January 2019 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoctoral and doctoral studies in the neuroscience of action planning and control
by Andrea Green 29 Jan '19

29 Jan '19

POSTDOCTORAL AND DOCTORAL STUDIES IN THE NEUROSCIENCE OF ACTION PLANNING AND CONTROL Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal Applications are invited for postdoctoral and doctoral studies in systems neuroscience. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research group studying how we coordinate our motor actions as we move through space. Different projects address how the brain integrates multisensory cues to create estimates of our spatial motion, how such estimates are used in action selection, planning and control as well as how we learn to execute movements in different dynamic environments (e.g., body stationary vs. in motion). Research in our group involves behavioral and single- and multi-electrode neural recording experiments in non-human primates, human behavioral studies and computational modeling of the nervous system. Multiple positions are available and include collaborative projects between the laboratories of Dr. Andrea Green, Dr. Paul Cisek and Dr. John Kalaska. Depending on specific research interests successful applicants will investigate the computation of spatial motion estimates, their contribution to voluntary reaching and/or the acquisition of new motor skills in different dynamic environments through neural recordings in non-human primates. All students with a strong background in biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or psychology and an interest in system-level study of the brain are encouraged to apply. However, prior experience in neurophysiology and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Applicants will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. For further information, please contact Dr. Andrea Green (andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca) Applicants are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to: Dr. Andrea Green Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, CANADA Tel: 514-343-6111 x3301 Email: andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience
by Vinita Samarasinghe 29 Jan '19

29 Jan '19

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neuroinformatics at Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full-time position of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. *The position starts on 1st July 2019 and is funded for *3 years*. This project is part of the newly established DFG research unit 2812 “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Westfälische Wilhelms University Münster. The research unit will study the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying the constructed scenarios that make up episodic memory. It will employ and combine approaches from Philosophy, Psychology as well as Experimental and Computational Neuroscience. Further information about the project can be found at www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. *Job description* The successful candidate will model the function of episodic memory in inference and prediction using abstract computational models. This project strives to find answers to the questions: * Why are specific experiences stored in episodic memory helpful for predicting the future? * Why can general, or semantic, information not serve the same purpose? *Your Profile: * Candidates should hold a PhD in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling or machine learning, and excellent programming skills are mandatory. In addition, relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required. Experience in the study of episodic memory and in working within a collaborative research group would be a further asset. Candidates should have excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work well in a team. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references may be sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is 15.03.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

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NeuroBridges 2019 Call for Applications
by Ahmed El Hady 28 Jan '19

28 Jan '19

*/NeuroBridges 2019 Summer school , Cluny, France/* */( September 8th - September 19th, 2019)/* I would like to bring to your attention the *NeuroBridges 2019 Computational Neuroscience School*. <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html> NeuroBridges <https://www.facebook.com/NeuroBridges/>is a one-of-a-kind series of scientific meetings in brain research, which brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote international scientific cooperation in system and computational neuroscience. A major goal of this school is to serve as a bridge between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, addressing system-level questions. This year the school will primarily focus on the neural basis and computational principles underlying sensory- motor tasks, in which the agent chooses from a small number of actions based on sensory and operant cues. *The forthcoming NeuroBridges 2019* will be a ten-day summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions in the field of decision making. In addition to the lectures, the students will work in groups on small research projects. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily (but not only) from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. Through the online application system, you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. In addition, we request two recommendation letters. The school will take place between *September 8 and September 19, 2019* in Le Centre de Conferences Internationales de Cluny (CCIC) <http://www.ccic.eu/index.html>. Cluny is a small medieval town in Burgundy, France, located about 400km southeast of Paris (accessible by fast train, TGV). All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. *NeuroBridges* is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady <http://scholar.princeton.edu/ahmedelhady/home> (Princeton Neuroscience Institute, USA), Yonatan Loewenstein <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/loewenstein/home>(Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) and David Hansel <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/david-hansel/> (CNRS, Paris, France). Review of applications will end in May 2019. *2019 Faculty:* Merav Ahissar (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=ahissar/home> Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) <https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/rafal-bogacz> Thomas Boraud (CNRS) <http://www.inb.u-bordeaux2.fr/dev/EN/researcher.php?researcher=Thomas+Borau…> Mathew Diamond (SISSA) <https://phdcns.sissa.it/faculty/mathew-diamond> Ido Erev (Technion) <https://web.iem.technion.ac.il/en/people/userprofile/erev.html> Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehdi_Khamassi> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> The deadline for application is *April 30th, 2019 *and the following is the website including the link for the online application: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> For more information, please contactneurobridges2019(a)gmail.com <mailto:neurobridges2018@gmail.com>.

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[job-post] PostDoctoral positions on low-latency vision for autonomous robotics
by Chiara Bartolozzi 28 Jan '19

28 Jan '19

The Event-Driven Perception for Robotics (EDPR) Research Line (www.edpr.iit.it) at the iCub facility – Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) – is seeking to appoint two postdoctoral fellows in the area of low-latency vision for autonomous robots. We are looking for talented and enthusiastic postdocs who will join our team to develop algorithms for low-latency and high-speed vision for motion estimation and 3D object tracking. In particular, the candidates will be in a unique position to exploit recent advances in machine learning and more traditional computer vision techniques, in combination with novel biologically “event-driven” inspired sensors. More details at https://www.iit.it/careers/openings/opening/914-postdoctoral-positions-on-l… The deadline is approaching: 31 January 2019

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PhD position in computational neuroscience/machine learning
by Rui Ponte Costa 27 Jan '19

27 Jan '19

The Neural and Machine Learning group<http://ruipcosta.weebly.com/> at the University of Bristol, UK is looking for a PhD student to work at the intersection between computational neuroscience and machine learning (funded by a EPSRC Doctoral Training grant). We are part of the Bristol Computational Neuroscience Unit<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/computational-neuroscience/> and are associated with the world-class neuroscience and machine learning communities at Bristol, and we also collaborate with other national and international labs. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, computational neuroscience or machine learning (or equivalent), and a strong interest in neural and biological systems. This position is open to applicants who are UK citizens, or EU citizens resident in the UK for at least 3 years. Project: Deep temporal credit assignment with dynamic synapses Successful behaviour relies on the ability of animals and machines to predict the outcome of their actions. Selecting which synapses (or parameters) to adjust to trigger the right action is a hard problem as it depends on past sensory information. Exactly how does the brain solve such temporal credit assignment problems has remained largely enigmatic. In this project, the student will developed a novel theoretical framework to address the temporal credit assignment problem. This framework will be compared with experimental observations and tested in machine learning tasks in collaboration with experimental neuroscientists and machine learning researchers. Relevant papers: * Llera M, Sacramento J and Costa RP - Computational roles of plastic probabilistic synapses<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438818301028> - Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 54, Feb 2019 * Sacramento J, Costa RP, Bengio Y and Senn W - Dendritic cortical microcircuits approximate the backpropagation algorithm<https://papers.nips.cc/paper/8089-dendritic-cortical-microcircuits-approxim…> - 32nd Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2018), Montreal, Canada. * Costa RP, Assael YM, Shillingford B, Freitas N and Vogels TP - Cortical microcircuits as gated-recurrent neural networks<http://papers.nips.cc/paper/6631-cortical-microcircuits-as-gated-recurrent-…> - 31st Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NIPS 2017), Long Beach, CA, USA. * Costa RP, Froemke RC, Sjöström PJ and van Rossum MCW - Unified pre- and postsynaptic long-term plasticity enables reliable and flexible learning<https://elifesciences.org/articles/09457> - eLife 2015; 10.7554/eLife.09457 University of Bristol: The University of Bristol is a world-class university<https://youtu.be/fg7EbfKPo0o> ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, and top 50 in the world. The university has one of the strongest neuroscience<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience> and machine learning communities in the UK (e.g.: Visual Information Lab, Intelligent Systems Lab and Institute for Statistical Science). The university also runs the unique Wellcome Trust Doctoral Program in Neural Dynamics<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neural-dynamics/> with PhD students working at the intersection between theoretical and experimental neuroscience, and is associated with the Alan Turing Institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The city itself has been ranked as the best place to live in the UK and one of the most cool destinations in the world according to National Geographic. Details on how to apply: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/funding/epsrcdta.html When applying online please follow the instructions in the link above and include a CV, two references and a motivation letter. Deadline: 28th of February 2019 Best wishes, Rui Ponte Costa Lecturer (Assistant professor) in Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning University of Bristol, UK Visiting Research Scientist at University of Oxford/Bern http://ruipcosta.weebly.com

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Publication of the book "Computational Glioscience"
by Maurizio De Pitta 27 Jan '19

27 Jan '19

Dear colleagues, I would like to share with you the news of the publication of the book entitled "Computational Glioscience" (Springer, 2019). The book, which is co-edited by who is writing in collaboration with Dr. Hugues Berry (Inria, France) showcases a collection of original chapters In addition, feel free to reach out authors of individual chapters independently to ask for a copy of their manuscript if needed, that are authored by a pool of more than thirty internationally-renowned scientists. In particular, the book aims at presenting a selection of recent modelling approaches on the complex, emerging topic of neuron-glial interactions, from subcellular to network levels, both for experts and non-experts in the field. The whole book along with individual chapters may be accessed at the following link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-00817-8 A repository with freely-downloadable code used in the simulations of the book is also available at the address below: https://github.com/mdepitta/comp-glia-book The following is the Table of Contents of the book: Part I -- Introduction 1. M. De Pittà and H. Berry, A Neuron–Glial Perspective for Computational Neuroscience Part II -- Calcium Dynamics 2. I. Siekmann, P. Cao, J. Sneyd and E. J. Crampin, Data-Driven Modelling of the Inositol Trisphosphate Receptor (IP3R) and its Role in Calcium-Induced Calcium Release (CICR) 3. Y. Timofeeva, Intracellular Calcium Dynamics: Biophysical and Simplified Models 4. S. Rüdiger and J. Shuai, Modeling of Stochastic Ca2+ Signals 5. M. De Pittà, E. Ben-Jacob and H. Berry, G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated Calcium Signaling in Astrocytes 6. V. Matrosov, S. Gordleeva, N. Boldyreva, E. Ben-Jacob, V. Kazantsev and M. De Pittà, Emergence of Regular and Complex Calcium Oscillations Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Signaling in Astrocytes 7. J. Lallouette, M. De Pittà and H. Berry, Astrocyte Networks and Intercellular Calcium Propagation Part III -- Tripartite Synapse and Regulation of Network Activity 8. C. González-Arias and G. Perea, Gliotransmission at Tripartite Synapses 9. A. Pillai and S. Nadkarni, Purinergic Signaling at Tripartite Synapses 10. M. De Pittà, Gliotransmitter Exocytosis and Its Consequences on Synaptic Transmission 11. V. Volman and M. Bazhenov, Computational Models of Pathophysiological Glial Activation in CNS Disorders Part IV -- Homeostasis and Metabolic Coupling 12. A. Scimemi, The Role of Astrocytes in Neurotransmitter Uptake and Brain Metabolism 13. K. Mergenthaler, F. Oschmann and K. Obermeyer, Glutamate Uptake by Astrocytic Transporters 14. G. Halnes, K. H. Pettersen, L. Øyehaug, M. E. Rognes and G. T. Einevoll, Astrocytic Ion Dynamics: Implications for Potassium Buffering and Liquid Flow 15. T. Çakır, Constraint-Based Modeling of Metabolic Interactions in and Between Astrocytes and Neurons Part V -- Computational Tools to Analyze and Model Astrocyte Experiments 16. T. Manninen, R. Havela and M.-L. Linne, Computational Models of Astrocytes and Astrocyte–Neuron Interactions: Characterization, Reproducibility, and Future Perspectives 17. S. Venugopal, R. Srinivasan and B. S. Khakh, GECIquant: Semi-automated Detection and Quantification of Astrocyte Intracellular Ca2+ Signals Monitored with GCaMP6f 18. M. Stimberg, D. F. M. Goodman, R. Brette and M. De Pittà, Modeling Neuron–Glia Interactions with the Brian 2 Simulator In addition, feel free to independently reach out the authors of individual chapters to ask for a copy of their manuscript if needed. Please disseminate the news among your team members, students and colleagues. Thank you for your consideration of the matter. Sincerely, Maurizio De Pitta' ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

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PhD IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE @ LISBON
by Prata, Diana 26 Jan '19

26 Jan '19

A PhD IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE AND IN LISBON? Go to: https://www.neurulisboa-phd.com/. You can visit our lab’s page to choose a project theme around oxytocin’s role in social cognition using neuroimaging/EEG/pupilometry/SCR, or psychiatric multimodal biomarkers), dpratalab.wordpress.com<http://dpratalab.wordpress.com>, contact the PI; and apply for a NeurULisboa fellowship (deadline 14th of February). Diana Prata, Phd Marie Curie Fellow Principal Investigator (Biomedical Neuroscience Lab), Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London

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Job advert / 3 year post-doc LMU Munich computational social neuroscience
by Deroy, Ophelia 25 Jan '19

25 Jan '19

We are looking for One Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Computational Social Neuroscience for 3 Years, to be based at the LMU, Munich. The expected starting date is between April 1st, 2019 and July 1st, 2019 Deadline for applications is February 15th, 2019 This post-doctoral fellowship will investigate how the diversity of social information affects attitudes and decisions, both for individuals and groups. This post is part of a broader project supported by the NOMIS foundation to apply quantitative methods (behavioural, computational and neuroimaging) to examine - under controlled and ecologically-valid settings - fundamental issues on the impact of diversity and volatility of information on social influence. The project is hosted by the Munich Centre for Neuroscience, and will be supervised Professor Ophelia Deroy and Dr. Bahador Bahrami. International collaborations (with Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, University College London as well as Centre for Adaptive Rationality in Max Planck Institute for Human development in Berlin) are integral to the project and the current position. Job Description: The appointee will be expected to - develop research ideas and plan and implement experiments (ethics, design, programming); - conduct experiments and collect data from adult human subjects; - perform statistical analysis (with particular focus on using computational modelling to - prepare reports and articles for publication; - participate in regular meetings and contribute to the research environment; - supervise research assistants - work as part of a team. Requirements: The successful candidate will have a PhD level - a strong background in quantitative methods (statistics, physics, machine learning, computational neuroscience) - interest in interdisciplinary projects and - a PhD in computer sciences (machine learning), physics (eg complex systems), psychology (cognitive or social), or neuroscience (behavioural, systems). Knowledge of experimental design, statistics and data analysis is expected. Strong command of linear algebra, probability theory, computer programming (web-based platforms (e.g. Java), R, Python, Matlab) is highly desirable. The position is for three years, with an intermediate evaluation for satisfactory performance after 1 year. The appointment will be made within the German TV-L E 14 salary scheme (family benefits apply). Applications should include a CV (including full list of publications and skills), cover letter and the contact details of three referees. Address for preliminary information and applications: bahador.bahrami(a)lmu.de

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Postdoctoral position jointly in Behrmann/Grover labs CMU in understanding neural mechanisms through noninvasive brain monitoring
by Pulkit Grover 25 Jan '19

25 Jan '19

Postdoctoral position jointly in Behrmann/Grover labs CMU in understanding neural mechanisms through noninvasive brain monitoring A postdoc position on utilizing noninvasive measurement modalities is available in the labs of Marlene Behrmann and Pulkit Grover at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA). The team's goal is to utilize existing and novel engineering and mathematical tools to understand neural mechanisms in healthy and diseased states through EEG measurements, possibly complemented by fMRI. The role of the postdoc will be to lead experimental testing, simulations, and data analysis. The postdoc will collaborate with information theorists, neuroscientists, experimentalists, and clinicians. This is an opportunity to work on challenging and applicable scientific problems in a highly interdisciplinary and vibrant environment. Requirements: PhD in a related discipline (Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience, or Biomedical Engineering) with a strong experimental and computational record. Background in EEG recordings is required. The labs are committed to the professional development of the members, making this position a valuable preparation for those interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. The ideal start date is April 2019, but early applications will also be accepted. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to behrmann(a)cmu.edu and pulkit(a)cmu.edu with the subject line “neural monitoring postdoc”. Application review will proceed until the position is filled.

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Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program
by Bányai Mihály 25 Jan '19

25 Jan '19

Dear colleagues, I've been asked to circulate the announcement below on the comp-neuro list: Our Dear Colleagues: BSCS-US http://www.bscs-us.org/ announces a study abroad program in Budapest: Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program start/end dates: June 10th - Aug 2d, 2019 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest. Transcript is issued by the Registrar of the Semmelweis University Medical School, and sent directly to the Registrar of your college/university. For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ [sysneuro-semester.org] Inquiry: Program directors / academic supervisors Péter Érdi perdi(a)kzoo.edu László Négyessy <negyessy(a)gmail.com> John Milton <JMilton(a)kecksci.claremont.edu> Office: bscs(a)bscs-us.org With kind regards, Péter Érdi http://people.kzoo.edu/~perdi/ aboutranking.com https://www.ijcnn.org/

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