January 2020 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Feb 15 Application Deadline - 2020 Nengo Summer School

by Peter Blouw

[All details about this school can be found online at https://www.nengo.ai/summer-school] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce our 7th annual Nengo summer school on large-scale brain modelling and neuromorphic computing. This two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Summer school participants will be given on-site access to Loihi, Intel’s neuromorphic research chip [1], and will learn to run high-level applications on Loihi using Nengo! More generally, Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems, and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [2], which includes spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning, adaptive motor control, and cognitive control networks. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w0BzvNOypc We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background. [1] Davies, et al. (2018). Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning. IEEE Micro. Vol. 38 no. 1 pp. 82-99. [ https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8259423] [2] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://compneuro.uwaterloo.ca/files/publications/eliasmith.2012.pdf] ***Application Deadline: February 15, 2020*** Format: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on building neuromorphic applications, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. Loihi, SpiNNaker, BrainDrop) - interface Nengo with (spiking and normal) cameras and robotic systems - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - and much more… Date and Location: June 7th to June 19th, 2020 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Applications: Please visit https://www.nengo.ai/summer-school/, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form. We ask that you provide a short description of a possible project, and to briefly indicate how this project might make use of the tools and methods that the summer school will be covering, as listed above. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (peter.blouw(a)appliedbrainresearch.com) The school is partially supported by Applied Brain Research, Inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jan. 14, 2020

POST-DOC POSITION AT MONASH NEUROSCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

by Naotsugu Tsuchiya

Postdoc position available (up to 5 years) at Monash Neuroscience of Consciousness (MoNoC), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. We are seeking outstanding postdoctoral research fellows with strong skills in computational or mathematical neuroscience, whose research ambition is to improve the objective detection of consciousness based on the state-of-art analysis of EEG data. If you are successful, you will work in Tsuchiya's lab at Monash, on our National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas grants (2020-2024). The project will involve the development and application of the novel computational analysis of neural recordings from multiple brain areas, recorded from patients with loss of consciousness due to brain injuries and general anaesthesia as well as continuous recording of sleep-wake cycles recorded from epilepsy patients. Our focus will be the test of "integrated information theory of consciousness" (Tononi 2004 BMC, 2016 NRN, Oizumi et al 2016 PLoS Comp & PNAS) as well as its comparison with massive library of data analysis tools, called "hctsa" developed by Ben Fulcher (Fulcher 2013 Roy J Soc Interface, Fulcher 2017 Cell Systems). You will work both independently and collaboratively with multiple PIs. PIs are Tsuchiya & Thomas Andrillon (Monash University, Australia) Ben Fulcher (University of Sydney, Australia) Olivia Carter, Hinze Hogendoorn, Wendyl D'Souza (University of Melbourne, Australia) in collaboration with Giulio Tononi & Melanie Boly (University of Wisconsin, USA) Steven Laureys & Olivia Gosseries (University of Liege, Belgium) Marcello Massimini (University of Milan, Italy) Hiroto Kawasaki & Kirill Nourski (University of Iowa, USA) Starting date is relatively flexible. Late-stage PhD students will be considered (only those with substantial publication records). If you are interested, please send your CV (up to 2 pages) to Nao Tsuchiya <naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu>. Only highly strong candidates will be contacted through emails and interviews. Applications will be open until the ideal candidate is identified. -- -- *Nao (Naotsugu) Tsuchiya* Associate Professor *Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences* Attention and Memory Program School of Psychological Sciences Monash University 770 Blackburn Monash Brain Imaging facility, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia T: +61 3 9905 4564 E: naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu W: homepage: http://users.monash.edu.au/~naotsugt/Tsuchiya_Labs_Homepage http://med.monash.edu.au/psych/email-sig/miccn-email-sig.jpg <http://www.monash.edu/neuro-institute/> 2. Visiting Researcher at Department of Dynamic Brain Imaging, Advanced Telecommunications Research (ATR), Japan 3. Visiting Researcher at CiNet, Osaka University, Japan orcid.org/0000-0003-4216-8701

Jan. 13, 2020

AREADNE 2020 2nd Call for Abstracts: Submission Open

by John Pezaris

AREADNE 2020 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles Nomikos Conference Centre, Santorini, Greece 16-20 June 2020 http://areadne.org info(a)areadne.org *** SECOND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: SUBMISSION OPEN *** Dear Colleague, We are pleased to announce solicitation of abstracts for poster presentation at AREADNE 2020, 16-20 June 2020, our eighth meeting to be held at the Nomikos Conference Centre in Santorini, Greece. Continuing with the same highly successful format, AREADNE 2020 will bring scientific leaders from around the world to present their theoretical and experimental work on the functioning of neuronal ensembles. The meeting will provide an informal yet spectacular setting in which attendees can discuss their recent ideas and discoveries, with a relaxed pace that emphasizes interaction Please see the Call for Abstracts for additional details, including links for templates, at http://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts Submissions of abstracts for poster presentations are due by 24 January 2020; notifications will be provided by 21 February 2020. We strongly encourage potential attendees to submit an abstract as presenters have registration priority. For information about the conference, please refer to the main web page http://areadne.org or send email to us at info(a)areadne.org. We hope to see you at AREADNE 2020! --- John Pezaris and Nicholas Hatsopoulos AREADNE 2020 Co-Chairs

Jan. 13, 2020

Post-Doc positions

by sio

Postdoctoral position The Vision and Natural Computation group at the Vision Institute, Paris, France, (http://www.institut-vision.org/en/ <http://www.institut-vision.org/en/>) seeks experienced and outstanding applicants for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of neuromorphic enginering in any related field including machine learning, event-based computer vision, robotics and spiking neural networks. The applicant will join the Vision and Natural Computation group let by Profs R Benosman and S.H Ieng. The group is a pioneer of neuromorphic event based computation and among the leading teams of the international neuromorphic engineering community. We are interested in candidates willing to work on any aspects of event based computation, preference will be given to those interested in developing any aspect related to new forms of machine learning inspired by neurosciences and going beyond the current status-quo of conventional machine learning. The position will open in January 2020. Interested applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae with brief paragraphs of research interests, career goals and why you feel you are a good fit for the lab and perhaps a reference person to contact. Information should be sent to ryad.benosman(a)upmc.fr <mailto:ryad.benosman@upmc.fr> and sio-hoi.ieng(a)upmc.fr <mailto:sio-hoi.ieng@upmc.fr>, please also mention in the email the earliest date at which you could join. Kind regards, S. ieng

Jan. 13, 2020

Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period (final deadline is June 2020). The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) In this email, we emphasize the possibility of participation of outstanding candidates with strong quantitative background, such as physics, mathematics or machine learning eager to learn about computational neuroscience. Candidates with these backgrounds could perform research activity with the following experts in computational neuroscience: Gustavo Deco (http://cns.upf.edu/) Albert Compte (http://complab.fcrb.es/complab/pres) Ruben Moreno-Bote (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) Overall, the groups participating at the Master are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition http://cbc.upf.edu/node/498 Students will be exposed to ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact mbc(a)upf.edu for further information. Scientific-related questions such as fit of quantitative backgrounds can be consulted to Ruben Moreno-Bote, ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca>

Jan. 13, 2020

Post-doctoral position Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote Lab, Barcelona

by Ruben Moreno Bote

We are looking for strong post-doctoral candidates interested in joining the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote lab. We are looking for excellent post-doctoral candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background, ideally with knowledge of Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, and interested in theory and applications. The publication record of the candidate should be very strong in his/her respective discipline. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models of cognition and intelligence by using neural networks, data analysis and multielectrode neural data. The main research topic of our lab is decision-making, from a multidisciplinary angle. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. Financial support is provided by HHMI, ICREA and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format, a 1 page-long project in pdf format, and names and email addresses of 2 referees should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Informal inquiries are welcome. DEADLINE: up to the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2020 and January 2021 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca>

Jan. 13, 2020

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab

by Ruben Moreno Bote

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain 1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background interested in developing theory for the brain and mind. Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience or Neuroscience would be ideal, but it is not necessary. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models of cognition and intelligence by using neural networks, data analysis and multielectrode neural data. The main research topic of our lab is decision-making, from a multidisciplinary angle. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. Financial support is provided by HHMI, ICREA and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2020 and January 2021

Jan. 13, 2020

Research assistant (PhD position) in the European School of Network Neuroscience (EuSNN).

by Peter König

Research assistant (PhD position) in the European School of Network Neuroscience (EuSNN). About the project: EuSNN will integrate leading European groups in network neuroscience and deliver training on knowledge and skills that enable students to pursue a successful career in this emerging field. euSNN will combine and train all approaches relevant for investigation of brain networks, including (f)MRI, M/EEG, in-vivo recordings, analysis, modelling, network modulation with optogenetics or non-invasive neurostimulation and studies on network changes in neurological disorders. Be part of it. The tendered position is funded by a Marie Curie grant, in which we participate together with more than 10 top international Universities. (Secondments at several partner laboratories are part of the training.) The partner SciCovery will work on online assessment of stroke and PD patients with altered network dynamics and, thus, affected cognitive capacities, enables us to better understand the effects found in the lab and generalize them to the overall population. For this purpose the early stage researcher (ESR) will further develop the Labvanced platform (https://www.labvanced.com) , which is one of the most advanced internet systems for online research (web-based experiments). Labvanced offers researchers the possibility to create, share and record complex online experiments using an easy to use graphical interface. On top of this, we offer brand new features using latest web technologies, such as webcam based eyetracking, audio recordings, real time interaction for multiple participants. Labvanced is now used by many research institutes world-wide. About the job: This exciting job offer combines web development, scientific research and interaction with several other research groups, data analysis, and the experience of working in a startup environment. Funding is provided by the EU’s Marie Curie (Horizon 2020) program for 3 years with a full time contract. This position is tendered in collaboration with the research group of Prof. Peter König at the Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Osnabrück (Germany). Skills and Qualifications: Excellent MSc degree in Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience or related fields. Profound knowledge of at least one higher level programming language (e.g. Javascript, Python, Java). Interest in creating, conducting, and analyzing behavioral experiments. Be able to work independently in an organized and reliable manner. Experience with git workflows. English (Intermediate level or above) is required, both verbal and in writing. Please note the eligibility criteria for researchers in Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITNs: They must be in the first four years of his/her research career, not have a doctoral degree, and not have resided in the country of the recruiting beneficiary (i.e. Germany) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Bonus Points: Interest to work in a startup environment and interaction within an international collaboration, including performing secondments at partner sites. Familiarity with JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Node.js. or databases. Proficient understanding of cross-browser and cross-platform (Windows, Linux, Android) compatibility issues. Experience with experimental designs and data analysis Interest to create online assessment tools for stroke and PD patients. Interested in community management and supporting other researchers on our platform. Key Responsibilities: Develop and improve features on the Labvanced platform. Implement a test battery / online assessment capabilities for stroke and PD patients to assess affected cognitive capacities. Monitoring during the data acquisition process and support for longitudinal studies on mobile systems. Collaborate with scientific partners of the Marie Curie consortium for the validation of the test battery and for the data analysis. Analyze the recorded behavioral data in a professional scientific way. Write up concise and meaningful summaries / presentations as well as prepare documents for peer-reviewed publications. What we offer: Obtain a PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Osnabrück while working in an IT-startup! Opportunities for both local and international travel and present your work at several conferences and workshops. Flexibility in self organising your working hours and location. Work in close collaboration with the interdisciplinary Neurobiopsychology group of Prof. Dr. Peter König at the University of Osnabrück (see https://www.ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/research_groups/neurobiopsychology.html ) Competitive salary with (full-time) employment for up to 3 years. Interested candidates please send your CV to: contact(a)labvanced.com, pkoenig(a)uos.de For further information about MSCA-ITN under EU H2020, see: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/marie-sklodows… -- Prof. Dr. Peter König, Institute of Cognitive Science, University Osnabrück -- Prof. Dr. Peter König, Institute of Cognitive Science, University Osnabrück

Jan. 12, 2020

Postdoctoral Position at the University of Calgary

by Wilten Nicola

*POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP* *UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY* *CHIMERA STATES IN NEURONAL CIRCUITS* The Complexity Science Group at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the field of *complex* *networks* *and* *neuronal* *dynamics*. The successful applicant is expected to work closely with a multidisciplinary research team co-led by Dr. Wilten Nicola and Dr. Jörn Davidsen on questions related but not limited to the emergence of chimera states in circuits of neurons. Successful candidates are expected to primarily conduct theoretical and computational research in collaboration with a number of experimental and clinical partners. More information about the Complexity Science Group is available at www.ucalgary.ca/complexity/. Candidates should have received or will soon receive a PhD in mathematics, theoretical physics or a related discipline. Chimera states have been demonstrated previously in simple homogeneous Kuramoto oscillator systems, however, they have only been recently demonstrated to exist in physical systems. Postdoctoral candidates will be expected to have prior expertise in analyzing Wilson-Cowan or Kuramoto Oscillator systems, in addition to analyzing experimental data from in vivo and in vitro neural recordings. A general background in complex networks, neuroscience, computational physics or nonlinear dynamics is beneficial. The position will be sponsored by the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute and targets candidates of the highest caliber. Possible start dates are between July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021. The start date has to be within five years of being awarded a PhD degree. The position is for two years and includes an annual stipend of $50,000 including benefits. Applicants should submit their application package including a cover letter, CV with a list of publications, reprints of (up to) three most relevant publications, brief statement of research interests and their possible start dates in PDF format to wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca or davidsen(a)phas.ucalgary.ca. Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent as well. Review of applications will begin February 3, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Wilten Nicola or Dr. Jörn Davidsen. *About the University of Calgary* The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation’s most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada’s top five research universities, where innovative teaching and groundbreaking research go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. The strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by our Gaelic motto, which translates to ‘I will lift up my eyes.’ *About Calgary* Named a cultural capital of Canada and one of the best places to live in the world, Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Canada’s fastest-growing major city, is vibrant and multicultural with a population of more than 1,000,000. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. *Wilten Nicola*, PhD Assistant Professor Cell Biology and Anatomy Department University of Calgary HMRB 113, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, CANADA T2N 1N4 T: 1.403.220.4973 wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

Jan. 9, 2020

5th Workshop on Molecular Communications in Tampere, Finland, on May, 18th-20th, 2020

by Kerstin Lenk

Dear Madam or Sir, The 5th Workshop on Molecular Communications ( https://molecularcommunications.eu/) will be held in Tampere, Finland, on May, 18th-20th, 2020. Building on the success of the previous four workshops, this workshop will act as a hub of knowledge exchange of Molecular Communication Research in Europe with a focus on broadening the reach of the community into border disciplines. Disciplines we wish to attract include (but are not limited to): - Synthetic Biology - Systems Biology - Pharmacology - Inter/Intra Cellular Communication - Chemical Networks - Communication Engineering The workshop will deliver three profile keynote speeches in multidisciplinary topics and incorporates two focused tutorials aimed at young researchers. Moreover, the workshop will run three technical sessions focusing on emerging hot topics and will host three panel sessions. Please find some general information about the workshop in the attached PDF. Thank you very much for your consideration! With kind regards, Kerstin Lenk -- Dr. Kerstin Lenk Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Researcher Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group (CBIG)Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology BioMediTech, Tampere University Arvo Ylpön katu 34 33520 Tampere Finland Phone: +358 50 447 8470 E-mail: kerstin.lenk(a)tuni.fi Twitter: https://twitter.com/astrocytenet Website: https://research.tuni.fi/cbig/ *Human Potential Unlimited. *

Jan. 9, 2020