- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Post-doctoral Fellowship in modelling brain networks and dynamics

by Alex Fornito

Post-doctoral Fellowship in modelling brain networks and dynamics We seek a talented post-doctoral researcher to work on developing and applying biophysical models of large-scale brain dynamics, particularly neural mass models and neural field models, with a focus on: - applying the models to understand empirical brain imaging data acquired with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), electroencephaolography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and/or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); - integrating the models with data derived from genetic and other molecular techniques; and - using the models to understand brain disturbances in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. The position is funded for three years and is offered at level A or B, depending on experience and track record. The Fellow will be based in team of A/Prof Fornito in the Brain and Mental Health Lab at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. It involves close collaboration with Prof Gustavo Deco, and will require regular travel to Prof Deco’s lab at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain. For further details, please see: careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/561731/research-fellow-brain-and-men… ___________________________________ Alex Fornito Associate Professor Brain & Mental Health Laboratory Monash Institute of Cognitive & Clinical Neurosciences A: 770 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, 3800, Vic, Australia P: +61 3 9902 9796 F: +61 3 9902 9817 E: alex.fornito(a)monash.edu W: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/bmh/ T: @AFornito Book: http://bit.ly/1mz215S

May 10, 2017

Call for 21 positions to the three-year Ph.D. Program in BioRobotics at The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy

by Alberto Mazzoni

Dear Colleagues, The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA), Pisa, Italy, announces 21 positions funded with fellowships and research grants for admission to the three-year Ph.D. Program in BioRobotics. The Program The Ph.D. Program in BioRobotics is a three-year course of advanced studies and supervised research; at the end of the Program, the Ph.D. degree is conferred to students who have fulfilled the didactic requirements and passed a final examination with thesis dissertation. The Ph.D. Program aims at educating highly competent researchers with the potential to be leaders in this area. The students will be educated in a stimulating and multidisciplinary environment, both through high-level courses and through demanding, creative and original research work. Doctoral research projects will be carried out in very well equipped, state-of-the-art laboratories (in such fields as bio-robotics, micro- and nanotechnology, biomimetics, prosthetics) and through individual and team work performed under the supervision of a committed full-time faculty. The students will investigate how biological systems work from an engineering viewpoint, and will make use of such knowledge to pursue challenging research projects aimed at modeling, designing and building novel components and systems for biomedical applications. At the end of the Ph.D. Program, students will possess solid scientific and engineering skills, the ability to conceive and carry out original research projects, and an autonomous entrepreneurship spirit. The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna SSSA is a public university where merit and talent count. Excellence in training and research, internationalization, interaction with the job market are the objectives of SSSA. Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna offers training and postgraduate courses in Economics and Management, Law, Political Science, Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, Medicine, and Industrial and Information Engineering. SSSA is a scientific community where the academic staff and researchers interact with students through a continuous exchange of cultural, creative and intellectual ideas ( http://www.santannapisa.it/it) The Ph.D. Program is managed by the BioRobotics Institute. Its mission is to educate the Engineer of the 21st Century: a competent, interdisciplinary, and creative inventor and entrepreneur, able to handle new technological and scientific challenges ( http://www.santannapisa.it/it/istituto/biorobotica/biorobotics-institute) Admission Students are admitted to the Program following a successful entrance examination. Eligible applicants must hold a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or equivalent title. Undergraduate students may also apply if they graduate within Oct. 31st. The Program will start Oct 1st 2017. Instructions for applicants are reported here: https://www.santannapisa.it/en/admissions/call-admission-phd-biorobotics-0 The deadline for application is June 15, 2017

May 9, 2017

PhD position/s at Centre for Systems Neuroscience - University of Leicester, UK

by Quian Quiroga, Rodrigo (Prof.)

***apologies for multiple postings*** Fully Funded PhD Studentships (for UK/EU candidates only) Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester, UK. The Centre for Systems Neuroscience at the University of Leicester, UK, offers up to 2, 3-Year Fully Funded (stipend plus fees) PhD positions for UK/EU candidates. The project involves the study single cell recordings in humans – performed in epileptic patients for curative surgery – with Prof. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga. The project will investigate concept cells (a.k.a. Jennifer Aniston neurons) – that means, neurons in the hippocampus and surrounding areas that selectively fire to specific concepts, like different pictures and the written or spoken name of a particular person (e.g. Quian Quiroga et al, Nature 2005; Quian Quiroga Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012), which are involved in declarative memory functions. The successful candidate will contribute to performing recordings with patients in collaborating hospitals and the analysis of the data to investigate the role of these neurons in memory formation. Candidates should have excellent quantitative skills (data processing, and programing in Matlab), a strong background in neuroscience and, ideally, good experience with neurophysiology recordings. They should be able to work both independently and as part of a research team within the Centre for System Neuroscience at Leicester and with our external collaborators. For a description of the research activities at the Centre for Systems Neuroscience, see: www.le.ac.uk/csn Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Valeria Zonato, Research Centre Manager, vz12(a)le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3249. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and a brief description of their scientific interests to Valeria Zonato (vz12(a)le.ac.uk) The closing date for the applications is Monday 12 June 2017. Starting date will be in September 2017. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga Centre for Systems Neuroscience University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk/csn

May 9, 2017

Faculty position in Motor Control - University of Birmingham, UK

by Sang-Hoon Yeo

Faculty (Lecturer / Senior Lecture) position available at School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences in University of Birmingham. https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?amNvZGU9MTY0MDg5NiZ2dF90ZW1w… Best wishes, Sang-Hoon -- Dr Sang-Hoon Yeo Lecturer in Biomechanics and Motor Control School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom +44(0)121 414 8748

May 9, 2017

2nd CfP: Coupling & Causality in Complex Systems, Sep 25-27, Cologne, Germany

by Michael von Papen

============================================================== 2nd CALL FOR PAPERS (Deadline: June 01, 2017) http://c3s.uni-koeln.de ============================================================== INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: *Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems* September 25-27, 2017, Cologne, Germany -------------------------------------------------------------- The interdisciplinary conference Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems (C3S) is hosted by the Competence Area 3: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems of the University of Cologne (UoC), Germany. It is organized by the Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology, UoC, the Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf and the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Research Center Juelich. -------------------------------------------------- *Invited Speakers* Jörg Breitung - Macroeconomic Policy Institute, University of Cologne, Germany David Gross - Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany Philip Holmes - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, USA Ankit Khambhati - Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, USA Laura Marzetti - Department of Neuroscience, Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti - Pescara Arkady Pikovsky - Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University Potsdam, Germany Michael Rosenblum - Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University Potsdam, Germany Jakob Runge - The Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London -------------------------------------------------- *Preliminary Session Program* We will have different sessions with differing topics and each session will be opened by one of the invited speakers. Here is a preliminary version of our program: Session 1 Synchronization I Arkady Pikovsky Session 2 Synchronization II Silvia Daun Session 3 Coupled oscillators I Phil Holmes Session 4 Coupled oscillators II Michael Rosenblum Session 5 Phase coupling Laura Marzetti Session 6 Network structures Ankit Khambati Session 7 Bayesian networks David Gross Session 8 Granger causality I Jörg Breitung Session 9 Granger causality II Esther Florin Session 10 Causal network measures Jakob Runge Further topics of interest for the conference include, amongst others, research and methods development on: functional connectivity, (partial directed) coherence, network topology, graph-theoretic measures, directed graphs, nonlinear dynamics of complex systems, complex spatio-temporal systems, mutual information and transfer entropy. -------------------------------------------------------------- *Scientific Organizing Committee* Silvia Daun - Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich, Germany Esther Florin - Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Psychology, Düsseldorf, Germany Joachim Gross - Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Glasgow, UK Michael von Papen - Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology, Cologne, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich, Germany -------------------------------------------------------------- *Abstract* Complex systems such as the human brain, Earth’s climate and economy are characterized by a multitude of coupled processes on different spatial and temporal scales. In order to better understand the dynamics of the system at hand each scientific area has developed specific tools to identify, model and quantify these processes. The conference Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems (C3S) will present a collection of these approaches with the aim to provide scientists with new analysis strategies for their field. The conference focuses on how to characterize a complex system and on the methods for estimating and modeling of statistical coupling (e.g. network coherence, creation and modulation of small networks and local or long-range synchronization by cross frequency phase-phase and phase-amplitude coupling) and causality (e.g. Granger causality, transfer entropy). Therefore, data analysts from different study fields including neuroscience, mathematics, physics, biology, and economy will present their approaches with a particular focus on the methods they use. The aim of this conference is to foster discussions and the transdisciplinary exchange of advanced techniques, methods, and algorithms, thereby stimulating potential future collaborations. -------------------------------------------------------------- PAPER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION Authors are invited to submit conference abstracts with up to 400 words. Authors of exceptional abstracts will be given the opportunity to present their research in a talk. However, poster sessions will be provided with ample time for discussions. For your submission, please use the conference website c3s.uni-koeln.de. To register, please send an email with the subject "registration" to c3s-conference(a)uni-koeln.de. Please be sure to include your full name, your affiliation and whether you qualify as student (also PhD candidates) or not. The registration fee will cover snacks and refreshments during coffee breaks, lunch and a dinner with all participants. Early-bird registration is available until July 10 with a reduced fee of 100 EUR (50 EUR for students), after July 10 the registration fee will be 200 EUR (100 EUR for students). -------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT DATES Paper Submission deadline: June 01, 2017 Author Notification: mid June, 2017 Early-bird registration: July 10, 2017 Conference: September 25-27, 2017 ============================================================== Please find the call for papers and more information at the conference website: http://c3s.uni-koeln.de. For questions regarding the conference feel free to contact us via c3s-conference(a)uni-koeln.de. -- ------------------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology Coordinator of Competence Area III: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems Dr. Michael von Papen Email: m.papen(a)uni-koeln.de http://www.uni-koeln.de/~vpapenm http://complexsystems.uni-koeln.de -- ------------------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology Coordinator of Competence Area III: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems Dr. Michael von Papen Email: m.papen(a)uni-koeln.de http://www.uni-koeln.de/~vpapenm http://complexsystems.uni-koeln.de -- RESEARCH CENTRE JUELICH Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Dr. Michael von Papen Email: m.von.papen(a)fz-juelich.de Tel.: +49 2461 61-96482 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 9, 2017

PhD Studentship in Computational and Systems Neuroscience

by Christopher Buckley

PhD Studentship: Distributed neural processing of self-generated visual input in a vertebrate brain A PhD studentship in Computational and Systems Neuroscience is available in the groups of Dr Christopher L Buckley (Department of Informatics) and Prof. Leon Lagnado (School of Life Sciences) at the University of Sussex from September 2017. During movement, sensory input and motor output are bound in a closed-loop: motor actions shape sensory input and sensory inputs inform future motor commands. We will characterise the neural circuits involved in the interactions between the sensory and motor systems using light-sheet microscopy to image neural activity across the brain of live zebrafish in a virtual reality environment (Nature. 2013;493: 466–468). The project will involve computational modeling and “big-data” analysis as well as experiments. Appropriate backgrounds therefore include physical and computational science as well as neuroscience. Experience with programming and a quantitative approach are essential. More information about the project is available at https://tinyurl.com/kjtxoq9. Informal enquiries can be made to Chris Buckley<http://www.christopherlbuckley.com/> (c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>) or Leon Lagnado<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/lagnadolab/> (l.lagnado(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:l.lagnado@sussex.ac.uk>). Sussex Neuroscience<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience> is one of the foremost centers for Neuroscience research in the UK and the University of Sussex has a beautiful campus on the outskirts of the lively South Coast town of Brighton. Application: Please apply through the post-graduate application system of the University of Sussex (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/apply) Please include a brief statement of your scientific interests and skills/experience in the mandatory “research proposal”, including how you would imagine your role in the project (max 2 pages) and include a full CV. Indicate Dr Christopher L Buckley as your preferred advisor and clearly state the title of the studentship. When you apply, please send a copy of your application documents to c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>. Funding Notes The studentship includes a three year stipend at a standard rate (currently £14,296 per annum) and, in addition, fees at the UK/EU rate. Since the studentship only covers fees at the UK/EU rate, overseas applicants are kindly requested to state in their application how they propose to cover the difference between UK/EU and overseas fees. Deadline Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but candidates applying before 15 July can be sure to be considered. Christopher L Buckley Lecturer in Neural Computation University of Sussex Department of Informatics Sussex Neuroscience Falmer Brighton, UK email: c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk> twitter: @drclbuckley

May 8, 2017

Second CfP: ACM Symposium on Applied Perception 2017

by Douglas Cunningham

Symposium on Applied Perception Call for Papers and Posters The ACM Symposium on Applied Perception (ACM SAP) aims to advance and promote research that crosses the boundaries between perception and disciplines such as graphics, visualization, computer vision, haptics and acoustics. These fields can benefit from the exchange of ideas. The scope of the conference includes applications and algorithms in any area of research that incorporates elements of perception and computer science. Our fourteenth annual event provides an intimate, immersive forum for exchanging ideas about areas of overlapping interests. The ACM SAP 2017 conference will be held in Cottbus, Germany at the Brandenburg University of Technology on the 16th and 17th of September, 2017. We aim to further promote communication between the core perception and computer graphics communities. We invite submissions of original work in all areas of applied perception. Relevant areas include: Modeling, rendering, and animation Visualization Computational aesthetics Haptic rendering, haptic input and perception Perception of virtual characters Color vision and color appearance modeling Perception of high dynamic range scenes and images Interaction techniques and interfaces Augmented reality Virtual worlds Display technologies Auditory display and interfaces Perceptual auditory coding Spatialized sound Speech synthesis and recognition Sensory integration Multimodal rendering Spatial and temporal vision Attention and eye movements Statistical learning and perception of natural scenes Perception of shapes, surfaces, and materials Papers Research can be submitted as a long paper (up to 8 pages and up to 20 minute talk), a short paper (up to 4 pages and up to 15 minute talk), or as a poster presentation (1 page abstract). All submissions should follow the generalSIGGRAPH formatting guidelines. Diagrams and images should be represented in color where appropriate. Papers that are not accepted will be considered for the poster session. Authors of posters accepted by this route will, of course, have the option to decline the opportunity to present a poster. Posters The posters program at SAP provides an informal venue for authors to share their research achievements and further discuss them with others. In that spirit, we encourage all types of scholarly submissions that fit the scope of ACM-SAP. In particular, we explicitly welcome poster submissions on work-in-progress and on work that may have been previously published elsewhere but for which additional dissemination and discussion is desired. The poster session is an integral part of SAP and the SAP program will include a dedicated time slot for poster viewing and discussion. All poster presenters will also have the opportunity to give a one-minute presentation on their work during a poster fast-forward session. NOTE: SAP poster abstracts are NOT considered to be publications, and as such will NOT appear in the ACM Digital Library. Poster abstracts WILL be included in the conference USB drive. Poster abstracts should follow the general SIGGRAPH formatting guidelines, except that they should be 1 page long. . Further details All papers will be carefully reviewed by our International Program Committee. SAP follows a double blind review process. Papers will be evaluated as submitted, given limited time between submission and printing of final versions. Under a recent agreement with the ACM Transactions on Applied Perception (TAP) and the ACM Publications Board, the strongest accepted papers will be offered publication as full papers in the ACM journal TAP. Authors of such special issue papers must agree to present the paper at ACM SAP. As has always been the case, authors of regular ACM SAP papers can still submit to TAP regular issues with appropriate additions. Papers that have been recommended for acceptance in the ACM TAP journal will undergo a second review cycle, during which the authors will revise the paper to address reviewer concerns (similar to conditional acceptances at ACM SIGGRAPH). Please note that TAP referrals are conditional. The TAP reviewers may recommend bringing the paper back to the SAP proceedings if the quality of the revision is inadequate. Therefore, it is very important to incorporate as many reviewer comments as possible into the revision. The revised paper has to be submitted in TAP format to Manuscript Central and must include a cover letter stating that the submission is for the SAP special issue. The cover letter should also document the list of changes made to the paper to address the reviewer concerns. Reformatting an 8-page paper from the SAP format to the TAP format typically adds a few pages so we expect the final papers will have somewhere between 10-15 pages. TAP papers must not exceed 20 pages in length. Complete TAP author guidelines and templates are available at h ttp://tap.acm.org/authors.cfm. Conference Chairs Douglas W. Cunningham, Brandenburg University of Technology Michael Breuß, Brandenburg University of Technology Program Chairs Sophie Joerg, Clemson University Victoria Interrante, University of Minnesota Poster Chair Susana Castillo Alejandre, Brandenburg University of Technology Deadlines Papers: Monday, May 22: Mandatory abstract submission Friday, May 26: Paper submission deadline Friday, June 23: Decisions announced Friday, July 14: Final papers due Papers recommended for TAP: Friday, July 14 (Camera Ready) Revisions to TAP recommended papers due (anonymous, in TAP format) Friday, July 21: Notification to TAP authors Posters: Friday, July 7: Poster submission Friday, July 21: Decisions announced Friday, July 28: Camera ready version of 1-page abstract due ##SELECTION_END##

May 8, 2017

PhD positions - perception, learning, and cognitive state

by Nelson Totah

PhD Position - Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics (Tübingen, Germany) The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics offers 2 PhD student positions under the supervision of Dr. Nelson Totah in the department of Prof. Nikos Logothetis (Department of Physiology of Cognitive Processes). The projects will study the roles that attention and arousal play in learning and cognitive control. The learning task involves flexibly attending to visual and auditory stimuli. Students will record frontal cortex neurons and brain stem norepinephrine neurons from head-fixed rats during learning. We will also explore novel methods for activating the norepinephrine system to improve learning and cognition impairments in psychiatric disorders. Applicants should have a degree in neuroscience, biology, or experimental psychology. Candidates with a background in engineering, physics, or related fields are also encouraged to apply their skills to the analysis of neurophysiological data, but these applicants should also have interest in our ultimate goal of understanding behavior and cognition. Prior experience working with behaving rats or mice, programming (MATLAB), and a mathematical or computational background are all highly desirable in applicants, but not all required. English language fluency is required, but German language fluency is not required for laboratory work or classes. Students will join the International Max Planck Research School for Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience / Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen (http://www.neuroschool-tuebingen.de/) The positions are fully funded for 3 years with extension for additional years possible. Applications should include a CV, a brief (up to 500 word) personal statement about research interests and goals after the PhD, and 2 letters of reference. These may be submitted by email to Dr. Totah (nelson.totah(a)tuebingen.mpg.de) Nelson Totah, PhD Research Group Leader Department of Physiology of Cognitive Processes Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics Tuebingen, Germany

May 8, 2017

Blue Brain Project: Section Manager for Data & Knowledge Engineering

by Hill Sean

BBP - Section Manager - Data & Knowledge Engineering The EPFL Blue Brain Project (BBP), situated on the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland, applies advanced neuroinformatics, data analytics, high-performance computing and simulation-based approaches to the challenge of understanding the structure and function of the mammalian brain in health and disease. The BBP plays a leading role in the Human Brain Project, which aims to accelerate our understanding of the human brain, enable advances in defining and diagnosing brain disorders, and develop new brain-like technologies through open science and global collaboration. The Blue Brain has built a neuroinformatics platform for large-scale neuroscience data integration, search and analysis to enable and accelerate the delivery of its scientific roadmap. We are now seeking to fill the following position: Section Manager – Data & Knowledge Engineering Major Duties and responsibilities: • Lead and manage the Neuroscience Data & Knowledge Engineering team • In collaboration with the Head of the Neuroinformatics division and the Section Manager of the Neuroinformatics Software Engineering, define and implement the Data Integration roadmap in accordance to the project objectives • Build strong working relationships and partnerships with data providers and the neuroinformatics platform users in order to lead the efforts of data standardisation in the frame of their implementation in the Neuroinformatic Platform • Coordinate and ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders • Participate in operating and maintaining data integration in the Neuroinformatic Platform • Support the coordination of the external projects • Participate in writing and reviewing of scientific reports Experience and preferred skills: • Strong personnel management, organisational skills and sense of diplomacy • Positive attitude and hands on approach • Experience in data management and integration of biological data • Proficiency and proven experience with ontology engineering and semantic technologies (applications to the field of biosciences would be a plus) • Domain knowledge in neuroscience is a plus (understanding different types of neuroscience experimental data and experiment design) • Excellent written and oral communication skills Profile: • PhD or Master in computer science, bioinformatics or equivalent. • At least 3-5 years experience in data management and knowledge engineering • English written and spoken, French would be a plus. What we offer: • An internationally visible and rising project in simulation-based research in neuroscience • A young, dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and international working environment • A modern working environment, based at the Biotech Campus in Geneva Sécheron Start date: as soon as possible ; Activity rate: 100%; Deadline for application : until position is filledDuration of contract: 1 year, renewable, possibility for a CDI after 1 year. Ref: BBP13201 Applicants should submit a cover letter and a detailed CV in PDF format only, with file name “{ Surname} _{PositionApplied} _Cover_letter” and “{ Surname} _{P ositionApplied} _CV” electronically tojobs.bbp(a)epfl.ch . Please use the position title as the “subject” of your email. BBP : 05.05.2017

May 6, 2017

Funded PhD in Psychology (New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies)

by Eirini Mavritsaki

Reminder funded PhD Please note the deadline of application is 10th of May 2017 New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship within the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University. Applicants need to demonstrate ability and commitment, including excellent communications skills in written and spoken English. Project Synopsis: There are many limitations on the behaviour of complex neural systems, but one primary constraint is to filter incoming input in order that actions can be programmed to behaviourally relevant stimuli. A major challenge for current-day researchers is to understand how (and why) these limitations arise, especially in conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where the attentional system is dysfunctional. The main aim of this project is to identify and understand the differences in visual attention between children diagnosed with ADHD and typically functioning children. In addition, to investigate the role of diet in ADHD. This Ph.D. thesis aims to do this by using a novel interdisciplinary approach, behavioural and computational modelling study. The student can choose to work in both or just one approach (either computational or behavioural work). The successful applicant will join the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) within the Department of Psychology at Birmingham City University. This centre is part of a vibrant and rapidly expanding research community, which offers applicants with an excellent opportunity to develop their research career. The applicant will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience, to participate in research seminars and to co-supervise undergraduate projects. For more information please contact Dr Eirini Mavritsaki (Eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:Eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk>). Candidate Qualification and Specifications: Essential ? The applicant should hold a good undergraduate honours degree (First or 2:1) in psychology or a related area to the topic. ? A demonstrated understanding of research methods is essential (as evidenced by degree transcript grades for research methods and dissertation modules). ? The applicant will be expected to undertake and pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. ? The applicant should enjoy working with children. ? For applications that involve computational modelling the student needs to have experience in C++ and/or Matlab. Desirable ? A Masters' degree in research methods, psychology or a computational modelling. ? For applications that involve behavioural work, itis desirable to have experience (voluntary or paid) in schools or experience working with children. ? Access to a car and a valid driving licence. ? For applications that involve computational modelling, it is desirable to have Computational modelling experience. Application Process (Deadline of application 10th of May) You can find further details on studying for a PhD and details of how to apply by clicking on the following link http://www.bcu.ac.uk/social-sciences/courses/research-degrees. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the application or to express an interest. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eirini Mavritsaki, PhD, CPsychol Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology Director of Research in the School of Social Sciences Department of Psychology Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University The Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 Office Hours Appointment only: Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 Drop-in: Fridays 09:00-10:00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May 4, 2017