>” (MIT Press, 2015<http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/trees-brain-roots-mind>) Founding Editor-in-Chief, Neuroinformatics<http://link.springer.com/journal/12021>

April 4, 2017

Spikefinder deadline approaching!

by Philipp Berens

The deadline of the _spikefinder competition_ to identify spike rates from 2p calcium imaging recordings is approaching fast (20th of April)! http://spikefinder.codeneuro.org/ Submit your algorithm now to have the chance to win 1200€ award - the competition is fierce! Best Philipp -- PD Dr. Philipp Berens (Group Leader) University of Tübingen Institute for Ophthalmic Research http://www.berenslab.org phone: +49-7071-2988833

April 4, 2017