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

Invitation for Hands-on Tutorial on PyNN at CNS*2023 Inbox

by CHITARANJAN MAHAPATRA

*Dear all,* *We are delighted to announce that a half-day tutorial titled "Hands-on Tutorial on PyNN: A Simulator-Independent Language for Building Neuronal Network Models" will be held at the 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2023 conference) in Leipzig, Germany. We invite all registered participants to join the tutorial, which will take place on the first day of the meeting, 15 July 2023, just before the main event.* *Computational neuroscientists have developed a diversity of software platforms for simulating neural network models at different scales. However, each simulator has its own programming or configuration language, leading to considerable difficulty in porting models from one simulator to another. A common programming interface to multiple simulators would help to reduce or eliminate the problems of simulator diversity while retaining the benefits. PyNN is such an interface, making it possible to write a simulation script once, using the Python programming language, and run it without modification on any supported simulator (currently including NEURON, NEST, Brian, and the SpiNNaker and BrainScaleS neuromorphic hardware systems).* *Prerequisites:* *Basic familiarity with the Python programming language* *Useful links:* *Main website: https://ebrains.eu/service/pynn/ <https://ebrains.eu/service/pynn/>* *Documentation: http://neuralensemble.org/docs/PyNN/ <http://neuralensemble.org/docs/PyNN/>* *Download: https://pypi.org/project/PyNN/ <https://pypi.org/project/PyNN/>* *Organizers:* *Chitaranjan Mahapatra (Neuroinformatics Group, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, France)* *Shailesh Appukuttan (Neuroinformatics Group, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, France)* *Andrew Davison (Neuroinformatics Group, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, France)* *Speakers/Instructors:* *Chitaranjan Mahapatra, Speaker (Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, France)* *Nitin Anisetty, Instructor (Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India)* *We also invite all tutorial participants to create a free EBRAINS account using an institutional email address. By doing so, you will gain complete access to EBRAINS tools and services.* *Best regards,* *Chitraranjan* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chitaranjan Mahapatra

July 5, 2023

Tutorial "Using open tools to build efficient workflows for data access, management and analysis" at CNS*2023

by Michael Denker

We would like to take the opportunity to invite you to our hands-on tutorial titled "Using open tools to build efficient workflows for data access, management and analysis" which will be held in the morning tutorial session on July 15, 2023 of this year's CNS*2023 conference in Leipzig, Germany (https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023) The tutorial is open to all registered participants, and assumes only basic experience with the Python programming language. Tutorial materials will be made available during the session. In order to interactively follow the tutorials online, we suggest to create a free EBRAINS account (https://www.ebrains.eu/page/sign-up) in advance. Synopsis: Neuroscientists today face challenges in managing the growing volume and complexity of data generated through rapid technological and methodological advancements and sophisticated experimental paradigms. Data management tools and methods provide indispensable solutions for researchers to efficiently handle, organize, and analyze datasets, facilitating model validation, refinement, and simulation, while fostering collaborations. This tutorial presents examples combining multiple tools synergistically into a complete digitized workflow to help researchers manage and control data and analysis processes. - GIN is a platform for version-controlled (git and git-annex) data management and collaboration. It supports any file types and folder structure, provides web and command-line access, provides an option for local installation, and services including format validation and data publication (DOI). - odML is an open, lightweight, and flexible format that provides a common schema (with implementations in XML, JSON, and YAML) to collect, organize and share metadata in a human- and machine-readable way. - NIX is a lean data model and file format for storing fully annotated scientific datasets, i.e., the data together with rich metadata (odML) and their relations in a consistent, comprehensive format. - Neo provides programmatic data objects for working with and representing electrophysiological data and can read data from many proprietary formats. In combination with NIX, Neo makes electrophysiological data interoperable with generic analysis scripts, tools, and services. - Elephant provides a large portfolio of standard and advanced methods for analyzing data from neuronal spike trains or time series data, such as LFPs. The Neo data model makes them easily accessible to scientists and applications. - Alpaca enables simple capture of human-readable provenance of the data processing workflow. Organizers: - Reema Gupta, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München - Moritz Kern, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6/10), Jülich Research Centre - Michael Denker, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6/10), Jülich Research Centre - Thomas Wachtler, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

July 5, 2023

Fully funded PhD fellowships in computational neurosciences (Benoit Cottereau’s team, Cerco, CNRS UMR 5549 in Toulouse and IPAL IRL 2955 in Singapore) on spatial cognition with spiking neural networks

by COTTEREAU Benoît

Fully funded PhD fellowships in computational neurosciences (Benoit Cottereau’s team, Cerco, CNRS UMR 5549 in Toulouse and IPAL IRL 2955 in Singapore) on spatial cognition with spiking neural networks Starting date: Second semester of 2023 Supervisors: Benoit Cottereau, research director at CNRS (Contact: benoit.cottereau(a)cnrs.fr<mailto:benoit.cottereau@cnrs.fr>), in close collaboration with Robby Tan, associate professor at National University of Singapore (NUS) Keywords: Computational neurosciences, Spatial cognition, Artificial intelligence (AI), Vision, Spiking neural networks, Event-based cameras. Fully funded PhD fellowships are available to work at the CNRS (Cerco laboratory in Toulouse and also IPAL in Singapore) under the supervision of Benoit Cottereau (CNRS research director), in close collaboration with Robby Tan (assistant professor at NUS, Singapore). The aim of the project is to develop computational models of spatial cognition in humans (e.g., for depth/motion perception or navigation). In order to reproduce the very low energy consumption of visual information processing in biological systems, these models will be based on spiking-neural networks (SNNs) and will process data collected from event-based cameras. These models will be evaluated with respect to biological data (their responses will be compared to those observed in neural recordings and/or in behavioural experiments). The candidates should be willing to work in an international environment which involves Singapore and France, have a good level in English, very good programming skills and be interested in neurobiology. Some knowledge in neurosciences/ cognitive sciences would be a plus. The research will mainly take place in Toulouse, a student city (Toulouse is the second university hub in France) with high quality of life located in the south west of France (close to the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean Sea and the Spanish border). Long stays in Singapore (a multicultural and attractive city of south-east Asia) are also planned. Each of the three positions will be fully funded during the three years of the PhD, with standard French salaries. Applications should be sent to benoit.cottereau(a)cnrs.fr<mailto:benoit.cottereau@cnrs.fr>, including a CV and 2 names of references. **************************************************************************************************** Benoit R. Cottereau, PhD, HDR, CNRS Research director (DR2) at the Brain and Cognition Research Center (CerCo, CNRS, UMR 5549, Toulouse): http://cerco.cnrs.fr/page-benoit-cottereau/ Director of the SV3M team (Spatial Vision in Man, Monkey and Machine): http://cerco.cnrs.fr/en/sv3m-spatial-vision-in-man-monkey-machine/ Supervisor of the Integrative Neurosciences master program of Toulouse III University e-mail: benoit.cottereau(a)cnrs.fr phone: (+33)-5-62744520

July 5, 2023

Postdoctoral Researcher position at Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks, University of Goettingen

by von Behren, Christina

Dear Scientists, The Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN)<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/608362.html> invites applications for a position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biophysics (all genders welcome) The position will be full-time (currently 39,8 hours/week), German pay grade 13 TV-L, starting as soon as possible. The CIDBN Department "Physics of Biological Systems", headed by Prof. Fred Wolf, offers a fixed-term contract until June 30, 2025 with the perspective of an extension commensurate with building a competitive track record at the frontier of computational biophysics and neural circuit theory. Information is processed in brain circuits through the coordinated action of large-scale circuits of neurons and synapses. Ultimately, it is the nano-scale molecular architecture of neuronal synapses that can make or break the power of neural circuit computation. Progress in a broad suite of nanoscopy techniques is currently uncovering the molecular-level design of synapses subserving functions such as working memory or sensory coding. The spatio-temporal operation of these nano-machines and the efficiency of their design, however, remain to be understood and are core research aims of the Göttingen Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1286 "Quantitative Synaptology"<https://www.sfb1286.de/?lang=en>. We are inviting applications from theoretical biophysicists, molecular systems biologists, or computational scientists with an ambition to pioneer computational studies of synaptic functional design. We offer a stimulating environment of theoretical neuroscientists, neural data-scientists, and cutting-edge experimentalists associated with CRC 1286. In addition, the institute provides dedicated support for high-performance computing. We are dedicated to supporting the growth of original research personalities at the frontier of computational science and neural circuit theory. The successful applicant will hold an excellent PhD in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or equivalent, and have a strong interest in high-performance computing in neuroscience or cellular systems biology. We expect excellent analytical and coding skills, interest in working in a transdisciplinary team as well as excellence in scientific writing and reasoning. Experience in non-equilibrium statistical physics, stochastic dynamics, membrane biophysics, ion-channel and biochemical kinetics, buffered Ca-diffusion, and Ca-exocytosis coupling would be advantageous. The Göttingen Campus is a leading center of neuroscience in Europe hosting numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including the University, the University Medical Center, two life science Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen. The CIDBN is a newly founded transdisciplinary institute whose mission is to foster frontier research at the border of the exact and biological sciences. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Please send your e-mail application in one single PDF-document, including a letter of motivation, your curriculum vitae with a list of publications, copies of your certificates and contact information of two references to cidbn(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:cidbn@uni-goettingen.de> (subject: Postdoc CIDBN). The position remains open until filled. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12, 37073 Göttingen. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Fred Wolf via e-mail: fred.wolf(a)ds.mpg.de<mailto:fred.wolf@ds.mpg.de>. Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo <https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo%20> Best regards, Christina von Behren ------ Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Goettingen University of Goettingen Heinrich-Dueker-Weg 12 37073 Goettingen Germany Tel.: +49-(0)551-39-26674

July 4, 2023

PLOS Complex Systems is coming!

by Hocine Cherifi

View this email in your browser <https://view.e.plos.org/?qs=dee8047ee42f8224301af96522f8b69a270a53ce74ede07…> [image: PLOS] <https://click.e.plos.org/?qs=e061474313b570c1a547d4ee8221ae589c93c76242c1d0…> *Announcing PLOS Complex Systems* *A new home for complex systems research that transcends disciplines* Dr Cherifi, We’re proud to announce *PLOS Complex Systems*, a forthcoming new journal to complement our existing portfolio and continue our mission to support research communities around the globe. *PLOS Complex Systems* <https://click.e.plos.org/?qs=e061474313b570c1405def8d96d43bf81f83b9b03ed88c…> will publish research of broad significance that untangles the complex systems at the heart of the world we live in. Open Science options at every stage of research communication facilitate new connections that inspire ideas and accelerate progress across disciplines while cross-fertilizing knowledge that enable solutions to fundamental challenges facing our society today. Find out more <https://click.e.plos.org/?qs=e061474313b570c1405def8d96d43bf81f83b9b03ed88c…> [image: Hocine Cherifi] *“I am thrilled to be part of the launch of *PLOS Complex Systems*, a significant step forward in understanding the intricacies of our world. This journal has the power to break down disciplinary boundaries and encourage researchers to approach problems holistically. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of complex systems research and make a lasting impact on scientific understanding and societal progress.”* *- Hocine Cherifi, Editor-in-Chief* Want to learn more?Find out more about the scope of *PLOS Complex Systems*, our Editor-in-Chief, and other relevant journal information on our website. Start here <https://click.e.plos.org/?qs=e061474313b570c1405def8d96d43bf81f83b9b03ed88c…>

July 4, 2023

Postdoc at NYU

by Grace Lindsay

The Lindsay Lab is hiring a postdoc! Work in the lab focuses on using artificial neural networks as models of the brain. A potential postdoc should be interested in working on a project that could fit into either of the first two research areas listed here: https://lindsay-lab.github.io/research/ (specifically, modeling attention in artificial neural networks or testing tools of neural analysis on artificial neural networks). To apply, send a CV, half page project proposal & contact info for 3 references to grace.lindsay(a)nyu.edu with subject "Postdoc Application" -- Grace Lindsay Assistant Professor, Psychology & Data Science New York University gracewlindsay.com lindsay-lab.github.io *Models of the Mind: How Physics, Engineering and Mathematics Have Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain* <https://gracewlindsay.com/2021/02/10/models-of-the-mind-how-physics-enginee…>

July 3, 2023

PhD candidate on machine learning for normative modeling of functional brain activity -1 fte 4 years

by Mostafa Kia

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Ph.D. candidate to join our team at the computation psychiatry group at the Department of cognitive science and artificial intelligence, Tilburg University. We are currently seeking a candidate to undertake normative modeling on big MEG/EEG data, a captivating research area with vast potential for precision psychiatry. As a Ph.D. candidate in this role, you will have the chance to apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques on big MEG/EEG data, contributing to the advancement of our understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental disorders. Your research will focus on responsible normative modeling, allowing for valuable insights and potential applications of machine learning for precision psychiatry. We are looking for a candidate who possesses a strong background in machine learning, probabilistic data modeling, and neuroimaging. Proficiency in data analysis techniques, programming skills, and experience with MEG/EEG data will be advantageous. For more information regarding this vacancy, please consult the original call at https://www.academictransfer.com/en/329751/phd-candidate-on-machine-learnin… . Best regards, Seyed Mostafa Kia <https://research.tilburguniversity.edu/en/persons/seyed-mostafa-kia>, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence <http://www.csai.nl/> Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands

July 3, 2023

PhD position Bioengineering and Robotics: Early vision function in silico networks of LIF neurons | PSPC Labs Genoa, ITALY

by Silvio P. Sabatini

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD studentship for a period of 3 years, at the Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Italy. The position will start on Nov 1st, 2023 on the following research project: **Early vision function in silico networks of LIF neurons** One approach to understanding implications of the initial stages of visual processing is ideal observer analysis, which evaluates the information available to support psychophysical discriminations at various stages of the early visual representation. Computational approaches primarily rely on simple generative models, which do not take into account the distinctive properties of individual elementary channels, as well as the active nature of the input sensory pattern. Accordingly, many details remain underrated, as well as their implications on functional vision not fully understood. The project's goal is to develop an “artificial observer” composed of an active event-based camera feeding a neuromorphic multi-layer network of leaky integrate and fire (LIF) neurons. The system should provide the inference engines for relating visual representations to performance on perceptual judgement tasks. Multiple and varying parameters captured under complex, real-life conditions should be comparatively assessed in silicon and human observers. The research will be conducted at the Bioengineering/PSPC labs of DIBRIS. Applicants are expected to: (1) have a Master’s degree in Bioengineering, Computer Science, Physics or related disciplines, (2) have a keen interest in Vision Science and in Artificial Intelligence, (3) have good programming skills in at least one language (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, C#), (4) work well in group problem solving situations, (5) have intermediate communication skills (oral and written in English). Experience in neural modeling is a plus. Prospective students, please contact Silvio P. Sabatini ( silvio.sabatini(a)unige.it) providing your CV and qualifications, the name and contact details of two references, and a description of your research interests. *Online application is possible till *July 10th , 2023 (12:00 a.m. CET)** Full details on the call and the application procedure are available at: https://unige.it/en/students/phd-programmes https://biorob.phd.unige.it/how-to-apply Regards, -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Silvio P. SABATINI, PhD [PSPC Research Group] DIBRIS - University of Genova | e_mail: silvio.sabatini(a)unige.it Via Opera Pia, 13 | phone: +39 010 33 52092 I-16145 Genova (ITALY) | fax: +39 010 33 56533 URL: http://pspc.unige.it --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Imagination is more important than knowledge..." [Albert Einstein]

July 1, 2023