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

REMINDER: Abstract Submission for CNS*2018 closes March 5, 2018

by Sharon Crook

Registration and abstract submission are open for CNS*2018 in Seattle, USA, July 13-18. The deadline for abstract submission is March 5, 2018. The main meeting begins on the evening of Friday July 13 and runs through Monday July 16. It will be preceded by a day of tutorials (Friday July 13) and followed by two days of workshops (Tuesday July 17 and Wednesday July 18). Invited Keynote Speakers: Eve Marder, Brandeis University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Daniel Wolpert, University of Cambridge Rajesh Rao, University of Washington Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Abstract Submission: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018-abstract-submission Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_243… For up-to-date conference information, please visit: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018 ---------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for travel awards and more. Visit our website for more information: http://www.cnsorg.org.

Feb. 26, 2018

Post-doctoral position in machine learning for computational psychiatry at the University of Munich (LMU)

by Moritz Grosse-Wentrup

We are seeking a highly creative and motivated post-doctoral researcher to work at the intersection of machine learning and computational psychiatry. The position will be based in the group of Moritz Grosse-Wentrup in the Department of Statistics [1]. The successful candidate will closely interact with the group of Nikolaos Koutsouleris in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy [2]. To apply, you should have a strong passion for developing and employing machine learning methods that make a difference in patients' lives. Also, you should have (or be about to obtain) a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Information Engineering, Psychology/Psychiatry (with a strong analytical background), or a related field. You should have an excellent track record in machine learning or data science, which is backed up by publications in major journals or papers at top conferences. Prior experience in psychology or psychiatry would be advantageous but is not a strict requirement. You need to be fluent in written and spoken German. Your job duties include . performing independent research at the intersection of machine learning and computational psychiatry, . teaching courses and seminars to students in statistics and computer science, . and contributing to an interdisciplinary grant proposal on machine learning for computational psychiatry. Salary is according to TV-L E13 (100%) [3]. Part-Time employment is possible. The initial appointment will be for one year, with a potential extension contingent on funding. The starting date is flexible. Screening of applications will commence on March 18, but we will consider applications until the position is filled. The University of Munich is one of Europe's premier academic and research institutions [4]. The recently established elite graduate program in Data Science [5] bundles research in data science across various institutes and attracts excellent students from all over the world. Besides, Munich is a beautiful metropolis with high recreational value. Your application should include a cover letter (~one page), a CV, and contact information of at least two referees. Please submit your application documents (as one PDF file) to mgw(a)stat.uni-muenchen.de. We particularly welcome applications by female candidates. Disabled applicants will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants. If you have any questions before submitting your application, please contact Prof. Dr. Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Department of Statistics Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Ludwigstr. 33, 80539 München, Germany Phone: +49-89-2180-3847 mgw(a)stat.uni-muenchen.de Links: [1] http://www.datascience.statistik.uni-muenchen.de [2] http://www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/Klinik-und-Poliklinik-fuer-Psychiatrie-… [3] http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/west/ [4] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/lmu-munich [5] http://www.m-datascience.mathematik-informatik-statistik.uni-muenchen.de

Feb. 26, 2018

PhD student/postdoc in Sensory and Behavioral Neuroscience

by Gjorgjieva, Julijana

The labs of Julijana Gjorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany) and Ilona Grunwald Kadow at the TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany invite applications for a fully-funded position (Postdoc or PhD student). We are looking for highly-motivated individuals with a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields), experience in programming and data analysis, and a desire to develop cutting-edge experimental techniques. Previous background in neuroscience, imaging or behavioral analysis is a plus! Julijana will be at Cosyne (March 1-7) so please get in touch to discuss details. The project will examine the neural basis of need and effort-based decision-making in a collaboration between the Gjorgjieva lab, which develops theoretical models of neural circuit processing, and the Grunwald Kadow lab, which studies neural circuits underlying sensory processing and decision making in animal models. The project aims to uncover circuit principles and behavioral readouts of motivation, persistence, and value perception as a function of internal state or experience (e.g. hunger). In particular, the Grunwald Kadow lab is collecting rich data sets of behavioral trajectories of single Drosophila flies as well as functional imaging data (i.e. multiphoton and light-sheet) of neuronal populations (e.g. modulatory neurons). The project will aim to develop advanced analysis techniques that extract key statistical features of the behavioral trajectories and imaging data, and build mathematical models that reproduce the data and make new predictions to be further tested experimentally. By combining behaviour, genetics and imaging, we will also develop neural circuit models that involve several brain areas, including sensory brain areas and higher cognitive regions of the fly brain (i.e. mushroom body). References: S. Sayin J. Gjorgjieva, I. C. Grunwald Kadow (2018). A neural circuit arbitrates between perseverance and reward in hungry Drosophila. BioRxiv doi.org/10.1101/259119<http://doi.org/10.1101/259119> J. Gjorgjieva, G. Drion and E. Marder (2016). Computational implications of biophysical diversity and multiple timescales in neurons and synapses for circuit performance. Curr Opin Neurobiol 37:44-52. Lewis L, Siju KP, Aso Y, Friedrich AB, Bulteel AJB, Rubin GM, Grunwald Kadow IC (2015). A higher brain circuit for immediate integration of conflicting sensory information in Drosophila. Current Biology PMID: 26299514, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.07.015 Application: The position will be based at the Technical University of Munich, with frequent visits to the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, two of the most exciting and international cities in Germany. Recommended application deadline: March 20, 2018. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. For further information please visit: http://www.cns.wzw.tum.de and http://www.neuro.wzw.tum.de or email gjorgjieva(a)brain.mpg.de and ilona.grunwald(a)tum.de. To apply, please email the following to: neuro(a)wzw.tum.de (ref. GGK application) 1. A curriculum vitae 2. A letter of motivation explaining your scientific interests, your strengths when working on a problem, why us etc. 3. Contact details for 2 referees 4. A written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or code etc. ----------------------------------------- Julijana Gjorgjieva, PhD Research Group Leader Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Technical University of Munich, WZW Freising office: +49 69 850033 3600 http://cns.wzw.tum.de

Feb. 25, 2018

Postdoctoral Neuroimaging Fellowship

by Stacie Warren

Dear Colleagues, The Clinical Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Program directed by Stacie L. Warren, PhD, and Tilman Schulte, PhD, at Palo Alto University is seeking a neuroimaging postdoctoral scholar. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a range of cognitive and affective studies that focus on executive function, emotion regulation, stress responsivity, reward processing, and aging on neural circuitry. Populations of interest include healthy adults, adults with or at risk for developing psychopathology, and neurological disorders. The postdoctoral fellow’s primary responsibility is to analyze neuroimaging data (resting-state and task-based fMRI) and to develop and apply novel data analysis techniques. Additionally, Drs. Warren and Schulte are committed to fostering the postdoctoral scholar’s research independence through first-authored manuscript writing and grant preparation. The start date of the position is as soon as possible, but no later than August 1, 2018. JOB DESCRIPTION Essential Functions - Analyzing neuroimaging data - Developing and implementing statistical/mathematical modeling (e.g., machine learning algorithms) to characterize high-dimensional datasets - Improving software/scripts that implement algorithms for data quality control, preprocessing, analysis, and management - Manuscript development Qualifications - PhD in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, computational neuroscience, bioinformatics, or a related field by the time of appointment - Strong background in quantitative analysis - Proficiency with at least one neuroimaging analysis software package (e.g., FSL, SPM, Freesurfer, AFNI, etc.) - Proficiency in programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, C/C++, java) and/or shell scripting - Proficiency with Linux OS and file system - Experience with any of the following: signal and image processing, machine learning, statistical/mathematical modeling - Excellent analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and spoken/written English communication skills are expected - A two-year commitment is required This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. *To apply, send your CV (including 3 academic references), and a cover letter stating your interests and qualifications to **swarren(a)paloaltou.edu* <swarren(a)paloaltou.edu>*.* Review of applications will begin immediately. -- Stacie L. Warren, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program Palo Alto University 1791 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94304 email: swarren(a)paloaltou.edu <staciewarren3(a)gmail.com>

Feb. 24, 2018

Sense 2 Synapse conference 2018, May 12th, The Rockefeller University, New York City, Registration open

by Christoph Kirst

Dear Neuroscientists, We would like to invite you to join us for this year's*Sense 2 Synapse* which will be held on*Saturday, May 12th, 2018* in the Carson Family Auditorium at *The Rockefeller University, New York City.* The conference is an annual event for scientists working on the biology of sensory transduction, subsequent neural processing and perception. The conference will be free this year but you will be asked to confirm your participation a week before the event. We have a outstanding list of key-note speakers: *Maria Neimark Geffen* (University of Pennsylvania) *Alipasha Vaziri* (The Rockefeller University) *Nathaniel Sawtell *(Columbia University) *Eve Marder* (Brandeis University) We will complement the program by 8 talks from graduate students and postdocs selected from abstract submissions and a poster session. More information can be found on our website: http://sense2synapse.com and you can register here: https://sites.google.com/view/sense2synapse2018/registration_1?authuser=0 Join us for a great day of science, discussions and nice food! The organizing team, Christoph Kirst Florian Berger Ben Urban Kanaka Rajan Jeremie Barral -- Christoph Kirst Fellow for Physics and Biology Center for Theoretical Studies and Kavli Physics Fellow Kavli Neural Systems Institute The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA +1 212 327 8835 :: ckirst(a)rockefeller.edu

Feb. 24, 2018

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote, Barcelona, Spain

by Ruben Moreno Bote

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain 1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background, ideally with knowledge of Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, and interested in theory and applications. We will also consider candidates with Psychology background with strong mathematical skills and interested in modeling. The candidate will develop state of the art mathematical techniques and models to understand neuronal dynamics and coding and will have access to multielectrode recording neural data. He/she could also be involved in the design of monkey and human behavioral experiments and the development of models of visual perception, decision making and working memory. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona (http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com) Financial support is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2018 and January 2019 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia 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. 22, 2018

Seeking Grad students --Fall 2018

by Stephen Jose Hanson

Seeking Cognitive and/or Computational Neuroscience Graduate Students Accepting applications Fall 2018. Rutgers University. We are seeking graduate students interested in the study of cognitive processes (e.g, memory, attention, language, category learning, Neural Networks) using neuroimaging techniques and computational modeling (Deep Learning). Our lab is focused on understanding the dynamics underlying brain response during rest (resting state) and during the performance of cognitive tasks. Within this overall framework, we have conducted research with both neurotypical and clinical populations (e.g., addiction, ASD, GAD), and have conducted studies focused on memory, language processing, preference decisions, face processing, and event perception. Our lab was jointly involved in the development of MVPA as well as IMaGES and other brain connectivity methods (lab has been continuously funded by NSF, McDonnell Foundation and NIH). Dr. SJ Hanson (Psychology, RUBIC) and Dr. C Hanson (CMBN, RUBIC) directs the lab and participates in both the Psychology graduate program and the Behavioral Neuroscience program. Dr. SJ Hanson is also Director of the Rutgers University Brain Imaging Center (RUBIC http://rubic.rutgers.edu) RUBIC houses a Siemens 3T Trio MR scanner to collect MR data and a variety of resources are available to complete any MR neuroimaging study. The lab also has a compute cluster with dual P100 GPUs as well as access to larger clusters available on various campuses. The campus is well serviced by train, subway, and bus service and is surrounded by a diversity of shops and restaurants. Manhattan is a twenty minute train ride from the Newark Penn Station and offers world class cultural and entertainment opportunities. For further inquiry or arrange a visit to our lab and RUBIC please send email to jose(a)rubic.rutgers.edu

Feb. 22, 2018

Workshop: Dynamics of learning and computations in neuronal circuits, June 27-29, 2018, Göttingen

by farzad

Feb. 22, 2018

funded postdoc positions: mechanisms of perception

by Haider, Bilal

Postdoctoral position: Synaptic mechanisms controlling perception The Haider Lab<haider.gatech.edu> in the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Georgia Tech & Emory University seeks a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral fellow for a 3-year funded project examining synaptic and network mechanisms supporting sensory perception. The project offers significant opportunity to learn cutting-edge research techniques in vivo, including neural population recording with high-density silicon electrodes, optogenetic circuit manipulation, and whole-cell patch-clamp recording in mice performing visual behaviors. The ideal candidate has expertise in electrophysiology in vitro or in vivo, and quantitative skill in data acquisition and analysis (preferably with MATLAB). Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, an inquisitive mindset, and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary team. The position is funded for up to 3 years, pending satisfactory performance upon annual review. We are enthusiastic to form a diverse, international research group. All candidates will be mentored to obtain independent funding as part of their career development. There is a strong, multidisciplinary concentration of labs focusing on Neuroscience @ GT<http://neuro.gatech.edu/> and at Emory<http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/>. Atlanta is vibrant, green, and one of the most affordable and livable major cities of the US. Applications should include a CV, a brief statement of research goals, expected date of availability, and names and contact information of three references. Please email these materials to bilal.haider(a)bme.gatech.edu<mailto:bilal.haider@bme.gatech.edu>. The position is available starting March 2018. The Wallace H. Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering<https://www.bme.gatech.edu/> at Georgia Tech and Emory University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. The Department is a unique enterprise, spanning two of the top Engineering and Medical institutes in the country. This environment offers unparalleled facilities and resources for the pursuit of understanding neural circuits and their relationship to behavior and neurological dysfunction. Further information and recent lab publications can be found at haider.gatech.edu<file:///C:/Users/bilal/Dropbox/Docs/GTech%20Docs/haider.gatech.edu> Thank you Bilal Haider, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech & Emory University 313 Ferst Drive, Suite 3104 Atlanta, GA 30332 tel: +1 404 385 4935 fax: +1 404 385 5044 site: haider.gatech.edu<http://haider.gatech.edu/> twitter: @haiderlab<https://twitter.com/haiderlab>

Feb. 22, 2018

MODVIS 2018 - call for papers

by Yalda Mohsenzadeh

We are pleased to announce that Eero Simoncelli (NYU, HHMI) will be keynote speaker at the 7th annual VSS satellite workshop on Computational and Mathematical Models in Vision (MODVIS). MODVIS 2018 will be held May 16-18, at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida (USA), immediately preceding the annual meeting of the Vision Sciences Society. Submissions consist of single-page extended abstracts that may contain figures and equations, which will be published on the Purdue e-Pubs system. Abstract submission will open on January 8th, 2017, and close on March 4th. For complete details, please visit the MODVIS web site at https://www.conf.purdue.edu/modvis/. on behalf of the MODVIS organizing committee: Yalda Mohsenzadeh (MIT) Jeff Mulligan (NASA Ames Research Center) Zygmunt Pizlo (UC Irvine) Anne Sereno (Purdue University) Qasim Zaidi (SUNY College of Optometry) Michael Rudd (University of Washington)

Feb. 21, 2018