- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Conference announcement: "The neuroscience of decision-making"
by Paul Cisek Jan. 28, 2016

Jan. 28, 2016

38th International Symposium of the GRSNC The neuroscience of decision-making May 2-3, 2016 Université de Montréal WEBSITE: <http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/> http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/ PROGRAM: <http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/prog_e.html> http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/prog_e.html REGISTRATION: <http://appl.grsnc.umontreal.ca/en/symposium/38s/registration.cfm> http://appl.grsnc.umontreal.ca/en/symposium/38s/registration.cfm POSTER: <http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/38s_poster.pdf> http://www.grsnc.umontreal.ca/38s/38s_poster.pdf We are pleased to announce the 38th symposium of the Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central (GRSNC) which is entitled "The neurosciences of decision-making". This symposium will be held on May 2-3, 2016 at the Université de Montréal, Pavillon 3200 Jean-Brillant, room B-2245 and the organizers are Drs Paul Cisek (UdeM), Alain Dagher (McGill), Lesley Fellows (McGill), John Kalaska (UdeM) et Peter Shizgal (Concordia). Research on the neural bases of decision-making has experienced a rapid growth in the last 20 years. It addresses a great diversity of questions, ranging from how animals weigh the costs and benefits of different actions to what goes wrong when humans exhibit maladaptive behavior, such as in addiction. In this symposium, we will discuss cutting-edge research on this topic, reviewing the progress that has been made and addressing the central open questions facing this rapidly developing field. In planning the sessions, we have paid particular attention to issues that stretch from the most basic neuroscience all the way to clinical applications. We will highlight converging evidence from the full range of neuroscientific methods applied in this field, considered within a diversity of conceptual frameworks. There will be four sessions of presentations by invited speakers from around the world as well as two contributed poster sessions. The presentations are regrouped in for sessions: * Brain representations of value: Common or multiple (Chairperson: Peter Shizgal) * Encoding and learning values: Neural and computational mechanisms (Chairperson: Alain Dagher) * Decision in the wild (Chairperson: John Kalaska) * Diseases and deviances (Chairperson: Lesley Fellows) Lecturers: Joshua D. Berke, Thomas Boraud, Paul Cisek, Alain Dagher, Peter Dayan, Nathaniel Daw, Lesley Fellows, J. Randall Flanagan, Michael J. Frank, Karl Friston, Hugh Garavan, Paul W. Glimcher, Joseph Kable, Elizabeth A. Murray, Michael L. Platt, David Redish, Michael N. Shadlen, Peter Shizgal, Daphna Shohamy and Jonathan D. Wallis. Submissions are invited for poster presentations. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2016 We would appreciate if you could forward this message to colleagues and students. Manon Dumas for the organizing committee Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central (GRSNC) Université de Montréal Département de neurosciences Pavillon Paul-G.-Desmarais, bureau 4115 Courriel: <mailto:m.dumas@umontreal.ca> m.dumas(a)umontreal.ca Téléphone: (514) 343-6366 Télécopieur: (514) 343-6113

1 0

Research Internship position at Numenta
by Subutai Ahmad Jan. 28, 2016

Jan. 28, 2016

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP POSITION IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING NUMENTA, Inc. About Numenta: Numenta was founded in 2005 and is a leader in the emerging field of machine intelligence. Its biologically inspired technology is based on a detailed and evolving theory of the neocortex first described in co-founder Jeff Hawkins’ book, On Intelligence. The current technology can be applied to anomaly detection in servers and applications, human behavior, and geo-spatial tracking data. Numenta is focused on understanding the computational principles behind the cortex in detail, and implementing practical systems that operate on those principles. NuPIC, Numenta's open source code base, is one of the top three most active machine learning projects on Github. For more details, please see www.numenta.com Job description: The Research Group at Numenta is looking for outstanding MS or PhD students or other research scientists for a paid internship during the Spring, Summer or Fall 2016. We are looking for candidates with expertise in Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience and/or Natural Language Processing. Preference given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: sequence learning, natural language processing, neuron modeling, and computational models of cortex. Numenta's interns will get exposure to all aspects of Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) learning algorithms, participate in leading edge research in computational neuroscience, and get full clearance to publish their work and research source code. The internship commitment is for 3 to 4 months full time (longer appointments up to one year may be possible). We are located in Silicon Valley (Redwood City, CA). What you can expect to learn and how you might contribute: - The challenges of designing and implementing detailed models of cortical function that can be applied to real-world problems - Gain experience solving hard problems in domains such as natural language processing, streaming analytics, sensorimotor inference, and/or reinforcement learning - Participate in designing functional models of Layers 2/3, 4, 5, and 6, thalamocortical circuits, feedback circuits, and sensorimotor processing - Learn how to contribute to a top open source project, and improve your software engineering skills - Obtain a detailed understanding of Hierarchical Temporal Memory Desired qualifications: - Currently enrolled in a PhD program, or a recent PhD graduate, or equivalent research experience - Strong research background in machine learning or machine intelligence - Strong research background in computational neuroscience - Excellent algorithmic problem solving skills, and the ability to implement solutions in Python, C/C++, Java, etc. - Established track record of publications in leading peer reviewed conferences and journals - Excellent programming skills - Working knowledge of HTM algorithms a plus - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work in a team oriented environment - A belief that the best way to build intelligent machines is to understand the cortex How to apply: Qualified applicants should send the following to interns(a)numenta.com: - Cover letter describing their specific interest in Numenta. Please include any relevant experience with HTM algorithms or NuPIC. - Resume or CV, including list of relevant courses and published papers. Numenta is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity. IMPORTANT NOTE: Numenta is unable to consider internship applications from international researchers unless they are US Citizens, hold a Green Card, or are currently enrolled in a US University and eligible for OPT.

1 0

Postdocs integrated into the Human brain Project – specifically data-driven modeling at the subcellular or network levels, or tool development/support
by Jeanette Hällgren Kotaleski Jan. 28, 2016

Jan. 28, 2016

Dear Colleagues, dear all, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, is currently recruiting postdocs to be working within the Human Brain Project. 1) Postdoc/application expert – specifically development of brain modeling tools: Specifically for the current position software applications providing user-friendly interface to cellular-level modelling tools will be developed, supported and used. These will include an optimization framework (for fitting electrical models of neurons to their observed electrical behaviour) and also a morphology pipeline (the tool used to analyse and validate neuron morphologies). More info and how to apply at: https://intra.kth.se/en/anstallning/karriar/karriar-och-kompetensutveckling… 2) Postdoc in computational systems (neuro)biology – specifically synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation: Specifically for the above position data-driven modeling of receptor induced cascades such as GPCR dependent cascades involved in neuromodulation and synaptic signaling will be done. More info and how to apply at: https://intra.kth.se/en/anstallning/karriar/karriar-och-kompetensutveckling… 3) Postdoc in brain simulations - specifically motor control and selection of behaviour: Specifically for the position, modeling of motor control and learning with basal ganglia as important components will be done. The modeling tools are mainly Nest and Neuron. More info and how to apply at: https://intra.kth.se/en/anstallning/karriar/karriar-och-kompetensutveckling… All the best, Jeanette Hellgren Kotaleski Prof, School of Computer Science and Communication, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

2 1

Master in Brain and Cognition focus on Computational Neuroscience
by Ruben Moreno Bote Jan. 28, 2016

Jan. 28, 2016

Master in Brain and Cognition focus on Computational Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain. Call for applicants. 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 (deadline is 26th of June 2016). 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 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 https://www.upf.edu/mbc/who_are_we2.html . 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 mbc(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 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Professor Dept. of Information and Communication Technologies University Pompeu Fabra La Nau building, office 51017 08018 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

1 0

Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School, in Shanghai
by Murray, John Jan. 28, 2016

Jan. 28, 2016

We are pleased to announce the 6th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) Summer School which will take place July 9-27, 2016, on the campus of NYU-Shanghai in Shanghai, China. Designed to emphasize higher cognitive functions and their underlying neural circuit mechanisms, the course aims at training talented and highly motivated students and postdoctoral fellows from Asia and other countries in the world. Applicants with quantitative (including Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science) or experimental background are welcomed. The lectures will introduce the basic concepts and methods, as well as cutting-edge research on higher brain functions such as decision-making, attention, learning and memory. Modeling will be taught at multiple levels, ranging from single neuron computation, microcircuits and large-scale systems, to normative theoretical approach. Python-based programming labs coordinated with the lectures will provide practical training in important computational methods. Course information is available on the CCN official website: www.ccnss.org<http://www.ccnss.org> Applications are being accepted now through the Cold Spring Harbor Asia website: http://www.csh-asia.org/2016meetings/s-cosyne16.html The application deadline is March 15. Organizers: - Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University) - Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) - Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) - Eric DeWitt (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) - John D. Murray (Yale University) Lecturers: - Yang Dan (University of California, Berkeley) - Gustavo Deco (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) - Stanislas Dehaene (College de France) - Bob Desimone (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) - Michael Hausser (University College London) - Quentin Huys (University of Zurich) - Razvan Pascanu (Google) - Philip Sabes (University of California, San Francisco) - Mariano Sigman (Universidad Torcuato Di Tella) - Mike Shadlen (Columbia University) - Misha Tsodyks (Weizmann Institute) - Daniel Yamins (Stanford University) Feel free to direct any questions to: john.murray(a)yale.edu<mailto:john.murray@yale.edu>

1 0

Postdoctoral research position at the University of Houston
by Kresimir Josic Jan. 27, 2016

Jan. 27, 2016

We are looking for a postdoctoral associate with a background in applied mathematics and/or computational neuroscience. The successful applicant will work with Krešimir Josić at the University of Houston and Zack Kilpatrick at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The goal of the project is to use linear response theory and its extensions to predict how patterns of activity and structure of neuronal networks co-evolve. This is a collaborative project with Brent Doiron (Pitt) and Eric Shea-Brown (UW, Seattle). This position is expected to run September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2018. Interested applicants can apply online at at the University of Houston jobs website: https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856 <https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856> Please contact Krešimir Josić (josic(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:josic@math.uh.edu>) or Zack Kilpatrick (zpkilpat(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:zpkilpat@math.uh.edu>) if you have any questions. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

1 0

4th Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2016)
by Daniel Wójcik Jan. 27, 2016

Jan. 27, 2016

4th Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2016) Understanding neurons, cognition and behavior through neuroinformatics Place: Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, and Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland Time: June 15-18, 2016 More information and applications at http://bit.do/bnni2016 Important dates: 21 February 2016 Application deadline 13 March 2016 Acceptance notification 15-18 June 2016 Summer School We invite advanced master students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers to participate in the BNNI 2016 to be held at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology and the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw. The course is interdisciplinary and covers modeling at different levels of organization of the brain, analysis of neural data, brain atlases, and other aspects of neuroinformatics. The course combines lectures, tutorials and computer exercises. This summer school is the fourth in the series of the Baltic-Nordic Courses on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2013 in Kaunas, BNNI 2014 in Tampere, BNNI 2015 in Tartu). The target audience of the course will be advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in natural and life sciences, from physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, informatics and information technology, to biology, medicine, and psychology, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Some experience with programming and quantitative reasoning as well as strong interest in computational and mathematical modeling of the brain are required to benefit from the school. Faculty includes Piotr Durka, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway Bruce Graham, University of Stirling, United Kingdom Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University of Technology, Finland Szymon Łęski, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland Arnd Roth, University College London, UK Ausra Saudargiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania Eleni Vasilaki, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom Daniel Wójcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland Jarosław Żygierewicz, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Venue The lectures will be held at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the computer classes in the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw. The two buildings are next to each other, they are located at the center of Ochota campus, encompassing a number of university departments and research institutes. Practical arrangements There is a small tuition fee of 100 euros. The organizers will provide teaching, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses as well as lodging. Small financial support is available for those without funding. Inexpensive lodging for all the students will be organized. The course is supported by the IBRO-PERC committee, University of Warsaw, and the Nencki Institute We are looking forward to welcome you at the BNNI 2016 in Warsaw, Poland! -- Prof. Daniel K. Wojcik Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Head PhD Studies, Head Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology 3 Pasteur St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland tel: (+48 22) 5892348 fax: (+48 22) 8225342 skype: danek8317 http://dwojcik.pl/ http://neuroinflab.wordpress.com/ http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0812-9872

1 0

Announcement of job opening: Scientist (postdoctoral) position on analysis of Electron Microscopy datasets
by Nuno da Costa Jan. 26, 2016

Jan. 26, 2016

Dear Sir/Madam I would like to announce the following job opening in computational neuroscience mailing list POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a neuroscientist to lead the effort in image processing , reconstruction and analysis of large scale Electron Microscopy datasets. The scientist will be an essential member of the Neural Coding team studying the relationship between neural circuits and neural dynamics by combining in vivo functional imaging with ex vivo state of the art Electron Microscopy. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES · Collaborate with others to develop a scalable and high throughput image processing pipeline for peta-scale Electron Microscopy datasets. · Collaborate with others to develop a workflow for morphological reconstruction of Electron Microscopy datasets. · Work closely with a team of anatomists, physiologists, theoreticians and modelers to analyze and interpret the relationship between structure and function in cortical networks. · Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS · PhD in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Physics, Biology or related scientific field. (Required) · Excellent programming skills (Required) · A strong interest in understanding neuroanatomy and functional connectivity. (Required) · Experience with large scale datasets. (Preferred) · Experience with Electron Microscopy. (Preferred) Many thanks Nuno Nuno Macarico da Costa Assistant Investigator T: 206.548.8437 [cid:5047F5CE-4C9A-45E6-A13D-A46F96F5F6E6] www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/>

1 0

Sense 2 Synapse Conference, Saturday April 16, The Rockefeller University, New York City
by Christoph Kirst Jan. 26, 2016

Jan. 26, 2016

Dear all, *Sense 2 Synapse* is back and is going to be held on *Saturday, April 16* at *The Rockefeller University,**New York City*, Carson Family Auditorium this year Our confirmed keynote speakers are: *Jeffrey Holt (Harvard University) Vanessa Ruta (Rockefeller University) Anthony Zador (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) Mike Shadlen (Columbia University)* Sense to Synapse is an annual conference for scientists working on the biology of sensory transduction, subsequent neural processing and perception. Primary target audience are scientists from New York-tristate area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), but the event is open to everyone interested in sensory systems. Please save the date; registration will open soon on sense2synapse.com <http://sense2synapse.com>. Give a short talk, present a poster, or just come to network with other scientists. As usual we will have great food, coffee and science. Information on last years event can be found here: http://sense2synapse.com/html/about.html. We hope to see you there! Christoph Krist Tobias Bartsch Gonzalo Otazu (Organizing committee S2S 2016)

1 0

Re: [Comp-neuro] Postdoctoral Position using High-Density Electrophysiology in Behaving Primates
by Nicho Jan. 26, 2016

Jan. 26, 2016

*Postdoctoral Position in Multi-Electrode Cortical Recording and Stimulation in Behaving Primates* A postdoctoral position is available in 2016 to investigate the neural basis of visuo-motor behavior.This project involves high density multi-electrode array recordings and stimulation from motor and premotor cortical sites in monkeys performing complex reaching and grasping movements.Experiments seek to investigate spatio-temporal patterning in single unit and local field potential activity that encodes different aspects of these movements.These experiments also seek to develop decoding algorithms for possible application in brain-machine interfaces.Facilities include a fully equipped electrophysiological laboratory with three 128-channel acquisition systems, a two-link exoskeletal robot, and a camera-based, motion capture system.Expertise in multi-electrode, behavioral electrophysiology is preferred.A strong mathematical, computational, or engineering background is also desirable.Applicants should send a CV and names and addresses of two or three references to Dr. Nicholas Hatsopoulos, Department of Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago, 1027 East 57^th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 or by e-mail to nicho(a)uchicago.edu <mailto:nicho@uchicago.edu>.

1 0