October 2018 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Faculty position at the University of Minnesota, School of Mathematics
by Duane Nykamp Oct. 30, 2018

Oct. 30, 2018

The School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota has identified Mathematical Biology, including Computational Neuroscience, as a priority area for hiring and invites qualified candidates to apply. Current areas of focus in the department are cancer modeling, cell motility, continuum mechanics in biology, neuroscience, and stochastic processes. Application available at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/12436.

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Postdoctoral Position - BRAIN Initiative
by Woolnough, Oscar Oct. 29, 2018

Oct. 29, 2018

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITIONS FUNDED BY BRAIN INITIATIVE GRANT Postdoctoral research positions are available in the lab of Nitin Tandon in Houston. This position is funded by a BRAIN Initiative U01 grant project that uses electro-corticographic (ECoG) recordings and fMRI on a large cohort (n>80) to evaluate psycholinguistic models of reading and speech production to create network level representations of language. Collaborators on the project include Greg Hickok, Stanislas Dehaene, Nathan Crone and Xaq Pitkow; the post-doc will benefit from a close interaction with these experts in the fields of reading, semantics, speech production and computational neuroscience. The selected individuals are expected to be a highly motivated team players with a passion to study cognitive processes using imaging, direct recordings and closed-loop cortical stimulation in humans. They will be responsible for 1) data collection in the epilepsy monitoring unit and in the MRI scanner 2) ECoG and/or fMRI data analysis using analysis pipelines existent in the lab and via the development of innovative analytic strategies including machine learning and AI approaches 3) data presentation at conferences and manuscript preparation. The selected individuals must have a Ph.D. in a field relating to: neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, mathematics, electrical engineering or computer science. Previous experience in neural time series data analysis, functional imaging studies or studies of language and speech production are desirable – but not crucial. They must possess the ability to independently code in any or all of the following: MATLAB, R or Python. Given the multiple unpredictable variables and privacy issues around data collection in human patients, the individual must possess high ethical and professionalism standards, be able to adapt to a changing environment, reorganize schedules dynamically, and work with short deadlines. A strong publication record and excellent academic credentials are highly desirable. CONTACT DR. NITIN TANDON: Nitin.Tandon(a)uth.tmc.edu<mailto:Nitin.Tandon@uth.tmc.edu> Candidates who are attending the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting at San Diego in November should reach out to schedule a meeting.

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SfN 2018 - Visit the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience at booth #4325
by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder Oct. 29, 2018

Oct. 29, 2018

Dear all, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience will be an exhibitor at the SfN Meeting 2018. Please find us at the NEUROSCIENCE IN GERMANY booth #4325. The Bernstein Network will present: * research fields * study and training programs * open positions * research and funding opportunities * infrastructural facilities Furthermore, the German Neuroinformatics Node (G-Node) will present their data management services for organizing, sharing, and publishing research data. Demo presentations times are: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday (Nov 4, 5, 7) 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm, or by individual appointment (mail to: info(a)g-node.org<mailto:info@g-node.org>). We are looking forward to welcoming you at booth #4325! Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwaelder -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> 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 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@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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Postdoctoral Swartz Fellowship Positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at Yale University
by Murray, John Oct. 29, 2018

Oct. 29, 2018

Postdoctoral Swartz Fellowship Positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at Yale University The Swartz Center in Theoretical Neurobiology at Yale University invites applications for up to two postdoctoral positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, with flexible start date from mid to late 2019. Competitive candidates include those with a strong quantitative background who wish to gain neuroscience research experience. We especially encourage candidates with an interest in collaborating directly with experimental neuroscientists. The candidates will be expected to perform theoretical/computational studies relevant to one or more laboratories of the Swartz Center at Yale (for a list of affiliated faculty, see: https://medicine.yale.edu/neuroscience/swartz/corelabs.aspx) and will be encouraged to participate in an expanding quantitative biology environment. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by the time of beginning the fellowship. Please send a Curriculum Vitae, selected reprints, contact information for three references, and a statement of research interests including the laboratories of interest at Yale. All application materials should be sent electronically to the following e-mail address: john.murray(a)yale.edu<mailto:john.murray@yale.edu> Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but priority will be given to those received on or before January 12th, 2019. For any questions, please contact John Murray<mailto:john.murray@yale.edu?subject=Swartz%20fellowship>. Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, students, and staff and especially welcomes applications from women and underrepresented minorities. http://neurojobs.sfn.org/jobs/10584092/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__neurojobs.sfn.org_jobs_…> John D. Murray ----------------------------------------------- Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine murraylab.yale.edu<http://murraylab.yale.edu/> -----------------------------------------------

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Post-doctoral positions: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory in Health and Disease
by Annabelle Singer Oct. 27, 2018

Oct. 27, 2018

Post-doctoral positions available: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory in Health and Disease Description Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the Singer lab at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine studyinghow neural activity produces memories and how stimulating neural activity affects memory and immune function in health and Alzheimer’s disease. To find out more about the Singer Lab, see our lab website http://singer.gatech.edu/ with our recent publications. Major Responsibilities: The successful applicants will examine (a) how neural activity produces memories of experiences or (b) how novel forms of non-invasive neural stimulation affects neural circuits, immune responses, and learning and memory. These projects will focus on the hippocampal circuit and related structures in health and Alzheimer’s disease using a variety of advanced neuroscience techniques. One set of projects will utilize virtual reality behavior, in vivo recordings from many single cells, histological analysis, and innovative data analysis methods in rodents. Another set of projects will use MRI, PET imaging, histological analysis, and molecular signaling assays in both rodents and human patients. This research involves collaboration with other groups at Georgia Tech and Emory and therefore a successful applicant must work well in a collaborative environment. These projects are fully funded for 3-5 years, pending satisfactory annual performance review. The projects offer significant opportunities to perform pioneering research and be trained in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. All lab members are actively trained in scientific methods and mentored in career development. Applicants will have extensive opportunities to interact with the dynamic, exciting, and collaborative neuroscience and neuroengineering communities at Georgia Tech and Emory University in one of the most affordable and livable major cities of the US. Qualifications The ideal candidates will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline and a record of leading scientific projects to completion. Previous experience with in related techniques including vivo experimentation, histology, behavior, electrophysiology, human or rodent MRI, and/or learning and memory is preferred. Candidates with experience performing advances data analysis or with quantitative backgrounds like signal processing, electrical engineering, and/or programming are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and the ability to both collaborate with a team and lead projects. How to Apply: If you meet these requirements and are interested in this position, please provide your detailed CV, a cover letter stating your research interests, and names and contact information for two or three references to Annabelle Singer: asinger(a)gatech.edu Department Description The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Techis part of a vibrant biomedical community in Atlanta that includes the Emory School of Medicine, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Winship Cancer Institute, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Georgia ImmunoEngineering Consortium, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, and more. This rich scientific environment provides unique and unparalleled research opportunities, including seminars given by leaders in science and engineering from throughout the U.S. and abroad, opportunities for collaborations, exposure to diverse research programs, and sophisticated core facilities. As such, we offer the best of internationally renowned institutions. The partnerships have created an outstanding undergraduate program and graduate program, now ranked No. 2 in the world. Georgia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Annabelle Singer Assistant Professor Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech & Emory University 313 Ferst Drive Atlanta, GA 30332 Web: http://singer.gatech.edu/ Email: asinger(a)bme.gatech.edu

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DPG Focus Session "Collective dynamics in neural networks"
by Johannes Zierenberg Oct. 26, 2018

Oct. 26, 2018

Dear all, It is our pleasure to invite you to the focus session "Collective dynamics in neural networks" at the upcoming DPG (German Physical Society) spring meeting: 31 March - 05 April 2019 Regensburg, Germany The aim of the focus session is to provide a forum for discussions on the emergence of a rich set of collective dynamics in neural networks from a physicist perspective. We want to discuss principles that determine collective dynamics as well as the transitions between them, e.g., the role of local learning rules, topology and noise. The focus session consists of two invited talks (Moritz Helias and Anna Levina), selected contributed talks, and a poster session. If you are interested, we encourage you to contribute by submitting an abstract (http://regensburg19.dpg-tagungen.de/programm/abstract) until 01.12.2018 (Bereich: BP). In any case, we welcome you to attend the focus session. Of course, you are more than welcome to share this announcement with your colleagues. Best wishes, Johannes Zierenberg and Viola Priesemann -- Dr. Johannes Zierenberg Postdoctoral Researcher Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany https://zierenberg.github.io

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Doctoral Scholarships
by Christopher Laurie Buckley Oct. 26, 2018

Oct. 26, 2018

Hi all, Our new round (2019) of Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships ‘From Sensation and Perception to Awareness’ at the University of Sussex are now online. See, https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications <https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications> Please have a look at all the great projects. Among the offered projects is one with me on the free energy principle, cognition and robotics so please get in touch if your interested. Best, Chris Dr Christopher L. Buckley Senior Lecturer in Neural Computation Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems Group Sussex Neuroscience Department of Informatics and Engineering University of Sussex Falmer Brighton, UK Twitter: @drclbuckley email: c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>

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Open PhD and Postoc positions in Berlin: Learning in spiking neural networks
by Gütig, Robert Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

The newly formed research group "Mathematical modeling of neuronal learning", headed by Robert Gütig is seeking highly motivated researchers at the PhD and postdoctoral level to study information processing and learning in spiking neural networks. The group is funded by the Berlin Institute of Health and located at the Charité Medical School in the center of Berlin. Our close proximity to the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience facilitates close interactions between our group and Berlin’s vibrant and growing neuroscience community. We use analytical and numerical modeling techniques to identify the computational principles underlying spike based information processing and learning in the central nervous system and to understand how these principles are implemented by biological processes. Open projects center around, but are not limited to, the recently developed tempotron family of spiking neuronal network models (e.g. Gütig & Sompolinsky 2006; Gütig 2016). The positions are available immediately. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational neuroscience or a related field and a keen interest in neurobiology and machine learning. Good programming skills (e.g. in C and/or Python) are important and experience with numerical simulations highly beneficial. Previous exposure to neuroscience is preferred but not required. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Please send your application or questions to Robert Gütig (robert.guetig at charite.de). When applying please include a detailed CV (including degrees, current academic transcripts, and publication record) and the names and contact information of two referees.

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PhD positions in the Neural Reckoning group at Imperial College
by Dan Goodman Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

One or more PhD positions in theoretical and computational neuroscience are available in the group of Dan Goodman at Imperial College London (http://neural-reckoning.org) I am interested in supervising students with a strong mathematical, computational or neuroscience background. Projects could be carried out in several possible areas relating to the work in the group. Some suggestions for topics that would be interesting to me are below, but I'm very happy to consider other possibilities. In addition to working within the group, studying at Imperial College provides excellent opportunities for interacting with other theoretical and experimental researchers, both at Imperial and in the many neuroscience groups in London. Suggested areas include: * Spiking neural networks * Auditory and other sensory systems * Machine learning and neuroscience * Simulation and data analysis For more detail, see: http://neural-reckoning.org/openings.html Applicants should initially send me a brief CV and cover letter with a description of research interests or a proposed project, and will eventually have to formally apply through the standard Imperial College mechanism (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/electrical-engineering/study/phd/) There are no strict deadlines, although chances of success are higher for earlier applications as I will consider them as they arrive. EU students from outside the UK are particularly encouraged to apply before Christmas. Funded offers made before Brexit day (March 29) will be honoured by Imperial no matter what happens in the Brexit negotiations, and the last funding panel meeting before that will probably be in early February. So, applying before Christmas means we will have time to process the application and arrange an interview before that meeting. Imperial College requirements: * General requirements: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/ * Country-specific minimum grades: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/pgacademic/ Dan Goodman

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SoAIR 2019: IEEE-RAS Spring School on "Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots" in Japan
by Amir Aly Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are pleased to call for applications for the IEEE-RAS spring school on: "*Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots*" * Which will be held from 17-24 March, 2019 in Shonan Village, Japan *after the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) conference that will be held in the near South Korea. *Webpage: **https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/* <https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/> *I. Aim and Scope *Autonomous and intelligent systems are progressively moving into spaces, which have previously been predominantly shaped by human agency. Unlike in the past where machines obediently served their human operators, machines now increasingly act without the intervention of a human. Artificial intelligence is meeting new challenges in the world, though human-like intelligence may still be a distant goal. Robots in factories are coming out of their cages. Autonomous cars are being tested on streets with regular human-driven cars. The private household is changing with the appearance of not only robotic vacuum cleaners, but also with the first-generation of social robots and smart devices. The challenges that face both the robotics and artificial intelligence communities are how the necessary intelligence for such new environments can be created as well as how to make artificial agents capable of not only solving tasks at hand but also considering social environments around them during interaction with human users so as to behave appropriately. Within the school, we plan to address the tension created by the balance between task-specific artificial intelligence and the demands of sociability required to function effectively in human-centered environments. ** *This spring school is a Technical Education Program (TEP) endorsed and supported by IEEE-RAS*. ** *The school aims at bridging the gap between social and cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) through high-level talks and hands-on workshops (the program will be announced soon).* *II. Keynote Speakers (More Speakers in HRI, AI, and Autonomous Vehicles will join the list soon): * 1. * Jun Tani *– Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan 2. *Daniele Magazzeni *– King's College London, UK 3. * Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan 4. * Tetsuya Ogata* – Waseda University, Japan 5. *Maya Cakmak *– University of Washington, USA 6. *Mohamed Chetouani *– University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), France 7. *Agnieszka Wykowska *– Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy 8. *Tetsunari Inamura *– National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan 9. *Amit Kumar Pandey *– SoftBank (Aldebaran) Robotics, France 10. *Francesco Maurelli *– Jacobs University, Germany (*A special talk about preparing funding proposals*) *III. Submission * The applications must include the following files (combined into one file). No other documents would be necessary (More information is available on the school's webpage). 1. *Curriculum vitae*: A two pages or less of CV detailing relevant aspects of the candidate's academic career that demonstrates her/his relevance to the school theme. 2. *Research abstract*: A 200 word research abstract that the candidate intends to present during the school. 3. *Letter of recommendation*: A short letter from the academic advisor or the employer of the candidate supporting her/his application. *Application submission*: Please use the following EasyChair web link:* Application Submission <https://easychair.org/account/signin.cgi?timeout=1;key=79456763.59XbW247MFR…>.* *IV. Important Dates * 1. Application submission: *20-December, 2018 * 2. Notification of acceptance: *28-December, 2018 * 3. Spring School: *17-24 March, 2019* *V. Organizers * 1. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 2. *Franziska Kirstein *– Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark 3. * Shashank Pathak *– Visteon Corporation, Germany --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

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