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Register for ENCODS 2018 - European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students - Deadline January 31st

by Organizers ENCODS2018

We are pleased to invite you to: *ENCODS 2018* (European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students) Berlin, Germany, 5-6 July 2018 We are a conference organised for and by doctoral students and a partner of FENS (Federation of European Neuroscience Societies). We aim to increase scientific exchange by bringing together young researchers, established scientists and visionaries. This new edition of ENCODS 2018 in Berlin, Germany, is designed to move beyond the sometimes rigid speaker-audience concept by including a wide range of original activities to create a dynamic environment for blossoming of ideas and networking among scientists. What? ENCODS – the European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students When? 5th-6th July 2018, the days preceding the FENS Forum Where? Berlin, Germany Who? Doctoral students from every discipline within the field of neuroscience How? Register for ENCODS 2018 at http://www.fens.org/Training/ENCODS/ENCODS2018/Registration-Information/ Please note that registration is open until the *31st January 2018*. Registration fee waivers and travel grants are available, pending availability and application approval. Why? * Exciting talks: - Big neuroscience projects: Nancy Ip, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Novel methods in neuroscience: Thomas Knöpfel, Imperial College London - Science and industry: Sakyasingha Dasgupta, Ascent Robotics, Inc. Japan - The future of health: Elisabeth Binder, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich * 16 selected student talks * Engaging workshops: - Open science, Bianca Kramer and Jeroen Bosman, Utrecht University Library, Netherlands - The publication process, Paul Bolam, University of Oxford, UK - Experimental design, Chris Hartgerink, Tilburg University, Netherlands - Presentation skills, Anna Elena Pepe, Phoebus coaching, UK * An afternoon of Unconference, a participant-driven space for open discussion * Science & Society session: Methods of an embodied mind (supported by the Schering Stiftung, Berlin) For more information and registration, visit: http://www.fens.org/Training/ENCODS/ENCODS2018/

Jan. 23, 2018

Postdoc position in Deep Learning and Animal Behavior modellig

by david robbe

Dear Colleagues, The Turing Centre for Living Systems in Marseille seeks applicants for a postdoc position in computational neuroscience/robotics under the joint supervision of David Robbe and Christophe Eloy. Project abstract – The goal of this project is to understand, at an algorithmic level, how animals learn to develop adaptative behavior by trial-and-error interaction with their environment. We propose an interdisciplinary approach combining behavioral experiments in rats and the development of an «artificial» agent facing challenges similar to those experienced by the rats. The experimental data (already available) show that rats challenged in a time estimation task converged progressively toward a conserved embodied strategy (Rueda-Orozco and Robbe, Nature Neuroscience, 2015). Key determinants of that strategy have been isolated experimentally, by altering task rules and environment and quantifying how these alterations affect animal performance. The core of the artificial agent will be a reinforcement-learning algorithm, which will be trained through virtual experiments simulating the time estimation task. A first objective will be to parametrize algorithms such that they solve this time estimation task and to compare artificial and natural (rat) strategies. The artificial double will eventually be complemented by a robot embodying the learning algorithm. Assessment of algorithmic predictions and possible biological implementation will be tested in new experiments in which the impact of alterations of key task parameters and brain activity on animals performance will be measured. This back and forth interaction between experiments and theory will provide us with new understandings of the mechanisms underlying adaptative motor learning. Expected profile – The main task of the project will be to develop reinforcement learning algorithms and therefore we expect the candidates to have a solid background in machine learning. Since one of the objective is to build simple robots, knowledge in robotics would be an asset. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with experimentalists and robotic engineers. We are therefore looking for an enthusiastic applicant with excellent communication skills and a track record in interdisciplinary collaborative environments. Supervisors David Robbe - Inmed, UMR 1249 - The neural bases of sensorimotor learning <http://www.inmed.fr/en/en-avenir-dynamiques-neuronales-et-fonctions-des-gan…> Christophe Eloy - IRPHE, UMR 7342 - Biomechanics, aerodynamics, soft matter and biophysics <https://www.irphe.fr/%7Eeloy/> Deadline for application: 28th February Information and submission: http://centuri-livingsystems.org/recruitment-pd2018-10/ -- David Robbe, PhD Neuronal dynamics and functions of the basal ganglia Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED) INSERM-UMR901 163, avenue de Luminy. BP13 13273 Marseille Cedex 9 France http://www.inmed.fr/avenir-dynamiques-neuronales-et-fonctions-des-ganglions… Tel: +33 4 91 82 81 99 Fax: +33 4 91 82 81 05 "It is disturbingly common for studies to include behavior as simply a hasty add-on in papers that are otherwise crammed full of multiple techniques, types of results, and even species. It is as if every paper needs to be a methodological decathlon in order to be considered important." Krakauer et al., Neuron 2017

Jan. 23, 2018

PhD Position -- Neural Circuits, Space and Memory

by Andrea Burgalossi

The lab of Andrea Burgalossi at the Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) in Tübingen is looking for a PhD student in IN-VIVO ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, SPATIAL NAVIGATION AND MEMORY (IN RODENTS) Our research focuses on the cellular basis of spatial coding in the cortico-hippocampal circuit. We employ state-of-the-art electrophysiology techniques for monitoring the activity of identified neurons in freely-behaving rodents (rats and mice). Possible projects involve the use of juxtacellular and/or extracellular recordings -in combination with optogenetics and viral-tracing methods- for recording and manipulating anatomically-defined cell types while mice perform memory tasks in ‘virtual’ or ‘real’ environments. The projects are aimed at dissecting the contribution of distinct cell types to the neural representation of space, to spatial navigation and memory functions. The candidate is required to have a strong quantitative/computational background (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, etc…) and excellent programming skills in MATLAB. Previous experience in electrophysiology (especially tetrode recordings) and the analysis of neural data are desirable, but not essential. Applications contaning CV and names of at least two referees should be addressed to Andrea Burgalossi (ANDREA.BURGALOSSI(a)CIN.UNI-TUEBINGEN.DE) Projects are related to these recent publications: Tang, Brecht and Burgalossi, /Nature Protocols/ (2014) 9:2369-81 Diamantaki et al., /Current Biology/ (2016) 26:536-41 Preston-Ferrer et al. /eLife/ (2016) pii: e14592 Diamantaki et al., /eLife/ (2016) pii: e20252 -- Andrea Burgalossi, PhD Cellular and Synaptic Basis of Behaviour Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) Otfried-Müller-Straße 25 72076 Tübingen Tel: +49-(0)7071-29-88797 Fax: +49-(0)7071-29-25006 Lab web: www.burgalossilab.com CIN web: www.cin.uni-tuebingen.de

Jan. 21, 2018

Postdoctoral Position: Neural Data Analyses

by Fellous, Jean-Marc - (fellous)

The Computational and Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (CENL, University of Arizona, Tucson) is looking for a postdoctoral fellow in Neural Data Analyses. The candidate will have access to a large database of rodent electrophysiological data (LFP, tetrodes) pertaining to 1) sleep and memory consolidation, and 2) spatial navigation in complex environments. The ideal candidate should have a strong quantitative and programming background (Matlab) and be a creative thinker able to produce new and original data visualizations and analyses. The candidate will be able to participate in experiments if desired. The project is multi-disciplinary and involves collaborations with the Univ. of South Florida, the Univ. California San Diego, The Salk Institute and Harvard Univ. Good communication skills are required. Applicant should send a cover letter (email is ok), a CV and the names/contact information of at least 2 references to Dr. Jean-Marc Fellous (fellous at email.arizona.edu) The search is ongoing and is projected to be completed by March 30th, 2018. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. More information about the laboratory can be found at: http://amygdala.psychdept.arizona.edu/lab.html The CENL and the University of Arizona are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Jan. 21, 2018

Job Posting: Application Scientist at MaxWell Biosystems

by Frey Urs

Dear Colleagues, MaxWell Biosystems is seeking a permanent, full-time e-phys and MEA expert as an Application Scientist. MaxWell Biosystems is a spin-off company of ETH Zurich, Switzerland, commercializing high-resolution microelectrode array technology. Our platform helps customers in pharmaceutical industry, biotech and neuroscience to make their drug discovery and research more efficient. Place of work is Basel, Switzerland. Send your cover letter and CV to hr(a)mxwbio.com<mailto:hr@mxwbio.com> Job description Be it in pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations or academia, all our existing and prospective customers have a scientific background. To support them and to develop novel assays using microelectrode array (MEA) technology, we are seeking a highly motivated neuroscientist and MEA expert. Your Responsibilities * Support our customers solve their research problems using our high-resolution MEAs * Actively identify, approach and communicate with prospective customers * Conduct demos and installations worldwide * Represent MaxWell Biosystems at scientific conferences, trade shows and collaborative meetings worldwide * Develop novel assays and applications using our high-resolution MEAs * Produce scientific marketing material for our website, blogs, application notes, etc. * Co-write scientific grant applications * Consolidate the market requirements and provide input to product development * Since we are a very young startup, we expect active participation in all sales and support related aspects * Work in a multidisciplinary environment Your Profile * PhD degree in neuroscience, biology, neuroengineering or related fields * Expert in electrophysiology and working experience with MEAs * Good programming skills Matlab and Python * Proven scientific track record in relevant fields * Ability and willingness to travel regularly and worldwide * Experience in spike sorting is a plus * Knowledgeable in induced-pluripotent-stem-cell technology is a plus * Fluent English language skills, other languages are a plus Are you motivated, innovative and committed to delivering first-rate performance? Have you ever wanted to work with cutting-edge technology involving both engineering and biology? Do you enjoy working in an international, multidisciplinary, and interactive team? Then we might have a position for you. Join MaxWell Biosystems in innovating the future of electrophysiology for drug discovery and basic research. We are looking forward to receiving your application documents (cover letter, resume, letter of recommendation and degrees including transcripts) by email at hr(a)mxwbio.com<mailto:hr@mxwbio.com>. -- Dr. Urs Frey | MaxWell Biosystems AG | Mattenstrasse 26 | CH-4058 Basel | Switzerland | www.mxwbio.com<http://www.mxwbio.com>

Jan. 21, 2018

Senior Research Associate – University of Bristol, UK

by Jeffrey Bowers

Senior Research Associate – University of Bristol, UK. This five year ERC-funded project entitled “Generalisation in Mind and Machine” explores how well neural networks support human-like generalisation across a range of tasks. Over the course of the grant there will be four post-doctoral fellows involved in modelling, one research assistant involved in empirical work, and two PhD students. This is one of three modelling posts that runs for three years. I am looking to hire someone with a PhD in computer science or cognitive psychology (or related field) who has experience working with neural networks. In contrast with the large community of researchers focused on improving the performance of deep networks for applied reasons, the goal of this project is to explore what neural networks tell us about how the brain works. More specifically, the team will be working on questions of generalisation in the domains of object identification, word identification, short-term memory, and games, amongst other areas. This research is related to my previous and ongoing research that explores why and when artificial neural networks learn localist "grandmother cell" representations with the goal to better understand why some neurons respond to high-level information in a highly selective manner. You can find more information about my research and download papers at: https://jeffbowers.blogs.ilrt.org/research/ This post is available from 1st May 2018 (but somewhat flexible about start date) and the closing date for applications is Thursday 15th March 2018. For informal enquiries please contact Professor Jeffrey Bowers - J.Bowers at bristol.ac.uk<https://mailman.srv.cs.cmu.edu/mailman/listinfo/connectionists><mailto:J.Bowers at bristol.ac.uk<https://mailman.srv.cs.cmu.edu/mailman/listinfo/connectionists>>. For more information and to apply, please visit: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BHB793/erc-senior-research-associate

Jan. 21, 2018

CFP- Special issue on Robots and Smart Environments

by Amir Aly

*Cognitive Systems Research (CSR) Journal* CALL FOR PAPERS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are happy to call for papers for the journal special issue: "*Social Cognitive Systems in Smart Environments: Approaches for Learning, Reasoning, and Adaptation*" *Webpage: **https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/call-for-papers/special-issue-social-cognitive-systems-in-smart-environment <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/call-for-paper…> * <http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/hai2017_workshop/> *I. Aim and Scope * A “smart” environment incorporates intelligent systems (e.g., smart home, smart factory, smart city, smart car etc.) employing heterogeneous devices, such as: sensors, actuators, cameras, networks, and screens. Within such a smart environment, autonomous agents can take on an important mediating role between human users and the environment. This is particularly true if high-level cognitive functions and computational intelligence are employed to handle the uncertainty of the complex environment so as to allow agents to act appropriately within different contexts of interaction. Using robotic systems in smart environments opens the door to several socio-cognitive applications, such as: reducing cognitive load for individuals interacting with a smart environment, assisting the elderly and people with cognitive disabilities in mobility and daily tasks (which requires robots to learn the multimodal characteristics of human behavior and to spatially perceive the environment containing other smart objects to decide the best way to employ/manipulate them in order to successfully perform tasks), and developing a cloud-connected robot system to incrementally share knowledge between robots in different smart environments about the behavioral characteristics of human users in order to interact with them adaptively. To meet the requirements of these target applications, robots need to be able to learn how to use the capabilities of their smart environments to better address the needs of the human users. Industrial applications of such technologies include factories of the future and the digital eco-system within an autonomous car. This special issue aims to shed light on cutting edge lines of interdisciplinary research in cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and robotics covering basic research and applications. Recent advances and possible future research avenues on smart robots and environments would be discussed in detail in this journal special issue. *II. Potential Topics* Topics relevant to this special issue include, but are not limited to: - Cyber-physical systems in smart environments - Multimodal human robot interaction - Cognitive modeling of human behavior - Cognitive architectures and strategies for intelligent interaction with the environment - AI and machine learning approaches applied to human-robot-environment interaction - Internet of things - Ambient assisted living - Infotainment in smart vehicles - Natural user interface design - Cloud robotics - Ubiquitous computing *III. Submission* Submissions to the special issue must include original research that has not been published nor submitted to other journals. Authors should prepare their manuscript according to the "Guide for Authors" available at the journal homepage: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems- research/. Papers should be submitted through the EVISE system: https://www.evise.com/evise/jrnl/cogsys. Authors should select "*VSI:Smart Environments"* as the article type during the submission process. *IV. Timline (Submission portal will be open on March 1, 2018)* - Deadline for paper submission: April 30, 2018 - First notification for authors: July 31, 2018 - Deadline for revised papers submission: September 30, 2018 - Final notification for authors: November 30, 2018 - Deadline for submission of camera-ready manuscripts: January 15, 2019 *V. Guest editors* Dr. Amir Aly, Ritsumeikan University, Japan (amir.aly(a)em.ci.ritsumei.ac.jp) Dr. Shashank Pathak,Visteon Corporation, Germany ( shashank.pathak(a)visteon.com) Dr. Sean Andrist, Microsoft Research, USA (sandrist(a)microsoft.com) Prof. Armando Tacchella, University of Genoa, Italy ( armando.tacchella(a)unige.it) -- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

Jan. 20, 2018

Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience - recent articles

by Stephen Coombes

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience publishes research articles on the mathematical modeling and analysis of all areas of neuroscience. The current list of journal articles is available at http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/ : Sparse Functional Identification of Complex Cells from Spike Times and the Decoding of Visual Stimuli Aurel A. Lazar, Nikul H. Ukani and Yiyin Zhou https://mathematical-neuroscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13408-… Robust Exponential Memory in Hopfield Networks Christopher J. Hillar and Ngoc M. Tran https://mathematical-neuroscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13408-… A Rate-Reduced Neuron Model for Complex Spiking Behavior Koen Dijkstra, Yuri A. Kuznetsov, Michel J. A. M. van Putten and Stephan A. van Gils https://mathematical-neuroscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13408-… The Dynamics of Neural Fields on Bounded Domains: An Interface Approach for Dirichlet Boundary Conditions Aytül Gökçe, Daniele Avitabile and Stephen Coombes https://mathematical-neuroscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13408-… Fundamental Limits of Forced Asynchronous Spiking with Integrate and Fire Dynamics Anirban Nandi, Heinz Schättler, Jason T. Ritt and ShiNung Ching https://mathematical-neuroscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13408-… All articles are Open Access. ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Jan. 20, 2018

University of Sussex PhD programme: 'From Sensation and Perception to Awareness'

by Miguel Maravall

Dear comp-neuro colleagues, We are inviting applications for studentships in an exciting new PhD programme at the University of Sussex, 'From Sensation and Perception to Awareness', for entry in September 2018. Could you please kindly distribute to potentially interested students? Thank you Best wishes Miguel Maravall The University of Sussex has been awarded a Leverhulme Trust grant to create a new Doctoral Scholarship Programme entitled 'From Sensation and Perception to Awareness'. This brings together researchers and doctoral students from across neuroscience, robotics, psychology and the arts. The ultimate aim of this research programme is to advance our understanding of the interactions between sensing, perception, and awareness in humans, animals, and machines. Our doctoral scholars will be immersed in an inter-disciplinary training environment including monthly seminars and an annual student-led conference on a topic related to the theme. A strong emphasis is placed on developing technical skills, and we will provide specialist training in areas such as programming and use of virtual and augmented reality. As part of this programme, Sussex will be providing fully-funded studentships for three cohorts of seven students. The first of these cohorts will start studying at Sussex in September 2018. Individual research projects are listed on the webpage linked below. Each successful applicant will receive a tax free stipend at Research Council rates (currently £14553 per annum), a Home/EU fee waiver and generous research and training costs. On completion of their PhD, our programme alumni will be eligible to apply for one of several 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships at Sussex, available only to completing Leverhulme DSP scholars. Application deadline is March 5th 2018. For further information, a listing of research projects and application instructions, please visit: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/internal/doctoralschool/funding/sussexleverhulme

Jan. 19, 2018

PhD Studentship in Computational and Systems Neuroscience (Final Deadline March 5th)

by Christopher Buckley

Just a reminder that the final deadline for PhD studentships on our project is 5th March http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/view/7… The role would involve computational modelling, dynamical systems analysis and control theory so we particularly encourage candidates with a computational, physics, maths or engineering background interested in getting involved in cutting edge experimental neuroscience to apply. PhD Studentship: Distributed neural processing of self-generated visual input in a vertebrate brain. A PhD studentship in Computational and Systems Neuroscience is available in the groups of Dr Christopher L Buckley (Department of Informatics) and Prof. Leon Lagnado (School of Life Sciences) at the University of Sussex. During movement, sensory input and motor output are bound in a closed-loop: motor actions shape sensory input and sensory inputs inform future motor commands. We will characterise the neural circuits involved in the interactions between the sensory and motor systems using light-sheet microscopy to image neural activity across the brain of live zebrafish in a virtual reality environment (Nature. 2013;493: 466–468). The project will involve computational modeling and “big-data” analysis as well as experiments. Appropriate backgrounds therefore include physical and computational science as well as neuroscience. Experience with programming and a quantitative approach are essential. More information about the project is available at https://tinyurl.com/kjtxoq9. Informal enquiries can be made to Chris Buckley<http://www.christopherlbuckley.com/> (c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>) or Leon Lagnado<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/lagnadolab/> (l.lagnado(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:l.lagnado@sussex.ac.uk>). Sussex Neuroscience<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience> is one of the foremost centers for Neuroscience research in the UK and the University of Sussex has a beautiful campus on the outskirts of the lively South Coast town of Brighton. Application: Please apply through the post-graduate application system of the University of Sussex (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/apply) Please include a brief statement of your scientific interests and skills/experience in the mandatory “research proposal”, including how you would imagine your role in the project (max 2 pages) and include a full CV. Indicate Dr Christopher L Buckley as your preferred advisor and clearly state the title of the studentship. When you apply, please send a copy of your application documents to c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk> and l.lagnado(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:l.lagnado@sussex.ac.uk>. Funding Notes The studentship includes a three year stipend at a standard rate (currently £14,296 per annum) and, in addition, fees at the UK/EU rate. Since the studentship only covers fees at the UK/EU rate, overseas applicants are kindly requested to state in their application how they propose to cover the difference between UK/EU and overseas fees. Deadline 5th March 2018 Christopher L Buckley Lecturer in Neural Computation University of Sussex Department of Informatics Sussex Neuroscience Falmer Brighton, UK email: c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk> twitter: @drclbuckley

Jan. 19, 2018