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

Computational Neuroscience opportunity -- startup tackling brain disorders with ML

by Nate Boyd

System1 (system1.bio) is a drug discovery company for neurological and psychiatric disorders, combining applied research in 3D cell culture biology (cerebral organoids) and machine learning. We are looking for a senior scientist to lead development of our experimental neuroscience and machine learning platform. Help us create a unified understanding of neural pathways and drug interactions from calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and other data sets. Steer our research, coordinate efforts across biology and computation, and build our neuroscience team as we grow. This position reports to the CEO. Founded by repeat entrepreneurs and researchers from respected labs, System1 is assembling a multidisciplinary team with the goal of increasing understanding of how our neural circuitry works, how it fails, and how to heal it. We're located in San Francisco and have raised $30M of venture funding to date. More about us: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rAW8riYpupEoynWLM7quNFFCrL_FTkDdJJleoS9… Organoid technology review: http://dev.biologists.org/content/144/6/938 Contact: nate(a)plusplustalent.com Warm regards, Nate Boyd linkedin.com/in/nateboyd

July 26, 2019

Open postdoctoral researcher position at Stanford

by Aaron Milstein

A postdoctoral research position is available in the lab of Dr. Ivan Soltesz in the Dept. of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, also affiliated with the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford. The position is fully funded by NIMH through an NSF-NIH Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience research grant awarded to Stanford Instructor Dr. Aaron Milstein. The project is an international collaboration with Dr. Marlene Bartos at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The postdoctoral researcher will be co-mentored by Drs. Soltesz and Milstein. We are seeking a talented scientist to use modern computational modeling and data analysis methods to understand the roles of specific inhibitory and excitatory cell types found in hippocampal microcircuits in controlling spatial learning and memory. In particular, we are interested in nonlinear signal integration and associative synaptic plasticity mechanisms in the dendrites of granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and their regulation by a unique class of excitatory interneurons implicated in epilepsy, the dentate mossy cells. This position represents a unique opportunity be co-mentored by multiple investigators at the forefront of the field, and includes funded travel to interact with experimental collaborators and to attend research conferences in the U.S. and Europe. We urge interested applicants to read the following papers describing our recent work, and to include in their cover letter any insighful comments and questions that they may have: http://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan3846 http://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan4074 http://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0191-2 Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, bioengineering, or computer science Prior experience in modeling biological neural circuit function and/or plasticity in health and/or disease Required Application Materials: C.V. Contact information for 2 professional references A brief personal statement describing your perspective on biological neural circuit function and/or plasticity, including insightful comments and questions pertaining to recent publications by Drs. Aaron Milstein, Ivan Soltesz, Marlene Bartos and colleagues Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apply here: https://postdocs.stanford.edu/prospective/opportunities/open-postdoctoral-p…

July 25, 2019

The Virtual Brain Node#9 Workshop, August 31 2019, Warsaw

by Julie Courtiol

*TheVirtualBrain <https://www.thevirtualbrain.org/>* team is organising its *Node 9 Workshop on August 31, in Warsaw, Poland*! Please consider attending the workshop and sharing the information to your group in case this would be useful for them! For more infos, click here <https://www.thevirtualbrain.org/tvb/zwei/newswire-event-single/253901-works…> Hope to see you there! Best regards, Julie Courtiol Research Fellow Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin ---------------------------------------- The workshop is dedicated to a theoretical and practical *understanding of large-scale brain network modeling using the open-source neuroinformatics platform The Virtual Brain (TVB)*. This simulation environment enables the biologically realistic modeling of whole-brain network dynamics across different brain scales, using personalized structural connectome-based approach. Configurable brain network models generate macroscopic neuroimaging signals including functional MRI, intracranial and stereotactic EEG, surface EEG and MEG for single subjects. Researchers from different backgrounds can benefit from an integrative software platform including a simulation core written in Python and a supporting framework for data management (generation, organization, storage, integration and sharing). The workshop is an official training event of the *NeuroInformatics 2019 <https://www.neuroinformatics2019.org/>* that will be held on September 1-2, also in Warsaw. *:: Workshop Format * • Lectures • Hands-on tutorials *:: Workshop Program Overview* • Architecture of TVB • Theoretical background of large-scale brain network modeling • Interacting with TVB using GUI and/or CLI • Personalization pipeline • Modeling resting-state networks, brain disorder, stimulation, mouse brain activity, etc. *Please make sure to register early as we only offer limited seats to ensure there are enough tutors for you.* *REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 31st, 2019* *IMPORTANT TO NOTE* **Anyone is welcome to register to TVB Node #9!** You DO NOT need to be registered for NeuroInformatics 2019 in order to register for this workshop. Registration for TVB Node #9 workshop is separated from registration to NeuroInformatics 2019. *REGISTER HERE <https://en.xing-events.com/tvb-node9>*

July 25, 2019

open faculty and fellow positions at CSHL

by Engel, Tatiana

Dear colleagues, I would like to bring to your attention the open Fellow and Faculty positions at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The Fellow position is an opportunity for early independence for candidates who recently finished or are about to finish their PhD, it provides resources for building a small research group and a possibility of promotion to the faculty. Both positions include computational/theoretical neuroscience. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the positions or how to apply. 1) Faculty: https://www.cshl.edu/about-us/careers/faculty-positions/ 2) Fellow: https://www.cshl.edu/research/fellows-programs-at-cshl/cshl-fellows-program… Sincerely, Tatiana -- Tatiana Engel, PhD Assistant Professor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (+1) 408 409 3647

July 25, 2019

Postdoctoral Position in Pain and Affect

by Atlas, Lauren (NIH/NCCIH) [E]

Our lab, the Section on Affective Neuroscience and Pain (ANP Lab), is recruiting one to two postdoctoral researchers with expertise in computational modeling, fMRI, and/or affective science to lead new projects on the psychological modulation of pain and emotional experience using high field imaging (7-Tesla MRI). Our lab is part of NIH's intramural research program, and is affiliated with the intramural programs of NCCIH, NIMH, and NIDA. For more information on postdoctoral positions within NIH, see https://www.training.nih.gov/programs Research in the ANP Lab focuses on the mechanisms by which expectations, learning, and other cognitive and affective factors influence pain, emotion, and clinical outcomes. We combine approaches from experimental psychology, neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and computational modeling to investigate pain and emotional experience in healthy individuals as well as individuals with chronic pain and/or affective disorders. We are particularly interested in the intersection of appetitive and aversive learning, how psychosocial factors influence pain and clinical outcomes, and questions motivated by pain’s central role in the opioid crisis. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to develop their own projects, with guidance, and to collaborate with other researchers in the lab. For more information about our research, see: https://nccih.nih.gov/research/intramural/atlas-lab We are looking for someone to spearhead new projects using high field imaging (7T-FMRI) to examine pain and perception across domains. The candidate should have a strong background in psychology and neuroscience and must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the time of appointment. Candidates with successful publications in the fields of pain, emotion, and/or computational modeling are encouraged to apply. Postdoctoral positions require experience with 1) design of behavioral and fMRI experiments and 2) analysis of fMRI data using statistical parametric mapping packages (SPM, AFNI, etc.). Programming skills in MATLAB, C, and/or Python are highly desirable. These requirements will be flexible for candidates with clinical experience in pain populations. Appointments and salary are commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. The candidate will be supported with the excellent intramural NIH fellowship in a stimulating and interactive research environment at NIH. NIH has exceptional multidisciplinary research facilities including structural and functional MRI, MEG, PET, and TMS. Our lab is fully funded with dedicated weekly scan time, a full-time data analyst, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s foremost fMRI experts. Training in advanced imaging and other techniques is available, as are courses in grant writing and career development. How To Apply Applicants should submit a CV, a brief description of research interests and career goals, and the names of three references to: lauren.atlas(a)nih.gov(Investigator/Chief, Section on Affective Neuroscience and Pain, NCCIH/NIMH/NIDA, NIH). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Department of Health and Human Services and NIH are equal opportunity employers committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

July 24, 2019

Dual Award PhD (UH/WSU) in Neuromorphic olfaction - deadline and scope extended

by Michael Schmuker

Now open for all applicants! An exceptional opportunity for a dual award PhD in Neuromorphic olfaction is open at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, that includes a year abroad at Western Sydney University, Australia. The successful candidate will obtain a PhD degree from both UH and WSU. We offer an exciting 3-year project in Neuromorphic computing under joint supervision of Dr Michael Schmuker (UHERTS), and Dr André van Schaik (WSU). The first and third year of the programme will be spent in the Biocomputation research group at UH, with the second year spent at the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, led by André van Schaik (WSU). The successful candidate has the unique opportunity to join two vibrant and research-driven teams at opposite ends of the world and carry home two PhD awards. The ideal candidate has an exceptional interest in at least one of neuromorphic computing, event-based data science, chemical sensing. The position comes with a bursary of £15,009 per year. Airfare to and from WSU in Australia is covered, too. There is no restriction on the candidate’s current country of residence. Interested? Please get in touch informally with Dr. Michael Schmuker <mailto:m.schmuker@biomachinelearning.net> by email as soon as possible. Don’t delay! Shortlisting will begin on 29th July 2019 (extended deadline). How to apply Download the application form <https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/31105/uh-application-fo…>, fill it out, save it to your disk, and return it to: Lynette Spelman and Emma Thorogood <mailto:doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk> Research Student Administrators University of Hertfordshire College Lane Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB tel: +44 (0)1707 286083 — Dr Michael Schmuker AFHEA Reader in Data Science Biocomputation Group University of Hertfordshire https://biomachinelearning.net <https://biomachinelearning.net/>

July 23, 2019

CFP Frontiers Research Topic: Closing the Loop: From Human Behavior to Multisensory Robots

by Pablo Barros

Call For Papers - Frontiers Research Topic: Closing the Loop: From Human Behavior to Multisensory Robots I. Aim and Scope The ability to efficiently process crossmodal information is a key feature of the human brain that provides a robust perceptual experience and behavioral responses. Consequently, the processing and integration of multisensory information streams such as vision, audio, haptics, and proprioception play a crucial role in the development of autonomous agents and cognitive robots, yielding an efficient interaction with the environment also under conditions of sensory uncertainty. This Research Topic invites authors to submit new findings, theories, systems, and trends in multisensory learning for intelligent agents and robots with the aim to foster the development of novel and impactful research which will contribute to the understanding of human behavior and the development of artificial systems operating in real-world environments. II. Potential Topics Topics include, but are not limited to: - New methods and applications for crossmodal processing and multisensory integration (e.g. vision, audio, haptics, proprioception) - Machine learning and neural networks for multisensory robot perception - Computational models of crossmodal attention and perception - Bio-inspired approaches for crossmodal learning - Multisensory conflict resolution and executive control - Sensorimotor learning for autonomous agents and robots - Crossmodal learning for embodied and cognitive robots III. Submission - Abstract - 28th August 2019 - Paper Submission - 02nd December 2019 We have special discounts for open access papers participating in this research topic. If you have any further question, please let us know. More information: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9321/closing-the-loop-from-huma… IV. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Doreen Jirak, Hamburg University, Germany German I. Parisi, Apprente, Inc., USA Jun Tani, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan -- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.dehttp://www.pablobarros.nethttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.htmlhttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

July 23, 2019

Open positions in human-machine interaction at Imperial College London

by Eden, Jonathan

We at the human robotics group (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-robotics) use an integrative approach of neuroscience and robotics to investigate human sensorimotor control, and to design efficient human-machine interaction, assistive devices and training systems for neuro-rehabilitation. We have openings for 2 postdoctoral and 5 PhD positions for projects related to: - predictive haptic coding in animals and for robotics (https://www.ph-coding.eu/) - haptic communication between humans and with robots (see Takagi et al. Nature Human Behaviour 2017, PLoS Computational Biology 2018, eLife 2019; Li et al. Nature Machine Intelligence 2019.) - sensorimotor augmentation and control of supernumerary limbs (see Abdi et al. Scientific Reports 2016; Mehring et al. Nature Communication 2019) - technology for social neurorehabilitation (Mace et al. J of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2017, in collaboration with https://www.gripable.co/) - development of neural activity in infants born preterm and with cerebral palsy (see DallOrso et al. Cerebral Cortex 2018, Mutalib et al. J of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2019) Interesting applicants with suitable background(s) can submit a CV and <1 page of motivation for such position to <j.eden(a)imperial.ac.uk<mailto:j.eden@imperial.ac.uk>> with title "HRG position: <your name>". You can also ask for information at the same address. We are looking for postdocs with a strong background in computational modelling. These postdocs will have the opportunity to work with our network of collaborators and to be involved in guiding of PhD students in their respective projects. Suitable backgrounds for Ph.D. applicants may be in physics, related engineering fields and computer science. Note that the funding is only for the EU/EEA/UK level of fees for PhD studies at Imperial. However candidates from outside the EU are welcome to apply if they have suitable complementary funding. I look forward to your application! Etienne Burdet www.imperial.ac.uk/human-robotics<http://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-robotics> eburdet(a)ic.ac.uk<mailto:eburdet@ic.ac.uk> Imperial College London South Kensington campus SW7 2AZ London, UK

July 23, 2019

NIH-BRAIN funded computational neuroscientist postdoc position @ Dierssen's lab Barcelona

by Linus Manubens Gil

A computational neuroscientist researcher position is available in the lab of Mara Dierssen<https://www.crg.eu/en/programmes-groups/dierssen-lab> at the CRG. The Cellular and Systems Neurobiology lab at the Center for Genomic Regulation, a leading renowned center for biomedical research in Europe offers a full-time contract for a research assistant. We seek a physicist, computational biologist, computational engineer or mathematician to collaborate on (1) the imaging and analysis of whole mouse brains using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, (2) the development of a computational framework for studying the relation between multiscale 3D neuromorphological properties and neuronal network connectivity with applications in the study of Down syndrome and (3) the analysis of stereo-EEG recordings applied to the study of seizure generation in intractable epilepsy. The projects are led by the team leader of the Cellular and Systems Neurobiology group Dr Mara Dierssen and the candidate will tightly collaborate with the team of Dr Bing Ye (UMichigan). If interested, please apply at: https://recruitment.crg.eu/content/jobs/position/computational-biologist-re… Find detailed information on the position in the link and below. Best! Linus Manubens-Gil, PhD Lab 522.04 - Cellular & Systems Neurobiology Systems Biology Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) c/Dr. Aiguader 88 08003, Barcelona About the team/ lab/ department The Dierssen lab is centered on understanding cognition and behavior and their perturbation in intellectual disability. We are an interdisciplinary team of physicists, bioinformaticians and experimental biologists, and we focus on data collection (behavior, 3D imaging, genomic data) of many variables of the system (longitudinal behavioral analysis, mesoscopic analysis of neuronal networks, gene expression patterns). We take advantage of computer modeling and bioinformatics analysis (gene networks, neuronal network modeling, etc.) to tackling classical unresolved questions in the field, such as: (a) pathological disturbances of structural optimality in single cell and neuronal networks, (b) genomic dependence of cognitive disturbances, (c) identification of predictive non-invasive biomarkers, (d) discovery of pro-cognitive therapies. Whom would we like to hire? Professional experience Must Have · Experience in computer programming (MATLAB/Python/R/C++) is required · Experience in brain clearing experimental protocols is highly desirable Desirable but not required/ Nice to have · Experience in Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy imaging and terabyte-sized dataset handling is desirable · Experience in designing and developing computational methods for three-dimensional modelling is recommended · Experience with and/or the ability to quickly acquire skills in electrophysiological recordings and analysis (e.g. EEG/EMG) is desirable Education and training · PhD in physics, computational neuroscience/biology, mathematics, computational engineering or related fields Languages · Fluent level of English Technical skills · A formal training and strong background in programming and modeling · Good script programming skills (MATLAB, Python, R, C++, shell scripting) · Laboratory animal care training (in accordance with RD 53/2013, category B) will be highly valued Competences · Highly developed organization skills The Offer · Contract duration: 3 years · Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales. · Target start date: September 15, 2019 We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities. We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. The CRG is committed to reconcile a work and family life of its employees and are offering extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours. Application Procedure All applications must include: 1. A motivation letter addressed to Dr Mara Dierssen. 2. A complete CV including contact details. 3. Contact details of two referees. All applications must be addressed to Dr. Mara Dierssen and be submitted online on the CRG Career site - http://www.crg.eu/en/content/careers/job-opportunities Deadline: Please submit your application by 15/08/2019

July 22, 2019

Special Issue "Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making" [journal Entropy, IF=2.419]

by Domenico Maisto

Dear Colleagues, please consider submitting a research article/review to the special issue of *Entropy* <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy> “*Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Decision-Making*”. This special issue aims to focus on recent computational, methodological, algorithmic advances regarding inferential processing in decision-making with particular attention on efficiency and biological plausibility. Topics include: - *computational and neuronal circuits* involved in goal-directed decision making, with a focus on the inferential mechanisms; - *novel probabilistic models and methods* in decision making including information-theory approaches, statistical and free-energy minimization, hierarchical models, deep networks - *decision-making applications* in ethological, social, psychological, psychiatric, robotics, and computer science research. *Entropy <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy>* is an online open access interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal of growing popularity providing an advanced forum for the development and/or application of entropic and information-theoretic studies in a wide variety of applications. Author Benefits: - *Open Access*: free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions. -* High visibility*: indexed by the Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science), MathSciNet (AMS), Inspec (IET), Scopus and other databases. - *Rapid publication*: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 19.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2018). More information on the special issue website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/probabilistic_inference Looking forward to your contributions Dr. Francesco Donnarumma <francesco.donnarumma(a)istc.cnr.it> Dr. Domenico Maisto <domenico.maisto(a)icar.cnr.it> Dr. Ivilin Stoianov <ivilin.stoianov(a)istc.cnr.it> Guest Editors

July 19, 2019