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

Postdoc in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (closing 29 July; EPSRC funded)
by James Rankin 24 Jul '18

24 Jul '18

**closes soon*, on 29 July* *Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience* Location: College of Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter (Streatham Campus) Job reference: P62935 Application closing date: *29/07/2018* Interview date: *10/08/2018* Salary From £34,520 on Grade F, dependent on knowledge, skills and experience This new full-time post is available from *1st October 2018* on a fixed term contract basis for *2 years*. The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the project Neural oscillator network modelling of auditory stream segregation. This EPSRC funded post is available from 01/10/2018 for 2 years. The successful candidate will join the Systems Biomedicine and Dynamical Systems research groups housed in the recently launched GBP 50m Living Systems Institute at the University of Exeter. These groups house over 50 researchers applying mathematical and computation approaches to study problems in neuroscience, biology and healthcare. The project will benefit from input from colleagues with expertise in neural networks, bifurcation theory, coupled oscillators and numerical methods. The Post: The project will involve developing mathematical and computational models to deepen our understanding of auditory stream segregation. This is a fundamental process in the auditory system that allows us to separate out and focus on distinct sound streams (e.g. voices) in a dynamic noisy environment. This process involves competition in order to resolve different interpretations of a given environment (e.g. different groupings of objects). Many aspects of this process are still not well understood, such as where in the brain segregation of streams is achieved, how the streams are encoded and the driving neural mechanisms. This project will develop a biologically motivated model inspired by a broad cross section of modelling and experimental literature (from anatomical, neurophysiological, brain imaging and behavioural experiments). The models developed will be based on networks of coupled neural oscillators. Neural oscillations are understood to be vital for the encoding of temporal information in auditory streaming. Dynamical systems theory including bifurcation analysis and numerical methods will provide the necessary tools to understand the dynamics of the models developed. About you: - Candidates with quantitative backgrounds (Mathematics, Physics, Engineering) and from Neuroscience programmes with a strong computational component are encouraged to apply. - Applicants will possess a PhD or equivalent in one of these areas or a related field. T - You will also be able to work collaboratively and supervise the work of others. - Programming experience in a high-level language (e.g. Matlab, Python, C/C++) is a must and knowledge of dynamical systems theory is a plus. - Experience working on interdisciplinary projects involving the application of mathematical and computational tools to problems in Biology or Neuroscience will be viewed favourably. The University offers some fantastic benefits including 41 days leave per year, options for flexible working, numerous discounts at leading retailers, onsite gym, cycle to work scheme, sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy; and a stunning campus environment in the heart of Exeter. If you are not currently in Exeter please have a look at our website for some further information on what a beautiful part of the country we are based in. *For further information, please contact Dr James Rankin, email j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk <j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk>* https://jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC1 07GF.open?VACANCY_ID=258266M3V7&WVID=3817591jNg http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/jar226 The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

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IMBIZO DEADLINE TOMORROW: IBRO Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo 2019
by Tim Vogels 24 Jul '18

24 Jul '18

Dear all, I’d like to remind you that the deadline for next year's IBRO-Simons computational neuroscience imbizo is TOMORROW Tell your friends, and tell your students, especially your African students, as we are still lacking a proper pipeline to disseminate this information. The Imbizo is a summer school in computational neuroscience and machine learning, hosted January 6th - 27th 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. We are generously sponsored by the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) and the Simons Foundation (Simons). TO APPLY visit https://imbizo.africa <https://imbizo.africa/> IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHETHER YOU CAN AFFORD IT, BY ALL MEANS, APPLY. We have generous merit-based awards and stipends to give away!! The Imbizo is designed to introduce students with backgrounds in analytic fields (computer science, statistics, physics, mathematics, engineering, etc.) to the field of computational neuroscience. It will also benefit advanced experimental biologists who would like to learn more computational skills. It also provides an opportunity for students already working in computational neuroscience to do 3 weeks of intensive, focused work in a different sub-topic of the field. Students should generally be at Masters/early PhD level, and have completed at least a 2nd-year university level course in computer science, statistics, physics or mathematics. Some coding experience will also be helpful. More advanced level students (post-Docs, early career PIs) may also be accepted if they can motivate how the courses at the Imbizo could help their career. Well motivated, exceptional undergraduates will also be considered. African students are especially encouraged to apply. The faculty for 2019 include: Dora Angelaki (Bayor College, Houston) Demba Ba (Harvard Uni, Boston) Sophie Denève (ENS, Paris) Adrienne Fairhall (Univ of Washington, Seattle) Peter Latham (Univ College London) Timothy Lillicrap (Google Deepmind, London) Joseph Raimondo (Univ of Cape Town) Athanassia Papoutsi (IMBB-FORTH, Hellas) Srikanth Ramaswami (EPFL, Lausanne) Blake Richards (Univ Toronto) Andrew Trevelyan (Newcastle Univ., Newcastle) Misha Tsodyks (Weizmann Inst., Rehovot) Tim Vogels (Oxford) Byron Yu (Carnegie Mellon Univ, Pittsburgh) TO APPLY visit https://imbizo.africa <https://imbizo.africa/> "Imbizo" is an isiXhosa word, meaning "A gathering to share knowledge". The aim of the isiCNI is exactly this: to create an environment in which young African and international students can explore computational neuroscience together, forming strong friendships in the process. Three weeks of intensive lectures, tutorials, projects and fun! Who should apply? The Imbizo is designed to introduce students with backgrounds in analytic fields (computer science, statistics, physics, mathematics, engineering, etc.) to the field of computational neuroscience. It will also benefit advanced experimental biologists who would like to learn more computational skills. It also provides an opportunity for students already working in computational neuroscience to do 3 weeks of intensive, focused work in a different sub-topic of the field. Students should generally be at Masters/early PhD level, and have completed at least a 2nd-year university level course in computer science, statistics, physics or mathematics. Some coding experience will also be helpful. More advanced level students (post-Docs, early career PIs) may also be accepted if they can motivate how the courses at the Imbizo could help their career. Well motivated, exceptional undergraduates will also be considered. African students are especially encouraged to apply. What does it cost? The attendance fee for the isiCNI2019 is EUR 1,100.00. Thanks to our generous sponsors, significant bursaries are available to subsidise and waiver student fees, and provide some travel bursaries. Funding will be allocated according to need and merit. Please be sure to complete the relevant section of the application. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHETHER YOU CAN AFFORD IT, BY ALL MEANS, APPLY. We have generous merit-based awards and stipends to give away!!

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Invitation to Participate in Software Engineering Practices in Cognitive Modelling and Computational Neuroscience Survey
by Furkan Kurtaran 23 Jul '18

23 Jul '18

Dear All, As a part of Master's thesis research, I am conducting an online survey on software engineering practices and problems in developing cognitive and neuroscientific architectures/frameworks/simulators and computational models on those platforms. If you have been involved in developing such cognitive/neuroscientific modelling tools and computational models on them, we will be grateful if you could answer our survey questions in the link given below: http://moodle.atilim.edu.tr/anket/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=579941&lang=… [1] The participation is voluntary and anonymous; the survey will take about 10 minutes. We hope to better understand and develop suggestions for improving cognitive modelling and computational neuroscience software from a software engineering point of view at the end of our research. As a symbol of gratitude of your participation, participants who complete the survey will be eligible for a prize draw for a $40 book check from Amazon. Best Regards, -- Furkan Kurtaran Computer Engineering Department Research Assistant Atilim University https://www.atilim.edu.tr/en/compe/page/1595/academic-staff Links: ------ [1] http://moodle.atilim.edu.tr/anket/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=579941&a…

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Software Development Position -- University of Tübingen
by Andrea Burgalossi 18 Jul '18

18 Jul '18

A position as 'Data Analyst & Software Developer' is immediately available in the Burgalossi lab (www.burgalossilab.com). He/she will work closely with neuroscientists for developing software for the analysis of electrophysiological data and animal behavior (rodents). Specific tasks will also involve programming virtual-reality and/or video-tracking hardware, and developing software for the detection and scoring of animal behaviors. A strong quantitative background (e.g. degree in statistics, computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, etc.) and excellent programming skills (e.g. MATLAB) are necessary. Background in neuroscience and experience in methods for neural data analysis are a plus. Candidates at various levels of academic degree (BSc, MSc, PhD) will be considered for this position. Applications should contain CV and names of at least two referees. Please send your application (or informal inquiries) electronically to Andrea Burgalossi (andrea.burgalossi(a)cin.uni-tuebingen.de). -- Andrea Burgalossi, PhD Cellular and Synaptic Basis of Behaviour Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) Otfried-Müller-Straße 25 72076 Tübingen Tel: +49-(0)7071-29-88797 Fax: +49-(0)7071-29-25006 Lab web: burgalossilab.com CIN web: http://www.cin.uni-tuebingen.de

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HFSP postdoc in limbo, and perhaps at ENS
by Alessandro Treves 16 Jul '18

16 Jul '18

A postdoc is sought to join a HFSP-funded project to study analog cortical computations in linguistic processes. A collaboration with Naama Friedmann (TAU) and Remi Monasson (ENS) which includes, at SISSA, Sara Andreetta and several PhD students. Ideal candidates are interested in language but have expertise in mathematical approaches to neural computation - complementary to Sara's in behaviour. A fruitful interaction with Remi and his group may lead to a period based in Paris. Applications to be submitted by August 6, 2018, as indicated in https://www.sissa.it/bandi/selezione-pubblica-titoli-conferimento-di-n-1-as… (note: by 1pm!) with starting date Oct 1st. Inquiries at ale(a)sissa.it -- Alessandro Treves http://people.sissa.it/~ale/limbo.html SISSA - Cognitive Neuroscience, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy +39-040-3787623 Ambassador (BlaBlaCar) +39-349-2504602

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Postdoctoral / Research Specialist position in Neural Circuits and Behavior @ Janelia (USA)
by Reiser, Michael 15 Jul '18

15 Jul '18

Postdoctoral / Research Specialist position in Neural Circuits and Behavior https://www.janelia.org/lab/reiser-lab/positions The Reiser lab at the Janelia Research Campus seeks a creative scientist to join our endeavor to understand how the fly brain uses visual information to control behavior. We use behavioral, anatomical, imaging, electrophysiological, and computational techniques to crack the neural circuits for vision and navigation in Drosophila. This is an exciting time to be working on the fly brain. It is the golden age of Drosophila neuroanatomy—full brain connectomes and precise genetic access to nearly every cell type in the brain are on the horizon. It is likely that within the next few years the behavioral methods used for establishing functional roles for identified cell types will become rate limiting. We have developed a number of new instruments and methods for high-content behavioral analysis and are recruiting a scientist to help with the development and application of these new tools. In this position you would lead our efforts to apply these new tools to deeply map behavioral circuits. Many specific projects are possible that are related to active research topics in the lab (visual motion guided behaviors; visual place learning; central modulation of visual circuits). Requirements: - A keen interest in figuring out the brain. - Ph.D. in neuroscience, experimental biology, or a quantitative field. - Familiarity with diverse computing environments. - Experience in animal behavior, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, instrumentation, computer vision, machine learning, and/or computational neuroscience is a big plus. Janelia is a unique, exciting research environment near Washington, D.C., with abundant opportunities for collaboration and learning new things. Interested applicants should apply by email; please include your curriculum vitae and research interests and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to reiserm at janelia.hhmi.org. The Reiser lab is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. Members of groups underrepresented in science are especially encouraged to apply. HHMI is an equal opportunity employer.

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Postdoctoral positions in Rinberg and Shoham labs
by Rinberg, Dmitry 12 Jul '18

12 Jul '18

The Rinberg and Shoham labs at NYU Medical School are seeking to fill multiple postdoctoral positions at the interface of computational systems neuroscience and advanced neurotechnology. The goal of our studies is to elucidate how sensory information is represented in the brain, and how the brain extracts information relevant for behavior. We are using rodent olfaction as a model system, and employing multiple modern techniques including one- and two-photon imaging and patterned optogenetics, Si-probe electrophysiology, and psychophysics approaches. In addition to conventional tools, we are developing new cutting edge optical, opto-acoustic and computational tools for bidirectional neural interfacing and applying these tools towards high-precision probing and monitoring of information processing in behaving animals. The postdoctoral researches will be involved in joint and individual lab projects. This is an excellent opportunity for computationally and technologically inclined candidates to find their niche in-between developing cutting edge technologies and applying the technologies to fundamental scientific questions. Our labs are part of NYU’s vibrant world-class hub for computational systems neuroscience, and of NYU Tech4Health, a new biomedical technology development institute. An ideal candidate should have a background in neuroscience, physics/engineering and math. Knowledge and experience in optics, imaging, multi-neuron physiology and computational methods are a big plus. Please contact Dima Rinberg: rinberg(a)nyu.edu<mailto:rinberg@nyu.edu> or Shy Shoham: shoham(a)nyu.edu<mailto:shoham@nyu.edu> See also: www.rinberglab.com<http://www.rinberglab.com>, niel.net.technion.ac.il<http://niel.net.technion.ac.il> ------------------------------------------------------------ This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message. Please note, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. =================================

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Call for Papers: Workshop on Understanding Developmental Disorders at ICDL-EPIROB 2018
by Anja Philippsen 12 Jul '18

12 Jul '18

==================================================== Workshop "Understanding Developmental Disorders: >From Computational Models to Assistive Technologies" ==================================================== Website: http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/icdlepirob2018_workshop/ Date: September 17, 2018 (full day) Venue: Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan We invite the submission of short papers (2-4 pages incl. references) to our workshop on "Understanding Developmental Disorders: From Computational Models to Assistive Technologies" which takes place in conjunction with the 8th Joint IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning and on Epigenetic Robotics (ICDL-EPIROB 2018) http://www.icdl-epirob.org The aim of this workshop is to bring together researchers from robotics, developmental psychology and cognitive sciences for discussing computational and theoretical models of developmental disorders and of typical development, and sharing recent advances in robot therapy and assistive technology. Invited speakers include: - Tony Belpaeme (ID Labs, Ghent University, Belgium / CRNS, Plymouth University, UK) - Thusha Rajendran (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh) - Shinichiro Kumagaya (Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo) - Yasuyo Minagawa (Keio University, Tokyo) We encourage submissions about ongoing work from various research fields with the goal of fostering interdisciplinary discussions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: - Computational models of human cognition and development - Theoretical models of human cognition and development - Robot therapy and assistance for people with disorders - Behavioral or neurocognitive studies on developmental disorders or typical development - Predictive coding - Tojisha-kenkyu (self-study of people with disorders) - Autism spectrum disorder Papers should be 2-4 pages incl. references, following the template of the main conference (pdf, IEE two-column format: http://icdl-epirob2018.ogata-lab.jp/submission/) and submitted via EasyChair: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=udd18 All accepted papers will be presented during the poster session and in spotlight talks. Submission deadline: August 13, 2018 Notification of acceptance: August 27, 2018 Workshop day: September 17, 2018 (full day) We are looking forward to seeing you at the workshop! For more information and updates please visit our workshop website: http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/icdlepirob2018_workshop/ Organizers: Anja Philippsen and Yukie Nagai, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan -- Anja Philippsen, M.Sc. Researcher, Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan http://developmental-robotics.jp/en/members/anja_philippsen/

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ESI SyNC Conference 2018 - Integrative Mechanisms of Cognitive Neuroscience
by André Castro 11 Jul '18

11 Jul '18

Dear all, we are pleased to announce the 2018 edition of the ESI Systems Neuroscience Conference (ESI SyNC) on the topic of “Integrative Mechanisms of Cognitive Neuroscience" organized by the [Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society](http://www.esi-frankfurt.de/esi-frankfurt/) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The conference will begin in the morning of 30 August and end in the evening of 31 August 2018. Our confirmed invited speakers are the following: - David Melcher (University of Trento, Italy) -- "Temporal rhythms of visual perception" - Dimitri Kullmann (UCL, UK) -- "Hippocampal gamma oscillations: dynamical properties and closed-loop manipulation" - Matteo Carandini (UCL, UK) -- "Local and global neural correlates of vision, action, and reward" - Biyu He (NYU, US) -- tba - Melanie Wilke (DPZ, Germany) -- tba - Wim Vanduffel (KU Leuven, Belgium) -- "Optogenetic interrogation of the attention network in primates" - Anitha Pasupathy (University of Washington, US) -- "Encoding things and stuff: multiplexed form and texture signals in primate V4" - Floris de Lange (Radboud University, Netherlands) -- "How do prior expectations influence sensory computations?" - Hannah Monyer (Heidelberg University, Germany) -- tba - James Bisley (UCLA, US) -- tba This year we have the pleasure to announce as our special guest the choreographer Ildikó Tóth! The registration deadline: 15 August 2018. Please see our [website](http://www.esi-frankfurt.de/esisync/esisync-home/) for more details and updates on the programme. Organising Committee: Wolf Singer Pascal Fries André Castro Tommaso Tosato Ana Broggini Miriam Mueller Renata Vajda

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PhD Scholarships in Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne
by Uwe Aickelin 11 Jul '18

11 Jul '18

I am seeking expressions of interest for PhD scholarships in the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Optimisation and Datamining. Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, holding the number 1 spot in Australia. The School of Computing and Information Systems is an international research leader in computer science and information systems. In this discipline, the School was ranked number 1 in Australia and 14th in the world in the 2018 QS World University Ranking exercise. These scholarships include a tax-free living allowance of $30,600 per year (2019 rate) for up to 3.5 years. There is potential for the applicants to earn additional money through assistance in undergraduate teaching, and top-up scholarship options are also available. These scholarships are available to applicants of any nationality, who will also be exempt from the full tuition fee costs for the duration of candidature. See this link for more information on the scholarship: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/graduate-research-scholarships I am looking for candidates in the top 5% of their graduating cohort, or with an overall result in the top echelon for their degree. e.g. H1 (80-100%), High Distinction, A, 3.5 out of 4 GPA etc. Students should have completed a master’s degree that included a research project/thesis that accounts for at least 25% of one year's work in a relevant discipline. Please see these pages for further details regarding entry requirements: http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/study/degrees/phd/entry-requirements#entry-re… To express your interest in these PhD Scholarships please send your CV including details of two referees, a full copy of your academic transcripts (Bachelor and Master) and a one-page cover letter which outlines your research skills, experience and why this PhD opportunity interests you to uwe.aickelin(a)unimelb.edu.au. Suitable applicants will be contacted for an interview and given further instructions how to submit a formal application. Closing Dates for Expressions of Interest for 2019: 31 July 2018 Uwe Aickelin

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