- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

post-doctoral position in auditory decision-making

by Yale Cohen

The laboratories of Joshua Gold (http://www.med.upenn.edu/goldlab) and Yale Cohen (http://auditoryresearchlaboratory.weebly.com/) at the University of Pennsylvania are seeking highly motivated post-doctoral fellows to participate in a joint research project that tests the contribution of feedback and feedforward connections to auditory decision-making in non-human primates. Candidates should have a PhD. Those with an MD will be considered but only if the candidates have a strong scientific background. A strong candidate will have experience in systems and computational neuroscience; recording and analysis of single- and multi-unit activity and local-field potentials from awake, behaving animals (in particular non-human primates); analysis of behavioral data and electrophysiological data; computational-analysis and programming skills. We are interested in individuals who have a good personality and can interact well with other members of the laboratories. The positions are funded through a joint ONR grant to Cohen and Gold and are available immediately. Salary will be based on experience and the NIH post-doctoral scale. The University of Pennsylvania has an outstanding environment for systems and computational neuroscience. The environment is further enriched by the PIs' ongoing collaborations with other members of the Penn Neuroscience community. For more information or to apply, contact Joshua Gold (jigold at mail.med.upenn.edu) or Yale Cohen (ycohen at mail.med.upenn.edu) Interested applicants should send a CV; a brief statement of research interests; and names of 2-3 referees. -- Yale E. Cohen, Ph.D. Associate Professor Chair, IACUC Department of Otorhinolaryngology:Head and Neck Surgery University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 3400 Spruce - 5 Ravdin Philadelphia, PA 19104 Office: B50 John Morgan Building E-mail: ycohen(a)mail.med.upenn.edu <mailto:ycohen@mail.med.upenn.edu> Phone: 215 898 7504 FAX: 215 898 9994 URL: http://auditoryresearchlaboratory.weebly.com/ <http://www.med.upenn.edu/auditoryresearchlab/>

Feb. 8, 2016

CfP - MLUB 2016 - International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain

by Emre Akbas

Please accept our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this call. 1st International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain, MLUB 2016 June 28-29 2016, Ankara, Turkey http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/ * Call for papers: International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain (MLUB) welcomes original and unpublished work on theory, systems, algorithms and applications related to Machine Learning and understanding techniques for modeling and analysis of brain in various modalities, such as, fMRI, sMRI, EEG, MEG, fNIRS. The workshop focuses on but is not limited to the following topics: - Learning and inference on neuroimaging data - Cognitive state classification - Functional Connectivity - Sparse Techniques - Multimodal Learning - Multi-Subject Learning - Efficient Algorithms for Large-Scale Data - Brain Network Embedding - Cognitive Computing - Software Simulation of the Brain - Pattern and Object Recognition - Cognitive Machine Learning - Modeling - Vision Models of the Brain - Memory Model of the Brain - Neural Models of the Brain - Visualization - High-Dimensional Neuroimaging Data Visualization - Brain Network Visualization - Network Summarization - Applications - Resting-State Data Analysis - Task-Based Data Analysis - Diagnosis of Diseases - Brain Computer Interface We call for paper contributions with a maximum length of 4 pages (double-column, IEEE style, PDF) for review. Accepted submissions will be assigned to one of the oral sessions. Every accepted submission has to be presented at the workshop by one of the paper's authors. All accepted and presented submissions will be included in the workshop proceedings and will be published by IEEE Xplore. * Important dates: Paper submission deadline: February 26, 2016 Notification of acceptance: March 22, 2016 Camera ready Submission: March 29, 2016 Workshop: June 28-29, 2016 * Keynote talks: Tulay Adali (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) Peter Janssen (KU Leuven) * Executive Committee Fatos T. Yarman Vural (Middle East Technical University) Tulay Adali (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) Enis Cetin (Bilkent University) Haluk Bingol (Bogazici University) Huseyin Boyaci (Bilkent University) * Technical Program Chairs Sinan Kalkan (Middle East Technical University) Emre Akbas (Middle East Technical University) Mete Ozay (Tohoku University) * For more information: http://mlub.ceng.metu.edu.tr/ <http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/>

Feb. 7, 2016

Ph.D. and PostDoctoral positions on High-Performance Brain Simulations

by C. Strydis

Dear all, Please find below new job postings in the field of High-Performance Brain Simulations: Our Computer Engineering group (www.erasmusbrainproject.nl<http://www.erasmusbrainproject.nl>) of the Neuroscience Department of the Erasmus Medical Center, the Netherlands, is conducting research on high-performance, large-scale simulations of the human cerebellum. Depending on the neuronal-network size and the modeling accuracy desired, brain-model simulations can rapidly grow to be become exascale order-of-magnitude applications for HPC platforms. By capitalizing on the long-standing expertise and track record of the Neuroscience Department, the overall objective of the research performed is dual: to re-construct in hardware (‘in silico’) the human cerebellar cortex and – in the process – to develop novel tools for the automatic, seamless and fast simulation of any brain-model ensembles on popular HPC platforms, such as FPGAs, NVidia GP-GPUs, Intel Xeon Phis and Maxeler Dataflow Engines. The selected candidates are expected to work on these topics. This research will be part of the VINEYARD Horizon 2020 EU-funded project (www.vineyard-h2020.eu<http://www.vineyard-h2020.eu>). Erasmus MC is a partner in the HiPEAC European Network of Excellence and an official collaborator in the H2020 Flagship: Human Brain Project (HBP - www.humanbrainproject.eu<http://www.humanbrainproject.eu>). Where HBP works on fully simulating the cerebral cortex, Erasmus MC is adding in accurate simulations of the cerebellar cortex. Collaborative partners are the Delft University of Technology, the Chalmers University of Technology and the National Technical University of Athens. For more details please check the posting here: https://www.hipeac.net/jobs/9011/one-phd-position-and-one-postdoctoral-posi… Kind regards, Christos Strydis -- ============================== Christos Strydis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Neuroscience Department Erasmus Medical Center Wytemaweg 80 (12th floor) Office Ee1210a 3015 CN Rotterdam Tel: +31 - 10 - 70 - 43294 Fax: +31 - 10 - 70 - 44734 E-mail: C.Strydis(a)erasmusmc.nl<mailto:C.Strydis@erasmusmc.nl> Web: www.erasmusbrainproject.com/index.php/strydis<http://www.erasmusbrainproject.com/index.php/strydis> ==============================

Feb. 6, 2016

Neuro-Inspired Computational Elements Workshop, March 7-9

by Bruno OLSHAUSEN

2016 Neuro-Inspired Computational Elements Workshop March 7-9, 2016 Clark-Kerr Campus, Berkeley, CA http://neuroscience.berkeley.edu/2016-neuro-inspired-computational-elements… *About the meeting* Neuro-inspired Computational Elements (NICE) workshops have been held for the last three years, bringing the very wide ranging scientific disciplines (neuroscience: imaging, theory, algorithms), hardware and applications communities looking for a common ground to accelerate the development of next generation of computing approaches. The key outcome will be the further clarification of the value proposition for neuro-inspired/neuromorphic computing: why and how could these systems deliver the performance and efficiency we seek beyond conventional computing approaches? The concurrent task for the workshop is to identify pathways for building and accelerating the evaluation and development of such systems. *Invited Speakers:* William Dally, NVIDIA Ila Fiete, UT Austin Steve Furber, University of Manchester Surya Ganguli, Stanford Jeff Hawkins, Numenta Bruce Hendrickson, Sandia National Laboratories Giacomo Indiveri, University of Zurich Pentti Kanerva, Redwood Center for Theoretical Neuroscience Amir Khosrowshahi, Nervana Systems David Kirk, Nvidia Christof Koch, Allen Institute for Brain Science Aurel Lazar, Columbia Wolfang Maass, Technische Universität Graz Rajit Manohar, Cornell Dharmendra Modha, IBM Christos Papadimitriou, UC Berkeley Alice Parker, USC Michael Schmuker, University of Sussex Narayan Srinivasa, Intel Winfried Wilcke, IBM *To Register* Please click on the following registration page link https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1749241 If you are interested in presenting at the workshop, we ask that you submit an extended abstract (1 page max pdf) during registration. There is an opportunity to upload your abstract at the bottom of the "personal information" page. After your information is entered you will be asked to pay. The 3 day event costs $275.00 per person, plus processing fees. *Hotel ** book by Sunday, Feb. 7 *** A block of rooms has been reserved at the Claremont Hotel for $219 per night, plus taxes and fees. Please click on this link to make a reservation in the room block: https://aws.passkey.com/event/14424359/owner/14188480/home --------------------------------------- Bruno A. Olshausen Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute & School of Optometry Director, Redwood Center for Theoretical Neuroscience UC Berkeley 575A Evans hall, MC 3198 Berkeley, CA 94720-3198 (510) 642-7250 / 2-7206 (fax) http://redwood.berkeley.edu/bruno

Feb. 6, 2016

Summer course in Computational Neuroscience: Vision

by Horwitz Lab

*Summer course* COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE: VISION July 11 – July 24, 2016 COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY *Application Deadline: March 31, 2016* Co-organized by Geoff Boynton, Greg Horwitz, and Jonathan Pillow, this course is offered every two years and gives 24 graduate students and postdocs the chance for intensive interchange with a diverse faculty in an intellectually stimulating environment. The goal of the course is to introduce students to the processing of visual information as a model for general issues in systems neuroscience. The emphasis is on approaches with strong theoretical bases. In addition to talks by an international faculty, the course offers ample opportunity to interact with the speakers and to apply the knowledge gained in the course through hands-on projects using Matlab. Please see https://meetings.cshl.edu/courses.aspx?course=C-VISI&year=16 for more information about the course, the faculty, and the application procedure.

Feb. 6, 2016

Position available: Doctoral Student in Auditory Neuroscience

by Vollmer, Maike

The Comprehensive Hearing Center (CHC) at the University Hospital of Wuerzburg offers the position of a Doctoral Student in Auditory Neuroscience. The DFG-funded research project (Priority Program 1608) investigates age-dependent effects of unilateral hearing loss on binaural signal processing and tests for neural plasticity and functional recovery using chronic electric stimulation with cochlear implants. The laboratory uses state-of-the art recording techniques across different auditory brain regions in animal models and computational analyses of neural data. In a collaborative team of investigators, corresponding histological and immunohistochemical analyses and modeling of neuronal data are performed. The CHC provides a rich interdisciplinary training environment within one of Germany's largest cochlear implant centers. Candidates can be integrated into the Ph.D. program of the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Applicants should have a Master's degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biology, bioengineering, neuroscience or related disciplines and show an interest in the auditory system and electrophysiology. Experience with Matlab and computational/programming skills are a plus. The position is available from April 2016 for three years. Applications from severely handicapped persons with basically similar qualification will be given priority. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit a CV, one page statement of research interests, and the name of one referee electronically to: Maike Vollmer, MD PhD Vollmer_M(a)klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de Comprehensive Hearing Center Auditory Neuroscience University Hospital Wuerzburg Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11 97080 Wuerzburg Germany

Feb. 5, 2016

PhD student in model-based neuroscience and dynamical systems

by Marieke van Vugt RUG

I am looking for a PhD student to work on a project looking at how computational models of cognition can help to interpret the functional significance of interactions between brain areas. application portal: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=… <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=…> PhD position Model-based neuroscience & dynamical systems (1.0 fte) Organisation Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge. Job Description We invite applications for a fully-funded four-year PhD student position in the Data Science and Systems Complexity research theme of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. This PhD position is a collaboration between the Cognitive Modeling group (Marieke van Vugt, http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt>, Jelmer Borst, http://www.jelmerborst.nl <http://www.jelmerborst.nl/> , and Niels Taatgen (http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/ <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/>)), the Discrete Technology & Production Automation group (Ming Cao, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.cao <http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.cao>) and the Software Engineering group (Mircea Lungu, http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.f.lungu/ <http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.f.lungu/> ). The main aim of the project is to understand how brain areas communicate in the service of information processing. To answer this question, we will combine cognitive models of cognition with a dynamical systems analysis of EEG. We have previously shown that cognitive models can be used to help interpret patterns of interaction between brain oscillations in a specific attention task. This project seeks to extend this approach to other tasks, and to link more generally the stable states and state transitions manifesting in EEG to information processing steps predicted by the model. Eventually we hope to develop a general-purpose “brain-activity parser” that can interpret what the interactions between different brain areas may mean. The position is one of the four new PhD positions embedded in the Data Science and System Complexity initiative and thus the student will have ample opportunity to interact with other PhD students and staff who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research on large data and complex systems. Qualifications A successful candidate has a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field, and solid programming skills. Experience in cognitive neuroscience or EEG analysis is a plus. Good communication skills (both verbal and written) in English are a prerequisite. The candidate should be enthusiastic about research, capable of learning new skills, and happy working both independently and in collaboration with other scientists. Conditions of employment The University of Groningen offers a salary of €2.174 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2.779 gross per month year (salary scale PhD students Dutch Universities) in the final based on a fulltime position (1.0 fte). The appointment is limited to a period of 4 years, which should be finished with a PhD examination. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate’s performance after nine months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining 3 years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate’s contract will be extended for a total of 4 years. A training program within the Graduate School of Science is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional education and supervising that is specific to your needs. The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources:http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/ <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/> Starting date The candidate starts as soon as possible, preferably March 1st. Application You may apply for this position before February 16th Dutch local time by means of the application form (see http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=… <http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=…>) Apply with a cover letter (with professional goals and a statement of interest), a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation (all PDF format). Information Dr. Marieke van Vugt, m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Marieke van Vugt, PhD Assistant Professor, Cognitive Modelling Group University of Groningen Bernoulliborg, room 326 Nijenborgh 9 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands phone: +31-6-5195-4984 (cell) +31-50-363-9487 (office) http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt> twitter: @mvugt m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> / mkvanvugt(a)gmail.com

Feb. 4, 2016

[2nd call for applications] *Graduate Programs in Computational Neuroscience* in Berlin; MSc and PhD; 7 PhD scholarships; deadline March 15, 2015

by Robert Martin

[Apologies for cross-posting] *Doctoral* and *Master Program* "Computational Neuroscience" at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin in Berlin, Germany Application deadline: *March 15, 2016* Begin of courses: October 2016 Internet: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de _Doctoral Program_ The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin and the TU Berlin invite applications for *6 fellowships* of the Research Training Group "Sensory Computation in Neural Systems" (GRK 1589/2, https://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/) The *scientific program* of the research training group combines techniques and concepts from machine learning, computational neuroscience, and systems neurobiology in order to specifically address sensory computation. Doctoral candidates will work on interdisciplinary projects investigating the mechanisms of neural computation, address the processes underlying perception on different scales and different levels of abstraction, and develop new theories of computation hand in hand with well-controlled experiments in order to put functional hypotheses to the test. The training group offers structured supervision complemented by a teaching and training program. Each student will be supervised by two investigators with complementary expertise and will be associated with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (https://www.bccn-berlin.de/) a leading research center dedicated to the theoretical study of neural processing. Candidates are expected to hold a Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, physics, mathematics, etc.) and have the required advanced mathematical background. Candidates selected in the first application step will be invited for lab visits and an interview, expected to take place in June 2015. The *fellowships of 1468 €/month* - with additional children allowances if applicable---will be granted for up to three years. _Master's Program_ The tuition-free Master program in Computational Neuroscience offers *15 places* per year, has a duration of 2 years and is fully taught in English. The *curriculum* is subdivided into ten modules, whose content includes theoretical neuroscience, programming, machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, acquisition, modelling, and computational analysis of neural data, with a strong focus on a complementary theoretical and experimental training. Three lab rotations and a Master's thesis are accomplished in the second year. The aim of the program is to provide the students with an interdisciplinary education and an early contact to the neurocomputational research environment. *Requirements* BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (typically in the natural sciences, in an engineering discipline, in cognitive science, or in mathematics), certificate of English proficiency, proof of sufficient mathematical knowledge (at least 24 ECTS credit points). ~~~ _For more information_ ... ... come and visit us at the BCCN Berlin: https://www.bccn-berlin.de/Home/Contact/How_to_reach/ ... or browse: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de ... or e-mail: graduateprograms(a)bccn-berlin.de . Best regards, Robert Martin -- Robert Martin, PhD Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin Philippstr. 13 House 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 2093 6773/6771 http://www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de GRK 1589/1, Sensory Computation in Neural Systems Technische Universitaet Berlin Sekretariat MAR 5-6; Marchstr. 23; 10587 Berlin Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 314 72006/73121 http://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/

Feb. 3, 2016

CNS*2016

by Sharon Crook

Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) CNS*2016 25th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting Jeju Island, South Korea July 2-7, 2016 The main meeting (July 3-5) will be preceded by a day of tutorials (July 2) and followed by two days of workshops (July 6-7). Invited Keynote Speakers: Nicolas Brunel, University of Chicago, USA Mitsuo Kawato, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute, Japan Tatyana Sharpee, Salk Institute, USA Registration opened on January 13, 2016. Abstract submissions are now being accepted and will close on February 28. Workshop proposals are now being accepted. Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. For up-to-date conference information, please visit http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2016-jeju ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for travel awards and more. Visit our website for more information: http://www.cnsorg.org

Feb. 2, 2016

Open postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience+machine learning+statistics

by Turaga, Srinivas C

The Turaga Lab is looking for an exceptional postdoctoral researcher, for research at the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience. https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab —— About the lab —— With recent technological advances in 3d electron microscopy, optogenetics and large-scale chronic in vivo neural imaging, it is now possible to measure and perturb the activity of large populations of neurons, and to map their connectivity. These new data can be used understand how the structure of a neural circuit gives rise to its function. Our lab develops machine learning algorithms to map neural connectivity, and statistical models to characterize neural activity and to relate activity to connectivity. We have pioneered the use of deep-learning based machine learning algorithms to map neural connectivity from 3d electron microscopic images of brain tissue, and we are now working to improve these methods. This involves solving interesting new problems in structured prediction, active learning and unsupervised learning at an unprecedented scale (imagine working with labeled training datasets with 10^9 examples in a 10^6 dimensional feature space and wanting to achieve accuracies of 99.999%!). We are developing novel statistical methods for the analysis of large-scale calcium imaging datasets, and medium-scale connectome datasets, in order to help understand the latent structure of neural activity and neural connectivity. Our ultimate goal is build models combining large-scale activity measurements with structural connectomes in order to relate neural activity to neural connectivity with statistical and mechanistic models. —— About the institute —— HHMI's Janelia Research Campus is a unique, world-class research community near Washington, D.C. dedicated to understanding the function of neural circuits and developing synergistic imaging technology. Our highly collaborative structure is designed to support interdisciplinary work in small lab groups. We seek candidates who are comfortable with risk and are able to think independently to develop novel approaches. —— Applying —— Applicants should have a strong quantitative background with degrees or expertise in machine learning, computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, physics or related discipline. Excellent collaborative programming skills in Python, C/C++, Java or similar languages are essential. To apply, please send me a CV and names and addresses of 2-3 references by email. I will also be attending Cosyne 2016 in Salt Lake City from Feb 25-28 and will be happy to meet you there. Srini Turaga, Group Leader turagas(a)janelia.hhmi.org https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab Howard Hughes Medical Institute / Janelia Research Campus 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn VA 20147 Office: +1 (571) 209 4131 Fax: +1 (571) 209 4939

Feb. 2, 2016