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

LASCON 2020 - VIII Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience (Call for applications)

by Antonio Roque

**** Apologies for cross-posting **** VIII Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience - LASCON 2020 January 6-31, 2020, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil www.sisne.org/lascon LASCON Video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10FDmMw2IbM> APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 5, 2019 SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT Dear Colleagues, Following the success of the previous editions of LASCON (Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience), I am pleased to announce the 8th LASCON, which will take place January 6-31, 2020 at the NeuroMat Center in the University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. LASCON aims at introducing young researchers and graduate and advanced undergraduate students to the use of computational and mathematical methods for modeling neurons and neural networks. The following topics will be covered: biophysically detailed single neuron models; reduced and simplified single neuron models; networks of biophysical and simplified neuron models; synaptic plasticity and learning; spike train analysis; statistical methods in neuroscience; models of extracellular fields; modeling of brain stimulation; predictive coding; dynamics of neuronal functional connectivity; and computational psychiatry. These subjects will be illustrated with the use of programs NEURON, neuroConstruct, XPP-AUTO, Matlab, NEST, Brian and the Virtual Brain. Students will have to work on small research projects (to be done in groups of two), which they will present orally at the end of the school. The following lecturers will be in charge of theoretical classes and tutorials: Aline Duarte, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Antonio Galves,University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Arnd Roth, University College, London, UK Christophe Pouzat, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France Demian Battaglia, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France Eli Shlizerman, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Emilio Kropf, Leloir Institute Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway German Mato, Bariloche Atomic Center, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina Horacio Rotstein, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA John Murray, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA Marcelo Reyes, Federal University of ABC, Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil Mauricio Girardi-Schappo, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Mauro Copelli, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil Renan Shimoura, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Risto Ilmoniemi, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland Rodrigo Cofre, University of Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile Sacha van Albada, Juelich Research Center, Juelich, Germany Salvador Durá-Bernal, State University of New York, New York, NY, USA Volker Steuber, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK William Lytton, State University of New York, New York, NY, USA The number of students is limited to 20 and applications should be made electronically via the application form in the school's web page ( www.sisne.org/lascon) Applicants are also requested to submit a detailed CV (in English) and to provide two letters of recommendation. The application deadline is October 5, 2019 (until midnight, US Pacific time). There is no registration fee for the school. Costs for accommodation will be covered by the school organization. Travel costs have to be covered by the students. Sao Paulo is the major transportation hub in South America, so it is possible to fly from basically anywhere in the world to its airports. In the selection procedure, priority will be given to Latin-American students, but students from other parts of the world are encouraged to apply as well. LASCON 2020 is an activity of the FAPESP Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat - http://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/) I am looking forward to see you in Sao Paulo. Best regards, Antonio Roque LASCON Director -- 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>

Sept. 18, 2019

Postdoc position in monkey electrophysiology at Ernst Strungmann Institute (Frankfurt, Germany)

by Scholvinck, Marieke

We are hiring! We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to lead the monkey work of the Zero-Noise Lab at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience in Frankfurt, Germany. The position The Zero-Noise Lab investigates how neuronal population activity unfolds in real time during naturalistic behaviour, and how this compares between mouse and monkey. To this end, we conduct chronic electrophysiological recordings in the visual cortex of macaques and mice, while they are engaged in the same, naturalistic foraging task in a virtual environment. The lab is jointly headed by Marieke Schölvinck and Martha Nari Havenith, and funded by the Max Planck Society. In the lab, postdocs and PhD students focus on experiments in either mouse or monkey, but intensely work together to ensure that we constantly align and mutually learn from experiments across species. We are now looking for a postdoc to lead the monkey side of the lab, while developing their own ideas and research interests. Ideally, we would like you to start in spring 2020. The appointment is for three years initially, with the possibility of extension by another two years; the salary is in accordance with the regulations for academic personnel. You If you (are about to) hold a Ph.D., have experience with electrophysiological recordings in awake animals, and are eager to work in an interdisciplinary lab with multiple model species, we would love to hear from you! Additional skills that would be extremely valuable: - Programming skills (Matlab and/or Python) - Technical skills to build up an electrophysiology set-up - Experience with behavioural training How to apply If you're interested and for more information about the job, please send an email to Marieke (marieke.scholvinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de<mailto:marieke.scholvinck@esi-frankfurt.de>) and Martha (marthanari.havenith(a)gmail.com<mailto:marthanarihavenith@gmail.com>) before November 1, 2019. In your email, please explain your background, what you expect from your postdoc, and why you want to join us in Frankfurt. The application remains open until the position is filled. We look forward to hearing from you! Martha and Marieke

Sept. 17, 2019

Research Assistant in Learning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Computing at the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund on the shores of the Baltic Sea.

by André Grüning

In the lab of Prof Gruening and within the EU-funded research project "The Human Brain Project" we are offering a fixed-term post until 31/03/2020 with the perspective of a further extension subject to continued project funding. The formal job ad can be found at https://www.hochschule-stralsund.de/host/aktuelles/stellenangebote/ (in German only), but feel free to contact me informally in person and in English at <mailto:andre.gruening@hochschule-stralsund.de>. You will be working in the area of artificial intelligence based on neuromorphic hardware. Neuromorphic hardware is a modern and active area of research with the aim to design devices for artificial intelligence that are based on the spike-based operation of biological nervous systems. The energy consumption of such systems for example promises to be an order of magnitude less than classical AI systems. Neuromorphic systems are being developed within academic research as well as in industry.  The work will be carried out in close cooperation with Dr J Schemmel (University Heidelberg) and Prof Steve Furber (University of Manchester, one of the co-inventors of the ARM processor). Your job responsibilities include the following: - Contribution to and cooperation within the international framework of the EU/H2020 Flagship project “The Human Brain Project”, see <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/> in the area described above. - The development, implementation and evaluation of learning rules for artificial neural networks on neuromorphic hardware.  - Project management including financial reporting.  We expect from you:  - A good MSc degree or a PhD in a relevant area, for example computer science, mathematics, physics, cognitive and neuroscience or engineering.  - Programming experience, for example Python, C, C++. Experience with embedded systems is a plus.  - Expertise in the area of neuronal networks. - Keen interest to familiarise yourself with the neuroscientific foundations of the project. - Solid mathematical expertise. - Experience with Unix-like operating systems.  - Experience in the write up of scientific reports and publications. Experience with LaTeX is a plus.  - Experience in presenting research results.  - A conscientious, independent and self-motivated attitude towards work.  We offer: - A diverse, interesting and challenging job at an innovative, modern and family friendly institution in the lively world-heritage and Hanseatic town of Stralsund. - The opportunity to pursue a PhD where applicable. - A work contract subject to the collective labour agreement of the public service of the German federal states (TB-L). - Remuneration up to pay grade 13 subject to personal and collective qualifying conditions. - 38 hrs/week; part-time and flexible work is possible. The University of Applied Science Stralsund is keen to increase the proportion of female employees in all areas where they are underrepresented. We therefore expressly invite qualified women to apply. As a certified family-friendly institution we support actions to reconcile family and job. Childcare can be arranged for a potential future interview. At an equal level of professional aptitude, applicants with recognised disabilities or equivalent (please provide evidence) will be preferred. For details of the job description, please contact Prof André Grüning (E-Mail: andre.gruening(a)hochschule-stralsund.de)  According to §68 Abs 3 PersVG M-V, the Employee Committee (Personalrat) gets involved into HR matters for research staff only on the candidate’s request. If desired, please include such request in free form in your application documents. Please send your job application with all relevant documents in a single pdf file to   - bewerbungpersonal(a)hochschule-stralsund.de or by mail to - Hochschule Stralsund Vertrauliche Personalangelegenheit Dezernat Personal, Haushalt und Controlling Zur Schwedenschanze 15 18435 Stralsund Germany on or before the deadline of 06.10.2019.  The protection of your personal data is very important to us. We will therefore collect, process and utilise any data arising in the application process only in line with the applicable data protection regulations.  As application documents cannot be returned, please submit copies only. The University of Applied Sciences Stralsund does not cover any application expense. -- Prof. Dr. André Grüning -- Mathematik und Künstliche Intelligenz Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informatik Hochschule Stralsund -- Mathematics and Computational Intelligence Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Applied Sciences Stralsund -- 18435 Stralsund Deutschland/Germany

Sept. 17, 2019

Two PhD positions in Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience

by Alireza Soltani

The Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (CCNL) at Dartmouth has openings for two enthusiastic graduate students to work on exciting projects on reward-based learning and decision making. One of the projects (funded by NIH) involves close collaboration with Alicia Izquierdo's lab at UCLA to investigate circuit-level neural mechanisms of adaptive learning. Starting date for one of the positions can be as early as Jan 2020 and the other position begins Sep 2020. A few recent relevant papers include: 1. Soltani A􏰀, Izquierdo A􏰀 (2019). Adaptive Learning under Expected and Unexpected Uncertainty. Nature Reviews Neuroscience <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-019-0180-y>. 2. Farashahi S, Donahue C, Hayden B, Lee D, Soltani A􏰀 (2019). Flexible Combination of Reward Information across Primates. Nature Human Behaviour <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0714-3>. 3. Stolyarova A, Rakhshan M, Peters MA, Lau H, Soltani A􏰀, Izquierdo A􏰀 (2019). Contributions of Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala to Learning and Choice under Perceptual Uncertainty. Nature Communications (accepted) [available on bioRxiv, 655860 <https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/655860v1>] For more recent publications from the lab please visit http://ccnl.dartmouth.edu <http://ccnl.dartmouth.edu/> Interested students please contact Alireza Soltani (soltani(a)dartmouth.edu)

Sept. 17, 2019

[jobs] Ph.D. positions in Neuromorphic Hardware and Robotics at KTH Stockholm

by Jörg Conradt

Here a call for open Ph.D. positions in Neuromorphic Hardware and Robotics (algorithms and systems), exact project flexible. Application deadline September 26. https://www.kth.se/en/om/work-at-kth/lediga-jobb/what:job/jobID:287447 Would you know of anyone interested? Please forward. Any information needed? Please inquire informally by brief email. Information on our work here (“old and somewhat outdated” pages from my former group): http://tum.neurocomputing.systems/en/research/index.html Thank you! I am very much looking forward to increasing the group at KTH. Jörg Jörg Conradt Prof. Dr. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Computational Science and Technology School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Lindstedtsvägen 5, SE-114 28 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46-8-790 6231 Email: conr(a)kth.se<mailto:conr@kth.se>, Web: www.kth.se<http://www.kth.se/>

Sept. 16, 2019

Job opening in computational neuroscience in Juelich, Germany: Scientific Writer (user-level documentation of NEST)

by Martina Reske

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at Research Center Jülich, Germany, investigates the structure and function of the human brain on different spatial and temporal scales within the research program “Decoding the Human Brain”. The Supercomputing Centre is home of one of the most powerful machines and has a leading role in the European exascale strategy. Basic neuroscience connects the two research areas as it heavily relies on modeling and simulation, which are necessary to approach the brain’s immense complexity, manage the huge amount of resulting data, and develop reliable control techniques. The department INM-6, Computational and Systems Neuroscience (www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de>), develops mathematical models of neuronal dynamics and function. Model-driven analyses of brain activity and structure as well as simulation of biologically realistic models form the core of our work. Among others, the INM-6/IAS-6 is actively involved in the EU flagship project „Human Brain Project“ (HBP, https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/) Together with its partners, INM-6 develops analysis tools and the leading simulation code (NEST) for brain scale networks with cellular resolution in an open source approach (http://www.nest-initiative.org/) NEST has been under continuous development for 20 years and is serving a worldwide community. We are looking to recruit a Scientific Writer Your Job: * Production and maintenance of the user-level documentation of NEST in English, in dialog with software developers and neuroscientists. Depending on the agreed upon working hours, the task extends to a second software tool (Elephant). * Production of short videos supporting the documentation * Production of scientific texts, especially in English, for the institute’s website or institute reports in close collaboration with scientists and the heads of the institute * PR activities: Supporting the creation of PR material in English (e.g. flyer, brochures) * Communication with the internal communications department * Close collaboration with heads of the institute and project partners, especially within the Human Brain Project * Regular organization of and attendance of project meetings and videoconferences together with or substituting the task or workpackage leader Your Profile: * Completed study in natural sciences, ideally with PhD * Experience in neuroscience, physics, or computer science * Skilled in text processing software (Latex, Word) * Good knowledge of C++ * Excellent competence in German and English, especially with regard to drafting technical and administrative texts * Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team * High ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team * Proactive attitude * Willingness to travel Beneficial: * Work experience abroad * Expertise in Computational Neuroscience * Professional experience in above-mentioned areas of responsibility Our Offer: * International, interdisciplinary working environment on a green integrated campus located in the triangle of 3 major university cities Cologne-Duesseldorf-Aachen * High visibility through participation in an Open Source community project and work on key technologies of the European Human Brain Project * Responsibility in world-class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * A comprehensive further training programme * Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and private life * Limited until 30.04.2021 with possible longer-term prospects * Possibility, to apply for the desired level of working hours from 50% to a full position * Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD) Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application, preferably online<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf…> via our online recruitment system on our career site until 06.10.2019, quoting the reference number 2019-335. Questions about the vacancy? Contact us by mentioning the reference number 2019-335: career(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:career@fz-juelich.de?Subject=Questions%20about%20the%20vacancy%202019-335&body=You%20can%20use%20this%20field%20to%20send%20us%20questions%20about%20the%20job%20advertisement%20you%20have%20selected.%20If%20you%20would%20like%20to%20apply%20for%20the%20position%2C%20please%20note%20that%20this%20is%20only%20possible%20via%20our%20online%20application%20portal.> Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email. -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sept. 13, 2019

Multiple Postdoctoral Positions at Indiana University

by Franco Pestilli

Post-doctoral fellow position(s) to the study of the natural visual environments of infants and young children and their implications for visual, cognitive and language development and machine learning at Indiana University. The larger collaborative project involves analyses of the properties of a very large corpus of head camera images (500 million) collected by infants 1 to 24 months of age with respect to low, mid and higher level properties, the examination of the statistical structure of early learned visual categories (and their in-home naming by parents), the design and implementation of computational experiments using machine learning and computer vision models, as well as experiments with infants testing novel predictions from these analyses and models. The post-doctoral fellow(s) will take part in the intellectually rich cognitive science, computational neuroscience, vision, developmental, and computer science communities at Indiana University under the Emerging Areas of Research Initiative titled Learning: Brains, Machines and Children. Collaborators on the larger project include Linda Smith, David Crandall, Franco Pestilli, Rowan Candy, Jason Gold, and Chen Yu. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with past training in one or more of the following: infant statistical learning, infant visual development (including face and object perception), visual neuroscience, adult vision, computer vision. Other areas of training with computational and/or experimental backgrounds will be considered. Please apply to Linda Smith, smith4(a)indiana.edu <mailto:smith4@indiana.edu>, with Visual Environments in the subject heading by sending a cover letter stating your interest in this project, your cv, and a research statement. References will be requested after initial contact. The filling of these position(s) are open in their timing; although we hope to appoint one position this fall, January or this spring are also possible start dates. Linda B. Smith Distinguished Professor Psychological and Brain Sciences www.iub.edu/~cogdev <http://www.iub.edu/~cogdev> Franco Pestilli, PhD Associate Professor Psychology <http://psych.indiana.edu/>, Neuroscience <http://www.indiana.edu/~neurosci/> and Cognitive Science <http://www.cogs.indiana.edu/> Engineering <https://www.engineering.indiana.edu/people/profile.html?profile_id=528>, Computer Science <https://www.cs.indiana.edu/>, and Optometry <http://optometry.iu.edu/> by courtesy Midwest Big Data Hub <http://midwestbigdatahub.org/> | brainlife.io <http://www.brain-life.org/>

Sept. 12, 2019

Postdoc position: Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin

by Sprekeler, Henning

A postdoc position is now available in the lab of Henning Sprekeler at TU Berlin. If you’re interested in modeling neural circuits, their computational functions and their plasticity, please apply. The position is fully funded for 5 years. Salary is commensurate with experience, but should allow a comfortable life in Berlin. Starting date asap. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For more information about the lab and on how to apply, check out our website: http://www.sprekelerlab.org. I’ll be at the Bernstein Conference next week, so if you’re around and interested, please talk to me. Best wishes, Henning --- Henning Sprekeler Technische Universität Berlin & Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin Email: h.sprekeler(a)tu-berlin.de<mailto:h.sprekeler@tu-berlin.de>

Sept. 12, 2019

Tenure Track Professorship in Machine Learning

by Robert Legenstein

The Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering at Graz University of Technology is offering a tenure track professorship in Machine Learning. We are looking for outstanding candidates with a research focus in the field of Machine Learning methods. Specific research topics include, but are not restricted to, the development and analysis of machine learning algorithms and the development of neuromorphic learning algorithms. The professorship will be part of the Institute of Theoretical Computer Science. The institute is an internationally renowned research environment engaged in fundamental research at the intersection of the fields of Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning with an emphasis on brain-inspired principles of computation and learning. The successfully candidate will complement the existing strengths at the institute with his/her own expertise and build an internationally visible group. He/she will be an engaged teacher in the Computer Science programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD level and will actively participate in academic self-administration. Application deadline is 26 November 2019. For details see: https://www.tugraz.at/fakultaeten/infbio/news/jobs-grants-calls/tenure-trac… -- Dr. Robert Legenstein Associate Professor Institute for Theoretical Computer Science Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 16b/I, 8010 Graz, Austria http://www.igi.tugraz.at/legi/ Follow @CompLegenstein on Twitter. ++43/316/873-5824 ----------------------------------

Sept. 12, 2019

HFSP-funded post-doc position

by Gergo Orban

A postdoctoral position is available at the Computational Systems Neuroscience Lab (Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Center for Physics, Budapest Hungary) to work on a project focussing on integrating prior information with current evidence in early vision. The project is an HFSP-funded collaboration between four labs: Peyman Golshani's (UCLA, mouse electrophysiology and imaging), Máté Lengyel’s University of Cambridge, theory), and Wolf Singer’s Lab (ESI, Frankfurt, monkey electrophysiology). The focus of the research project is how acquired knowledge can be integrated with incoming information during visual perception. Joining team members will work on novel population analysis techniques and/or develop computational theories of hierarchical computations. The position offers a chance to work actively with state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, to access advanced computing architectures and to get involved in cool experiments right from design of experiments, to develop predictions, and analysis of data. The ideal candidate has a strong mathematical background, preferably with a PhD in physics, computer science, or mathematics or other quantitative disciplines. Besides mathematical skills, the position requires competence in programming (e.g. matlab, R, python, or C++). Candidates with training or research experience in statistics, machine learning, computational modelling, dynamical systems, systems neuroscience are especially encouraged to apply. Training in neuroscience is not required but the applicant has to demonstrate his/her willingness to acquire the necessary background for the project. For informal inquiries please contact me by mail (orban.gergo(a)wigner.mta.hu <mailto:orban.gergo@wigner.mta.hu>) or by arranging a meeting at CCN19 in Berlin (our posters are PS-1B.35, PS-2A.19, PS-2A.40, PS-2B.44). Please send applications, including CV, a research statement and contact information of two references by email to Gergo Orban before 20 October. For more information about the lab visit our home page: http://golab.wigner.mta.hu <http://golab.wigner.mta.hu/> or sample our recent papers: Gáspár ME, Polack P-O, Golshani P, Lengyel M, Orbán G (2019) Representational untangling by the firing rate nonlinearity in V1 simple cells eLife, 8:e43625 doi: 10.7554/eLife.43625 Bányai M, Lazar A, Klein L, Klon-Lipok J, Stippinger M, Singer W, Orbán G (2019) Stimulus complexity shapes response correlations in primary visual cortex Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 10.1073/pnas.1816766116. Orbán G, Berkes P, Fiser J, Lengyel M (2016) Neural variability and sampling-based  probabilistic representations in the visual cortex. Neuron, 92:530–543 ______________ Gergo Orban, PhD Computational Systems Neuroscience Lab MTA Wigner Research Centre for Physics 13-106, 29-33 Konkoly-Thege St Budapest, 1121, HU T: +36 1 392 2732 E: orban.gergo(a)wigner.mta.hu <mailto:orban.gergo@wigner.mta.hu> W: http://golab.wigner.mta.hu <http://golab.wigner.mta.hu/>

Sept. 12, 2019