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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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Deadline extension for ICMNS 2018: February 4
by Etienne Tanre Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

Dear all, Under popular and friendly pressure, we have decided to extend the abstract submission deadline for ICMNS 2018 <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/>: Submissions <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/submission/> are opened until Sunday February 4, 23.59 (GMT + 1). We hope to see you in Juan les Pins in June 2018. All the best, Susanne Ditlevsen Bard Ermentrout Etienne Tanré > > ============ > FIRST CALL > ============ > > We are delighted to announce the 4th International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2018), to be held at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins, on the French Riviera. > Tutorials will be held on June 10, and the main conference is June 11 - June 13. > More details are given on the conference website: > > https://icmns2018.inria.fr <https://icmns2018.inria.fr/> > > The International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience will provide a forum for researchers to discuss current mathematical innovations emerging in neuroscience. > A major aim of the conference is to attract and train young researchers on current methods in mathematical neuroscience. > To fulfill this goal, we will hold a tutorial the day before the main meeting. > The main conference will feature a broader set of topics in mathematical neuroscience, with a focus on > (a) the use of experimental data in modeling studies; > (b) theory and models that explore hypotheses and design better experiments; > (c) rigorous mathematical models of neural systems; > (d) improved methods for analyzing complex data sets. > > Abstract Submission: > We encourage abstract submission by researchers from all areas of mathematical neuroscience. > One page abstracts will be reviewed by the Program Committee and divided into parallel talk sessions and poster sessions. > > Details will be given on the web site <https://icmns2018.inria.fr/>. > > The abstract submission <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/submission/> deadline is January 23, 2018. > > Student Awards: > We offer student awards. To apply, students must submit an abstract and include a current CV as part of their submitted document in Easychair <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=icmns2018>. > > Program Committee > Daniele Avitabile (Univ. of Nottingham, UK) > Nicolas Brunel (Duke Univ., USA) > Carina Curto (Pennsylvania State Univ., USA) > Rodica Curtu (Univ. of Iowa, USA) > Mathieu Desroches (Inria Sophia-Antipolis, France) > Lubomir Kostal (Inst. of Physiology, Czech Republic) > Carlo Laing (Massey Univ., New Zealand) > Benjamin Lindner (Bernstein C. for Comp. Neuroscience Berlin, Germany) > Eva Löcherbach (Univ. Cergy-Pontoise, France) > André Longtin (Univ. Ottawa, Canada) > Jeff Moehlis (Univ. California Santa Barbara, USA) > Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Instit. of Technology, Japan) > Patricia Reynaud Bouret (Univ Nice, France) > Horacio G. Rotstein (Rutgers Univ. / New Jersey Inst. of Technology, USA) > Alex Roxin (CRM Barcelona, Spain) > Laura Sacerdote (Univ. of Torino, Italia) > Delphine Salort (Univ Pierre et Marie Curie, France) > Shigeru Shinomoto (Kyoto Univ., Japan) > Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin, Germany) > Denis Talay (Inria Sophia-Antipolis, France) > Michèle Thieullen (Univ Pierre et Marie Curie, France) > Martin Wechselberger (Univ Sydney, Australia) > Advisory Board > Paul Bressloff (Univ. of Utah, USA) > Evelyn Buckwar (JKU Linz, Austria) > Stephen Coombes (Univ. of Nottingham, UK) > Olivier Faugeras (Inria Sophia Antipolis, France) > Julijana Gjiorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) > Zachary Kilpatrick (Univ. of Houston, USA) > Robert Rosenbaum (Univ. of Notre Dame, USA) > Romain Veltz (Inria Sophia Antipolis, France) > > We hope to see you in Juan les Pins this June! > > All the best, > > Susanne Ditlevsen > Bard Ermentrout > Etienne Tanré >

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Register for ENCODS 2018 - European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students - Deadline January 31st
by Organizers ENCODS2018 Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

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/

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Postdoc position in Deep Learning and Animal Behavior modellig
by david robbe Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

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

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PhD Position -- Neural Circuits, Space and Memory
by Andrea Burgalossi Jan. 21, 2018

Jan. 21, 2018

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

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Postdoctoral Position: Neural Data Analyses
by Fellous, Jean-Marc - (fellous) Jan. 21, 2018

Jan. 21, 2018

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.

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Job Posting: Application Scientist at MaxWell Biosystems
by Frey Urs Jan. 21, 2018

Jan. 21, 2018

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>

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Senior Research Associate – University of Bristol, UK
by Jeffrey Bowers Jan. 21, 2018

Jan. 21, 2018

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

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