- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Workshop application deadline extended: "Neuronal circuits in motor behavior" - OIST, Okinawa

by Marylka Yoe Uusisaari

Dear all, It is our pleasure to announce the workshop "Neuronal Circuits in Motor Behavior" (NCMB) that will take place at OIST, Okinawa, February 18 - 20th, 2019. Among the numerous functions performed by the brain, creating precise, efficient movements is the most fundamental one without which no behavior could be expressed. The importance of motor control is accentuated by the fact that multiple distinct brain systems are involved in it, and thus understanding the neuronal codes leading to the skilled animal or human movements critically depends on researching the systems in a synergistic manner. The workshop brings together established scientists and rising leaders from computational, systemic neuroscience and behavioural fields, to explore and portray the various aspects and constraints of animal movement and the neuronal circuits underlying their execution. The three days will comprise of talks, poster presentations as well as more free-form discussion sessions aiming to foster collaboration. We encourage applications from students, post docs and faculty across any related fields, and *will cover travel and accommodation *for 30 accepted attendees, based on the background and motivation statements. More information, including application webform, can be found at https://groups.oist.jp/ncmb. *Note:* application deadline has been extended to November 15th, 2019. Best wishes, Marylka Yoe Uusisaari & NCMB organizers

Oct. 24, 2018

Faculty position in neuroscience

by Keller, Asaf

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology<http://neurobiology.umaryland.edu/> is recruiting tenured/tenure-track faculty, at all ranks. We are interested in candidates with quantitative skills whose research complements existing strengths in the Department. Although we will consider all relevant research areas, we are particularly interested in research focusing on pain, neural circuits of motivated behaviors & addiction, sensory perception or neurodegeneration. Rank and tenure status is dependent on candidate’s qualifications. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarly activity. Highest priority will be given to candidates with an independent, funded research program. We offer an outstanding intellectual and collaborative environment with highly competitive salary and recruitment packages. All department faculty are members of the Graduate Program in Life Sciences<http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/> interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience<http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/neuroscience>. Candidates should submit, as a single PDF to ANfacsearch(a)som.umaryland.edu<mailto:ANfacsearch@som.umaryland.edu>: curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and vision, and contact information for three references. Candidates should submit their application to the attention of Asaf Keller, Chairs of Faculty Search Committee.

Oct. 23, 2018

workshop “Cortical models for visual perception and imaging applications” at the Institut de mathématiques de Jussieu - Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG)

by Benedetta Franceschiello

Dear all, It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the workshop “Cortical models for visual perception and imaging applications” (https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/) that we are organising at the Institut de mathématiques de Jussieu - Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG)(room 15-16-413) on November 22nd, in partnership with the workshop “Géométrie et représentation de la couleur” (link: http://www.gdr-isis.fr/index.php?page=reunion&idreunion=359) organised on November 21st by Edoardo Provenzi. The aim of the workshop is to gather people working in the field of mathematical and neurophysiological modelling of human brain, from a theoretical and applied point of view, with particular emphasis on imaging methods based on visual perception. An updated schedule will be provided at this page: https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/program The registration is free, but mandatory for organisation purposes, *by November 16*. To register you should log-in to the website with your HAL credentials (on the top right corner of the page https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/) If you encounter any problem in the registration process, please send an e-mail to liftme(a)sciencesconf.org Best wishes, The organisers Luca Calatroni, Valentina Franceschi, Benedetta Franceschiello, Dario Prandi, Mario Sigalotti

Oct. 23, 2018

[journals] CfP : Special Issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning

by Nguyen, Sao Mai

Dear Colleagues, IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems is currently running a Special Issue entitled " Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning" : http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… We would like to invite you to prepare a research article or a comprehensive review to be published in this special issue. AIM AND SCOPE Although machine learning algorithms continue to improve at a rapid pace enabling technologies and products such as autonomous driving cars and sophisticated image and speech recognition, it is often forgotten that these applications represent tailored solutions to specific tasks. Thus it is not clear if or how these autonomous systems can pave the road to general purpose machines envisioned by many. The pursuit for higher levels of autonomy and versatility in robotics is arguably lead by two main factors. Firstly, as we push robots out of the labs and productions lines, it becomes increasingly difficult to design for all possible scenarios that a particular robot might encounter. Secondly, the cost of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining such systems becomes prohibitive. As the algorithms for learning single tasks in restricted environments are improving, new challenges have gained relevance in order to get more autonomous artificial systems. These challenges include multi-task learning, multimodal sensorimotor learning and lifelong adaptation to injury, growth and ageing. Addressing these challenges promise higher levels of autonomy and versatility of future robots. This special issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning is primarily concerned with the developmental processes involved in unsupervised sensorimotor learning in a life-long perspective, and in particular the emergence of representations of action and perception in humans and artificial agents in continual learning. These processes include action-perception cycle, active perception, continual sensory-motor learning, environmental-driven scaffolding, and intrinsic motivation. The special issue will highlight behavioural and neural data, and cognitive and developmental approaches to research in the areas of robotics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, etc. Contributions might focus on mathematical and computational models to improve robot performance and/or attempt to unveil the underlying mechanisms that lead to continual adaptation to changing environment or embodiment and continual learning in open-ended environments. Contributions from multiple disciplines including cognitive systems, cognitive robotics, developmental and epigenetic robotics, autonomous and evolutionary robotics, social structures, multi-agent and artificial life systems, computational neuroscience, and developmental psychology, on theoretical, computational, application-oriented, and experimental studies as well as reviews in these areas are welcome. THEMES This special issue aims to report state-of-the-art approaches and recent advances on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning with a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics relevant to this special issue include but are not limited to: Emergence of representations via continual interaction Continual sensory-motor learning Action-perception cycle Active perception Environmental-driven scaffolding Intrinsic motivation Neural substrates, neural circuits and neural plasticity Human and animal behaviour experiments and models Reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning for life-long learning Multisensory robot learning Multimodal sensorimotor learning Affordance learning Prediction learning SUBMISSION Manuscripts should be prepared according to the “Information for Authors” of the journal found at http://cis.ieee.org/component/content/article/7/131-ieee-transactions-on-au…. Submissions must be done through the IEEE TCDS Manuscript center: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee. During the submission process, please select the category “SI: Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning”. IMPORTANT DATES 6th January 2019 – Paper submission deadline 15th March 2019 – Notification for authors 31st May 2019 – Deadline revised papers submission 30th June 2019 – Final notification for authors 31st July 2019 – Deadline for camera-ready versions September 2019 – Expected publication date More information on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… GUEST EDITORS Nicolás Navarro-Gerrero Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark nng(a)eng.au.dk Sao Mai Nguyen IMT Atlantique, Francenguyensmai(a)gmail.com Erhan Öztop Özyeğin University, Turkeyerhan.oztop(a)ozyegin.edu.tr Junpei Zhong National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japanjoni.zhong(a)aist.go.jp ---- Nguyen Sao Mai nguyensmai(a)gmail.com Researcher in Cognitive Developmental Robotics http://nguyensmai.free.fr

Oct. 23, 2018

Computational Neuroscience Software Developer / Research Associate Position

by Stephanie Jones

Conducting interviews at SFN for a Brown University Computational Neuroscience Position Applications are invited for a research software developer / research associate position in the lab of Dr. Stephanie Jones at Brown University in Providence, RI. The level of the hire depends on experience. Our group combines human electrophysiological recordings and computational neural modeling techniques to study the mechanisms and meaning of brain dynamics in health and disease. We collaborate extensively with animal electrophysiologists and clinicians to develop data constrained models that are translationally relevant. The software developer / research associate will work with a team of researchers at Brown, Mass General Hospital, and Yale, to help develop a new software tool for circuit level investigation of human magneto- and electro-encephalography (MEG/EEG) signals: Human Neocortical Neurosolver, HNN (https://hnn.brown.edu) <https://hnn.brown.edu)>. The goal of this software is to provide the community with a user friendly tool to develop and test hypotheses on the circuit origin of their data. The hired candidate will help support and expand HNN’s capabilities, including software development and working with researchers to apply HNN to specific neuroscience questions. Duties will also include development of tutorials, online resources, and participation in workshops aimed at training the community in the use and applicability of HNN. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in computer science, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and/or related field. Strong Python programming skills are required, and experience with neural modeling, particularly NEURON, is preferred. Familiarity with MEG/EEG analysis methods and/or non-invasive brain stimulation is also beneficial. Candidates should be able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and fun work environment. Interested candidates should send a cv and a brief description of qualifications and research interests to the Jones lab manager Dylan_S_Daniels(a)brown.edu <mailto:Dylan_S_Daniels@brown.edu>. ******************************************* Stephanie R. Jones, PhD Associate Professor Brown University Department of Neuroscience Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/ <https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/> Human Neocortical Neurosolver https://hnn.brown.edu <https://hnn.brown.edu/>

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoctoral researchers - computational modeling, EEG, TMS

by Stephanie Jones

Conducting interviews at SFN for a Brown University Human Imaging & Computational Neuroscience Position Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. Stephanie Jones at Brown University. Our group combines human electrophysiological recordings and computational neural modeling techniques to study the mechanisms and meaning of brain dynamics in health in disease. We collaborate extensively with animal electrophysiologists and clinicians to develop data constrained models that are translationally relevant. We are expanding our research efforts to including non-invasive brain stimulation. A postdoctoral position is available to integrate simultaneous human EEG and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in humans, with computational neural modeling developments. The postdoctoral researcher will help expand our new software tool Human Neocortical Neurosolver (https://hnn.brown.edu) <https://hnn.brown.edu)> for circuit level interpretation of EEG/MEG signals to include TMS studies. She/he will also help with the design, implementation and analysis of our TMS/EEG experiments. Candidates should have a PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, and/or related field. Strong quantitative and programming skills are required. The ideal candidate would have experience in computational neuroscience methods applied to human EEG and brain stimulation data. However, experience in all areas is not required. Candidates should be able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and fun work environment. Interested candidates should send a cv and a brief description of qualifications and research interests to the Jones lab manager Dylan_S_Daniels(a)brown.edu <mailto:Dylan_S_Daniels@brown.edu>. ******************************************* Stephanie R. Jones, PhD Associate Professor Brown University Department of Neuroscience Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/ <https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/> Human Neocortical Neurosolver https://hnn.brown.edu <https://hnn.brown.edu/>

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoc at Harvard in computational neuroscience

by Blum, Kenneth I.

The Swartz Program at Harvard University has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Based on a grant from the Swartz Foundation<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.theswartzfoundation…>, Harvard University established the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neuroscience. The Swartz Program supports a program in computational neuroscience, to foster research collaborations between theorists and experimentalists. Fellowships last for two years, and cover a stipend and support for travel to the annual Swartz meeting on computational neuroscience. Postdocs join a vibrant group of experimental and theoretical neuroscientists at Harvard's Center for Brain Science. Harvard's Swartz Program is led by its Director, Haim Sompolinsky. The Center for Brain Science includes junior and senior faculty doing research on a wide variety of topics, including neural mechanisms of rodent learning, decision-making, and sex-specific and social behaviors; human motor control; behavioral and fMRI studies of human cognition; circuit mechanisms of learning and behavior in worms, larval flies, and larval zebrafish; circuit mechanisms of individual differences in flies and humans; rodent and fly olfaction; inhibitory circuit development; retinal circuits; and large-scale reconstruction of detailed brain circuitry. Interested applicants should send a CV, statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Haim Sompolinsky (haim(a)fiz.huji.ac.il<mailto:haim@fiz.huji.ac.il>), Kenneth Blum (kenneth_blum(a)harvard.edu<mailto:kenneth_blum@harvard.edu>), or our newest faculty member, Cengiz Pehlevan (cpehlevan(a)seas.harvard.edu<mailto:cpehlevan@seas.harvard.edu>; https://pehlevan.seas.harvard.edu/) Applications should have “Swartz Fellowship” in the subject line. Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoctoral position in machine learning, event-based computer vision and spiking neural networks

by sio

The Vision and Natural Computation group from the Vision Institute, Paris, France, (http://www.institut-vision.org/en/) seeks experienced and outstanding applicants for a post-doctoral researcher in the fields of machine learning, event-based computer vision and spiking neural networks. The position is funded by the European Commission in the context of the European project ULPEC. The applicant will join the Vision and Natural Computation group, led by Pr R. Benosman. The team is the leading group in neuromorphic event based computation and active member of the international neuromorphic engineering community. It develops biology-inspired sensing and event-based technologies. The selected candidat will be working on designing the architecture and topology of spiking neural networks for pattern learning and recognition tasks, using the spike-based visual information provided by a neuromorphic camera. Spiking Timing Dependent Plasticity and Reservoir Computing based models will be in particular implemented, taking into account of their hardware feasibility (according to the performance and characteristics of ferroelectric memristors). The position will open in January 2019. Interested applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae with brief paragraphs of research interests, career goals and why you feel you are a good fit for the lab to " ryad.benosman at upmc.fr " and " sio-hoi.ieng at upmc.fr ". Please do also mention in the email earliest date at which you can join. S.H. ieng, PhD Vision and natural computation group, Vision institute. University Paris Sorbonnes,

Oct. 22, 2018

PhD opportunities at the MCEN group at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (Bilbao, Spain)

by Maurizio De Pitta

Please share with your colleagues and anyone who could be interested. The Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN; http://www.bcamath.org/en/research/lines/MCEN/description) at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM; http://www.bcamath.org/en/) in Bilbao (Spain) is seeking outstanding PhD students to work on several projects at the intersection of computational neuroscience, mathematical topology, biophysics and translational science. PhD projects currently available include (but are not limited to) : (Track A) 1. Control and tracking stability boundaries of neurons in real time via closed-loop computer- controlled electrophysiology. This will lead to intelligent machine brain interfaces, such as deep brain stimulators that can determine unstable states that lead to pathological oscillations (like in epilepsy); 2. Multiscale modeling of the biomolecular machinery that controls the various modes of neurotransmitter release for efficient synaptic communication. This includes feedback processes, such as the endocannabinoid system, that control the speed and frequency by which synaptic neurotransmitters are released. This critical process is thought to control pathological brain states; (Track B) 3. Mathematical modeling and development of analytical tools to study neuron-glial interactions (NGIs), from subcellular to network levels. Focus is both on mechanisms of learning at synaptic level and how NGIs could shape dynamics of cortical circuits in the healthy and diseased brain (More info: https://goo.gl/pJXEYJ) 4. Study of early cellular pathological markers for Alzheimer’s disease, with emphasis on neuron-glial interactions. The project is part of a strategic collaboration between BCAM/MCEN and Achucarro – the Basque Center for Neuroscience – and envisages a close collaboration with Dr. Carlos Matute’s group to test predictions from theoretical models in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (see also: https://goo.gl/Uifv2J) A fully-funded PhD scholarship of 4+1 years may be offered on competitive basis for ANY of the above projects (deadline : **Oct 29th, 2018**; 15:00 CET ; Info/Application : https://goo.gl/7CzNQr) A fully-funded PhD scholarship of 3 years is currently available for Project 4 ONLY (deadline : **Nov 6th, 2018**; 14:00 CET ; Info : https://goo.gl/Uifv2J; Application website : https://goo.gl/z72RzC) Candidates that are interested in any of the above topics, or would like to pursue a PhD in mathematical neuroscience are welcome to contact Drs. Serafim Rodrigues (Track A ; Webpage : https://goo.gl/tP9PBt; contact : srodrigues(a)bcamath.org) and Maurizio De Pittà (Track B ; Webpage : https://goo.gl/pJXEYJ; contact: mdepitta(a)bcamath.org) ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

Oct. 22, 2018

PhD Studentship at the University of Exeter: Building a model of the HypothalamicPituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis

by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira

Building a model of the HypothalamicPituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, BBSRC SWBio, PhD in Mathematics studentship (Funded) Ref: 3285 About the award Supervisors Lead Supervisor Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasov<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298>a, Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter Additional Supervisors Professor Craig McArdle<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/clinical-sciences/people/craig-a-mcardle/index.html>, University of Bristol Dr Margaritis Voliotis<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/mv286>, University of Exeter Location: University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Exeter EX4 4QJ The SWBio DTP<http://www.bris.ac.uk/swbio/> is one of the 12 Doctoral Training Partnerships funded by the BBSRC to provide PhD training in areas of their strategic relevance. The SWBio DTP is a consortium comprising the Universities of Bristol (lead), Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, and Rothamsted Research. Together, these institutions present a distinctive cadre of bioscience research staff and students with established international, national and regional networks and widely recognised research excellence. The award: There are over 30 (including up to 5 CASE studentships) fully-funded 4 year studentships* available to start in September 2019 across a wide range of biosicence academic disciplines. This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP)<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/swbio/>. Up to 6 fully-funded studentships are being offered to start in September 2019 at the University of Exeter. Project Description: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted from hypothalamic neurones to control secretion of the gonadotropin hormones LH and FSH form the anterior pituitary, and thereby mediates central control of reproduction. It secretes in pulses and its effects are dependent on pulse characteristics (particularly pulse frequency). One of the most important recent discoveries in the field of reproduction is that of the KNDy system. This is a peptidergic neuronal oscillator that drives pulsatile GnRH secretion. It also mediates feedback effects of gonadal steroid hormones that are essential for key reproductive processes such as the timing of puberty and seasonal breeding (i.e. in farm animals) and the fine-tuning of gonadotropin secretion across the ovarian cycle. All of these components (hypothalamic pulse generator/pituitary pulse decoder/gonads) are absolutely essential for human reproduction so it is perhaps not surprising that all three are sites for therapeutic intervention, just as perturbation of any of them can cause infertility in disease states. We are convinced that mathematical and statistical approaches are required to fully understand such a complex system. To this end we have already generated a sophisticated mathematical model of the neuronal oscillator that we have trained on wetlab. data and are now using to explore possible mechanisms for modulation by gonadal steroids. Similarly, we have developed a mathematical model for the decoding of pulse dynamics by pituitary gonadotropes and have used this to explore cell-cell variability in responses to GnRH and its impact on information transfer. We now plan to take a similar approach to modelling effects of gonadotropin hormones on gonadal function, where we will have to introduce population dynamics as an additional feature (i.e. growth of granulosa cells before ovulation and formation of luteal cells thereafter). We then plan to simplify these sub-system models so that the components can be assembled into a meaningful model of the entire hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system. In this project the student will learn: • Mathematical modelling of the hypothalamic pulse generator, the pituitary pulse decoder and the effects of LH and FSH on gonadal cells. • Numerical optimisation by performing parameter fitting and sensitivity analysis using combination of available experimental data sets to parametrise and validate model components. • Simplification of the sub-system models (as informed by sensitivity analysis) and again, training on system wet-lab data. • Computational methods that allow the generation of testable model predictions regarding the reproductive system and its components across the lifespan. Eligibility To be eligible for a fully-funded studentship, you must meet both the academic and residence criteria. For UK/EU nationals who meet the residency requirements outlined by the BBSRC, the studentship will cover funding for 4 years (48 months) as follows. These awards might be available to part-time students, but only in exceptional circumstances. It is recommended you speak to the lead supervisor prior to submitting an application. • a stipend at the standard Research Council UK rate; currently £14,777 per annum for 2018-2019 • research and training costs • tuition fees (at the standard Research Councils UK rate) • additional funds to support fieldwork, conferences and a 3-month internship Please refer to the regulations<http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/779/pdfs/uksi_20070779_en.pdf> or Annex 1 of the Research Council Training Grant Guide<https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/publications/rcuk-training-grant-guide-pd…> to confirm that you meet the residence criteria for a fully-funded studentship. Any further queries in relation to residency must be directed to the institution that you are applying to. Entry requirements Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have Masters degree or have significant relevant non-academic experience. In addition, due to the strong mathematical component of the taught course in the first year and the quantitative emphasis in our projects, a minimum of a grade B in A-level Maths or an equivalent qualification or experience is required. If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.5 in any section by the start of the project. Alternative tests may be acceptable, please see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/language-requirements/profile-c/. Students from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award but no stipend. Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are not eligible for funding. Please refer to the regulations<http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/779/pdfs/uksi_20070779_en.pdf> or Annex 1 of the Research Council Training Grant Guide<https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/publications/rcuk-training-grant-guide-pd…> to confirm that you meet the residence criteria for a fully-funded studentship. The four universities have a very limited number of fully-funded 4 year studentships that EU nationals who do not meet the residency requirements would be eligible for. Please contact us for for more information. How to apply Apply now Please be aware you will be asked to upload the following documents: * CV * Letter of application outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project. Please indicate your preferred project choice if applying for multiple BBSRC SWBio DTP projects. * Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying. * Two academic referees - see information below about references. * If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English (see entry requirements above) The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday, 3 December 2018. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter on 7 and 8 of February 2019. Reference information You will be asked to name 2 referees as part of the application process, however we will not expect receipt of references until the shortlisting stage. Your referees should not be from the prospective supervisory team. If you are shortlisted for interview, please ensure that you two academic referees email their references to the pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>, 7 days prior to the interview dates. Please note that we will not be contacting referees to request references, you must arrange for them to be submitted to us by the deadline. References should be submitted by your referees to us directly in the form of a letter. Referees must email their references to us from their institutional email accounts. We cannot accept references from personal/private email accounts, unless it is a scanned document on institutional headed paper and signed by the referee. If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>. Project-specific queries should be directed to the primary supervisor. Selection process: Please note, the studentship selection process will take place in two stages: 1. The project supervisors will consider your application and may invite you to visit for an informal interview. You can apply for more than one BBSRC SWBio DTP project, although supervisors may take into account your interest and commitment to their particular project. If you apply for multiple projects, please indicate your preferred project choice in your letter of application. Each application for an individual project will be considered separately by the project supervisors. 2. After closure of applications, each supervisory team will then nominate their preferred applicant. A shortlist will be selected from these nominations and shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview on a selection day at the University of Bristol. Please note that nomination by a project supervisor therefore does not guarantee the award of a studentship. Data Protection During the application process, the University may need to make certain disclosures of your personal data to third parties to be able to administer your application, carry out interviews and select candidates. These are not limited to, but may include disclosures to: * the selection panel and/or management board or equivalent of the relevant programme, which is likely to include staff from one or more other HEIs; * administrative staff at one or more other HEIs participating in the relevant programme. Such disclosures will always be kept to the minimum amount of personal data required for the specific purpose. Your sensitive personal data (relating to disability and race/ethnicity) will not be disclosed without your explicit consent. Summary Application deadline: 3rd December 2018 Value: Tuition fees and an annual stipend allowance at Research Council rates, currently £14,777 per year for 2018-19 Duration of award: per year Contact: PGR Recruitment Office pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>

Oct. 22, 2018