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Announcing our new Computational Neuroscience Center at the University of Washington; positions available

by fairhall＠u.washington.edu

We’re delighted to announce the formation of the University of Washington Computational Neuroscience Center (compneuro.washington.edu) The Center brings together research across the full spectrum of mechanisms and functions of the brain, developing new theoretical, computational and statistical tools to unify and interpret the extraordinary data on neural systems being gathered by our partners in Seattle and around the world. Come join us! Faculty positions: We’re hiring an assistant professor to join the UW-CNC in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Application review is still open! http://depts.washington.edu/pbiopage/2017-compneuro-faculty-search/ Center administrator: We have an opening for someone passionate about facilitating and building the interdisciplinary scientific community of the UW-CNC. Role includes administering training programs and outreach, grantwriting support for center grants, organizing conferences and meetings, and recruiting for the center, with opportunities for writing about the center and its science and more. Please send a cv/resume and statement of interest to cncadmin(a)uw.edu. Postdoctoral positions: We are hiring a postdoctoral fellow to join our Swartz Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, position available immediately. To apply send a research statement, cv and the contact information for at least two referees to cncadmin(a)uw.edu Graduate students: UW has numerous graduate programs suitable for students interested in neural computation. Funding and training opportunities are many, including NIH Training Program in Neural Computation and Engineering at UW, the Big Data in Genomics and Neuroscience Training Grant, the University of Washington Institute for Neuroengineering, and the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering. See http://compneuro.washington.edu/studies-in-neural-computation-and-engineeri… for a list and for typical application deadlines. Adrienne Fairhall Eric Shea-Brown

Oct. 16, 2017

Postdoctoral Research position available immediately

by Avrama Blackwell

The Computational and Experimental Neuroplasticity laboratory (http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/CENlab/avrama.html) at George Mason University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research position / software engineer beginning Oct 1, 2017. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing, cutting-edge research in computational systems biology & neuroscience by further development of our stochastic reaction-diffusion software, NeuroRD and further development of parameter optimization software. CENlab is an interdisciplinary, dynamic and creative research group at Mason’s Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, located in northern Virginia (15 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The hired applicant is expected to make valuable contributions to computational neuroscience software by (1) design and implementation of new features for NeuroRD (https://github.com/neurord/stochdiff) (2) extension of parameter optimization software (https://github.com/neurord/ajustadore) to signaling molecules and (3) investigating the role of calcium dynamics and cell signaling pathways in learning and plasticity. In each of these projects, the candidate is expected to contribute to publications and presentations on the new software as well as addressing neurobiological questions of interest. The candidate will closely interact with other members of CENlab including model developers and experimentalists. Requirements: Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g. computer science, physics, bioinformatics, engineering) and at least one publication in reputable journal. Experience in software development (scientific software, python and C++ or JAVA preferred). Expertise with Unix operating systems. Knowledge of stochastic processes and biological processes. To apply, please respond to http://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/41446. Include curriculum vitae and cover letter; indicate whether you will be attending the 2017 SFN conference if you apply prior to Nov 8. Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. The successful applicant will have office space, a unix computer workstation, and a post-doctoral level salary supplemented by excellent state employee benefits. More information: * NeuroRD website: https://github.com/neurord * Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study: http://krasnow.gmu.edu * George Mason University: http://www.gmu.edu George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. Enrollment is 30,000, with students studying in over 150 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. George Mason University is an equal opportunity employer encouraging diversity.

Oct. 16, 2017

Tenure Track Position in Applied Mathematics at Brandeis

by Jonathan Touboul

Brandeis University, Department of Mathematics, invites applications for a tenure-track position in applied mathematics at the rank of assistant professor beginning fall 2018. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in mathematics or a related field, demonstrate potential for excellence in research, and display a commitment to teaching. An ideal candidate will be expected to help to build an applied mathematics program within the department, and to interact with other science faculty at Brandeis. Candidates from all areas of applied mathematics will be considered. First consideration will be given to applications received by November 15. Applications should include an AMS cover sheet, a curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and four letters of recommendation, one of which addresses teaching effectiveness. Applications should be submitted through MathJobs.org <http://mathjobs.org/>: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/10791 <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/10791>

Oct. 14, 2017

Tenure-Track Position at University of Maryland: Neurobiology/Biophysics

by Daniel A. Butts

The Department of Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in Neuroscience and/or Biophysics. We seek outstanding candidates taking innovative experimental and/or theoretical/computational approaches to address major questions that complement and/or integrate the interests of our sensory neurobiology and biophysics groups. Applicants must have a doctoral degree and should have developed, or have demonstrated the potential to develop, an outstanding research program that garners competitive extramural funding. Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Applicants also must exhibit a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring, including working with students and groups from underrepresented backgrounds. The University of Maryland and Department of Biology are committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experience in these areas. To Apply: https://ejobs.umd.edu The University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship campus of the University of System of Maryland and is one of the most rapidly advancing public research universities in the country. We have close interactions with the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore and our close proximity to Washington D.C. facilitates interactions with researchers at an extraordinary range of institutions (e.g., NIH, NIST, HHMI). The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. -------------------------------- Daniel A. Butts, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biology and NACS University of Maryland, College Park Biosciences Research Building 1118 (301) 405-9890 http://neurotheory.umd.edu

Oct. 13, 2017

NEST Conference 2017 --- Register NOW!

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear colleagues! It is a great pleasure to invite current and potential users of NEST, the Neural Simulation Tool (http://www.nest-simulator.org) to the NEST Conference 2017 to be held on 19/20 December 2017 (Tuesday/Wednesday, lunch to lunch) at Haus Overbach in Barmen near Jülich, Germany. After our very successful and stimulating meeting in Karlsruhe last November, we are greatly looking forward to 24 hours filled with presentations and discussions of NEST applications to computational neuroscience and neurorobotics projects and NEST technology development. You are cordially invited to contribute to the program with your contribution! We are grateful to the Human Brain Project Outreach Programme and Education Programme for financial support. Important deadlines: - 1 November 2017: Deadline for submission of contribution and travel grant applications - 15 November 2017: Deadline for registrations For details, contribution submission and registration, please see https://indico-jsc.fz-juelich.de/event/52/overview We are looking forward to seeing you all in December! Hans Ekkehard Plesser President The Neural Technology Simulation Initiative http://www.nest-initiative.org -- Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Associate Professor Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

Oct. 13, 2017

Two open faculty positions; U Colorado Medical School

by Zylberberg, Joel L

Dear Colleagues, The Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado Medical School is looking for two new faculty members in neuroscience and / or physiology, including computational neuroscience. The advert is attached. Please consider applying and / or forward this advert to colleagues who might be interested. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, __ Joel Zylberberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Physiology and Biophysics University of Colorado School of Medicine www.jzlab.org<http://www.jzlab.org> CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, Learning in Machines and Brains program ~the neuroscience is theoretical, but the fun is real

Oct. 12, 2017

Postdoctoral fellowship in the neuroscience of decision-making

by Paul Cisek

Postdoctoral fellow in the neuroscience of decision-making Department of neuroscience, laboratory of Paul Cisek Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience, in the laboratory of Paul Cisek at the University of Montréal. Our research group studies the neural mechanisms of decision-making in humans and non-human primates using computational models of the nervous system as well as behavioral experiments, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and multi-electrode recording, and we have several ongoing collaborations involving fMRI, MEG and intracranial EEG. See www.cisek.org/pavel <http://www.cisek.org/pavel> for information on current projects and a list of sample publications. The successful applicant will lead a research project investigating real-time dynamic decision-making through simultaneous multi-electrode recordings in the basal ganglia and the prefrontal, premotor and motor cortex of non-human primates. A Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field is required, and prior experience in neurophysiology and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Depending on the applicant's qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural mechanisms, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. For further information, please contact Dr. Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca <mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca> ). Applicants are asked to send a cover letter, curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, an optional statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of 2 or 3 references, to: Dr. Paul Cisek Department of neuroscience, University of Montréal C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, CANADA Phone: 514-343-6111 x4355 Web: www.cisek.org/pavel <http://www.cisek.org/pavel> email: paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca <mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca> Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by November 30, 2017. Interviews will be possible at the Society for Neuroscience meeting (Washington DC, November 11-15, 2017)

Oct. 11, 2017

Postdoc positions available at University of Pittsburgh

by Runyan, Caroline A.

Postdoctoral positions are available in the Runyan lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition. Our research involves dissecting inhibitory and neuromodulatory circuits across the cortical hierarchy. Our goal is to understand how changes in behavioral context and brain state shift local information processing and the transmission of information between cortical networks. We use two-photon imaging of population activity and optogenetics in head-fixed mice performing perceptual decision-making tasks. See Runyan et al., Nature, 2017 and carolinerunyan.org<http://carolinerunyan.org> for more information about our work. We are seeking individuals with experience in two-photon imaging, large-scale electrophysiology, optogenetics, and/or computational modeling. As we build our laboratory and our own approach to understanding the brain, the ideal candidates should have strongly driven scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. This position offers the opportunity to participate in building a new research program, and to work in the highly collaborative, collegial environment at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. See cnbc.cmu.edu and cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu for more details. Interested candidates should send a CV, statement of research interests, and contact information for at least two references to runyan(a)pitt.edu. Caroline Runyan Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh Office: Langley A453, 412-383-4336 runyan(a)pitt.edu

Oct. 11, 2017

Postdoctoral position at the University of Rochester

by Tatiana Pasternak

Postdoctoral position in cognitive neuroscience Postdoctoral position to study cortical circuitry underlying memory-guided visual decisions is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Tatiana Pasternak in the Department of Neuroscience and Center for Visual Science. The focus of the research program is on the activity of large populations of simultaneously recorded neurons across cortical network to identify on a trial-by-trial basis neural codes and network dynamics that underlie memory and comparison processes during perceptual decisions. The analysis will emphasize inter-neuronal and inter-areal interactions and synchrony as well as population decoding algorithms. Experimental approaches include array recording of spiking and LFP activity from prefrontal and extrastriate visual cortical regions of non-human primates during memory-guided sensory comparison tasks. Other approaches include reversible inactivation and microstimulation of identified cortical sites. An important component of the work is a collaboration with computational neuroscientists and developing models aimed at mechanisms underlying maintenance and utilization of visual information in decision-making. Preference will be given to candidates with strong quantitative background with experience in the analysis of physiological data and extracellular recordings. Applicants with strong background in related disciplines of systems neuroscience and/or computer science & engineering are welcome to apply. Experience with MATLAB/PYTHON programming and proficient knowledge of the English language are required. The University of Rochester offers a stimulating research environment and excellent opportunities for interactions and training in cognitive neuroscience and visual science. Interested applicants should send CV and names/contact information of three references to Dr. Pasternak. Please include a cover letter detailing your current research activities, expertise and the reasons for your interest in this position. **************************************** Tatiana Pasternak, Ph.D. Professor Departments of Neuroscience, Brain & Cognitive Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Visual Science University of Rochester 585 275-8668 (office)

Oct. 10, 2017

PhD positions at the Max Planck Research School for Neural Circuits, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

by Jochen Triesch

8th Call for applications: International Max Planck Research School for Neural Circuits, Frankfurt am Main, Germany The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits was established in 2011 and offers up to ten fully-paid positions every year for talented students holding a relevant Master´s or Bachelor´s as their highest degree to perform research resulting in a PhD. The program is taught in English. The common focus of the the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits will be the understanding of neural circuits (from the simple to the large and complex), at all scales required to achieve this understanding. This ambitious objective will require analyses at the molecular, cellular, multi-cellular, network and behavioral levels, with the full understanding that macroscopic phenomena (spatial patterns, dynamics) can be scale-dependent, and that reductionism is not always sufficient as a method. Research areas are perception, connectomics, theoretical neuroscience, synaptic plasticity, brain dynamics, neural circuits, behavior and systems neuroscience. In the IMPRS for Neural Circuits we offer a multidisciplinary program to excellent doctoral students with backgrounds in neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science, (bio) chemistry, biology and medicine as well as research experience in the participating institutions of the Frankfurt Neuroscience community. Students will participate in a tailor-made educational program including research rotations and neuroscience courses but also in trainings in transferable skills as well as retreats, conferences and summer schools and lecture series. We welcome excellent students to apply to the program. Till December 1, 2017, it will be possible to apply for a position starting in the Fall of 2018. You can apply via our electronic registration system. After the deadline, the Faculty members will select around 25 students to participate in the interview symposium in Frankfurt, taking place in February 5-7, 2018. Shortly after the symposium, the students will receive a letter with an offer or rejection. More information, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on our website www.imprs.brain.mpg.de. -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Research Professor Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Oct. 10, 2017