October 2021 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox

by Stewart Heitmann

Modeller’s Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox Online Course. Enrolments open 1-20 Nov 2021. This is a practical, self-paced course for researchers and students who wish to build their own dynamical models using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox (bdtoolbox.org<http://bdtoolbox.org>). Participants learn the art of programming differential equations to simulate neuronal dynamics. Topics include programming Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Delay Differential Equations, Stochastic Differential Equations, Auxiliary Plot Functions and command-line tools. Example code is provided in all cases. Study time is 8 hours. Course Website https://bdtoolbox.org/p/modellers-workshop/ Important Dates Early-bird enrolments ($125) close Saturday 6th Nov, 2021. Late enrolments ($150) close Saturday 20th Nov, 2021. Stewart Heitmann | Computational Scientist Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute | Lowy Packer Building | 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Australia E: s.heitmann(a)victorchang.edu.au<mailto:s.heitmann@victorchang.edu.au> | @VictorChangInst Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

Oct. 31, 2021

Postdoc in Brain Computer Interfaces, Melbourne, Australia

by David Grayden

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia as part of the Australian Research Council Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies. The Training Centre aims to create a workforce that is expert in developing, applying and interrogating artificial intelligence technologies in data-intensive medical contexts. Research Fellow in Brain Computer Interfaces will aim to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) that can be used to control commercially available augmentative devices for people with speech, vision or motor disorders. Details: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/906909/ Applications close: 11:55 pm 19 November 2021 Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC/GMT+11 hours) Regards, David Professor David B. Grayden Clifford Chair of Neural Engineering Director, Medical Technologies Platform Dept of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia https://biomedical.eng.unimelb.edu.au/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgrayden This email and any attachments may contain personal information or information that is otherwise confidential or the subject of copyright. Any use, disclosure or copying of any part of it is prohibited. The University does not warrant that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or defects. Please check any attachments for viruses and defects before opening them. If this email is received in error please delete it and notify us by return email.

Oct. 28, 2021

Job Posting: MindCORE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at UPenn

by Calvert, Heather J

MindCORE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships MindCORE seeks to recruit outstanding postdoctoral researchers for our Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Scholars. Housed within the School of Arts and Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania, MindCORE (https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/) is an interdisciplinary effort to understand human intelligence and behavior. Designed for individuals who have recently obtained a PhD degree in psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, computer science or other cognitive science discipline, the MindCORE Fellowship is a springboard for young researchers as they establish their own research program. Fellows are also encouraged to pursue collaborative research with faculty working across disciplines at Penn. Benefits Fellows receive a competitive salary, relocation allowance, health insurance, plus a modest research budget of $20,000. Fellows also benefit from access to the greater community of academics including visiting scholars plus leading research facilities equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation all on an urban campus in a vibrant city. Fellows are invited to join regular working group meetings within their field plus career development workshops aimed at young researchers, and will be provided with a mentoring committee. Funding is provided in one-year terms renewable for up to three years. Eligibility & Application We are accepting applications for 2022-2023 until January 10, 2022. Applicants must have formally completed all requirements of the PhD degree and provide a copy of their diploma at the time of appointment (typically July 1, 2022 - Jan 15, 2023). Candidates must submit a research statement that identifies at least three MindCORE faculty (https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/people/faculty-and-associates/) at Penn with whom the applicant could potentially collaborate; along with a CV, and contact information for two referees. Complete applications should be submitted along with some basic information using a form available on the website: https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/post-doctoral-research-fellowship/. Selection All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee after January 10. Applications are judged on the following criteria: Scientific excellence Scientific match and interdisciplinarity Career potential MindCORE seeks to award ~2 post-doctoral Fellowships per year. Positions may start as early as July 1, 2022. Questions? Contact pennmindcore(a)sas.upenn.edu<mailto:pennmindcore@sas.upenn.edu>

Oct. 26, 2021

Postdoc in computational cognitive neuroscience with human neurons in Utah

by ELLIOT H SMITH

Two NIH-funded (5 years) postdoctoral research scientist positions are available in Human Neuronal Computation Laboratory in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Utah. We are seeking applicants with computational skills (signal processing, data mining, statistical modeling) to study neural representations of abstract space, and distributional reinforcement learning in human neuron activity recorded from epilepsy patients. Please send an email and CV if interested. Thanks, Elliot _____________________________ Elliot H Smith, PhD (he/him) Assistant Professor Department of Neurosurgery University of Utah 175 N Medical Drive #5 Salt Lake, City, UT 84132 e.h.smith(a)utah.edu<mailto:e.h.smith@utah.edu> +1-206-349-1249

Oct. 26, 2021

NEXT WEEK: New Approaches to 3D Vision, 1st-4th Nov 2021, Royal Society online meeting

by Linton, Paul

NEXT WEEK: NEW APPROACHES TO 3D VISION, 1st-4th November 2021, hosted by the Royal Society This Royal Society online meeting brings together researchers from computer vision, animal vision, and human vision to explore recent developments in 3D vision. Speakers reflect both academia and industry, with representatives from DeepMind, Facebook Reality Labs, Google, and Microsoft Research. Date/Time: 1st-4th November 2021, 3-6pm (3-6:30pm on the 4th), UK Time Please note that the USA/UK time difference is 1hr less than usual Website: https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2021/11/3d-vision/ Registration (Free): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-approaches-to-3d-vision-registration-165… DAY ONE (1st Nov) - Seeing Beyond SLAM Chair: Andrew Fitzgibbon (Microsoft) Session One: Neural Scene Representation SM Ali Eslami (DeepMind): “Neural priors, neural encoders and neural renderers” Ida Momennejad (Microsoft Research): “Multi-scale predictive representations and human-like RL” Session Two: Perception-Action Loop Sergey Levine (UC Berkeley and Google): “Generalization in data-driven control” Andrew Glennerster (University of Reading): “Understanding 3D vision as a policy network” DAY TWO (2nd Nov) - Animals in Action Chair: Matteo Carandini (University College London) Session One: Locating Prey and Rewards Jenny Read (Newcastle University): “Stupid stereoscopic algorithms that still work” Aman Saleem (University College London): “Visual processing in the brain during navigation” Session Two: Navigation in 3D Space Kate Jeffery (University College London): “The cognitive map of 3D space: not as metric as we thought?” Gily Ginosar (Weizmann Institute of Science): “Locally ordered representation of 3D space in the entorhinal cortex” DAY THREE (3rd Nov) - Experiencing Space Chair: Mar Gonzalez-Franco (Microsoft Research) Session One: Theories of Visual Space Dhanraj Vishwanath (University of St Andrews): “Tripartite encoding of visual 3D space” Paul Linton (City, University of London): “New approaches to visual scale and visual shape” Session Two: Challenges for Virtual Reality Sarah Creem-Regehr (University of Utah): “Perception and Action in Virtual and Augmented Reality” Douglas Lanman (Facebook Reality Labs): “Engineering challenges for realistic displays” DAY FOUR (4th Nov) - Grasping the World Chair: Jody Culham (Western University) Session One: One Visual Stream or Two? Fulvio Domini (Brown University): “A novel non-probabilistic model of 3D cue integration explains both perception and action” Irene Sperandio (University of Trento): “Dissociations between perception and action in size-distance scaling” Session Two: 3D Space and Visual Impairment Ione Fine (University of Washington): “Do you hear what I see? How do early blind individuals experience object motion?” Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo (University of Waterloo): “The role of binocular vision in the development of visuomotor control and performance of fine motor skills” Session Three: Panel Discussion Andrew Fitzgibbon (Microsoft), Matteo Carandini (University College London), Mar Gonzalez-Franco (Microsoft Research), and Jody Culham (Western University), share their thoughts on the future of 3D vision with an interactive Question and Answer session. Organisers: Michael Morgan FRS (City, University of London), Paul Linton (City, University of London), Jenny Read (Newcastle University), Dhanraj Vishwanath (University of St Andrews), Sarah Creem-Regehr (University of Utah), Fulvio Domini (Brown University)

Oct. 26, 2021

WWNeuRise series on the neuroscience of navigation

by William Podlaski

WorldWideNeuRise will host several online talks throughout November-December on the topic of the neuroscience of navigation from the following speakers (titles TBA): Wednesday, 3 November, 5pm CET Erik Hermansen (Dunn Lab, NTNU) Sarthak Chandra (Fiete Lab, MIT) Wednesday, 17 November, 5pm CET Salman Qasim (Gu Lab, Mount Sinai) Jacob Bellmund (Doeller Lab, MPI CBS / Kavli Institute) Wednesday, 1 December, 5pm CET Hannah Payne (Aronov Lab, Columbia University) Nick Robinson (Hausser Lab, UCL) Wednesday, 8 December 5pm CET Philip Shamash (Branco Lab, UCL) Anna Gillespie (Frank Lab, UCSF) For more information, please visit our website (https://neurise.github.io/) find us on WorldWideNeuro (https://www.world-wide.org/Neuro/WWNeuRise/) or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/WWNeuRise) We are always searching for PhD students and postdocs to give talks in our upcoming seminars on any topic in systems neuroscience. On our website ( https://neurise.github.io/) you can find an application form to directly apply, as well as a recommendation form, where you can suggest individuals from your lab, institute, or otherwise who you think might have an interesting story to tell! We are looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming seminars! The organising committee, Ellen Boven (Apps lab, University of Bristol) Christina Buetfering (Häusser lab, University College London) Wesley Clawson (Levin lab, Tufts University) Lucie Descamps (Kentros lab, Norwegian University of Science and Technology) Gily Ginosar (Ulanovsky lab, Weizmann Institute) Loreen Hertäg (Clopath lab, Imperial College London) Joram Keijser (Sprekeler lab, TU Berlin) Bill Podlaski (Machens lab, Champalimaud Research)

Oct. 25, 2021

Neuromatch Conference 4.0, Submission deadline Oct 25, conference Dec 1-2

by Rozell, Christopher J

*****Deadline fast approaching for NMC 4!***** After three conferences in 2020, Neuromatch is pleased to be holding our fourth on December 1-2, 2021. Neuromatch 4.0 will be focused on Computational Neuroscience and will be similar to the scope of the first two NMC events in spring 2020. Agendas from previous NMC editions (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) can be found on the Agenda from the conference website under the gear icon. The scope of NMC4 includes computational neuroscience and machine learning work that has a biological link. Registration costs are set at 15USD to cover technical costs, and if this is a difficulty, the fee can be waived without question. Each of our conferences has led the way in providing new innovations to the virtual conference space, and this year we are excited to offer you: * A combination of the virtual with the in-person conference experiences. You are encouraged to host or attend a local meetup, bringing people together to enjoy the conference, without the incredible economic and environmental costs of flying around the world. * The maintalks will be hosted on Crowdcast. Instead of posters, we offer flash talks (brief pre-recorded videos), and dedicated meet up times for discussion within Discord. * NMC for kids: a special session of talks for a younger audience and the young at heart interested in neuroscience. * We are developing new mechanisms to connect talks in the conference to corresponding preprints on bioRxiv, and we will provide links to preprints on other platforms as well. Read more at http://conference.neuromatch.io/ Important dates: * October 7, 2021: Registration and submission opens * October 25, 2021: Abstract submission deadline * Early November: local meetups portal opens * November 1 - 2, 2021: Abstract acceptance and live talk selection news * November 12, 2021: Video submission deadline for flashtalks * December 1 - 2, 2021: NMC 4.0 We look forward to seeing you at NMC 4.0! All the best, Neuromatch Conference Organizing Committee

Oct. 22, 2021

PhD Student Position for in-vivo Neurophysiology

by Alexander Maÿe

PhD Student Position for in-vivo Neurophysiology The Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology (head: Prof. Dr. Andreas K. Engel) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) aims to fill a doctoral researcher (PhD student) position for in-vivo neurophysiology. The vacant position is part of the Marie-Curie training network “European School of Network Neuroscience (euSNN)” (http://www.eusnn.eu <http://www.eusnn.eu/>) and is for a project on modulation of cortical networks by optogenetic approaches. Contract duration will be 3 years, with a salary level according to the EU regulations for Marie-Curie Training Networks. The key research theme at the Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology is the large-scale dynamics of cortical and subcortical networks which is addressed by combining electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods. The specific focus lies on the study of functional and effective connectivity in brain networks. Research at the Department aims to demonstrate and understand the functional role of dynamic large-scale coupling for perception, cognition and action. To this end, ongoing projects also test hypotheses on causal mechanisms by modulation of networks and connectivity. Furthermore, the Department has a strong interest in the pathophysiological relevance of neural synchrony and changes of large-scale coupling in brain disorders. Further information can be found at https://www.uke.de/neurophysiologie <https://www.uke.de/neurophysiologie> and http://www.40hz.net <http://www.40hz.net/>. At the UKE, the Department is embedded in an excellent environment for state-of-the-art network neuroscience, including multiple neuroimaging and animal research facilities, and excellent cooperation partners in all fields of clinical, theoretical and basic neuroscience. The new lab member will join a team with extensive expertise in in-vivo multisite recordings, connectivity analysis and network modulation using electrical and optogenetic stimulation approaches. The focus of the project will be on optogenetic modulation of oscillations and functional connectivity in cortical networks in anesthetized and behaving ferrets. The selected candidate will become a member of the euSNN network (http://www.eusnn.eu <http://www.eusnn.eu/>), which involves leading neuroscience labs as well as industrial partners from seven European countries and offers rich possibilities for interdisciplinary training and cooperation in network neuroscience. Candidates should have or expect a master in neuroscience, biology or related disciplines. Training in neurophysiology, optogenetics and/or data analysis methods is a plus. The Dept. of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology is committed to diversity and seeks applications from qualified individuals regardless of their demographic status, gender, or cultural background. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Applications should include a motivation letter, a CV, copies of university degrees and a transcript of course records. Please send your application materials as PDF (ideally in one file) to: ak.engel(a)uke.de <mailto:ak.engel@uke.de>. Prof. Dr. Andreas K. Engel Dept. of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf -- _____________________________________________________________________ Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf; Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts; Gerichtsstand: Hamburg | www.uke.de Vorstandsmitglieder: Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göke (Vorsitzender), Joachim Prölß, Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, Marya Verdel _____________________________________________________________________ SAVE PAPER - THINK BEFORE PRINTING

Oct. 22, 2021

Postdoc in comp. neuroscience - learning dynamics - Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full time *Postdoctoral position* (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. The position starts on July 1, 2022 and is funded for three years. The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Extinction Learning” (SFB 1280 <https://sfb1280.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/home/>) and entails the following duties: * analyze learning dynamics in behavioral, neural, and psychophysiological data, which will be collected by other projects within the SFB 1280, * compare the learning dynamics between individuals, species, learning phases and learning paradigms, * develop algorithms to analyze the learning dynamics, * develop and study computational models of learning dynamics, * coordinate research with other participating projects. Candidates must have: * a doctorate degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, electrical/biomedical engineering or a closely related field, * relevant experience in mathematical modeling, * excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Matlab), * excellent communication skills in English, * the ability to work well in a team. Research experience in neuroscience would be a further asset. The position is third party funded and does not have any formal teaching duties attached. The research group is highly dynamic and uses diverse computational modeling approaches including biological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning to investigate learning and memory in humans and animals. For further information see www.rub.de/cns. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. The Institute for Neural Computation focuses on the dynamics and learning of perception and behavior on a functional level but is otherwise very diverse, ranging from neurophysiology and psychophysics over computational neuroscience to machine learning and technical applications. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a *single PDF file*, to *samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de*. In addition, at least two academic references must be sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is *January 2, 2022*. Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to network with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with Vinita Samarasinghe (contact below) -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

Oct. 22, 2021

Western-Fields Seminar Series | Frances Skinner

by Lyle Muller

The eighth talk in the 2021 Western-Fields Seminar Series in Networks, Random Graphs, and Neuroscience<http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/activities/21-22/western-fields> is next Thursday (28 October) at noon ET. Frances Skinner<https://www.skinnerlab.org/> (Krembil Research Institute) will give a talk titled “Tackling the cellular diversity in our brains” (abstract below). Dr. Skinner is a leader in computational neuroscience and has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of neural dynamics from single cells to whole networks. This seminar series features monthly virtual talks from a diverse group of researchers across computational neuroscience, physics, and graph theory. We are looking forward to talks from Alexander Lubotzky (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) in November and Jeannette Janssen (Dalhousie University) in December. Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuf-GppzkjHt0W5HMDpME2UpUiE7ntO5JS — How do we address the challenge of bringing about a cellular-based understanding of our brain workings? From a neurological disease perspective, this needs to be addressed as pathologies involve cellular specifics. The ‘brain hub’ hippocampus, an essential brain structure for learning and memory, generates robust rhythmic activities. However, figuring out how the multitude of cell types in the hippocampus contribute to these states is an immense challenge. In this talk, I will describe the modeling approaches we are taking to obtain a cellular-based understanding of theta (3-12 Hz) rhythms in the hippocampus, an essential element of the ‘phase-coding functional unit’ in the hippocampus. -- Lyle Muller http://mullerlab.ca

Oct. 21, 2021