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Special issue "An ecological perspective on decision-making"
by Davidson, Jacob Jan. 26, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Hi Everyone, I want to let you know about a special issue I am co-editing, in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution: An Ecological Perspective on Decision-Making: Empirical and Theoretical Studies in Natural and Natural-Like Environments<https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/7283/an-ecological-perspective-…> Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2018 Feel free to email me if you have questions and/or think about submitting something. Call for papers This Research Topic aims to connect quantitative behavioral analysis, individual cognition and decision-making, and neural-inspired models, with ecologically-relevant behavior such as foraging, nest and mate choice, predator avoidance, social interactions, and migration. Behavior is influenced by many factors in a dynamic environment. In contrast, laboratory tasks are often designed to eliminate parameters that could influence behavior, to generate data that fit existing models. Challenges in observing and quantifying behavior in natural situations have made it difficult to develop associated theoretical models, and to relate decision mechanisms to ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. However, recent advances in data acquisition technology, computer vision, behavioral modeling, and machine learning are changing this, by facilitating the collection and efficient processing of large amounts of data to extract relevant behavior and environmental details. New theoretical tools and methods are needed to analyze and model such data and to understand animal behavior in complex, ecologically relevant settings. This topic invites submissions that use theory and experiment to investigate behavioral choices relevant to an animal’s natural environment, and to link levels of organization of behavioral processes, from the neurobiological to individual to group and system-level. To understand how natural selection has shaped animal behavior and decision-making, it is crucial to link behavior in ecologically-relevant tasks with both the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and the environmental context. Decision making has been a major focus in the systems and cognitive neuroscience community because it bridges sensory, motor, and executive functions. Important advances have been made in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of decision-making, using neuronal recordings of animals as they engage in laboratory tasks such as the two-alternative forced choice task, and stochastic modeling of the decision processes. However, the day-to-day decisions made by an animal can be quite different from those made in idealized lab conditions. Choices are often made sequentially ("stay-or-go") instead of between simultaneous alternatives. Behavioral responses tend to be specific to a particular environmental context. Because the outcome of behavior influences an animal's survival and reproduction, evolution shapes behavior to perform in an animal's natural environment. Thus many decision strategies can only be understood in a particular ecological context. For example, context- or state-dependent decisions may be an appropriate strategy in a changing and uncertain environment, but are sub-optimal in a static context. Moreover, since decisions are constrained by an individual's underlying neurobiological circuitry and cognitive abilities, some decision-making mechanisms are the result of evolutionary history, conserved across different species. This interdisciplinary Research Topic aims to connect theorists and experimentalists studying decision-making in ecologically-relevant contexts. This work spans the fields of ecology, neuroscience, psychology, animal behavior, behavioral economics, computer science, mathematics and physics. Topics include, but are not limited to, foraging, habitat and mate choice, social relationships, perception-based decision modeling, quantitative behavioral analysis, and evolutionary studies. Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, and studies that combine both are especially encouraged. Cheers, Jacob -- Dr. Jacob Davidson Postdoctoral researcher Department Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute for Ornithology jdavidson(a)orn.mpg.de<mailto:jdavidson@orn.mpg.de>

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Master in Brain and Cognition, Barcelona, Spain
by Ruben Moreno Bote Jan. 25, 2018

Jan. 25, 2018

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period (final deadline is June 2018). The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) In this email, we emphasize the possibility of participation of outstanding candidates with strong quantitative background, such as physics, mathematics or machine learning eager to learn about computational and cognitive neuroscience. Candidates with these backgrounds could perform research activity with the following experts in computational neuroscience: Gustavo Deco (http://cns.upf.edu/) Albert Compte (http://complab.fcrb.es/complab/pres) Rubén Moreno-Bote (https://portal.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) Overall, the groups participating at the Master are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition http://cbc.upf.edu/node/498 Students will be exposed to the ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact masters.dtic(a)upf.edu for further information. Scientific-related questions such as fit of quantitative backgrounds can be consulted to Rubén Moreno-Bote, ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Best, Rubén -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella, Building 24, office 331 Ramon Trias Fargas, 24-27 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

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Scientist I/II in modeling visual behavior in mice at Allen Institute
by Stefan Mihalas Jan. 25, 2018

Jan. 25, 2018

We are seeking to fill a position at the level of Scientist to work on computational and neuronal models of visually guided behavior. We use mouse vision as a model system. The Allen Institute for Brain Science is engaged in a major effort to quantitatively characterize the choices, states and neuronal activity during a set of visually guided behaviors. This position will focus on constructing simple models of behavior and neuronal activity, focused on understanding the computations implemented by the visual circuits. In addition, this position will also participate in team efforts of data analysis of both the behavioral and neuronal measurements. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Construct models of computations during a visually guided behavior. * Analyze how activities in the simulated networks related to the observed ones. * Participate in team efforts to analyze behavioral data. * Interact with groups performing simulations at other levels of resolution and with experimental groups. * Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor and team members. * Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS * PhD degree in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics or related field. * Strong background in scientific computing is required. * Strong publication record. * Strong background in scientific computing is required. * Experience in computational neuroscience is preferred. SCIENTIST I: 0-2 years postdoctoral experience in computational science SCIENTIST II: 3+ years postdoctoral experience in computational science PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Ability to meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment. * Proven independent thinking and flexibility. * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Experience in pursuing research projects in collaborative fashion. Our mission at the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. By implementing a team science approach on a large scale, we strive to generate useful public resources, drive technological innovations and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory. Stefan Mihalas Assistant Investigator Allen Institute for Brain Science www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/> Affiliate Assistant Professor Department of Applied Mathematics University of Washington Shawn Olsen Assistant Investigator Allen Institute for Brain Science www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/> Affiliate Assistant Professor Physiology and Biophysics University of Washington

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BGSMath Postdoctoral position on Dynamical Systems/Mathematical Neuroscience
by Toni Guillamon Jan. 24, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

The Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics has opened a call forone *“Banco de Santander – María de Maetzu” postdoctoral position* to work on *Dynamical Systems*. In particular, applications within *Mathematical Neuroscience* are very welcome. If the application is successful, the applicant will be hosted by the group on Mathematical Neuroscience at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), see https://mat-web.upc.edu/people/antoni.guillamon/Team/MathNeuroAtUPC.html. All the information about this position can be found at https://bgsmath.cat/event/bgsmath-banco-de-santander-postdoctoral-call-2017/ (see also an excerpt below). Please note that the deadline is *January 31st*. Interested applicants, please contact Toni Guillamon at antoni.guillamon(a)upc.edu. Best wishes, Toni Guillamon ***************************************************** Description Duration: Two-year position (full-time; 37.5 hour working week). Expected starting date is 1 September 2018. Gross salary: 26,250 euros/year. Research funds: Up to 2,000 euros/year. Medical insurance: Medical coverage for fellow and family through Spanish public health system. Requirements * PhD obtained between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. The official date of the degree is considered to be the defense and approval date of the PhD thesis. * In the case of applicants with disabilities, the PhD degree could have been obtained between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. * Career breaks will be taken into account to extend the lower date limit for obtaining the PhD degree. The career breaks can be due to family care or sick leave. These breaks should have taken place between 1 January 2012 and 17 January 2018 (as stated in article 74.3.b of BOE of 7 December 2017). * A minimum of 1 year of research work experience as PhD or postdoc outside BGSMath.

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Reminder: Upcoming Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces
by Ulrich G. Hofmann Jan. 24, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

Dear colleagues, as the number of participants is limited and the conference is filling up fast, do not forget to apply in time for the Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces: Beyond Feasibility - Bridging the Gap in Neuroelectronic Interfaces. (https://www.grc.org/neuroelectronic-interfaces-conference/2018/ <https://www.grc.org/neuroelectronic-interfaces-conference/2018/>) from March 25th to 30th at the Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX. The conference is dedicated with very high profile speakers and open, off-the-record discussions to tackle the reported inability of penetrating brain implants to consistently record high quality neural signals over clinically relevant time frames. Looking forward to see you there! uli hofmann Ulrich G. Hofmann, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil., Peter-Osypka-Professor Chair Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces March 25-30 2018, Galveston TX http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=17731 Medical Center -University of Freiburg Department of Neurosurgery Section for Neuroelectronic Systems Engesserstr. 4, 79108 Freiburg, Germany

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Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2018: submission deadline next week
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 24, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2018 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 25 to July 12, 2018 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 25th through July 12th, 2018 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 1 - February 3, 2018. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, the 15th OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and provides partial travel support. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Maxim Bazhenov (University of California San Diego, USA) • Michael Brecht (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Germany) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Shaul Druckmann (Janelia Research Campus, USA) • Karl Friston (Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL, UK) • Wulfram Gerstner (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland) • Michele Giugliano (University of Antwerp, Belgium) • Mitsuo Kawato (ATR, Japan) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Kazuhisa Shibata (Nagoya University, Japan) • Olaf Sporns (Indiana University, USA) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Tatjana Tchumatchenko (MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany) • Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (University of Exeter, UK) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST)

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PhD position for classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking in the context of a training task.
by Yannick Roy Jan. 24, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

PhD position for classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking in the context of a training task. Description: Faubert Lab is looking for a PhD student to work on the detection and classification of affective states with EEG and eye tracking data during pilot training tasks. The PhD student will explore both online and offline solutions as well as traditional machine learning and novel deep learning approaches. The classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking is one component of a bigger project and, therefore, the PhD student will work with other PhD and master students all responsible for different aspects of the project. Requirements: Faubert Lab expertise is in vision and perception and we are looking for someone with programming skills coming from a technical background such as engineering or computer science. Preferably with experience in machine learning and/or deep learning. Working conditions: This project is part of an NSERC industrial collaborative research and development grant with CAE, a world leader in flight simulation and training. This is a fully funded position: $21k / year for 3 years. Please send a curriculum vitae and a letter outlining research experience and career goals to faubertlab [at] opto.umontreal.ca For more information on Faubert Lab (University of Montreal), please visit http://faubertlab.com/ We thank all applicants for applying for this position, but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. -Yannick PhD Student, Faubert Lab University of Montreal

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COSYNE 2018: Registration, Hotels, Cosyne tutorial session
by Tomas Hromadka Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

==================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience 2018 (Cosyne) MAIN MEETING 01 - 04 March 2018 Denver, Colorado WORKSHOPS 05 - 06 March 2018 Breckenridge, Colorado www.cosyne.org ==================================================== ---------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION AND HOTELS ---------------------------------------------------- Online registration for Cosyne is currently open. Please note that presenting authors must register for the main meeting by 31 January 2018. Early online registration deadline 06 February 2018, 2017, 11.59PM EST Hotel booking for Cosyne is currently open. Please note that deadlines for reduced hotel rates are fast approaching. For more detailed information on Cosyne registration and accommodation, please visit Cosyne.org -> Registration and Cosyne.org -> Hotels. ---------------------------------------------------- TRAVEL DISCOUNTS ---------------------------------------------------- For details on discounts for various travel options to and from Cosyne 2018, please visit Cosyne.org -> Transportation. ---------------------------------------------------- COSYNE TUTORIAL SESSION ---------------------------------------------------- This year, Cosyne is hosting its first tutorial session, sponsored by the Simons Foundation. The tutorial on "Statistical models for neural data: from GLMs to latent variables" will be given by Jonathan Pillow on 01 March 2018, before the main meeting starts. Space is limited. You can register for the tutorial when registering for the main meeting. For details on the tutorial and registration, see Cosyne.org -> Tutorial and Cosyne.org -> Registration. ---------------------------------------------------- COSYNE ---------------------------------------------------- The annual Cosyne meeting provides an inclusive forum for the exchange of empirical and theoretical approaches to problems in systems neuroscience, in order to understand how neural systems function. The MAIN MEETING is single-track. A set of invited talks is selected by the Executive Committee, and additional talks and posters are selected by the Program Committee, based on submitted abstracts. The WORKSHOPS feature in-depth discussion of current topics of interest, in a small group setting. For details on workshop proposals please see below or visit Cosyne.org -> Workshops. Cosyne topics include but are not limited to: neural coding, natural scene statistics, dendritic computation, neural basis of persistent activity, nonlinear receptive field mapping, representations of time and sequence, reward systems, decision-making, synaptic plasticity, map formation and plasticity, population coding, attention, and computation with spiking networks. We would like to foster increased participation from experimental groups as well as computational ones. Please circulate widely and encourage your students and postdocs to apply. COSYNE SPEAKERS Tim Behrens (Oxford) Josh Berke (UCSF) Tiago Branco (UCL) Jessica Cardin (Yale) Claudia Clopath (Imperial) Marlene Cohen (Pittsburgh) Iain Couzin (Max-Planck) Carina Curto (Penn State) Ann Graybiel (MIT) Vivek Jayaraman (Janelia) Mate Lengyel (Cambridge) Joni Wallis (Berkeley) Byron Yu (CMU) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chairs: Ilana Witten (Princeton) and Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Program Chairs: Linda Wilbrecht (Berkeley) and Brent Doiron (U Pittsburgh) Workshop Chairs: Laura Busse (LMU) and Ralf Haefner (U Rochester) Undergraduate Travel Chairs: Angela Langdon (Princeton) and Robert Wilson (U Arizona) Publicity Chair: Il Memming Park (Stony Brook) Development Chair: Michael Long (NYU) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Stephanie Palmer (U Chicago) Zachary Mainen (Champalimaud) Alexandre Pouget (U Geneva) Anthony Zador (CSHL) CONTACT meeting [at] cosyne.org COSYNE MAILING LISTS Please consider adding yourself to Cosyne mailing lists (groups) to receive email updates with various Cosyne-related information and join in helpful discussions. See Cosyne.org -> Mailing lists for details.

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Postdoc at Harvard (Drugowitsch Lab) in computational neuroscience
by Jan Drugowitsch Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Start: April 2018 or after We are looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational and systems neuroscience in the group of Jan Drugowitsch - Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School (http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/people/faculty/jan-drugowitsch) The group works on questions of decision-making and navigation under uncertainty, ranging from the level of neural populations to that of behavior. In the short term, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to design and analyze behavioral and neural models of decision-making that are gauged against data from human subjects, collected by the laboratory of Dr. Wyart at École Normale Supérieure, Paris. In the long term, close interaction and collaboration with other members of the department is anticipated. Candidates should have a strong analytical background, such as in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or related, and feature an interest in the role of computation in neural populations and in theoretical neuroscience in general. Experience or familiarity with related machine-learning fields is also desirable. Previous experience should include sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations, Bayesian methods, and expertise in the analysis of dynamical systems. The position starts in or after April 2018, and is funded for several years, with an initial one-year appointment and expectation of extension given satisfactory performance. Salary depends on experience and is at levels above the NIH scale. Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter, CV, and publication list to jan_drugowitsch(a)hms.harvard.edu. Furthermore, candidates should organize two letters of reference, to be sent to the same e-mail address. The position is open until filled. Dr. Drugowitsch will be available at the Computational and Systems Neuroscience Conference (Cosyne), to take place March 1-6, for questions and further information about the opening. Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jan Drugowitsch Assistant Professor in Neurobiology Harvard Medical School https://drugowitschlab.hms.harvard.edu/

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postdoc in depression DBS at Georgia Tech
by Christopher Rozell Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

A postdoc position at the intersection of computational neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry and data analysis is available working jointly with the labs of Christopher Rozell and Robert Butera at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA). This BRAIN Initiative research project seeks to develop electrophysiological biomarkers to characterize disease progression and optimize deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression. This clinically-focused project (clinical lead is Dr. Helen Mayberg) is a collaboration with Emory University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai that is providing access to one-of-a-kind human electrophysiology data recorded by implanted DBS devices *during therapy* in an experimental trial. The role of our computational team is to develop analysis and modeling approaches to identify electrophysiological signatures that correlate with treatment response and optimize stimulation parameters. This is an opportunity to work on a challenging scientific problem with real impact on a sick patient population. Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline with a strong research record. Experience in advanced techniques for analyzing time-series data (e.g., signal processing and machine learning) is desirable, additional experience in computational neuroscience modeling and working with neurophysiology data is helpful . The labs are committed to the professional development of the members, making it valuable preparation for people who are interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. The ideal start date is May 2018. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Georgia Tech has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. Georgia Tech's campus in the heart of midtown Atlanta, which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas (and entrepreneurial communities) in the United States. Atlanta boasts a wide range of opportunities for recreation, culture, and easy access to domestic and international transportation. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to christopher.thomas(a)ece.gatech.edu with the subject line "Neuro DBS postdoc". Application review will proceed until the position is filled and should be received by February 19, 2018 for full consideration.

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