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

Fully Funded PhD position: Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain, Trento (Italy)

by Emanuele Olivetti

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-years Ph.D. scholarship at the NeuroInformatics Laboratory (NILab), Italy. NILab is a joint collaboration between Fondazione Bruno Kessler ( https://www.fbk.eu/en/about-fbk/) and the Center of Mind and Brain Sciences (https://www.cimec.unitn.it/en/14/the-center) within the University of Trento, Italy. Title: Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain Topics: machine learning, brain connectivity, diffusion MRI, Magnetoencephalography (MEG), longitudinal studies and human cognition Description: Neuroimaging methods, like sMRI, dMRI, fMRI and MEG/EEG can be used to investigate the anatomical and functional connectivity of the brain. This project will enable the candidate to pursue research on machine learning methods for such neuroimaging data for brain connectivity, with applications to longitudinal studies and to human cognition. The ideal candidate should have a mixed background both in cognitive neuroscience and numerate disciplines, like computer science, engineering, physics or mathematics. This project is in collaboration with the Division of Neurosurgery, S. Chiara Hospital, Trento and with the MEG Lab of CIMeC/LNiF, University of Trento. Please contact in advance: Emanuele Olivetti, olivetti(a)fbk.eu Deadline: May 21, 2019 Online application details below. Corresponding research area in the online application: NEUROIMAGING METHODS AND ANALYSIS Topic-Specific Grant: "4. Machine learning for studying structural and functional connectivity of the brain." ---------------------------------------------------------- From: PhD CIMeC <phd.cimec(a)unitn.it> Subject: [CIMeC-FYI] Call for 17 funded PhD positions NOW OPEN @ CIMeC, UNITrento. Italy Dear CIMeC Supporters, We are pleased to announce the opening of our annual call for *17 PhD fellowships* for the international Doctorate in Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CIMeC), commencing November 2019 at the University of Trento, Italy. As you will see from the links below, the call is open to several fields of cognitive neuroscience research. Interested candidates should contact the Principle Investigators who proposed topics of interest to them. - *Admissions*: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/admission - Proposed 2019 PhD research topics: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/research-topics - PhD Application *summary*: *https://www.unitn.it/drcimec/116/admission-doctorate-cognitive-and-brain-sciences <https://www.unitn.it/drcimec/116/admission-doctorate-cognitive-and-brain-sc…>* - PhD *Application *link: https://webapps.unitn.it/Apply/en/MyUnitn/Home/669/dott/cbs35 - PhD Application *Deadline*:* Thursday May 21, 2019, at 4pm (Italian time)* - *CIMeC*: http://www.unitn.it/cimec This year’s research topics proposed by the Doctoral Program Committee for 5 UNITN grants are visible here: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/research-topics, while the 12 topic-specific grants’ details can be found here: http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/topic-specific-grants *The CIMeC, it’s doctoral program and UNITN in numbers:* - UNITrento ranks among top Italian Universities https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1636/rankings - *4-yr program* (Nov. 1, 2019- Oct. 31, 2023). - Why a 4-yr program <http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/node/117> - Courses are in English - 17 positions, 100% funded - Salary: starting at approximately €1.200/mo., net - Winners receive a €4887 tax-free research/mobility budget - Why choose UNITRENTO <http://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1629/why-choose-the-university-of-trento> Please feel free to browse the FAQ <http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/node/122> pages on our website for further information, or contact the Head of the Programme, Prof. Yuri Bozzi phd.cimec(a)unitn.it. Regards, Leah Mercanti -- Leah Mercanti CIMeC PhD Program Administrator -------------------------------------------------------- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences University of Trento Corso Bettini, 31 I-38068, Rovereto (TN) Tel: +39 0464 80 8617 Fax: +39 0461 28 8690 Skypename: lleahhatwork Email: phd.cimec(a)unitn.it http://www.unitn.it/drcimec/ -- -- Le informazioni contenute nella presente comunicazione sono di natura privata e come tali sono da considerarsi riservate ed indirizzate esclusivamente ai destinatari indicati e per le finalità strettamente legate al relativo contenuto. Se avete ricevuto questo messaggio per errore, vi preghiamo di eliminarlo e di inviare una comunicazione all’indirizzo e-mail del mittente. -- The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material.

April 30, 2019

Call for SIG and WG meetings in Warsaw, before INCF's Neuroinformatics 2019. Deadline June 1.

by Malin Sandström

Dear all, INCF is calling for community proposals for Special Interest Group (SIG) and Working Group (WG) meetings to be held in Warsaw on 31 August 2019, the day before the INCF Assembly. The call is open both to new and existing INCF SIGs/WGs. *Deadline is June 1st.* INCF is working to make neuroscience more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, interoperable, Reusable), by promoting the creation and uptake of standards and best practices in neuroscience, as applied to tools and infrastructure, and by running a community endorsement process for new and existing standards and best practices. SIGs have an important role in this process, as community-initiated groups where users and developers can meet to align interests, set up working groups and work collaboratively to develop, refine, and implement new community standards and best practices to be proposed for endorsement. The SIGs also serve as the focus for getting agreement and community buy-in on the use of these standards and best practices. SIG meetings in Warsaw should aim to: - investigate the possibility to establish new SIGs (possible activities include: survey for possible members and group activities, draft a plan of activities from community input) - update community members on SIG activities and progress since last year (existing SIGs), invite community input - form Working Groups (possible activities include: general meeting, set deliverables (develop new or extend existing standards and best practices), work on an application for INCF Working Group funding WG meetings in Warsaw should aim to: - update community members on SIG activities and progress since last year (existing WGs), - invite community input, - solicit new members INCF will support both SIGs and Working Groups with meeting logistics at INCF-associated meetings during the upcoming year, as well as offer funding for Working Group activities. Please submit your proposals for SIG and WG meeting themes no later than *June 1st*. Note that the submitter is assumed to also be the meeting leader, unless otherwise stated. Any questions can be directed to Malin Sandström, malin(a)incf.org Call page: https://www.incf.org/activities/standards-and-best-practices/incf-special-i… INCF SIG pages: https://www.incf.org/activities/standards-and-best-practices/incf-special-i… Best regards, Malin -- Malin Sandström, PhD Community Engagement Officer malin.sandstrom(a)incf.org International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 15 A SE-171 77 Stockholm Sweden http://www.incf.org

April 30, 2019

Web Site Moved

by Jim Perlewitz

”Computational Neuroscience on the Web” has moved. Please update bookmarks / links. It can now be found here: https://compneuroweb.com <https://compneuroweb.com/> For 20 years, the site has been providing links to CNS researchers, modeling and analysis software, web accessible data and models, mailing lists, conferences, workshops, courses and more, Do give it a look. Please send suggestions. Best regards, Jim

April 30, 2019

Abstract deadline soon (May 10th) for the UK Neural Computation 2019 meeting

by Mark Humphries

A reminder that the abstract submission deadline for the UK Neural Computation 2019 meeting is May 10th. There will not be any extension! Abstract submission is here: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019/abstracts Decisions due: May 24th For full programme details and registration, please see the website: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019 Registration closes June 21st 2019 Confirmed speakers: Athena Akrami / Andy Barron / Tim Behrens / Claudia Clopath / Matthias Hennig / Simon Laughlin / Rosalyn Moran / Cian O'Donnell / Chris Summerfield / Tim Vogels / Barbara Webb Kind regards Mark Humphries (Chair) Hannes Saal, Robert Schmidt, and Stuart Wilson (Organising committee) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

April 29, 2019

Workshop in Copenhagen, May 23rd-25th 2019

by Henrik Anders Lindén

Dear colleagues, We are organising a somewhat unusual workshop this coming May where we still have some seats left. The purpose of the workshop is to gather leading neuroscientists to discuss how a fundamental brain theory could be formulated. Each participating speaker has been given as homework to prepare a talk describing their view on such a theory, and to speculate on aspects where they don’t yet have the answers. The workshop will be a “real” workshop the sense that the invited speakers will work together on formulating a theory, and spend most of the time on discussions. The workshop is the second in a series, where the outcome of the first workshop (held in September 2016) was published in a Neuron issue published in June 2017: https://www.cell.com/neuron/issue?pii=S0896-6273(16)X0012-8 The confirmed speakers are: - Adrienne Fairhall, Univ. Washington, Seattle, USA - Alexa Riehle, CNRS, Marseille, France - Bing Brunton, Univ. Washington, Seattle, USA - Gyorgy Buzsaki, NYU, New York, USA - Haime Hirase, RIKEN, Wako,Japan - Jack Cowan, Univ. Chicago, Chicago, USA - Peter Dayan, MPI, Tübingen, Germany - Richard Morris, Univ. Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK - Sara Solla, Northwestern Univ., Chicago, USA - Sophie Denève, ENS, Paris, France - Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute, San Diego, USA - Wulfram Gerstner, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland - Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH, Heraklion-Crete, Greece - Zhaoping Li, MPI, Tübingen, Germany. Time: May 23rd-25th 2019, between 9-17 each day Place: The Carlsberg Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark. Information about the venue can be found here: https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/About-the-Foundation/The-Carlsberg-Founda…<https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/About-the-Foundation/The-Carlsberg-Founda…'s-home/The-Carlsberg-Academy> Registration: Attendance is free of charge but registration is required. (Note also that to be able to keep the registration free of charge no meals are included during the workshop.) Please register here: https://in.ku.dk/forms/how_brains_work/ See also the workshop homepage: https://in.ku.dk/seminars-and-events/workshop-developing-a-theory-on-how-br… Workshop steering board: Sophie Denève, John Hertz, Richard Morris, Maiken Nedergaard, Henrik Lindén and Per Roland On behalf of the steering board of the Copenhagen Initiative, Henrik Lindén and Per Roland (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) -- Henrik Lindén, PhD Assistant professor (adjunkt), University of Copenhagen Department of Neuroscience Blegdamsvej 3 DK-2200 Copenhagen N email: hlinden(a)sund.ku.dk<mailto:hlinden@sund.ku.dk> web: http://lindenh.wordpress.com

April 28, 2019

Staff scientist position in the Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, NIMH/NIH

by Ryan Philips

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for a Staff Scientist position in the Intramural Research Program (IRP), Section on Neurobiology of Fear & Anxiety. This section examines neural systems models of emotion/cognition interactions. This is done in two ways: one that focuses on anxiety in health and disease, and the other that uses a developmental perspective using large datasets. Four types of data are exploited, clinical/behavioral assessment, psychophysiology, fMRI (particularly 7T high-resolution scanner) and MEG. The candidate must have a doctoral degree (PhD) in computational neuroscience, or computer science/engineering and at least 5 years of experience post Ph.D. analyzing large datasets, modeling complex neural systems, using advanced machine learning algorithms. Experience with technical computing in MATLAB, R, C++ and a strong mathematical skill set is required. Knowledge of multi threaded and paralell computing environments is desirable. An interest in neuroscience or prior experience in neuroscience related fields is a plus. The staff scientist is expected to be a key member of the Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, contributing to analytical methodology, design of new projects. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Applicants should send curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation to Monique Ernst, MD, PhD, 301-675-4525, ernstm(a)mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted beginning April 1st. The position will be open until filled. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

April 27, 2019

PhD position in computational neuroscience at IIT - deadline May 15th

by Stefano Panzeri

*Fully funded PhD Position at IIT - Computational approaches to study the neural code* I am are seeking candidates for a fully funded PhD position at the Italian Institute of Technology’s in the lab directed by Stefano Panzeri ( https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri ). IIT collaborates with University of Bologna and finances the positions at the PhD course in Data Science and Computation. Although formally enrolled at the University of Bologna, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research either at the IIT center in Rovereto (Italy), or at the IIT headquarters in Genova, (Italy). The PhD project can focus on any of the research topics about neural information processing that are of interest to both the candidate and my lab, including: developing mathematical analysis methods and neural network models for studying large scale neural population coding during cognitive tasks, for studying the neural bases of sensory perception and decision making, for linking functional to anatomical connectivity with cellular resolution at the neural population level, and for determining the best theoretical framework to combine recording of neural activity (calcium imaging, electrophysiology, EEG) and intervention on it (optogenetics, TMS). My computational neuroscience lab has developed long-term collaboration with many experimental laboratories including Christopher Harvey and Wei Lee (Harvard Medical School), Nikos Logothetis (Tuebingen), Tommaso Fellin (IIT), Mathew Diamond and Davide Zoccolan (SISSA), Alex Thiele (Newcastle), Cristina Becchio (IIT) and others. The PhD project will likely involve collaborations with one or more experimental lab. For recent representative publications please see: van Vugt B, et al, (2018) Science: in press. DOI: 10.1126/science.aar7186 Zaldivar, D., et al, (2018) Current Biology 28: 224-235 Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Nature: 548: 92-96 Panzeri, S, et al (2017) Neuron 93: 491-507 Safaai, H. et al (2015) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112(41): 12834–12839 Fasoli, D. et al (2016) PLoS Computational Biology, 12(8): e1004992. Panzeri, S., et al (2015) Trends in Cognitive Sciences 19: 162-172 Einevoll, G., et al (2013) Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14, 770-785 The ideal candidate should have a strong background in numerate sciences, and have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. No extensive previous experience in neuroscience is needed. However, a keen interest in understanding the brain is essential. The deadline for the formal application is set to *May 15thst 2019*, but interested candidates are invited me to contact me informally by email ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it) *as soon as possible,* and no later than May 8th 2019, by attaching their CV and briefly explaining their interest in this position, to initiate discussion about potential PhD projects of interest. In order to formally apply to the PhD Position, candidates will then need to refer to the call published by Università degli Studi di Bologna ( https://www.unibo.it/en/teaching/phd/2019-2020/data-science-and-computation) The PhD position available for projects under my supervision is one of those financed by IIT. Candidates that are wishing to apply will be able to rely on my advice and feedback to understand how to complete the application. Yours truly, Stefano Panzeri

April 27, 2019

postdocship on computational modeling of reading

by Meeter, M.

Postdoctoral fellowship: Computational modeling of reading Right now you are reading. It does not cost you much effort because it is a highly automated process, but you are simultaneously decoding letters, moving visual attention, programming eye movements, recognizing words, stringing them together in a coherent syntactic and semantic representation, and adducing the intentions of the writer. We understand these individual processes in reading, but not how our brain can perform them simultaneously at the phenomenal speed of about 200 ms per word. Recently, a group of researchers in Marseille and Amsterdam has collaborated on the ambitious goal to create one computational model that describes all processes involved in reading, from the single letter up to understanding a sentence. Within this collaboration, there is an opening for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to work on computational modelling. The candidate will work on extending the already published OB-1 model (Psychological Review<https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/ob1-reader-a-model-of-word-recogniti…>, 2018). While the exact direction taken may depend on the interests of the candidate, this will include improving word recognition processes and accounting for EEG responses recorded during reading. Practicalities The postdoc will work in Amsterdam in the group of Martijn Meeter, but also be expected to regularly visit the Marseille group of Jonathan Grainger. The two-year position is potentially renewable for a third year. Official employer will be Université Aix-Marseille, including a one-year trial period. A postdoc salary in France is about €2606 a month; travel costs will be covered. Starting date is preferably 1 September 2019, but other dates can be discussed. Required skills are: * Experience with computational modelling * Good to excellent programming skills, notably in Python * An interest in language as field of research The positions are part of an ERC grant to Jonathan Grainger. More information can be requested at i.jonathan.grainger(a)gmail.com<mailto:i.jonathan.grainger@gmail.com> or m(a)meeter.nl<mailto:m@meeter.nl>. To apply, please send an email before 1 June with as title “Postdoc computational model”to m(a)meeter.nl<mailto:m@meeter.nl> , with as attachments: * a letter of application, * your resume * names of two references (will only be contacted with your permission), Best, Martijn Meeter ------------------------------- Prof. dr. M. Meeter Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Dept. of Education Science http://www.meeter.nl/m<https://webmail.login.vu.nl/OWA/redir.aspx?SURL=l3I3NtaZYJte9nu-0v--nYrWbGa…> --------------------------------

April 27, 2019

US Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (YIP)

by GREENWALD, HAL S DR-04 USAF AFMC AFOSR/RTA

The Air Force's annual Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) is an excellent way for new principal investigators in the US to accelerate their careers in basic research with three years of funding at up to $150,000 per year. Each year, every AFOSR portfolio can nominate one YIP awardee. Especially since the Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience portfolio is new this year, I wanted to make the neuroscience community aware of this opportunity (and also of the new portfolio). Unlike most of AFOSR's research grants that are open to researchers worldwide, YIP awards are limited to US persons (citizens, nationals, or permanent residents) with full-time, permanent positions at US institutions who received their doctorates no later than April 1, 2012. The application deadline for Fiscal Year 2020 awards is June 3, 2019. Program Description: The Air Force YIP supports scientists and engineers who have received Ph.D. or equivalent degrees within the last seven years and show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research. The objectives of this program are: 1. to foster creative basic research in science and engineering; 2. enhance early career development of outstanding young investigators; 3. and increase opportunities for the young investigator to recognize the Air Force mission and related challenges in science and engineering. Eligibility: Individual awards are made to U.S. institutions of higher education, industrial laboratories, or non-profit research organizations where the principal investigator (PI) is employed on a full-time basis and holds a regular position. YIP PIs must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Researchers working at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center or DoD Laboratory are not eligible for this competition. Research proposals must address Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, FA9550-19-S-0003, found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=314753. Most YIP awards are funded up to $150,000 per year for three years, for a total of $450,000. Exceptional proposals will be considered individually for higher funding levels and/or longer duration. For more information about this funding opportunity, please see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=313523. Questions about YIP may be sent to afosryip(a)us.af.mil <mailto:afosryip@us.af.mil> . Sincerely, Hal Greenwald Hal S. Greenwald, Ph.D. Program Officer, Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR/RTA) 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1768 (703) 588-8441

April 26, 2019

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

by Antonio Roque

Positions for Postdoctoral Researchers The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics ( NeuroMat <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/>), hosted by the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and funded by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP <http://www.fapesp.br/en/>), is offering several postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The research will involve collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups and laboratories associated to NeuroMat. The research to be developed by the postdoc fellows shall be strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by the NeuroMat team. The project may be developed at USP Sao Paulo, USP Ribeirao Preto or Unicamp. We seek candidates capable to develop independent research in one of the research lines below. 1. Stochastic and/or computational modeling of the brain functioning. 2. Acquisition, processing and quantitative analysis of electrophysiological data. 3. Biomedical devices for neuroscience research. Candidates to the first research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. Previous knowledge of rigorous statistical mechanics or random graphs will be favorably considered. · A strong mathematical and/or computational background and experience with computers and programming. Previous experience with development and/or simulation of neural brain models, complex networks and parallel computing will be favorably considered. Candidates to the second research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis, and knowledge of computer programming. · A strong background in computer science with experience in the development of algorithms, software tools and data bases. Previous research experience in neuroscience or related areas will be favorably considered. Candidates to the third research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: · A strong background in electromagnetism and biomedical engineering. Previous knowledge of transcranial magnetic stimulation or magnetic/electric field simulation will be favorably considered. · A strong background in computer science and control software development expertise. Previous experience with neuroscience and neuronavigation systems will be favorably considered. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research teams is welcome for all the above research lines. The initial appointment is for one year, with a possible extension to up to four years, conditional on research progress. The fellowship is competitive at international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. Application Instructions Applicants should complete and submit the application form <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc/new>. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): · Summary of the CV, in the FAPESP format (see www.fapesp.br/en/6351 for instructions.) · List of publications, with links to those available online. · A summary of the research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages length. It should explicitly state for which of the three above profiles the candidate is applying. It should also address its place within the framework of the NeuroMat research program <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific-project>. · Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. · Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least 2 recommendation letters. Those should be mailed by the recommenders directly to postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br. Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until June 3rd, 2019. Appointments are expected to start by September 1st, 2019. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renovations for up to four years. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Post-Doctoral fellowships in the amount of BRL 7,372.40 monthly and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity. More information about the fellowship is at: www.fapesp.br/en/5427. -- Dr. Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil E-mails: antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com URL: www.sisne.org Tels: +55 16 3315-3768 <+55%2016%203315-3768> (sala/office); +55 16 3315-3859 <+55%2016%203315-3859> (lab) FAX: +55 16 3315-4887 <+55%2016%203315-4887>

April 24, 2019