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Job research software engineer @ SWC/GCNU

by Joaquin Rapela

Hello list, I am the first member of the newly established Data Center of the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (GCNU) and Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC). The GCNU develops state-of-the-art neural data analysis and machine learning algorithms. The SWC performs sophisticated neuroscience experiments, and records unprecedented behavioral and neural data. Combining these data analysis methods and these behavioral and neural recordings we will revolutionize our understanding of how computation in neural circuits gives rise to behavior. The Data Center is growing and is looking for a research engineer; details appear below. Please contact Tom Mrsic-Flogel (https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/people/tom-mrsic-flogel) director of the SWC, or send me an email, if you have any question about this position. Cordially, Joaquin RESEARCH SOFTWARE ENGINEER - BEHAVIOUR AND NEURAL DATA The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit are looking for a proactive and creative Research Software Engineer to join the technical team in a newly established Data Centre. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in establishing data architectures and data processing pipelines for efficient querying of complex, large-scale and multi-format datasets of neural and behavioural data. Your work will directly contribute to our efforts to understand how the brain generates flexible, intelligent behaviour. The role will include developing, training and supervising a small team of research engineers to assist with the implementation of the software design and documentation. You will have a collaborative approach to work and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues to deliver successful research outcomes. Working alongside our IT team, you will create data management workflows for internal users and for sharing of data with the international research community. You will work closely with neuroscientists, electrical and mechanical engineers to design large-scale data collection, analysis and interactive visualization systems for next generation brain data. You will have advanced experience with systems programming languages and substantial experience in Python, NumPy or MATLAB. Substantial experience and knowledge of software development best practice including testing, documentation and version control is essential. With a competitive salary and benefits, this post is full time and funded until 31 October 2025 in the first instance. For further details download the information for candidates (https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/sites/default/files/2021-07/Job%20Des…) To apply visit UCL's vacancy listings and search for the advert using reference number 1877608. Click on "Apply Now" at the bottom of the advert to enter the online recruitment portal. The deadline for applications is Sunday 22 August 2021.

Aug. 9, 2021

Open PhD Position in Computational Neurosience in Juelich, Germany - Generic metadata management for reproducible high-performance-computing simulation workflows

by Martina Reske

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6) at Research Center Juelich is also part of the Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6, Theoretical Neuroscience) and hosts the Coordination Site (BCOS) of the national Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience. Among other projects, the INM-6/IAS-6 participates in the EU flagship “Human Brain Project” (HBP, https://humanbrainproject.eu) The institute creates mathematical models of the dynamics and function of neural circuits. This includes model-driven analysis of brain activity and structure, and simulation of biologically realistic models using high-performance computing (HPC) technology. A main challenge in this research field is the acquisition and organization of the metadata accompanying these simulations. This challenge will be addressed in an interdisciplinary project in Neuroscience and Environmental Research funded by the Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC, https://helmholtz-metadaten.de) The recently started project “Generic metadata management for reproducible high-performance-computing simulation workflows” aims at developing a generic, cross-domain metadata management framework to foster reproducibility of HPC based simulation science, and to provide workflows and tools for an efficient organization, exploration and visualization of simulation data. A central goal of this project is to unify existing approaches, while at the same time developing concepts and tools that are applicable to diverse research fields and can cope with the modularity and flexibility demands of rapidly progressing science. This project is a collaboration between the Research Centre Jülich and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig. We at INM-6 are searching for a PhD candidate contributing to the development of a metadata management framework for generic HPC-based simulation science and in particular its application to the research field Computational Neuroscience. We are offering a PhD Position - Generic metadata management for reproducible high-performance-computing simulation workflows Your Job: The successful candidate will contribute to the project by designing, implementing, and evaluating a metadata management framework for a Computational Neuroscience use case. This includes: * Review of existing approaches and tools * Requirement specification * Conceptual design blueprint of implementation * Proof-of-concept application to Computational Neuroscience * Development of neuronal network models addressing Neuroscience questions * Simulations of neuronal networks using HPC infrastructure * Presentation and publication of the results * Close interaction with team members and collaborators from INM-6, the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ * Exchange and networking within national (NFDI) and international (RDA, EOSC) initiatives and within the funding incubator platform HMC Your Profile: * Completed study (Diploma/Master) in Physics, Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience or a related field * Solid programming skills preferably in Python and/or C++; experience with Python libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and pandas) is beneficial * Experience with software development (e.g., version control with Git) and data organization (e.g., data bases with SQL and MySQL) is preferable * Knowledge of relevant metadata standards and semantic techniques are beneficial * Experience with modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems * Keen interest in cognitive and systems neuroscience * Interest in interdisciplinary projects * Interest in collaborative work and good communication skills * Good command of English Our Offer: We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree: * A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments * Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure * Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings * Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor * Flexible working hours and 30 days of annual leave * Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs * Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 Jahre years. Pay in line with 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs<http://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs> Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. Please apply via our online recruiting system<https://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Careers/application/_node.html?cms_hre_…> until Sept 15th, 2021. Reference number: 2021D-107 Martina Reske -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Astrid Lambrecht, Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aug. 6, 2021

„Bridging grant” from the German Society for Cognitive Science (GK) for BA-, MA- and PhD students

by Constantin Rothkopf

„Bridging grant” from the German Society for Cognitive Science (GK) for Bachelor, Master and PhD students The German Society for Cognitive Science (GK) would like to support students who find themselves in a difficult (emergency) situation caused by the Corona pandemic with a bridging grant. The grant consists of funding for a maximum of three months á 500 € per month. The GK is able to offer six to eight grants. The grant is meant as financial support allowing to finish the respective degree (Bachelor or Master) or providing some financial relief during an important PhD thesis phase (e.g. finishing a paper). The selection will be done by the members of the steering committee of the German Society for Cognitive Science (GK). The committee will consider all emergency cases as long as they have been caused by the Corona pandemic within the context of the studies and/or doctoral programme and are sufficiently substantiated with proof. Target group: The funding is intended for students who are enrolled and/or registered in a German university. In particular, only the following persons are eligible for funding: (1) Bachelor or Master students in subjects belonging to Cognitive Science (e.g. Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Psychology, CS, AI, Linguistics, Neuroscience) who, ideally, will be able to graduate soon, and (2) PhD students registered in one of the subjects belonging to Cognitive Science who are working on a cognitive science project. Persons who already received a bridging grant from the GK are not eligible to apply. Paradigmatic cases: A student pursuing a Master degree has fallen behind with their master thesis because due to the Corona-pandemic there was no constant childcare. The funding could be used to pay for a privately organised childcare. Or a PhD student could not finish his or her dissertation because data acquisition was delayed due to reduced lab capacities. The funding could be used to cover living expenses after the contract has expired. Application and Proof: Please submit: - a statement comprehensibly describing applicant’s situation (cases with evidence are preferred) and indicating the use of the funding. - Bachelor and Master students: -- Enrollment confirmation and transcript of record -- A letter from the faculty’s/program’s advisor confirming the regular continuation of studies, anticipated graduation (within the winter term 2021/2022) - PhD students: -- A short statement from the first supervisor roughly sketching the cognitive science related project and describing the project’s progress. The application shall be emailed with the subject „Application Bridging Grant“ to the following email: Chair of the GK, Prof. Dr. Barbara Kaup, barbara.kaup(a)uni-tuebingen.de; Application deadline: 15.10.2021 -- Prof. Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD http://www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ https://hessian.ai/ https://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~rothkopf/

Aug. 6, 2021

Summer School on Network and Control Sciences for Psychiatry

by Jasper Bischofberger

Dear all, We are happy to announce a Summer School on “Current and Future Applications of Network and Control Sciences for Psychiatry” Host Institution: *University of Tübingen, Germany* Location: *Online event* Dates: *September 29th – October 1st 2021* Abstract deadline: *September 1st, 2021* Registration fees: *free* *Focus* This Summer School gives an opportunity to students and young researchers to get acquainted with and exchange within a range of current topics in network and control sciences and its applications in Psychiatry. ____ *Keynotes* Peter Dayan (MPI Tübingen, Germany) John Medaglia (Drexel University, USA) Danielle S. Bassett (University of Pennsylvania, USA) For the full list of speakers visit: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/summer-school-controlpsychiatry/spe… ____ *Registration* The summer school is free of charge for all participants, but to get all important information please register online via: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/summer-school-controlpsychiatry ____ *Poster Submission* Participants can present their latest research results as a poster. Some of the most relevant submissions will have the possibility to present their work in a dedicated oral session and receive an official certificate. Please submit your abstract (limited to 250 words) latest by September 1st to: controlpsychiatry(a)med.uni-tuebingen.de ____ Questions? Please contact: controlpsychiatry(a)med.uni-tuebingen.de We are excited to see you soon! Best wishes, The organizing committee

Aug. 6, 2021

Job Openings: Research Assistant Professor (3 vacancies) at Hong Kong Baptist University

by COMP HKBU

The Department of Computer Science at Hong Kong Baptist University presently offers BSc, MSc, MPhil, and PhD programmes, and is now seeking outstanding applicants for the following positions. Research Assistant Professor in Computer Science (3 vacancies) (PR0166/19-20) The positions are created and funded as part of the strategic research development initiatives in the Department. The appointees will be provided with a conducive research environment, and will work within an established group of faculty in the Department. They are also expected to perform group-based high-impact research and to undertake some teaching duties. Applicants should possess a PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, and sufficiently demonstrate abilities to conduct high-quality research in one of the Department's key research areas: (i) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; (ii) Big Data and Data Management; (iii) Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition; and (iv) Distributed Systems and Networking. These key research areas have a special thematic focus on (a) Health Informatics and (b) Security and Privacy-aware Computing related applications. Initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract of two to three years. Re-appointment thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. For enquiry, please contact Dr William Cheung, Head of Department (email: william(a)comp.hkbu.edu.hk) More information about the Department can be found on its website at https://www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk <http://www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/>. *Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.* Application Procedure: Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System (jobs.hkbu.edu.hk) with samples of publications, preferably *three* best ones out of their most recent publications/works. Those should also request *two* referees to send in confidential letters of reference, with PR number (stated above) quoted on the letters, to the Human Resources Office (Email: recruit(a)hkbu.edu.hk) direct. Those who are not invited for interview 4 months after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful. All application materials including publication samples, scholarly/creative works will be disposed of after completion of the recruitment exercise. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at http://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/pics. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions then applicable at the time of offer. Closing date: *Review of applications is on-going until the positions are filled.* URL: http://www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/v1/?page=job_vacancies&id=540

Aug. 5, 2021

Postdoc position in theoretical neuroscience, Aljadeff lab at UCSD

by Johnatan (Yonatan) Aljadeff

Johnatan Aljadeff is recruiting a motivated postdoc to join his lab at UCSD, to investigate theoretical models of synaptic plasticity and learning of spatial representations. The CRCNS project is funded for a 4-year period, and is conducted in close collaboration with Nachum Ulanovsky's lab at the Weizmann Institute. The ideal candidate will have a quantitative background (math / physics / CS / EE / comp. neuro., etc.). Prior experience working on problems in neuroscience is welcome but not required. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter (incl. brief statement of research interests and possible start dates), curriculum vitae, and arrange for two reference letters to be sent on their behalf. Materials should be sent to aljadeff(a)ucsd.edu. Informal inquiries about details of the project and the position are encouraged. Application reviews will begin Sep. 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Aug. 4, 2021

Seeking Scientific Software Engineer @ Tübingen

by Peter Dayan

My lab at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, is looking to hire a Scientific Software Engineer. We build and test theories and computational models of neural processing, with a particular emphasis on decision-making, learning and representation. We are therefore looking for someone with excellent skills and experience in programming and data analysis to help us develop, test and implement scientific software across our interdisciplinary projects. Full details at: https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/577071/scientific-software-engineer1?c=702… Preference will be given to applications received by September 10th, 2021. The Max Planck Society endeavours to employ more severely handicapped people. Applications of severely disabled persons are expressly desired. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds.

Aug. 4, 2021

PhD position with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany

by Laurenz Wiskott

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of the leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. One particular strength of RUB is interdisciplinary research in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, see https://ml-ai.rub.de/. The Institute for Neural Computation is a central research institute, see https://www.ini.rub.de/. It focuses on the dynamics and learning of perception and behavior on a functional level but is otherwise very diverse, ranging from neurophysiology and psychophysics over computational neuroscience to machine learning and technical applications. There is an open position for a research assistant / Phd-student in the group „Theory of Neural Systems“ of Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott to be filled at 15th of Septembert. The appointment will be for three years. Salary is 75% of salary scale TV-L E13. Task: • Develop a generative model for learning high-level representations of images that ideally should include visual invariances, should enable attention driven selection, and support classification of objects. A promising basis for the development is the vector quantizes variational autoencoder (VQ-VAE). The system will be developed with methods from machine learning but should integrate well into a system-level model of episodic memory. • Present results on conferences and publish them in journals of machine learning or computational neuroscience. • Teaching assistance for 3 semester hours per week. • Constructive contributions to the research group. We offer: • An interesting interdisciplinary environment in the field of Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence / Computational Neuroscience. • Room to develop your own ideas in the project. • Infrastructure to integrate well into the institute and the group. • Opportunity to do a PhD (Dr). Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and BSc, statement of purpose) should be sent as a single pdf file to laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de. Travel expenses for interviews will not be refunded. Ruhr-University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity in employment and gender equality in its working environment. We therefore look forward to applications from qualified women. Applications from appropriately qualified handicapped persons are also encouraged. Requirements: • Very good Master in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related field. • Good programming and mathematical skills. • Interest in interdisciplinary research questions and cooperations. Advantageous: • Experience in Machine Learning and/or Computational Neuroscience. • Good communication and teamwork skills. • Experience in interdisciplinary projects. • Programming skills in Python.

Aug. 2, 2021

Post doc in cognitive neuroscience/virtual reality research at University College London (movement trajectories, wearable MEG, human behaviour under threat, PI Dominik Bach)

by Dominik R. Bach

We are looking for a research fellow in an ERC-funded research project "Action selection under threat - the complex control of human defence" led by Dominik Bach (http://bachlab.org <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbachlab.or…>) at University College London. The position will be based at the Max-Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry (https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mps-u…>). OPM-MEG research takes place at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/ <http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/>). Our immersive virtual reality lab is based at the UCL Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience. These places offer world-class training and networking opportunities and an intellectually vibrant and inspiring research culture. The overarching goal of the project is to understand the computational algorithms of decision-making under acute, immediate threat. We investigate this in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, in which people can move to avoid a large number of different threats. The candidate will design and perform human behavioural experiments and analyse movement trajectories. They will also develop and perform MEG experiments using wearable sensors (OPM). The role requires a good understanding of human VR experimentation as well as an interest in using wearable MEG. The interdisciplinary project team is composed of VR experts, psychologists, movement scientists, and decision theorists, and we are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a team environment. Within the topical focus, the project offers freedom to explore and develop novel experimental manipulations that allow inference on the mechanisms of decision-making and action selection. Successful applicants will have an established track record of experimental human research using virtual reality or OPMs, and a strong interest in combining both. They will have a PhD in cognitive-computational (neuro)science, applied machine-learning, motor science, a quantitative field of psychology (e.g. decision-making, perception), or a related area by the agreed start date of the position. They will be keen to solve technical challenges. We are looking for an individual who is strongly motivated to pursue an academic career and is excited by the opportunities for personal and career development this position can provide. The post is available from October 2021 and funded for up to 3 years with initial appointment for 1 year. Starting salary is on UCL grade 7, ranging from £36,028 to £43,533 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, superannuable. More information and access to the UCL online application portal: https://is.gd/sOiFPc <https://is.gd/sOiFPc> Please contact d.bach(a)ucl.ac.uk <mailto:d.bach@ucl.ac.uk> for any queries about the project or role. *Closing date: 24 August (tbc)* Interviews will be held remotely in late August/early September. Apologies for cross-posting. -- ----------------------- Dominik R Bach MBBS PhD Principal Research Fellow Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London bachlab.org | @bachlab_cog

Aug. 2, 2021

Multiple openings in the Anastassiou Lab at Cedars Sinai (Neurosciences and Regenerative Medicine)

by Anastassiou, Costas

The Anastassiou Laboratory at Cedars Sinai<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/labs/anastassiou.html> located in magnificent Los Angeles is hiring at multiple levels! Our team studies how the molecular and cellular composition of neurons translates to their phenotype and how these properties combine in brain circuits to produce function or, in the case of disease, dysfunction. You will get to work in a highly collaborative environment at the interface of applied mathematics, computer science and biology. We are affiliated with the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology<https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/neurology-neurosurgery.html?s_kwid=&g…>, the Center of Neural Sciences and Medicine<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/areas/neural-science.html> and the Regenerative Medicine Institute<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/departments-institutes/regenerative-m…> at Cedars Sinai, one of the top US hospitals<https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/cedars-sinai-ranked-6-nationally-in-u…>. Links to specific openings (incl. information on where/how to apply) are found below: · Postdoctoral scientist in computational neuroscience and human biophysics<https://jobs.cedars-sinai.edu/job/los-angeles/postdoctoral-scientist-comput…> (in collaboration with Ueli Rutishauser<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/labs/rutishauser.html>) · Postdoctoral scientist in computational neuroscience of brain stimulation<https://jobs.cedars-sinai.edu/job/los-angeles/postdoctoral-scientist-comput…> (in collaboration with Soo Yeun Lee<https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-profil…> and the Allen Institute for Brain Science<https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/>) · Research associate II in model optimization and generation<https://jobs.cedars-sinai.edu/job/los-angeles/research-associate-ii-computa…> Note that we are continuously looking for talented and motivated students, postdocs, and staff members to join our team in our search to understand how neurons and circuits shape human brain functioning in health and disease<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/labs/anastassiou.html>. See our current projects<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/labs/anastassiou/areas.html> to know about our recent directions, and our publications to learn more about our work and overall approach. Interested? Join us<https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/research/labs/anastassiou.html>! We are looking for computational and experimental applicants. Regardless of your specific background and project, you will end up being exposed to a broad range of computational and experimental aspects of neuroscience and operate in a highly interdisciplinary team and department. You will have the opportunity to participate in the experiment design, experiment execution, method development, software implementation, data analysis & simulation, and experimental validation. If you have questions about positions and projects email us at anastassiou.lab(a)gmail.com<mailto:anastassiou.lab@gmail.com> . -- Costas A. Anastassiou, Ph.D. Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology Center for Biomedical Sciences and Medicine Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute Cedars Sinai Medical Center Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion 127 S San Vicente Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 IMPORTANT WARNING: This message is intended for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, the disclosure of which is governed by applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this information is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.

July 28, 2021