February 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 March 2021. This is a practical self-paced course for researchers and students who wish to program their own dynamical models using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox (bdtoolbox.org<https://bdtoolbox.org/>). Participants learn the art of programming differential equations and how to use the toolbox to solve those equations interactively. 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. Course Website https://bdtoolbox.org/p/modellers-workshop/ Important Dates Early-bird enrolments ($125) close Sunday 6th March, 2021. Late enrolments ($150) close Saturday 20th March, 2021. Stewart Heitmann 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.

Feb. 28, 2021

[CFP] Submission deadline extended to Mar 5: ICLR Workshop on How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?

by Mariya Toneva

ICLR 2021 - Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?" Submission deadline: extended to March 5, 2021 Workshop website: https://iclrbrain2ai.github.io/ Contact: brain2ai.2021(a)gmail.com We will consider the following (non-exhaustive) list of topics for contribution: - Integration of neuroscientific data at different granularities (neural recordings, neuroimaging etc.) to train AI systems - Brain-inspired inductive biases and ML architectures for AI systems - Neuroscientific data as an evaluation metric for AI systems - Mechanistic insight into cognitive functions (vision, language, decision making, attention, etc.) - Limitations of current AI systems in tasks at which humans excel (compositionality, commonsense reasoning, continual learning, few-shot learning, causality, etc.) - Cross-modality and cross-species comparisons of neuroscientific data with respect to benefits to AI - Datasets that can facilitate the transfer of neuroscientific insight to AI Submit at: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/BRAIN2AI2021/Submission/Index The workshop will feature a diverse set of topics led by the following invited speakers and panelists (in alphabetical order): 1. Anima Anandkumar, California Institute of Technology 2. David Cox, Harvard University 3. Kenji Doya, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 4. Allyson Ettinger, University of Chicago 5. Alona Fyshe, University of Alberta 6. Jack Gallant, University of California, Berkeley 7. Andrea Martin, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics 8. Kim Stachenfeld, DeepMind 9. Josh Tenenbaum, MIT

Feb. 28, 2021

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position in the Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience group at Drexel University

by Ilya Rybak

The Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience group at the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research…) has an open Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position in computational neuroscience to work on computational modeling of neural circuits in the brainstem and spinal cord involved in the neural and biomechanical control of mammalian locomotion. The modeling studies in the group are performed in close, interactive collaborations with several leading laboratories in the US, Canada and Europe performing the related experimental investigations, as well as with several investigators and groups focusing on control of legged robot locomotion. The successful applicant should have strong programming skills, some background in neuroscience and experience in modeling of biological neurons and neural networks. Some mathematical background is desirable. An experience in computational modeling of biomechanics is a plus. If you are interested, please email your CV, statement of research interest, and names of three references to Ilya Rybak (rybak(a)drexel.edu<mailto:rybak@drexel.edu>). The position will remain open until filled. ================================= Ilya A. Rybak, Ph.D. Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy Drexel University College of Medicine 2900 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA Tel.: (215) 991-8596 Email: rybak(a)drexel.edu https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=rybak+IA&sort=date <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilya_Rybak/publications/> http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=SnA068QAAAAJ http://rybak-et-al.net http://www.drexel.edu/medicine/About/Departments/Neurobiology-Anatomy/Resea…

Feb. 26, 2021

Job opening in Juelich, Germany: Coordinator Software Development -, Neuronal Data Analysis Tools

by Martina Reske

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at the Jülich Research Center in Germany investigates the structure and function of the brain. The subinstitute Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6) consists of 6 groups that conduct research in the field of computational and systems neuroscience. The Statistical Neuroscience group headed by Prof. Sonja Grün develops computational methods to analyze the joint activity of neuronal networks, and applies these methods to experimental data in the context of international collaborations. As part of the group, the team for Data Science in Electro- and Optophysiology Behavioral Neuroscience, headed by Dr. Michael Denker, develops software tools and processes to support reproducible data acquisition, analysis and model validation using state-of-the-art approaches from neuroinformatics in the spirit of co-design with scientists and closely integrated with the EBRAINS services of the Human Brain Project. To strengthen our international and interdisciplinary team we are looking to recruit a Coordinator Software Development - Neuronal Data Analysis Tools Your Job: * Agile development, maintenance, coordination and distribution of the open-source Elephant analysis software (python-elephant.org) and closely related software tools, including handling inquiries and contributions via issue systems and similar channels * Design of implementations of library features and statistical analysis tools for neuronal data * Development of solutions for software packaging, including deployment on HPC systems * Maintenance and improvement of the interactive software documentation, including content for the presentation of the software on the web and on social media * Parallelization of analysis codes using modern technologies * Development of a service-based architecture for analysis tasks * Review and evaluation of software contributions from a world-wide community with respect to scientific content, the code maturity, and the possibility to be integrated into the Elephant software * Co-design and dissemination of generic conceptual guidelines and project-specific implementations for scientific workflows * Close interaction with developers of EBRAINS and across the globe * Representing the technology at scientific conferences, during educational courses, to the public, and within the framework of the EU Flagship Project “Human Brain Project” Your Profile: * Completed study (Master) in natural sciences, computer science or mathematics * Very good expertise in the programming languages Python and C/C++; knowledge of Matlab and web-based technologies (e.g., javasscript); experience with parallelization techniques (e.g., MPI) and in the standard Linux tools; experience in web-based services for managing software (version control, issue tracking, CI,…) * Experience in implementing scientific analysis methods and creating documentation and course material * Experience in maintaining open source software projects * High ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team * Structured and organized style of working * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently, systematically and on one’s own responsibility * Good communication skills with software developers and scientists * Willingness to travel Note that it is not necessary to fulfil all of these requirements in order to be considered for the position Our Offer: We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with: * A position in a creative and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science, themes ranging from computational neuroscience to simulation technology * World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * Excellent scientific equipment including the fastest supercomputer in Europe * Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development * Extensive company health management * Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy * Flexible working hours and 30 days of annual leave * Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. Limited until 31.03.2023, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the applicant`s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks, salary grade 13-14 TVöD-Bund. Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application until 28.03.2021 via our Online-Recruitment-System<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/index.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIfdwmACO&link_i…>! Kind regards Martina -- 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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feb. 26, 2021

Assistant Professor / Postdoc position in computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics at the University of Tokyo

by Yukie Nagai

Dear colleagues, The International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo is looking for highly motivated full-time Assistant Professor / Postdoc researchers in the field of computational neuroscience and/or developmental robotics. The selected candidates will join Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory head by Prof. Yukie Nagai and have the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research integrating computer science, robotics, neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology. If you are interested in being considered, please send the required documents to yukie(a)ircn.jp. Assistant Professor / Postdoc Researcher at IRCN, the University of Tokyo https://ircn.jp/en/careers/postdoctoral-fellow-project-researcher-nagai-lab… Cognitive Developmental Robotics Laboratory (Nagai Lab) http://developmental-robotics.jp --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Job title: Project Assistant Professor / Project Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellow) 2. Starting Date: Negotiable 3. Term: The first contract will be ended on March 31, 2022. The contract is renewable on a fiscal year basis (from April 1 to March 31; every year) according to research budget and research achievements. 4. Place of Work International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-0033 JAPAN 5. Qualifications (Required) - Ph.D. in Computer Science, Ph.D. in Engineering, or equivalent in a related field - Good communication skill in English (Preferred) - Experiences in computational neuroscience, neural network, machine learning, and/or developmental robotics are preferred. 6. Compensation & Benefits - Salary: To be determined in accordance with the University of Tokyo Regulations - Commuter allowance: JPY55,000 per month at maximum - Social Insurance: Eligible for MEXT Mutual Aid Association membership, employees’ pension, employment insurance, and workers’ accident compensation insurance. - Vacation: Annual paid vacation, Sick leave (paid), Special vacation (paid) 7. Working Hours Discretionary labor system, based on 7 hours, 45 minutes per day, or 38 hours 45 minutes per week 8. Holidays Saturdays and Sundays; Statutory public holidays of Japan; Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 through January 3); Summer holidays 9. Applications - Deadline: When the position is filled - Application documents: (a) Cover letter in English (b) Curriculum vita in English (c) Publication list (d) Name and contact address for two references, one of which should be a previous employer - Submission: Interested applicants should send application materials to: yukie(a)ircn.jp 10. Selection Process All applications will be screened, and only those qualified will be scheduled for an online interview. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Project Professor, The University of Tokyo nagai.yukie(a)mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp | http://developmental-robotics.jp CREST Cognitive Mirroring: http://cognitive-mirroring.org

Feb. 26, 2021

Computational postdoctoral position in the lab of Nancy Kopell

by McCarthy, Michelle M

The group of N. Kopell has an opening for an energetic postdoctoral fellow who will work with experimentalists Don Arnold, Scott Fraser and others on fear conditioning and extinction in zebra fish. Such learning is known to involve temporally complex alterations in multiple brain rhythms in multiple areas of the brain, and the postdoc will work with the Kopell group and the experimentalists to understand the origin of the rhythmic changes and the effects on plasticity needed for conditioning and extinction. The relevant data involve state of the art imaging with a spatial resolution of single spines and temporal resolution fast enough to record fast brain oscillations. The relevant computations will involve networks of biophysically detailed model neurons. The successful applicant will have some background in neuroscience and experience in coding with biophysically detailed equations. Some mathematical background is desirable. If you are interested, please email Kopell: nk(a)bu.edu<mailto:nk@bu.edu>, and have three letters of recommendation sent to her via email. Also include a CV and a statement of research interests.

Feb. 25, 2021

Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience

by Adrienne L Fairhall

We are thrilled to announce the *Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience* co-hosted by the Allen Institute and the University of Washington (through its eScience Institute and the Computational Neuroscience Center) in Seattle. The fellowships are funded by the Shanahan Family Foundation and the Allen Institute. This three-year data science postdoctoral fellowship program aims to *Integrate Data Scientists into Neuroscience Research*. Fellows will receive interdisiplinary co-mentorship by scientists from the Allen Institute and University of Washington. Data science is broadly interpreted to include those with PhD level training in relevant areas including physical sciences, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Please see details and application instructions here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda…

Feb. 25, 2021

Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience

by Anton Arkhipov

Announcing the Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience co-hosted by the Allen Institute and the University of Washington (through its eScience Institute and the Computational Neuroscience Center) and directed by Christof Koch, Ph.D.<https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-profil…>, Chief Scientist for the MindScope Program at the Allen Institute. The fellowships are funded by the Shanahan Family Foundation and the Allen Institute. This three-year data science postdoctoral fellowship program aims to Integrate Data Scientists into Neuroscience Research and provides Multidisciplinary, Multi-organizational Co-Mentorship (from the Allen Institute and University of Washington). Please see details and application instructions here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda… Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 E: antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> [Text Description automatically generated] alleninstitute.org<https://alleninstitute.org> brain-map.org

Feb. 25, 2021

CFP for PhD candidates in SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING

by Chaabane Djeraba

The FOX research team from the CRIStAL laboratory (UMR CNRS) of Lille University - FR, in collaboration with bio-inspired team of Kent University - UK is looking for PhD student candidates on the following subject : SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING Title : SPIKE NEURAL NETWORK FOR ATMOSPHERIC DATA MINING Abstract of the PhD subject : The objective of the PhD thesis is the study of bio-inspired pattern recognition of atmospheric phenomena, from earth observation satellite. In particular, the thesis project studies neuromorphic learning approach for the classification of spatiotemporal image sequences available in large quantities and without terrain truth or with very limited terrain truth. The data are aerosols, collected from earth observation satellites. The results of the thesis will contribute to make a large amount of atmospheric data accessible, even exploitable by the scientific community in the domain of the detection, tracking and prediction of the air quality. We are looking for excellent PhD candidates in thre domain of AI applied to atmospheric data. Key words : Spike neural network, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, atmospheric data mining Candidates must hold a Master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics. Experience in one or more of the following is a plus: • image processing, computer vision; • machine learning; • research methodology (literature review, experimentation…). Candidates should have the following skills: • good proficiency in English, both spoken and written; • scientific writing; • programming (experience in Python, Java or C++). More details are available here : https://filesender.renater.fr/?s=download&token=76a3ba06-63af-43a7-a34a-40e… The PHD thesis will be funded in the framework of the AI_PhD@Lille program. http://www.isite-ulne.fr/index.php/en/phd-in-artificial-intelligence/ http://www.isite-ulne.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Thèses-IA_Campagne2021_… www.isite-ulne.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Thèses-IA_Campagne2021_I_Site… The candidate will be funded for 3 years; he/she is expected to defend his/her thesis and graduate by the end of the contract. The monthly gross salary is around 2000€, including benefits (health insurance, retirement fund, and paid vacations). Additional financial support is expected in the framework of the AI_PhD@Lille program. The position is located in Lille, France. With over 110 000 students, the metropolitan area of Lille is one France's top education student cities. The European Doctoral College Lille Nord-Pas de Calais is headquartered in Lille Metropole and includes 3,000 PhD Doctorate students supported by university research laboratories. Lille has a convenient location in the European high-speed rail network. It lies on the Eurostar line to London (1:20 hour journey). The French TGV network also puts it only 1 hour from Paris, 35 mn from Brussels, and a short trips to other major centres in France such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon. We look forward to receiving your application as soon as possible, but no later than 20.03.2021. — Chaabane Djeraba (PhD), Professeur, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, UMR 9189 CRIStAL, F-59000 Lille, Bat. IRCICA, 50 avenue Halley, 59650 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France, chabane.djeraba(a)univ-lille.fr

Feb. 25, 2021

Open Master, PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

Dear friends and colleagues, I would appreciate if you could spread the word among your students and postdocs. My group which is now at the University of Bonn is looking for Master Students, PhD Students and Postdocs Master Students, PhD Students or Postdocs interested in understanding how neuronal networks work, how they respond to stimuli and what role connectivity and single neuron dynamics play for the activity of the brain. Though the focus of my research is on the theory side, my lab has close ties to experimentally oriented labs and Master projects could include both theory and experiments. We are looking for bright and hard-working students with a life-science or quantitative background (physics, math, biology etc). The following PhD projects are currently open: 1) A project exploring the intersection of protein dynamics and machine learning 2) A project designing models describing protein dynamics in dendrites and analyzing imaging data, https://jobrxiv.org/job/institute-of-experimental-epileptology-and-cognitio… The postdoctoral position will address the relation between neurological diseases, protein dynamics and network activity. When applying please attach a CV (with a publication record) and a current copy of academic transcripts and mention at least one academic reference. For more information, please contact Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko via email tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)uni-bonn.de https://twitter.com/TTchumatchenko www.tchumatchenko.de

Feb. 25, 2021