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

Funded PhD in Computational Neuroscience (Investigating oscillatory behaviour in Alzheimer’s disease to establish biomarkers: an EEG and computational programme of PhD study)

by Eirini Mavritsaki

Reminder funded PhD Please note the deadline of application is 10th of May 2017 Investigating oscillatory behaviour in Alzheimer’s disease to establish biomarkers: an EEG and computational programme of PhD study Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship within the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University. Applicants need to demonstrate ability and commitment, including excellent communications skills in written and spoken English. Project Synopsis: This proposed PhD work follows high profile research by the University of Birmingham team (Prof. Kim Shapiro, Prof. Howard Bowman and Mr Ali Mazaheri). The project is collaborative work between Birmingham City University (Dr Eirini Mavritsaki and Prof. Maxine Lintern) and University of Birmingham (Prof. Kim Shapiro and Prof. Howard Bowman). The University of Birmingham team has access to ERP data of a semantic anomaly and word repetition task (Olichney et al, 2002). In the original analysis of the data by Olichney and colleagues, the N400 component was analysed, which is related to semantic manipulation. Olichney and colleagues found evidence of N400 abnormalities in mild cognitive impairment patients, which predicted later progression to Alzhemier’s. The University of Birmingham team have identified oscillatory changes that also predict progression to Alzheimer’s, opening up the possibility that an effective EEG-based early-stage biomarker of Alzheimer’s might be within reach. We plan to simulate this data and the changes observed in it using a computational model that is based on the sSoTS (Mavritsaki, Heinke, Humphreys and Deco, 2011) model. The successful applicant will join the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAPresearch) within the Department of Psychology at Birmingham City University. CAPresearch is part of a vibrant and rapidly expanding research community, which offers applicants with an excellent opportunity to develop their research career. The applicant has the opportunity to have teaching experience, to participate in research seminars and to co-supervise undergraduate projects. The successful candidate will also be expected to attend the weekly meetings of the University of Birmingham research team. For more information please contact Dr Eirini Mavritsaki (Eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:Eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk>) or Prof. Howard Bowman (H.Bowman(a)bham.ac.uk<mailto:H.Bowman@bham.ac.uk>). For application please see below. Candidate Qualification and Specifications: Essential Ø The applicant should hold a good undergraduate honours degree (First or 2:1) in related area. Ø The applicant should have experience of computational models, evidenced by previous work or masters degree. Ø A demonstrated understanding of research methods is essential (as evidenced by degree transcript grades for research methods and dissertation modules). Ø Experience in C++ and Matlab. Desirable Ø A Masters’ degree in research methods, psychology or computational modelling Application Process (Deadline of application 10th of May) You can find further details on studying for a PhD and details of how to apply on the following link http://www.bcu.ac.uk/social-sciences/courses/research-degrees Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions for the application and to express interest. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eirini Mavritsaki, PhD, CPsychol Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology Director of Research in the School of Social Sciences Department of Psychology Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University The Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 Office Hours Appointment only: Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 Drop-in: Fridays 09:00-10:00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May 3, 2017

Multiple Positions in Translational Neurophysiology Lab @ Feinstein's Center for Bioelectronic Medicine

by Platt, Jo Ann

We are seeking Post Docs, Research Assistants/Associates, Staff Scientist, and a Senior Staff Scientist for Stavros Zanos's Translational Neurophysiology Lab in the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research - Long Island, New York. Submit your CV and cover letter to japlatt(a)northwell.edu We are seeking research assistants, post-doctoral researchers, staff scientists and senior staff scientists to work full-time in neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology and bioelectronic medicine research projects. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, both in health and in disease models. Individuals applying for this position should have experience in porcine or nonhuman primate neurophysiology or cardiovascular physiology research, with awake or anesthetized animals. Experience with chronic implants, human neuro/cardiovascular physiology and analysis of physiological data is desired. RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE: Translational Neurophysiology - Bioelectronic Medicine QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Science Degree, required; Master of Science/Engineering desired Research experience with large animal models (porcine or nonhuman primate) desired Research experience in neurophysiology and/or cardiovascular physiology, desired Exposure to data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), desired RESPONSIBILITIES: The Translational Neurophysiology Laboratory at the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, headed by Stavros Zanos MD PhD, focuses on the development and testing of novel devices and therapies in large animal models, in health and disease. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation. The successful candidate: Performs a variety of independent activities involved in planning, organizing and conducting assigned portion(s) of specific research projects. Participates in the coordination of sharing information, lending assistance, and solving problems with other team members, as needed. Receives guidance and/or direction for assignments that are project-specific. Job Responsibilities Include: Performs experimental studies include physiology experiments in large animal (porcine) models Learns, researches and recommends new experimental procedures, as necessary Oversees care and servicing of Center related equipment, tools and instruments. Assists in coordinating repair and managing warranties/service contracts. Collaborates with investigator and other team members in developing plans, organization, implementation and monitoring for research projects. Participates in compilation/writing of integrated reports and preparation of presentations and manuscripts of scientific meetings and technical journals. Performs collection, verification and documentation of research data. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH TRAINEE - Translational Neurophysiology - Bioelectronic Medicine QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate degree (Ph.D, M.D. or D.V.M.), required Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, required Research experience with large animal models (porcine or nonhuman primate) desired Research experience in neurophysiology and/or cardiovascular physiology, desired Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), desired RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate is expected to work full-time on physiology and neural engineering projects using stimulation of peripheral autonomic nerves to modulate the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, in large animals, both in health and in disease models. The lab is part of and collaborates closely with other labs at Feinstein's CBEM: neural decoding and data analytics, bioelectronics and biosensing, microfabrication, neural bypass, electrochemistry, molecular targets, etc. The lab also participates in clinical research through collaborations with Northwell's clinical teams (neurosurgery, neurology, gastrointestinal medicine, cardiopulmonary medicine, psychiatry etc). The successful candidate will perform physiology experiments, collect, organize and analyze data, and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. Responsibilities Include: Performs research projects as directed. Follows and adheres to experimental protocols in a proficient and meticulous manner. Responsible for the collection, analysis and interpretation of research data related to specific project. Submits manuscripts and abstracts for publication to peer review journals and presentations at local, national and international conferences. Performs a variety of tasks, including but not limited to, correspondence, attending meetings, database maintenance, maintaining records, charts, etc. Provides technical direction to research staff. STAFF SCIENTIST - Translational Neurophysiology - Bioelectronic Medicine QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate degree (Ph.D, M.D. or D.V.M.), or Bachelor of Science and relevant research experience (>5 years) required Research experience with large animal models (porcine or nonhuman primate), required Research experience in neurophysiology and/or cardiovascular physiology, desired Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, desired Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), desired RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate is expected to work full-time on physiology and neural engineering projects using stimulation of peripheral autonomic nerves to modulate the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, in large animals, both in health and in disease models. The lab is part of and collaborates closely with other labs at Feinstein's CBEM: neural decoding and data analytics, bioelectronics and biosensing, microfabrication, neural bypass, electrochemistry, molecular targets, etc. The lab also participates in clinical research through collaborations with Northwell's clinical teams (neurosurgery, neurology, gastrointestinal medicine, cardiopulmonary medicine, psychiatry etc). The successful candidate will perform physiology experiments, collect, organize and analyze data, and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. Responsibilities Include: Performs research as directed and trains and provides technical and scientific direction to other research staff. Follows and adheres to experimental protocols in a proficient and meticulous manner. Responsible for the collection, analysis and interpretation of research data related to one or more projects. Keywords: neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, large animal models, neural engineering, bioelectronics, electrodes, recording, stimulation, peripheral nerves SENIOR STAFF SCIENTIST - Translational Neurophysiology - Bioelectronic Medicine QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate degree (Ph.D, M.D. or D.V.M.) and relevant post-graduate academic or industry research experience (>5 years) required Research experience with large animal models (porcine or nonhuman primate), highly desired Research experience in neurophysiology and/or cardiovascular physiology, highly desired Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, desired Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), desired RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate is expected to work full-time on physiology and neural engineering projects using stimulation of peripheral autonomic nerves to modulate the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, in large animals, both in health and in disease models. The lab is part of and collaborates closely with other labs at Feinstein's CBEM: neural decoding and data analytics, bioelectronics and biosensing, microfabrication, neural bypass, electrochemistry, molecular targets, etc. The lab also participates in clinical research through collaborations with Northwell's clinical teams (neurosurgery, neurology, gastrointestinal medicine, cardiopulmonary medicine, psychiatry etc). The successful candidate will lead and perform physiology experiments, collect, organize and analyze data, train research staff and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. Responsibilities include: Leads and performs research. Trains and provides technical and scientific direction to research staff. Responsible for the planning, collection, organization, analysis and interpretation of research data related to one ore more projects. Keywords: neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, large animal models, neural engineering, bioelectronics, electrodes, recording, stimulation, peripheral nerves The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

May 2, 2017

Multiple Openings for Research Scientists and Engineers in Machine Learning to Reverse-Engineer Intelligence

by Lopez, Camila

Multiple Openings for Research Scientists and Engineers in Machine Learning to Reverse-Engineer Intelligence We are looking for exceptionally talented researchers that share our vision: to discover new computational principles of brain intelligence and apply these principles to create fundamentally new algorithms for machine intelligence. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in machine learning, computational neuroscience or with strong quantitative background in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or Computer Science. Our Neuro-Inspired Networks for Artificial Intelligence (ninai.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ninai.org&d=DwMGaQ&c=ZQ…>) research team is interdisciplinary and international, with expertise ranging from large-scale neurophysiology and brain circuit analysis to deep learning. POSITIONS: We have opportunities in several project components and multiple locations, and all participants will interact extensively across multiple scientific disciplines and multiple sites. Highest-priority topics include: * Developing new architectures for deep networks * Neuro-inspired networks for real-world tasks * Functional modeling of neuronal microcircuits * Probabilistic inference by population codes * Statistical analysis of large-scale neural data from behaving animals THE TEAM: The project is led by Andreas Tolias (PI) and Xaq Pitkow (co-PI), from Baylor College of Medicine, and includes researchers from Caltech, Columbia, Cornell, Rice University, University of Toronto, University of Tübingen, the Allen Institute, and Princeton: Matthias Bethge, Liam Paninski, Ankit Patel, Clay Reid, Sebastian Seung, Thanos Siapas, Raquel Urtasun, Chris Xu, Richard Zemel and Richard Baraniuk. For detailed information about the team and its members, please see our website, ninai.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ninai.org_&d=DwMGaQ&c=Z…>. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a record of productivity, excellent quantitative skills, good communication skills, and creativity. Experience in Machine Learning and in particular Deep Learning is desired. APPLYING: The positions provide a competitive annual salary and benefits, and outstanding scientific opportunities. Applicants should email a CV, letter of research interests, and contact information for three references to info(a)ninai.org<mailto:info@ninai.org>. We look forward to hearing from you! Camila Lopez Baylor College of Medicine 713.798.4072 | camilal(a)bcm.edu<mailto:camilal@bcm.edu>

May 2, 2017

Extended deadline for abstract submissions, Neuroinformatics 2017!

by congress

Dear all, *Due to the many requests we received, we have extended the abstract submission deadline to May 30!* *Submit here: http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/ <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/>* The annual INCF Congress provides a meeting place for researchers in all fields related to neuroinformatics. Join us for keynotes from top neuroscientists, community sessions and poster- and demo sessions. This meeting is especially useful for anyone who is developing neuroscience tools and methods, working on better ways to handle neuroscience data, and looking for cross-disciplinary collaborations. *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/* <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/> *The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) is an international non-profit organization devoted to advancing the field of neuroinformatics and global collaborative brain research. Learn more about INCF www.incf.org <http://www.incf.org/>* *We look forward to seeing you in Kuala Lumpur!* Best Regards INCF Secretariat

May 2, 2017

postdoc in mind reading by machine learning

by Máté Lengyel

Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Cognitive Science Central European University, Budapest, Hungary We are seeking a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the group of Mate Lengyel at the Department of Cognitive Science, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (https://cognitivescience.ceu.edu/) The group is also twinned by the Lengyel group at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (http://learning.eng.cam.ac.uk/Public/Lengyel/) where Dr Lengyel holds a permanent position. The group studies learning and memory from computational, algorithmic/representational and neurobiological viewpoints. Computationally and algorithmically, we use ideas from Bayesian approaches to statistical inference and reinforcement learning to characterise the goals and mechanisms of learning in terms of normative principles and behavioral results. Specifically, the project will characterise how human’s structured and high dimensional mental representations change in time due to forgetting, learning, interference, and other processes. For this, state-of-the-art machine learning techniques will be employed to analyse a diverse set of behavioural data sets collected by our experimental collaborators: Gergely Csibra (infant studies) and Jozsef Fiser (visual perception and learning) in Budapest, and Daniel Wolpert (sensorimotor control) in Cambridge. The project is funded by an ERC grant, providing internationally competitive salaries. The successful candidate will have - a strong quantitative background - demonstrable interest in the analysis of behavioural data - obtained (or be close to the completion of) a PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning or a related field Preference will be given to candidates with - previous experience in machine learning, computational and / or behavioural neuroscience - sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations (eg. in C, Python, or MatLab) - expertise with advanced data analysis and Bayesian techniques Research environment: The Central European University is the highest-ranked university in Hungary. It is a privately funded and endowed, fully English-speaking, postgraduate-only university, accredited in both the USA and Hungary. The Department of Cognitive Science is one of the most highly regarded centres for cognitive science in Europe, with world-leading groups in infant cognition, visual cognition, and social cognitive science. It provides a vibrant research environment, by running two journal club events per week on selected topics in cognitive science, a monthly research club, a weekly series of guest seminars by invited speakers from around the globe, a visitors programme with about two-three leading researchers in the field spending several months at the Department every year, and various small-to-medium sized international workshops, conferences, and summer schools organised locally by members of the Department. More broadly, Budapest is an exciting city, with a rich history and busy cultural life, great cuisine, and a very affordable cost of living index. For informal queries, please contact Máté Lengyel <m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk>. Applications will be accepted until the post is filled. Mate Lengyel -- Department of Cognitive Science Central European University Oktober 6 street 7, Budapest H-1051, Hungary tel: +36 1 887 5142 , fax: +36 1 887 5010 Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 332 662 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

May 1, 2017

PhD positions at the Queensland Brain Institute

by Geoffrey Goodhill

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland invites expressions of interest from exceptional and highly motivated candidates to undertake full-time PhD research in neuroscience. QBI has 40 labs and ~100 PhD students and ~100 postdocs studying all aspects of neuroscience, including systems and computational. QBI is looking for students who can demonstrate: - excellent academic performance during tertiary study evidenced by a high Grade Point Average (GPA); - a high level of commitment to developing their skills as a researcher to conduct high quality neuroscience research; - possession of strong communication skills. The first stage of the application process is to identify the QBI Group Leader with whom you would like to work via https://qbi.uq.edu.au/groupleaders. Then email that Group Leader, including your detailed academic resume and links to any publications, and complete tertiary academic records (including GPA scores/grades, and grading scale details). If interested, the Group Leader will then work with you to develop your application for submission to QBI. For more information about QBI, PhD entry criteria, and UQ scholarships, please visit the QBI website https://qbi.uq.edu.au Expression of Interest closing date: 25 June 2017 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time. Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics & Physics University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Email: g.goodhill(a)uq.edu.au http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/professor-geoffrey-goodhill

May 1, 2017