- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

2 Yr RA in Mathematical Neuroscience

by Stephen Coombes

2 Yr RA in Mathematical Neuroscience, Nottingham, UK Deadline Mar 8 2021 We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in Mathematical Neuroscience, to work with Professor Stephen Coombes on an EPSRC- funded project entitled “White matter networks”. The central aim of the project is to build a new mathematical framework for biologically motivated neural networks to help understand the important contribution that activity-dependent regulation of myelination can make to patterns of rhythmic activity known to subserve important aspects of large-scale brain dynamics and its dysfunction. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI012521 Informal enquiries to Professor Stephen Coombes: stephen.coombes(a)nottingham.ac.uk<mailto:stephen.coombes@nottingham.ac.uk> ------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 https://www.maths.nottingham.ac.uk/plp/pmzsc/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Feb. 4, 2021

Postdoctoral Researchers in Computational Neuroscience in Alberta, Canada

by Wilten Nicola

We are recruiting talented postdoctoral researchers to participate in a cutting-edge International Network for Brain-Inspired Computation that includes nodes in Montreal, Paris, and the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada (e.g. University of Washington, Allen Brain Institute). We seek researchers investigating the intersection of mathematics, physics, and neuroscience with interest in the general area of complex network dynamics and emergent activity patterns or representations that drive biological computation. The ideal candidates will have a quantitative background (e.g. PhD in mathematics, physics, computer science) along with experience in applying this background to neuroscience. These postdoctoral positions are partially funded by the Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences and are aimed to strengthen the link between the Campus Alberta computational neuroscience community at the University of Calgary (Complexity Science Group, Hotchkiss Brain Institute) and the University of Lethbridge (Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience) with the other network members including the Computational Neuroscience Center at the University of Washington. Specifically, we are looking for postdoctoral candidates for the following two research themes: Theme 1: Investigating how connectivity and dynamics drive network representations. What principles predict how the connectivity structure of neural networks – their connectomes – combine with the dynamics of nodes and edges to control the dynamics and statistics of the network? Theme 2: How learning drives network representations. What mathematical principles predict how learning rules, either in artificial or biological networks, select network representations that solve particular computations? For both themes, a variety of world-class data sets on the structure and function of the brain are available to guide theoretical advances in the understanding of brain computation, particularly in learning, perception, decision making, and the effects of drugs such as amphetamine and psychedelics. The positions are open immediately with primary locations in either Calgary or Lethbridge. The specific start date has to be within five years of being awarded a PhD degree. The positions are for up to two years and they include an annual stipend in the range of CAD$40,000 – $48,000 plus benefits. Opportunities for brief residences in partner nodes (Montreal, Seattle, or Paris) are also available. Interested candidates should submit their application package including a cover letter, their CV with a list of publications, brief statement of research interests and their possible start dates in PDF format to Dr. Jörn Davidsen (davidsen(a)phas.ucalgary.ca) Dr. Wilten Nicola ( wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca) and Dr. Aaron Gruber (aaron.gruber(a)uleth.ca) Applicants should arrange for at least two letters of reference to be sent as well. Review of applications will begin February 28th, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Davidsen, Dr. Nicola or Dr. Gruber. We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment, and encourage applications from members of any identity.

Feb. 4, 2021

Scientist position at the Allen Institute: Functional Roles of Transcriptomically Defined Cell Types

by Anton Arkhipov

A new exciting opportunity is open at the Allen Institute (Seattle, WA): Scientist I – Functional Roles of Transcriptomically Defined Cell Types https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1500542 The scientist will join a new collaborative project at the Allen Institute, co-lead by Drs. Anton Arkhipov and Saskia de Vries. The position reports to Dr. Arkhipov. In this project, we perform calcium imaging of neural activity in the visual cortex of awake mice, followed by in situ characterization of the genes expressed in these neurons. The Scientist will carry out computational analyses to study the relationships between the transcriptomic cell types and the types of functional visual responses. This is a highly challenging, uncharted area of data analysis. We are looking for an excellent computational scientist who will advance the knowledge and analysis methods at this cutting edge of science. Join us to investigate one of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience – how the transcriptomic cell types are related to the types of functional neuronal responses in vivo! See details and apply here: https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1500542 Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 [cidimage001.png(a)01D5B043.A5662590] www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/>

Feb. 3, 2021

Deadline to March 21, 2021 - CfP: Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision- Making - Entropy an Open Access Journal by MDPI (IF: 2.494; Indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), MathSciNet, Inspec, PubMed, PMC, and many other databases)

by Domenico Maisto

Dear Colleagues, You are cordially invited to submit a manuscript to the Entropy Special Issue "Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making" https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/probabilistic_inference Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 March 2021. Please find further information below. With best regards, Domenico Maisto ================================================================ Open Access Journal ENTROPY by MDPI Special Issue on Probabilistic Inference in Goal-Directed Human and Animal Decision-Making ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Special Issue aims to focus on recent advances in probabilistic inference in goal-directed human and animal decision making, and we welcome submissions that: - Shed light on the computations of neuronal circuits involved in goal-directed decision making, with a focus on the inferential mechanisms involved; - Propose novel probabilistic models and methods in decision making including (but not limited to) information-theory approaches, statistical and free- energy minimization, hierarchical models, and deep networks; - Introduce decision-making applications in ethological, social, psychological, psychiatric, robotics, and computer science research. Guest Editors Dr. Francesco Donnarumma Dr. Domenico Maisto Dr. Ivilin Stoianov Entropy is an Open Access Journal by MDPI with high visibility (indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), MathSciNet, Inspec, PubMed, PMC, and many other databases), excellent citescore (IF: 2.494; 2019 Scopus data: 3.7, which equals rank 8/62 (Q1) in 'Mathematical Physics', 14/54 (Q2) in 'Physics and Astronomy', 210/670 (Q2) in 'Electrical and Electronic Engineering', and 104/300 (Q2) in 'Information Systems’), and rapid publication. -- Domenico Maisto, PhD Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Italian National Research Council (CNR) Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli Italy Phone: +39 0644595208 (Rome), +39 0816139507 (Naples) Fax: +39 0644595243 (Rome), +39 0816139531 (Naples) e-mail: domenico.maisto(a)icar.cnr.it

Feb. 2, 2021

PhD student position in neuroengineering at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland)

by Milekovic Tomislav

PhD student position in the lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) A computational approach to personalize and optimize clinical treatments for people with chronic hemodynamic instability caused by neurological disorders Location The laboratory of Prof. Gregoire Courtine at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, is looking to fill a fully funded PhD position. The qualified candidate will benefit from joining a very dynamic and multidisciplinary group working at the interface of computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, prosthetics and biology. EPFL provides state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the leading technical universities worldwide. PhD salaries at EPFL rank the highest in the world. Opportunity The offered position will be based at the Defitech Center for interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore) - a research and innovation center joining EPFL’s lab of Prof. Gregoire Courtine and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) lab of Prof. Jocelyne Bloch. NeuroRestore conceives, develops and applies medical therapies aimed to restore neurological functions. To this end, NeuroRestore integrates implantable neurotechnologies with innovative treatments developed through rigorous preclinical and clinical studies. By working with our network of vibrant high-tech start-ups and established medical technology companies, NeuroRestore is committed to validate our medical therapy concepts. The overarching goal of NeuroRestore is to see our medical therapies used every day in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics worldwide. Project Description Neurological disorders that disrupt the communication between the brain and the spinal cord can induce inability to adequately regulate blood pressure. This hemodynamic instability threatens survival, increases cardiovascular disease risk, and reduces quality of life. Such hemodynamic instability results from the interruption of supraspinal efferent commands to sympathetic circuits located in the spinal cord, which prevents the natural baroreflex from controlling these circuits to adjust peripheral vascular resistance. We previously showed that epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord can compensate for interrupted supraspinal commands to motor circuits below injury, which restored walking after paralysis. We also leveraged these concepts to develop EES protocols that restore hemodynamic stability after spinal cord injury. Nonetheless, other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, also induce hemodynamic instability. Effective clinical solutions for these patients are not yet available. The successful candidate will work to develop and implement an EES therapy to alleviate hemodynamic instability in people with Parkinson’s disease. They will use develop approaches to initialize stimulation protocols for this therapy and engineer algorithms that will automatize this process. They will develop computational techniques to identify optimal spinal cord stimulation locations and devise physiological experiments to guide the surgeons when implanting the spinal leads to target those optimal locations. They will develop software that wile automatize these pre-operative panning and intra-operative assistance procedures. They will assist with organizing a clinical trial of their therapeutic concept and analyze the physiological and behavioral data acquired during the trial. On all of these tasks, the successful candidate will benefit from our solutions and experiences from developing spinal cord injury treatments. Requirements * Master’s Degree in Physics, Computer Science, Microengineering, Engineering or related * Proficiency in Matlab or Python * Proficiency in and some programming language (e.g. C++, C#, Java) * Experience with analysis of data * Good written and verbal skills in English Contact Applications including a CV and a cover letter describing your background and interest should be sent to PDHEMO.Courtine(a)gmail.com. Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to tomislav.milekovic(a)epfl.ch.

Feb. 2, 2021

PhD-positions in computational neuroscience at the University of Oslo as part of CompSci grant in EU Horizon 2020

by Gaute Einevoll

CompSci is a Doctoral Programme launched and managed by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo (UiO). It is partly funded by the EU Horizon 2020 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) - Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes (COFUND). The CompSci Doctoral Program will recruit 32 PhDs in two calls. In this Call, we open for applications to the 1st cohort of 16 PhD fellowship positions, that will join our PhD programme starting autumn 2021 at UiO. The possible PhD-projects span over a wide range of topics where methods from computational science are applied to different fields in the natural sciences: https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/ Four of the possible projects in Call 1 are within computational neuroscience: * Bio-inspired neural networks for navigation<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/bio-inspired-neur…> Supervisors: Anders Malthe-Sørenssen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/malthe-sorenssen…>, Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html> * Large-scale recordings of neurons to reveal mechanisms of learning and memory<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/learning-and-memo…> Supervisors: Marianne Fyhn<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/fyhn.html>, Anders Malthe-Sørenssen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/malthe-sorenssen…> * Large-scale network simulations of mouse visual cortex<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/neural-networks.h…> Supervisors: Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html>, Marianne Fyhn<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/fyhn.html> * Modelling systems levels changes in brain aging induced by genome instability<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/bioscience/brain-aging.html> Supervisors: Hilde Nilsen<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/nilsen.html>, Gaute T. Einevoll<https://www.mn.uio.no/compsci/english/projects/supervisors/einevoll.html> For information about how to apply, see https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/193610/compsci-call-1-marie-… . The extended application deadline for Call 1 is: March 1st 2021 Questions about the individual projects should be sent to the supervisors listed above. ******************************* Professor Gaute T. Einevoll Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway mobile: +47-95124536 email: Gaute.Einevoll(a)nmbu.no<mailto:Gaute.Einevoll@nmbu.no>, web: www.nmbu.no/ans/gaute.einevoll<http://www.nmbu.no/ans/gaute.einevoll>, cinpla.org<http://cinpla.org> twitter: https://twitter.com/gauteeinevoll podcast: https://vettogvitenskap.no podcast (English only): https://vettogvitenskap.no/senseandscience

Feb. 1, 2021

Funded Ph.D. Studentship in Computational Modelling and Machine Learning in Decision Neuroscience

by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt

Applications are invited for a funded 3-year Ph.D. studentship in Computational Modelling and Machine Learning in Decision Neuroscience at Ulster University, UK. https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/801216 This Ph.D. project aims to develop and apply computational techniques and modelling to understand brain and behavioural data across primate species. Specifically, the project will apply techniques in computational neuroscience, particularly biologically based neural network modelling, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying perceptual decisions abstracted from movements. The project will also use advanced machine learning methods to analyse various types of neural and behavioural data. The Ph.D. project is part of an ambitious externally funded 5-year research project proposes to break new ground by integrating data from multimodal human and non-human primate neurophysiology with computational modelling to gain convergent insights into how and where abstract decision mechanisms take place in the human and monkey brain, and provide an unprecedented, detailed view on the brain’s decision making machinery. The international collaborators are Prof. Michael Shadlen at Columbia University (USA), Prof. Stephan Bickel at Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine (USA), Prof. Redmond O'Connell at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and Prof. Simon Kelly at University College Dublin (Ireland). Some relevant references: (i) O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005 (ii) Atiya NAA, Rañó I, Prasad G, Wong-Lin K. A neural circuit model of decision uncertainty and change-of-mind. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):2287. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-10316-8 (iii) O'Connell RG, Dockree PM, Kelly SP. A supramodal accumulation-to-bound signal that determines perceptual decisions in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2012;15(12):1729‐1735. doi:10.1038/nn.3248 This timely and exciting project is available in the Computer Science Research Institute and is tenable in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Magee Campus. The successful Ph.D. candidate will benefit from the expertise of Ulster University’s Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, and Computational Biology communities, and will interact closely with international experimental collaborators. The student will gain valuable skills and knowledge in computational and mathematical modelling, biological signal processing, machine learning, high-performance computing, mathematics/statistics, and brain sciences. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Neuroscience, Biology, or a cognate area. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, motivation and interests. Successful candidates will enrol as of 1st August 2021, on a full-time programme of research studies leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The Ph.D. studentship will comprise fees together with an annual stipend and will be awarded for a period of up to three years subject to satisfactory progress. Additional financial support will be available from the supervisor's research funding for additional specialised training, research meeting and conference attendance, and computational resources. The successful student will be based at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry, with arguably the largest cluster of computational neuroscientists and neuro-inspired A.I researchers in Ireland. The city was awarded the 2013 UK City of Culture, with affordable living costs. In 2019, Ulster University was ranked 3rd in the UK for research culture and 8th in the UK for overall PhD researcher satisfaction. If you wish to discuss your proposal or receive advice on this project, please contact: Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin, email: k.wong-lin(a)ulster.ac.uk . Apply online: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/801216 The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 8th March 2021. Interviews will be held on 25th March 2021, and the starting date is on 1st August 2021. ------------------- Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin Reader Intelligent Systems Research Centre School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems Ulster University, UK https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/k-wong-lin This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

Feb. 1, 2021

Save the date: virtual INCF Assembly 19-27 April, 2021

by Helena Ledmyr

Dear INCF community, The INCF Assembly <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/> will be a virtual meeting this year, starting on April 19. The program <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/2021/program-at-a-glance> is currently being fine-tuned and will include: - FAIR approaches for neuroscience in general, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience - Electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience - Data science - Showcase of tools, infrastructures - Information about ongoing work in INCF councils and committees - Funders and publishers roundtable - Workshops on developing standards and a roadmap for FAIR neuroscience Abstract submission will reopen within the next couple of weeks, as will registration. If you submitted an abstract for the cancelled 2020 Assembly you will be contacted with the option to keep or retract your abstract. Registration fees are discounted for INCF members - sign up for INCF membership here <https://www.incf.org/join-incf>! We hope to see you at the INCF Assembly <https://neuroinformatics.incf.org/> ! All the best Helena ----------------------------- Helena Ledmyr, PhD *Director* *Development and Communications* International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Secretariat Karolinska Institutet. Nobels väg 15A, SE-171 77 Stockholm. Sweden Email: helena.ledmyr(a)incf.org Phone: +46 8 524 870 35 incf.org neuroinformatics.incf.org

Jan. 29, 2021

Fully funded PhD and postdoc positions in Neuroethology / Systems Neuroscience at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research (Frankfurt, Germany)

by Stempel, Vanessa

Dear colleagues, A fully funded PhD and postdoctoral position are available in the newly installed research group “Instinctive Behaviour Circuits”, headed by Vanessa Stempel at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Are you excited about neuroethology and systems neuroscience? Our group works on the neural mechanisms of flexible instinctive behaviours and is looking for PhD students and postdocs to join their team! The lab will employ state-of-the-art in vivo neural activity recordings and manipulation experiments in ethologically-relevant behavioural tasks in mice, and combine these with molecular, cellular and circuit-level analyses in vitro. We're also welcoming applications for BSc and MSc research projects! Please get in touch with us via email at vanessa.stempel(a)brain.mpg.de Best, Vanessa Job ads PhD mpg.de/16351407/phd-student-instinctive-behaviour-circuits<https://www.mpg.de/16351407/phd-student-instinctive-behaviour-circuits> Postdoc mpg.de/16351421/postdoctoral-researcher-instinctive-behaviour-circuits<http://www.mpg.de/16351421/postdoctoral-researcher-instinctive-behaviour-ci…> ___________________________ DR. VANESSA STEMPEL Max Planck Research Group Leader Instinctive Behaviour Circuits Group Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Straße 4 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany www.brain.mpg.de/research/instinctive-behaviour-circuits-group.html

Jan. 29, 2021

Simons Foundation Bridge to Independence (BTI) Award programs

by Alyssa Picchini Schaffer

The Simons Foundation is invested in supporting the next generation of researchers. Our Bridge to Independence (BTI) Award programs promote talented early-career scientists by facilitating their transition to research independence and providing grant funding at the start of their professorships. We are offering such awards through two of our programs: the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB), and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). These requests for applications (RFAs) are aimed at Ph.D. and M.D. – holding scientists who are currently in training positions and intend to seek tenure-track faculty positions over the next two years (i.e., 2021-2023). Successful applicants will receive a commitment of $495,000 over three years, activated upon assumption of a tenure-track professorship. Visit bit.ly/3i3GNeA for more information on both programs. __________________________________ Alyssa Picchini Schaffer, PhD Senior Scientist & Administrative Director Neuroscience Collaborations *SIMONS FOUNDATION* 160 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 646.654.0066 *main * 646.751.1277 *direct * 717.818.8281 *mobile*

Jan. 28, 2021