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

DeepMath 2020: call for abstracts

by Kamesh Krishnamurthy

Dear all, We are now accepting abstract submissions to the 2020 Conference on the mathematical theory of deep neural networks (DeepMath). DeepMath is a highly interdisciplinary conference focused on understand fundamental theory driving the empirical success of Deep Learning. We are excited for this year's diverse set of invited speakers (see https://deepmath-conference.com for more information) and invite additional contributions from the community. Due to ongoing concerns about Covid-19, this year’s DeepMath conference will be conducted virtually. We are presently working on finalizing an online format that will seek to capture the small, community-focused experience of past DeepMath events. Important updates related to submission and registration are included below: == Submissions == We are still accepting submissions for virtual “posters” consisting of a pre-recorded talk and Q&A session. Similarly to last year, a selected number of top posters will be invited to present their work live as contributed talks. == Registration == Participation in the conference will require registration costing a nominal fee. We are working to keep costs as low as we can given the online nature of the event. As with last year, all talks will be live-streamed for free. More information on submissions can be found at the DeepMath website at https://deepmath-conference.com/submissions Warmest regards, The DeepMath Organizing Committee

July 30, 2020

Postdoctoral position to study the neural circuit of social behavior

by Hong, Weizhe

The Hong Lab at UCLA (hong-lab.com) is looking for a new postdoc to study the neural circuit of social behavior in mice. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in systems and/or computational neuroscience. Social interactions between individuals and among groups are a hallmark of human society as we know it and are critical to the physical and mental health of a wide variety of species including humans. Impairment of social function is a prominent feature of many neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Nonetheless, many fundamental questions regarding the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior remain unanswered. The central goal of Weizhe Hong’s laboratory is to study general principles of how social behavior is regulated in the brain. We take a multi-disciplinary approach and uses a variety of experimental and computational technologies across molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels. We are interested in how neural dynamics regulates social behavioral decisions within a single brain as well as how emergent inter-brain neural properties arise from social interactions between individuals. For more information, please visit hong-lab.com. Recent publications: 1. Kingsbury L, Hong W. (2020) A multi-brain framework for social interaction. Trends in Neurosciences. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.06.008. (Review) 2. Kingsbury L, Huang S, Raam T, Ye LS, Wei D, Hu R, Ye L, Hong W. (2020) Cortical representations of conspecific sex shape social behavior. Neuron. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.020. 3. Chen PB, Hu RK, Wu YE, Pan L, Huang S, Micevych PE, Hong W. (2019) Sexually dimorphic control of parenting behavior by the medial amygdala. Cell. 176, 1206-1221. 4. Kingsbury L, Huang S, Wang J, Gu K, Golshani P, Wu YE, Hong W. (2019) Correlated neural activity and encoding of behavior across brains of socially interacting animals. Cell. 178, 429-446. 5. Chen P, Hong W. (2018) Neural circuit mechanisms of social behavior. Neuron. 98, 16-30. (Review) 6. Wu YE, Pan L, Zuo Y, Li X, Hong W. (2017) Detecting activated cell populations using single-cell RNA-seq. Neuron. 96, 313-329. -- Weizhe Hong, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Chemistry Department of Neurobiology David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles Graduate Program Affiliations: Neuroscience PhD Program at UCLA Bioengineering PhD Program at UCLA Bioinformatics PhD Program at UCLA Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology PhD Program at UCLA ________________________________ UCLA HEALTH SCIENCES IMPORTANT WARNING: This email (and any attachments) is only intended for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. You, the recipient, are obligated to maintain it in a safe, secure and confidential manner. Unauthorized redisclosure or failure to maintain confidentiality may subject you to federal and state penalties. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify us by return email, and delete this message from your computer.

July 30, 2020

Online tutorial on Brian simulator: Aug 7th, 2-6pm BST

by Dan Goodman

The Brian team will be running an online tutorial for Brian on August 7th, 2-6pm BST (=UTC+1). Please do come along or get your students/postdocs to come along. Registration is required but free (to prevent zoombombing), at the link below: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brian-online-tutorial-tickets-115336320038 You'll get an email with a link to an 'event details' page with the Zoom URL. Please don't share this online to help prevent zoombombing. This is an experiment for us, if it's successful we might turn it into a regular thing. For the moment, the content of the tutorial is not decided. Have your say here: https://twitter.com/neuralreckoning/status/1288768229591207938 And, if you're an experienced Brian user and would like to volunteer to help - get in touch! Thanks, Dan

July 30, 2020

Lecture video about brain mechanisms that cause mental disorders

by Grossberg, Stephen

Dear Colleagues, I gave a pre-recorded keynote lecture on Zoom to the World Congress on Computational Intelligence on July 22 about how particular brain dysfunctions can cause symptoms of mental disorders like Alzheimer's disease, autism, amnesia, and neglect: http://sites.bu.edu/steveg/files/2020/07/Grossberg-WCCI-keynote-Glasgow-vid… The lecture can also be found on my web page sites.bu.edu/steveg along with a pdf of its powerpoint slides. Best, Steve Grossberg Stephen Grossberg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Grossberg http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3BIV70wAAAAJ&hl=en https://youtu.be/9n5AnvFur7I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hBye6JQCh4 Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems Director, Center for Adaptive Systems Professor Emeritus of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering Boston University sites.bu.edu/steveg steve(a)bu.edu

July 29, 2020

PhD position in network neuroscience at University of Sussex

by Luc Berthouze

Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD scholarship to undertake research in network neuroscience at the University of Sussex. A number of conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease, are referred to as ‘oscillopathies’ because there is evidence that some of their major symptoms are underpinned by pathological synchronisation of neurons in key networks. A promising form of treatment is that of online control of deep brain stimulation based on computational processing of brain signals. Therefore, new mathematical insights about how to detect and efficiently disrupt pathological processes can be rapidly translated to patient benefit. Using models of oscillations on networks, this project will seek to investigate the conditions (either on the oscillators themselves, or the connectivity, or factors that may frustrate the interplay between dynamics on and dynamics of the network) under which pathological oscillations in one small area of the brain can intermittently or otherwise ‘infect’ the wider network of the brain causing the pathological symptoms. This project will involve an active collaboration with Dr Simon Farmer at University College London (UCL). This 3-year studentship includes student fees and a tax-free stipend starting at £15,285 per annum. It also comes with a generous Research Training Support Grant. Start date is flexible. Eligibility All nationalities are eligible to apply for this studentship. You should have a first-class honour degree or equivalent, or an MSc degree (preferably), in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics (or relevant disciplines). You will have (and enjoy using) strong analytical skills as well as excellent programming skills in at least one of C++, Python, Matlab. Applicants interested in the post, seeking further information or feedback on their suitability are encouraged to contact me. All applications must be made via http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply where you will find details of entry requirements. Please clearly state on your application form that you are applying for 'Dynamics on/of networks and oscillopathies'. Luc Berthouze Professor of Complex Systems University of Sussex

July 29, 2020

2020 Big Data Neuroscience *free* Workshop Invitation

by Franco Pestilli

Dear All. We are organizing the 2020 Big Data Neuroscience workshop as an online event. It will be a 1-day event with 4 keynote speakers, software demos, and a series of lightning talks. http://neurosciencenetwork.org/ACNN_Workshop_2020.html We would like to invite you to register for the FREE event and consider signing up for a lighting talk. You are welcome to share this announcement broadly. Best regards, Franco *FRANCO PESTILLI*, *Ph.D.* | *Associate Professor* he/him | pestilli(a)utexas.edu | web <https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/fp4834> | github <https://github.com/francopestilli> | brainlife.io

July 29, 2020

postdoc position in model-based fMRI at Harvard (Gershman/Buckner labs)

by Sam Gershman

The Gershman (gershmanlab.webfactional.com) and Buckner ( https://cnl.rc.fas.harvard.edu/) labs at Harvard University are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on a longitudinal functional MRI project. The aim of this project is to understand how computationally defined phenotypes change across time, and how these changes map onto dynamic functional networks in the human brain. Candidates must have a strong background in fMRI research and statistical analysis. Experience with computational cognitive modeling is preferred but not required. The start date for this position is on or around February 1, 2021, but this can be flexibly adjusted as needed. The position is fully funded for 2 years, with a possible extension to a 3rd year contingent on funding. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. Interested applicants should contact Sam Gershman (gershman(a)fas.harvard.edu) along with a CV and list of references.

July 29, 2020

Tenure-track / tenure-eligible computational neuroscience PI position at NIMH

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

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/careers/job-vacancy-announcement-tenure-trac… Job Vacancy Announcement - Tenure-Track/Tenure Eligible Investigator, Computational Neuroscientist Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health Division of Intramural Research Programs Tenure-Track/Tenure Eligible Investigator Computational Neuroscientist The Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), invites outstanding individuals to apply for a tenure-track/tenure eligible position in computational neuroscience. The NIMH DIRP has one of the largest systems and clinical neuroscience research communities in the world. Research groups work across species including drosophila, mice, rats, monkeys and humans. Facilities include a state-of-the-art high-performance computing facility as well as a rodent behavior core and high-field neuroimaging. The DIRP is a highly interactive research environment, and there are numerous opportunities for collaborative research within NIMH as well as with the broader NIH community. The successful individual will create and direct an independent research program on theoretical models of brain mechanisms of behavior. Example areas of research include but are not limited to -- reinforcement learning; decision making; theoretical accounts of neuromodulatory systems including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine; nonlinear dynamical systems; and neural plasticity and learning. We are particularly interested in individuals who have a demonstrated interest in computational psychiatry, developing models of human psychopathology, and collaborations with clinical groups focused on mental illness within the DIRP and broader research community. Research programs should focus on theory development but may also include experimental work that tests theoretical models. The unique investigator-based DIRP research support package encourages the development of a coherent, long time-horizon scientific program focused on generating deep insights into complex problems. Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or M.D. and will have demonstrated experience as an outstanding independent investigator. An individual selected for the position is expected to build a dynamic and productive research laboratory, mentor and train scientists, and make use of the excellent opportunities for collaborative, translational, and high-risk/high-reward science available at the NIH. Laboratory space and startup funds, access to shared research facilities, and on-going research support are competitive with premier academic institutions. Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long-term care insurance, and a Thrift Savings Plan) is available. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae (CV), bibliography, statement of research interests, and three letters of reference to: Susan G. Amara, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health, c/o Jane Schriver via email to Jane.Schriver(a)nih.gov<mailto:Jane.Schriver@nih.gov>, indicating “ Computational Neuroscientist Recruit” in the subject line. Please include in your CV a description of your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Applications will begin to be reviewed in August 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

July 28, 2020

Postdoctoral researcher - Sleep expert for neurotechnology research project at Bitbrain (Zaragoza, Spain)

by Eduardo López-Larraz

We are looking for a postdoctoral sleep researcher to join Bitbrain <https://www.bitbrain.com/> and work on an EU-funded neurotechnology research project. The main objective will be to exploit some of the most recent advances in sleep research to develop interventions based on cutting-edge wearable neurotechnology for sleep (and sleep-mediated cognitive processes) improvement. The candidate will join Bitbrain <https://www.bitbrain.com/>’s interdisciplinary R&D department of applied neuroscience and neurotechnology and will lead all the R&D activities related to sleep. The candidate will have to: 1) design the R&D strategy of this new area in the company, which will require attending and participating in international events and networks, and 2) design and carry out a feasibility study in sleep improvement using innovative and practical technologies that can be used outside the lab. The position is initially offered for 12 months and includes a relocation and training package. *Requirements*: Sleep expert with a PhD degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering or similar. Strong background in sleep research, understanding of EEG (required) and brain stimulation (desirable). Project management skills. Problem solving and potential of growth. English is required, Spanish is a plus. *Application Deadline*: 01.11.2020 More information and application procedure: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/545040

July 28, 2020

Register now for Allen Institute Modeling Workshop - August 12-14

by Anton Arkhipov

TOWARDS MULTIPURPOSE MODELS OF CORTICAL CIRCUITS - JOIN US VIRTUALLY AUGUST 12-14 Join us for a virtual workshop, August 12-14, 2020, to learn and discuss how we can move towards "multipurpose models" that incorporate the true biological complexity of cortical circuits and faithfully reproduce multiple observables in many different situations. Hear from nearly twenty speakers as they emphasize open and publicly accessible models and associated tools to explore models from the conceptual to the biologically detailed. Dissemination, reproducibility, and free sharing of models and modeling software will be discussed. https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/allen-i… Confirmed Speakers: Gaute Einevoll, University of Oslo & NMBU (Workshop Co-Chair) Anton Arkhipov, Allen Institute, MindScope Program (Workshop Co-Chair) Shawn Olsen, Allen Institute, MindScope Program Anna Devor, Boston University Keith Hengen, Washington University in St. Louis Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute for Biological Studies Andreas Tolias, Baylor College of Medicine Clay Reid, M.D., Allen Institute for Brain Science Nuno da Costa, Allen Institute for Brain Science Stephanie Jones, Brown University Michael Reimann, EPFL Li-Huei Tsai, MIT David McCormick, University of Oregon Sacha van Albada, Research Centre Jülich Stefan Mihalas, Allen Institute, MindScope Program Greg Handy, University of Pittsburgh Luke Campagnola, Allen Institute for Brain Science Chris Harvey, Harvard Medical School Christof Koch, Allen Institute, MindScope Program EVENT DETAILS This three-day workshop will be hosted virtually and will feature a mix of presentations from leaders in the field, and discussion sessions for all participants. Wednesday, August 12 - Friday, August 14 ~8:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific Time, daily Please register at the link above. The virtual conference login information will be sent to all registrants in advance of the event. Please contact events(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:events@alleninstitute.org> with any questions. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 [cidimage001.png(a)01D5F0E2.E3F24C00] www.alleninstitute.org<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleni…>

July 27, 2020