- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence

by Maxim Bazhenov

Applications are invited for post-doctoral research position in the laboratory of Dr. Maxim Bazhenov at the University of California, San Diego to study memory and learning and to develop neuroscience inspired algorithms capable of continual learning, generalization of knowledge and adaptation to the novel situations and contexts.This project involves close collaboration with the experimental laboratory of Dr. Bruce McNaughton. The ultimate goal of the work is to advance the knowledge of how human and animal brains learn from experience and apply these principles to the artificial systems to enable continuous learning without catastrophic forgetting. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of researchers to design anatomically realistic neuronal network models of dynamic interactions between the hippocampus and neocortex during learning and memory consolidation in sleep and awake based on experimental data. An ideal candidate should have experience in computational/theoretical neuroscience and a basic knowledge of machine learning. Experience with hierarchical learning, reinforcement learning, and/or goal-directed decision-making would be particularly helpful. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. Applicants should send a brief statement of research interests, a CV and the names of three references to Maxim Bazhenov at mbazhenov(a)ucsd.edu -- Maxim Bazhenov, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Medicine, Neurosciences Graduate Program, UCSD, School of Medicine http://www.bazhlab.ucsd.edu/

May 10, 2019

Neural data scientist position at the Flatiron Institute

by Eftychios Pnevmatikakis

Apologies for cross-posting: The Center for Computational Mathematics at the Flatiron Institute in New York City is looking for a full time data scientist to work on neuroscience related projects. The main focus of this position will be on the development and support of CaImAn <https://github.com/flatironinstitute/caiman>, an open source software package for standardized and reproducible analysis of fluorescence microscopy (calcium imaging) data. Basic duties: - Researching novel data analysis algorithms for large scale fluorescence microscopy data. - Maintenance of existing codebase and user support. Qualifications: - BA/BS degree (MA or PhD preferred) in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience or related technical field. - Programming experience in Python. - Background in either neural data analysis, machine learning, statistics, image processing, or computer vision is preferred. Informal inquiries should be sent to epnevmatikakis(a)flatironinstitute.org For more information and to apply please follow this link <https://simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/simonsfoundationcareer…> .

May 9, 2019

Principal Lecturer/Reader in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Hertfordshire, UK

by Volker Steuber

Principal Lecturer/Reader in Artificial Intelligence School of Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire Hatfield, UK FTE: 1.0 fte working 37 hours per week Duration of Contract: Permanent Salary: £50,132 to £59,828 pa Closing Date: 5th June 2019 Interview Date: 27th June 2019 Reference Number: 016194 Apply here: https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies Applications are invited for an exceptionally well qualified Reader of Artificial Intelligence of international standing who shares our commitment to research-informed teaching, embraces the research impact agenda, and values collegiality. Applicants will strengthen existing activity within the Department and develop it further, enhancing the research strengths and external reputation of the Department of Computer Science and contributing significantly to its performance in future research assessments and collaborations with public and commercial partners. The successful applicant will connect to and complement the research conducted by the Adaptive Systems Research Group within the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research. We encourage applications from researchers across a wide spectrum of AI, including emerging topics in AI. Possible fields include, but are not limited to: * Machine learning: reinforcement learning, Deep Methods, statistical methods, large scale data modelling/intelligent processing and high-performance learning algorithms * Robotics: embodied and/or cognitive robotics, HRI, robot safety, emotional/social robots, smart homes and sensors, sensor fusion, assistive robotics * Complex Systems: collective intelligence, adaptive, autonomous and multi-agent/robot systems, collective and swarm intelligence, social and market modelling, adaptive, evolutionary and unconventional computation * Mathematical Modelling: statistical modelling, information-theoretic methods, compressive sensing, intelligent data visualization, multiscale models, optimization * Emerging Topics in AI: computer algebra and AI, topological methods (e.g. persistent homology), modern topics in games and AI * AI and applications: financial modelling, AI and biology/physics/cognitive sciences * Foundations: fundamental questions of intelligence and computation, emergence of life/intelligence, Artificial Life As well as providing research supervision at PhD and MSc level, the Department of Computer Science offers modules in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, neural and evolutionary computing, as well as Artificial Life on the BSc and MSc programmes. Applicants will be committed to a strong research and research-informed teaching agenda and will actively contribute to increase research impact of the department, in the enthusiastic, welcoming and collegiate environment of the department. Applicants will be expected to contribute to the teaching in the department. Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English, an internationally excellent research record and reputation, including publications of the highest quality suitable for submission to the REF (UK Research Excellence Framework). Applicants are expected to demonstrate standing in the research community, along with, and success in research/commercial income generation, engagement with the research impact agenda, and academic leadership. The reader will have opportunity to contribute actively to interdisciplinary research projects at the department and university level. Readership appointment The Appointment Panel for the post will be constituted in such a way that if the successful candidate fulfills the University's Readership criteria, then the Panel may award a Readership title to the successful candidate. For a readership appointment, the names and contact details of three academic referees of appropriate standing in the field are required who may be approached by the University prior to interview. For further guidance regarding the Readership process, please see the supporting Readership Policy. We particularly welcome female applicants as they are under-represented within the School at these levels. Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Simon Trainis, Head of Department of Computer Science by email only, S.A.Trainis(a)herts.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. The School of Engineering and Computer Science hosts the University of Hertfordshire Robot House, a facility ubiquitously equipped with low-cost sensors providing a realistic environment for experiments with robotics in a smart home; a fully-fledged RoboCup lab for development of humanoid robots participating in international competitions, and a large variety of different robotic platforms, including iCub and Baxter. The University offers a range of benefits including a pension scheme, professional development, family friendly policies, a fee waiver of 50% for all children of staff under the age of 21 at the start of the course, discounted memberships at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and generous annual leave.

May 8, 2019

ML staff scientist position at NIMH/NIH

by Ryan Philips

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for a Staff Scientist position in the Intramural Research Program (IRP), Section on Neurobiology of Fear & Anxiety. This section examines neural systems models of emotion/cognition interactions. This is done in two ways: one that focuses on anxiety in health and disease, and the other that uses a developmental perspective using large datasets. Four types of data are exploited, clinical/behavioral assessment, psychophysiology, fMRI (particularly 7T high-resolution scanner) and MEG. The candidate must have a doctoral degree (PhD) in computational neuroscience, or computer science/engineering and at least 5 years of experience post Ph.D. analyzing large datasets, modeling complex neural systems, using advanced machine learning algorithms. Experience with technical computing in MATLAB, R, C++ and a strong mathematical skill set is required. Knowledge of multi threaded and paralell computing environments is desirable. An interest in neuroscience or prior experience in neuroscience related fields is a plus. The staff scientist is expected to be a key member of the Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, contributing to analytical methodology, design of new projects. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Applicants should send curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation to Monique Ernst, MD, PhD, 301-675-4525, ernstm(a)mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted beginning April 1st. The position will be open until filled. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

May 8, 2019

Call for applications: NeuroNex Jr Scientist Workshop on Advance Neural Data Analysis

by Allison Ong

Call for applications: NeuroNex Jr Scientist Workshop on Advance Neural Data Analysis at Columbia University Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/yyxnacmd Application Deadline: May 25, 2019 Workshop dates: August 26 - 29, 2019 Details: https://ctn.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/junior Hosted by the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience at Columbia University Co-Organized by the NeuroNex Theory Team at University of Houston This workshop is intended for PhD students and postdocs who want to learn and share with their peers new advanced techniques in data analysis and apply them to complex neural datasets. Attendees will present their research projects, followed by a hands-on programming tutorial on the computational techniques used in their work. We encourage applications from female scientists and those belonging to underrepresented minorities. Funds will be provided by NSF's NeuroNex initiative to cover travel, accommodation, and meals. Questions? Email neuraldataworkshop(a)gmail.com

May 8, 2019

Fully-funded 3 year PhD studentship in Mark Humphries' lab (Nottingham)

by Mark Humphries

A fully funded PhD position is available with Prof. Mark Humphries at the University of Nottingham (UK), on a project entitled "Mapping the wires using neural activity". The studentship is for 3 years, and is open to UK/EU citizens. The wiring between neurons, the connectome, defines their activity. So in order to understand the activity of neurons we record from, we want to know the wiring between them. But current technology does not allow the simultaneous recording and tracing of the connections between neurons. To solve this problem, this project will develop computational techniques to accurately infer wiring between neurons from the next generation of imaging techniques that directly record neuron voltages. The project will combine development of algorithms, simulations of neural circuits as test-beds, and analysis of real imaging data from neural populations. For full details and application instructions please see: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/fully-funded-phd-position-mapping-the… For more on the Humphries Lab, see our website: https://www.humphries-lab.org/ For further information about the project, or to discuss other projects, please contact Prof Mark Humphries (mark.humphries(a)nottingham.ac.uk) 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.

May 8, 2019

PhD position in computational neuroscience with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott in Bochum, Germany

by Laurenz Wiskott

Please forward this job advertisement to candidates who might be interested. Thanks, Laurenz Wiskott. ___________________________________________________________________________ Open position for a PhD student with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott at the Institute for Neural Computation, Bochum, Germany ___________________________________________________________________________ University: 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. Institute: Institute for Neural Computation Ruhr-University Bochum Universitaetsstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum, Germany, EU The Institute for Neural Computation is a central research institute at the Ruhr-University Bochum, 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. Research group: Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott, see https://www.ini.rub.de/research/groups/theory_of_neural_systems/ Research topics: We are looking for an outstanding candidate who will be working on a system-level model of spatial navigation with the hippocampus as one of its central areas. We use methods from neural networks and machine learning. It is also planned to simulate experiments done with rat and/or mice by our experimental partners. The position is part of a joint team with Prof. Sen Cheng working on developing a system-level model of hippocampal function for memory and navigation. This is being done in close interaction with a team working on similar questions from the machine learning perspective. Teaching: There is a teaching load of 3 hours per week during the semester, in particular for a programming course in python. Time: The appointment will be for three years and can then be extended for one more year if needed. The position is immediately available. Requirements: Candidates should have an education (equivalent to a MSc) in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering or any related field. Required are strong mathematical and programming skills (ideally in python) as well as the ability to communicate and work well in a team. Salary: Salary is 75% of salary scale TV-L E13. Inquiries: Informal inquiries can be addressed to Prof. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. Application: Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and BSc, statement of purpose) should be sent as a single pdf file to Prof. Laurenz Wiskott <laurenz.wiskott(a)rub.de>. 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.

May 8, 2019

Registration and Call for Abstracts for the 2nd Conference of the Timing Research Forum

by teki

Dear all, Registration and call for abstracts and symposium proposals for the 2nd Conference of the Timing Research Forum <http://timingforum.org/> (TRF2) is now open. TRF2 is the second international conference dedicated to multidisciplinary research on timing and time perception and will be held at UNAM in Queretaro, Mexico from October 15-17, 2019. TRF2 builds upon the massive success of TRF1 held in Strasbourg, France in Oct. 2017 that was attended by 250+ scientists with a shared passion for understanding timing and time perception through varied experimental, computational and clinical approaches. The deadline to submit abstracts and symposium proposals is May 25, 2019. During the submission process, please indicate if you wish to present an oral or poster presentation, and express your interest for student travel awards. All selected abstracts will be published in the journal, Timing and Time Perception Reviews <http://www.brill.com/node/37536>. We are pleased to announce three impressive Keynote Speakers - - Kia Nobre, Oxford University - Mehrdad Jazayeri, MIT - Albert Tsao, Stanford University Albert Tsao will give the TRF2 ECR Keynote Prize Lecture based on his paper - ’Tsao, Sugar, Lu, Wang, Knierim, Moser, Moser (2018; Nature) Integrating time from experience in the lateral entorhinal cortex’, that was selected by the members of TRF as the 'Best Timing Paper of 2018'. We look forward to proposals of sponsorship. Our sponsorship booklet is available here <https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UzZk6pYk5RgaNOXgpbnPXP4hHcHf1bz6>. Anyone interested in joining the Timing Research Forum can do so by following the instructions at this link <http://timingforum.org/membership>. For further details about abstract submission guidelines, conference program, registration, accommodation etc., please visit the TRF2 conference website - http://trf2.inb.unam.mx/. We encourage everyone to register early to avail discounted prices and look forward to seeing you in Queretaro! TRF2 Conference Chairs: Hugo Merchant, UNAM Victor de Lafuente, UNAM trf2mexico(a)gmail.com TRF2 Scientific Committee: Dean Buonomano, UCLA John Iversen, UCSD Rich Ivry, UC Berkeley Laurel Trainor, McMaster University Virginie van Wassenhove, INSERM Martin Wiener, George Mason University https://trf2.inb.unam.mx/?page_id=228 Timing Research Forum: Sundeep Teki, Amazon Alexa AI Argiro Vatakis, Panteion University TRF ECR Committee timingforum.org

May 7, 2019

2019 NEURON Summer Course

by Carnevale, Nicholas

A few seats remain open for the 2019 NEURON Summer Course, but you'll have to act quickly because the registration deadline is Friday, May 31, and no applications will be accepted after that date. This year's course will be held at the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota (UMN) from Monday, June 10, through Saturday, June 15. It provides a thorough introduction to computational modeling of neurons and networks with NEURON, and is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. UMN has made a limited number of private and semiprivate rooms in graduate student housing available to course registrants at very affordable rates; further information will be provided to applicants upon payment of the course's registration fee. For more information and the on-line registration form, see https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/summer2019/summer2019.html --Ted

May 7, 2019

Data Scientist Position at Boston University

by Chen, Jerry

The Lab of Jerry Chen at Boston University is hiring a Data Scientist to be involved in several multi-year BRAIN Initiative related NIH and NSF funded projects. These projects focus on understanding cortical computation during behavior by combining large-scale population recordings, anatomical reconstructions, and transcriptional profiling as well as developing tools for large-scale and high-speed imaging of neuronal populations. This person will be involved in help to analyze experimental data, developing software tools to aid in the data analysis, and helping with data infrastructure and management. Specific Projects include: 1. Analysis of dense electron microscope reconstructions of neuronal connectivity (ie. Connectomics) 2. Establishing pipeline for image analysis for in situ sequencing of gene expression 3. Establishing pipeline for automated behavioral training and analysis. 4. Visualization and analysis of population imaging data across multiple brain areas during behavior. This person will be jointly involved and mentored by personnel from the Hariri Institute's Software & Application Innovation Lab (SAIL), a center with expertise in cutting-edge computational and data-driven research with tangible and direct impacts on academic research, public service, and industry partners in healthcare, finance, and technology. Qualifications: BA/BS degree (MA or PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Neuroscience or related technical field. One to three years of academic or professional experience. Programming experience in MATLAB is required. Additional experience in Python, C++, or LABView is preferred. Extensive background in either computational neuroscience, image analysis, computer vision, or machine learning is preferred. If interested in applying, please submit a CV along with 3 references to jerry(a)chen-lab.org<mailto:jerry@chen-lab.org>.

May 6, 2019