May 2023 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox

by Stewart Heitmann

Enrolments for the Modeller's Workshop are now open Master the art of programming differential equations in Matlab with the Brain Dynamics Toolbox. This online course is for researchers, students and instructors who wish to use the toolbox to build their own dynamical models. Every step of the process is demonstrated in a short video lecture with a practical focus on programming techniques. 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.teachable.com/p/modellers-workshop Toolbox Website https://bdtoolbox.org Important Information The course is limited to 25 students. Enrolments close Sun 11th Jun 2023. Textbook Heitmann & Breakspear (2022) Handbook for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox: Version 2022. ISBN 978-0-6450669-2-0. 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.

May 21, 2023

Faculty positions (all ranks) in computational neuroscience at Claremont McKenna College

by Ran.Libeskind-Hadas＠claremontmckenna.edu

Claremont McKenna College’s new Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences (KDIS) seeks faculty members in computational neuroscience who are interested in teaching and mentoring undergraduates. CMC is a liberal arts college that places a strong emphasis on creative pedagogies and involving undergraduates in research. The KDIS faculty will contribute to building an innovative and transformational undergraduate science program organized around three challenges: Health (Genomics, Systems Biology, and Health), Brain (Brain, Learning, and Decision Sciences), and Planet (Climate, Energy, and the Environment). The KDIS faculty will have a key role in developing and implementing a program that will serve as an incubator for new approaches and foster a culture of inclusion, creativity, and continuous improvement. For more information on the department, the college, and applying for our positions, please see our posting on Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24816

May 20, 2023

Postdoc position in computational neuroscience / decision making, CRM Barcelona

by Klaus Wimmer

Post-doctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience Wimmer Lab, Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Barcelona, Spain We are currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Computational Neuroscience Group at the Center for Research in Mathematics (CRM) in Barcelona, Spain (https://www.crm.cat/computational-neuroscience/) Under the supervision of Klaus Wimmer, this position offers an exciting opportunity to combine computational modeling, psychophysics, and EEG to study the computational mechanisms underlying flexible evidence integration in perceptual decision making. Candidates should possess a strong computational background, a keen interest in neuroscience, and hold a PhD in computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Experience in designing psychophysical experiments, neuroimaging, and/or developing computational models, computational neuroscience and machine learning is required. The successful candidate will benefit from the vibrant scientific environment of Barcelona, particularly in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience. Our lab is part of a collaborative network of neuroscience research groups in Barcelona (http://www.barccsyn.org) APPLICATION: Interested applicants are encouraged to promptly email kwimmer(a)crm.cat<mailto:kwimmer@crm.cat> with their CV and motivation letter. STARTING DATE: The position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Best regards, Klaus Wimmer CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY NOTICE: This message and the documents that might be attached, are addressed exclusively to their(s) recipient(s) and may contain privileged or confidential information. The access to this information by people other than those designated is not authorized. If you are not the indicated recipient, you are notified that the use, disclosure and / or copying without authorization is prohibited under current legislation. If you have received this message in error, please kindly inform the sender immediately and proceed to its destruction. We inform you that the personal data contained in this document, and in particular your contact information and professional position, are protected in accordance with current legislation on the protection of personal data. Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) will process the data only for the purpose of managing the relationship you have with us. The data will be kept while the purpose for which it was collected remains. You can exercise at any time your rights to access, rectification and erasure of your personal data, as well as the right to object and restriction of processing. For this, you must contact CRM by email to dpo(a)crm.cat.

May 19, 2023

Postdoctoral Position at the Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Paris, France

by BACCI Alberto

!!! JOB ALERT !!! Postdoctoral Position at the Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Paris, France A Postdoctoral position is available at the ICM - Paris Brain Institute in the group of Alberto Bacci. The ICM is in the heart of Paris, France, part of the Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, and has a vibrant, multidisciplinary, and internationally recognized neuroscience community. The Project: Our research mainly focuses on the cellular physiology of various elements of cortical microcircuits, the properties and plasticity of their synaptic connections and their contribution to the generation of various cognition-relevant network activities . Through our collaborators, we also study cortical circuit deficits in several animal model of brain disease. The lab uses a combination of single and multiple-cell electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging and electrophysiology in vivo, pharmacology, anatomy, immunocytochemistry, optical manipulations of specific neuron types and computational approaches (through established collaborations). Check our lab website for details and publications: http://baccilab.org/ The successful candidate will work on inhibitory circuits of the prefrontal cortex of mice. In particular, s/he will study the properties and plasticity of synapses connecting a rich diversity of prefrontal cortical neuron subtypes. The successful candidate will also perform and analyze electrophysiological recordings in vivo, using high-density probes. This project is funded by an ERA-Net NEURON international consortium and is focused on the rich diversity of GABAergic interneurons and how they affect the functional states of prefrontal cortical networks in healthy and diseased states. Your Profile: . Applicants must have a background in neuroscience. They must hold (or are expected to complete soon) a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, medicine, physics or bioengineering. . Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required. . Experience with in vivo electrophysiology, imaging and/or computational neuroscience is required. . Coding knowledge is required. Applications must consist of a single pdf file and must be sent to alberto.bacci(a)icm-institute.org (subject line must be: Postdoc Application Bacci; DS) Please include: Curriculum Vitae (CV) 1 page summary of previous research Brief statement of current research interest Contact information of at least two referees Highly motivated candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Contact Information: Alberto Bacci, Ph.D. ICM - Institut du Cerveau | Paris Brain Institute Sorbonne Université CNRS UMR 7225 - INSERM U1127 Groupe Hospitalier Pitié Salpêtrière 47 Boulevard de l'Hopital 75013 Paris France phone: +33 1 5727 4062 email: alberto.bacci(a)icm-institute.org http://baccilab.org/

May 19, 2023

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biocomputation at the University of Hertfordshire, UK

by Volker Steuber

Post Title: Research Fellow in Biocomputation SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science ________________________________ FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week) Duration of Contract: Fixed term Contract (3 years) Salary: UH7 £36,333 pa with potential to progress to £43,155 pa on achieving designated skills and experience Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK Closing Date: 14th June 2023 Interview Date: To be confirmed Reference Number: 048016 Date advert placed: 17th May 2023 Main duties and responsibilities We are seeking a full-time Research Fellow to join the Biocomputation Research Group in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire to conduct high-quality research in Computational Neuroscience. The successful candidate’s research will involve synergistic collaborations with a multidisciplinary team to investigate brain processes using methodologies such as computational modelling, machine learning and AI. Research to be conducted could, e.g., comprise modelling brain circuits like the olfactory bulb or the cerebellum and simulating and analysing their function. Additional impact could arise in machine learning, AI, data science, neurorobotics and neuromorphic computing. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a programme of research in collaboration with colleagues at UH and partner organisations in the UK and abroad. Leading the preparation and publication of research manuscripts is a key aspect of the role. Contributions to the preparation of research proposals and applications for funding to external bodies, such as the European Commission and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are expected. The postholder will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engaging with external partners and stakeholders. Skill and experience required * Strong theoretical, computational and programming background in computational modelling and/or machine learning and/or data science and/or AI. * Background and expertise in computational neuroscience (e.g. spiking neural networks, brain function and anatomy, analysis of brain data). * Demonstrated experience to conduct independent research in computational neuroscience or a related field, e.g., through published research papers or monographs. * Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English * The applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills. Qualifications required • An undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or a related discipline and a PhD (or expectation that one will soon be awarded) in a relevant discipline. An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Professor Volker Steuber, v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk Professor Michael Schmuker, m.schmuker(a)herts.ac.uk Apply through: https://www.jobs.herts.ac.uk/go/048016 Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. Volker Steuber Professor of Computational Neuroscience Biocomputation Research Group School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK biocomputation.herts.ac.uk<http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk>

May 17, 2023

SPARC FAIR Codeathon August 5-7, 2023: projects submission open

by Elisabetta Iavarone

Dear all, The SPARC Data and Resource Center (DRC) invites you to submit your project ideas for the three-day in-the-cloud SPARC FAIR codeathon occurring later this summer (August 5-7, 2023), with a total prize pool of US$50,000! The DRC is developing key technology to enable not only open sharing of FAIRly produced data, but also surfacing relationships and connections that bridge organs, experimental approaches and other relevant information to bring focus to the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. In this codeathon, we are looking for exciting projects which use SPARC data and/or SPARC tools <https://sparc.science/>and resources in novel ways, particularly in helping to visualize, enhance, demonstrate, or measure the findability, accessibility, interoperability, or reusability (FAIRness) of the data. Visit our website ( https://sparc.science/news-and-events/events/2023sparc-codeathon) for more details and explore examples of previous codeathon projects here <https://sparc.science/resources/software?type=codeathon>. <https://sparc.science/help/2022-sparc-fair-codeathon#fair-codeathon-faqs> This interactive event is open to participants at every skill level (including PIs!) from any country. Right now, we want your ideas for codeathon projects. Please submit your SPARC Codeathon proposals by June 8, 2023 to the submission site <https://forms.gle/JnK4pjoNPxU69WoP7>. The codeathon is free to participate in, participants need only have access to their own computer and reliable internet access. Elisabetta Iavarone, On behalf of the SPARC FAIR Codeathon team

May 17, 2023

Upcoming course from INCF: Introduction to Neuroinformatics

by INCF

Please share this with your networks! Upcoming INCF Short Course: Introduction to Neuroinformatics Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Dates: October 2-4 Application deadline: Jun 15 50% discount for INCF members! The course will teach neuroscientists and researchers from related fields about neuroinformatics: the science & engineering of brain data. The topics covered will range from theoretical background to methodological innovations in the field and their applications, as well as socio-technical issues related to data sharing, applications of neuroinformatics to clinical questions, and compliance with sharing mandates. Learn more: bit.ly/INCFcourse2023 Register here: bit.ly/INCFcourse2023reg

May 16, 2023

Workshop: Neural fields equations, from Wilson-Cowan to neural engineering, Paris, June 19-20th 2023

by Antoine

Workshop: Neural fields equations, from Wilson-Cowan to neural engineering Paris, France, June 19-20th 2023 https://nfwparis2023.sciencesconf.org <https://nfwparis2023.sciencesconf.org/> We are pleased to announce the workshop: "Neural fields equations, from Wilson-Cowan to neural engineering" to be held at Laboratoire Jacques-Louis Lions, in the center of Paris, on June 19-20th 2023. An abstract is provided below. Invited speakers: - Stephen Coombes (University of Nottingham, UK) - Romain Veltz (Inria Center of University Côte d'Azur, FR) - Axel Hutt (Inria MIMESIS, FR) - Marcelo Bertalmio (Spanish National Research Council, ES) - Frédéric Chavane (Institute de neurosciences de la Timone, FR) - Alain Destexhe (CNRS-NeuroPSI, FR) - Alessio Franci (University of Liège, BE). Registration is free but mandatory. Few selected talks will be added to the program, based on abstract submission (deadline: June 1st). Workshop abstract: The modeling of collective behavior within a neuronal population, initiated by the pioneering work of Wilson and Cowan, has been a great source of inspiration in the computational neuroscience community. Indeed, the focus on the overall neuronal activity of a brain structure, rather than on the detailed evolution of the electric response of single neurons, allows to adequately model a vast range of brain functions and opens the door to a mathematical understanding of the processes involved. Moreover, the spatio-temporal version of this model, known as neural fields, allows one to consider spatial heterogeneity within a cerebral structure, at the price of more demanding analysis tools. Neural fields have been used in the investigation of a wide range of applications, including the modeling of sensory cortices, cognition, human-robot interaction, self-organizing maps, visual hallucinations, and deep brain stimulation. Despite great advances made on the mathematical understanding of these models, research on these models still progresses in several directions, including: - finer analysis of their behavior in a non-local regime - parameter identification based on experimental data - controllability analysis, e.g., to understand how to affect the dynamics via external stimulation - observability analysis, e.g., to determine the optimal sensor-placement strategy allowing to reconstruct the overall dynamics The aim of this workshop is to gather researchers from different fields (neuroscience, physics, mathematics, control engineering, computer science) to discuss the most recent advances on Wilson-Cowan and neural fields models and instill new collaboration opportunities on this topic. We look forward to seeing you there ! The organizers: Antoine Chaillet, Luca Greco, Dario Prandi

May 16, 2023

Late-breaking poster abstract submission for the 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2023)

by Rubchinsky, Leonid L

We are inviting abstracts for the late-breaking poster-only presentations at the 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2023) in Leipzig, Germany, July 15-19, 2023. Late-breaking poster presentation abstracts can be submitted between May 17 and June 15. Note that one of the authors must register as a sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission. Submitted abstracts are used for creating the program and for publication. Please follow the formatting guidelines on the submission site. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2023-registration Abstract submission: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023-abstract-submission CNS*2023 information: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023 With kind regards, Leonid Rubchinsky OCNS Vice President *********************** Leonid Rubchinsky, PhD Professor Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine 402 N. Blackford St Indianapolis, IN 46202-3216 lrubchin(a)iupui.edu http://www.math.iupui.edu/~lrubchin ***********************

May 13, 2023

PhD or Postdoctoral Researcher in Bio-inspired, Model-Based Reinforcement Learning

by Grewe Benjamin Friedrich

PhD or Postdoctoral Researcher in Bio-inspired, Model-Based Reinforcement Learning Location: Institute of Neuroinformatics and ETH AI Center, ETH Zurich, Switzerland Start Date: As early as July 1, 2023 The Grewe lab (www.grewelab.org <http://www.grewelab.org/>) at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (www.ini.uzh.ch <http://www.ini.uzh.ch/en.html>) and the ETH AI Center (ai.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD or Postdoctoral position in the area of bio-inspired, model-based reinforcement learning. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to our ongoing research endeavors to understand and model the complex and dynamic patterns of neuronal activity inspired by how the brain operates and solves tasks. Research Background: Our lab's research focuses on understanding how the brain alters its internal neuronal activity patterns that encode information across large neuronal ensembles to facilitate learning. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms underlying changes in network information processing related to learning a model of the external world. Given the inherent complexity, unreliability, and multidimensionality of neuronal activity patterns in the brain, this is a challenging endeavor. To better understand learning in the brain we employ in in vivo brain recording methods in mice (eg. mini-scopes) to characterise learning-induced changes in neuronal ensemble activity (RL in mice). Simultaneously, we develop biologically-inspired multi-layer (deep) artificial neuronal network models (ANNs) that mimic the information processing and storage capabilities observed in real biological networks (e.g. to solve an RL problem). We place significant emphasis on reverse-engineering neuronal network function at a very abstract level and on understanding the fundamental principles that determine learning-induced changes in neuronal networks (biological and artificial). Role Description: As a PhD or Postdoctoral fellow, you will be tasked with developing and implementing innovative bio-inspired, model-based reinforcement learning algorithms. Your role will involve close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscience and machine learning researchers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics and the ETH AI Center respectively. Key Responsibilities: Design and implement bio-inspired, model-based reinforcement learning algorithms. Conduct/simulate RL experiments and analysis to test and refine these algorithms. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance our collective research goals. Present research findings at internal and external meetings and conferences. Contribute to the broader academic community through peer review and other service roles. Essential Qualifications: MSc or Ph.D. in Theoretical Neuroscience, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field (e.g. Physics). Some background in reinforcement learning, ideally model-based methods. Familiarity with bio-inspired neuronal network approaches to machine learning. Proven track record demonstrated by publications in reputable journals (PD only). Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Desirable Qualifications: Experience with computational or theoretical neuroscience and bio-inspired deep learning methods. Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in AI research (e.g., Python, R, Matlab). Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch). Salary: The salary for this position will be in accordance with the standard ETH PhD/postdoc salaries. https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research/welcome-cen… Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a detailed CV, a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and contact information for three references to bgrewe(a)ethz.ch ------------------------------------------------------ Benjamin F. Grewe Professor of Systems and Circuits Neuroinformatics Institute of Neuroinformatics UZH/ETH Zurich Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, ETH Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland Email: Bgrewe(a)ethz.ch

May 12, 2023