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[jobs] Post-Doc in Developmental Robotics - Short Deadline

by Patricia Hazel Shaw [phs]

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, (Fixed Term until 31 March 2018) Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science Grade 7 - £32,600 - £37,768 Closing Date: 30th June 2016 Interview Date: 4th July 2016 Applicants are invited to join the Robotics Laboratory for a project (entitled “Developmental Algorithms for Robotics”). The project is focusing on developmental robotic learning based on an iCub humanoid robot. This is a three year EPSRC funded project running at Aberystwyth University started March 2015, with the support of an International Scientific Advisory Board consisting of leading developmental psychologists. We wish to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate who will develop models based on the psychological literature, and conduct experiments on our iCub humanoid robot. The successful candidate will have appropriate modelling skills and experience, and proven abilities in this area. Other tasks include writing scientific documents and papers, documenting experiments and writing reports, supervising a PhD student and collaborating with other researchers. Regular European travel will be involved. The project ends March 2018, with the fixed-term contract running to this date. For informal enquiries contact Patricia Shaw: phs(a)aber.ac.uk<mailto:phs@aber.ac.uk> +44 (0)1970 622432. For the full job description, please visit: https://jobs.aber.ac.uk/en/vacancy/post-doctoral-research-associate-develop… -------------------------------------------------------------------- Astudio gyda ni yn Aberystwyth - Prifysgol Gyntaf Cymru https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/undergrad/ Study at Aberystwyth – Wales’ First University https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/undergrad/

June 24, 2016

Postdoctoral Position at Yale Neuroscience

by McCormick, David

An outstanding, highly-motivated post-doctoral fellow is sought to participate in studies on the cellular/network mechanisms of optimal state for performance. Candidates experienced in either computational, imaging/optogenetic, or electrophysiological methodologies are sought. We are investigating the mechanisms by which the optimal state for detection and discrimination performance is achieved in mouse neocortex. Mice are trained to perform visual and auditory detection/recognition/discrimination tasks. Through state-of-the-art techniques, such as two-photon monitoring of activity in known neuromodulatory axons in the cortex, whole cell recording of synaptic activity, high density array recordings of cortical unit activity, and optogenetic manipulation of specific transmitter systems, we are able to determine and decipher the role of different transmitter systems and neural pathways that rapidly control neuronal responsiveness. We have recently shown that the waking state varies on a continual basis and that these fluctuations account for a large component of response and behavioral variance. We take a circuit-based approach to systems neuroscience, revealing how the nervous system achieves a goal through the synaptic interaction of cells in local and long range circuits, modulated by neurotransmitters, to generate flexible behavior. Support: Postdoctoral fellows are well supported with state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to their experiments. Salary (45-65K) is competitive and commensurate with experience and contribution. Lab website: www.mccormicklab.org<http://www.mccormicklab.org/> Please contact david.mccormick(a)yale.edu<mailto:david.mccormick@yale.edu> with inquiries and applications. Send statement of interest, CV, and the names of three people for letters of recommendation. Positions available Fall, 2016. David A. McCormick Professor, Neuroscience | Yale University School of Medicine Dept. Neuroscience 333 Cedar Street | New Haven, CT 06510 | 203.785.5981 www.mccormicklab.org<http://www.mccormicklab.org/> | www.neurobiology.org<http://www.neurobiology.org/>

June 22, 2016

Summer school on neural and sensorimotor foundations of social interaction (BCBT/socSMCs)

by Alexander Maye

---------------------------------------------------------- CALL FOR PARTICIPATION ---------------------------------------------------------- Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology Summer School (BCBT2016) University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. 5-16 September 2016 http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt16 Join us for the annual "Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology summer school - BCBT2016 " (see http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt16/home) to be held 5-16 September 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The BCBT summer school is positioned at the interface between biology and future and emerging technologies with an emphasis on the principles underlying brains and their translation to avant-garde technologies. BCBT promotes a shared systems-level understanding of the functional architecture of the brain and its possible emulation in artificial systems. The summer school has been part of a series of events organized by the European coordination action Convergent Science Network of Biomimetics and Neurotechnology (http://csnetwork.eu/) This year the school will be supported by the EU project socSMCs (Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies) - A FET Proactive Horizon 2020 funded research project. (http://socsmcs.eu/) This is the 9th year of BCBT, which has run with great success in previous years thanks to an excellent line-up of outstanding speakers (see bcbt.upf.edu for previous editions of the school). BCBT lectures are available online (see http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt16/media) with the BCBT Podcast interviews with many of the BCBT speakers. BCBT caters to students and researchers involved in projects that are in the ambit of “BIO-ICT convergence”, "Brain Inspired ICT", “Cognitive systems- robotics”, “Cognitive and neural systems”, “Foundations of social cognition”. BCBT will offer up to 30 student slots for the practical workshops, while as many researchers can register to attend the presentations and discussion sessions as they are interested. The atmosphere of the BCBT summer school is informal with the goal to stimulate in-depth discussion. There are 1 or 2 presentations in the morning, with the afternoons reserved for tutorials and projects for student participants and road-mapping workshops or further discussion for senior scientists. For the 2016 edition we plan a 1st week of the school addressing Neural basis of social interaction while the 2nd week will include presentations aimed at the investigation of Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies. Friday 16 is reserved for the presentation of the student projects to which everybody is invited. Application deadline: July 27th, 2016 For more information on how to apply, please go to http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt16/ participate BCBT is organized by Paul Verschure (BCBT Chair), ICREA and University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, ES Andreas K. Engel (BCBT Co-Chair) University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), DE Anna Mura (BCBT Co-Chair), University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, ES -- _____________________________________________________________________ Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf; Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts; Gerichtsstand: Hamburg | www.uke.de Vorstandsmitglieder: Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göke (Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Koch-Gromus, Joachim Prölß, Rainer Schoppik _____________________________________________________________________ SAVE PAPER - THINK BEFORE PRINTING

June 21, 2016

Postdoc Position Available in the Kanan lab at the Rochester Institute of Technology

by Christopher Kanan

Topic: Machine learning and deep learning for detecting manipulated images One postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Christopher Kanan at the Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, NY (USA). The lab specializes in applying machine learning algorithms to solve problems in computer vision and related fields. The candidate will be responsible for developing new algorithms for the detecting manipulated and tampered images. Requirements: Ph.D. in computer science or related field; A research record in computer vision and/or machine learning; Familiarity with deep learning The position is initially for one year, but is renewable upon strong performance for an additional year. The salary is significantly above the typical postdoctoral market rate. Applications should be sent by email to ( christopher.kanan(a)rit.edu) and should include a CV, the expected data of availability, and contact information for 3 references. The starting date is September 2016. I will be available to do interviews during CVPR-2016. -- Christopher Kanan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Carlson Center for Imaging Science Rochester Institute of Technology Office 3140, Building #76 http://klab.cis.rit.edu/ http://www.chriskanan.com

June 21, 2016

PhD and PostDoc Position at Düsseldorf

by Esther Florin

Please note that the deadline is on the 27th of June. An earlier message was not delivered. Post-Doc and PhD position at the Institute for Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf Both positions are in the context of the project “Spontaneous brain activity in healthy subjects and Parkinson's disease”, funded by the Volkswagen foundation. The project aims at providing a characterization of the neurophysiological basis of the brain’s resting state networks (RSNs) by determining how communication between and within RSNs is mediated, using electro-/magnetoencephaolographic (E/MEG) data from healthy participants. In the second part of the project the characterization of RSN electrophysiology will be used to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. A particular focus will be on tracing out the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of dopamine treatment and deep brain stimulation. The jobs involve research design, data collection, data analysis, methods developments/implementation, presenting at conferences, and participating in the writing up of the results. The PostDoc is also expected to assist in the supervision and training of junior lab members. Preferable candidates will have a strong background in physics, neuroscience, electrophysiology, biology, computer science or related fields. Knowledge of MEG/EEG biophysics, data acquisition and analysis, biostatistics, and signal processing or the willingness and capability to quickly acquire this knowledge are essential. Qualities we are looking for: · Good scientific programming and data processing skills · Familiarity with Matlab and LaTeX · Solid knowledge of descriptive and inductive statistics and time series analysis · Previous exposure to M/EEG source estimation, Brainstorm, and fMRI resting state analysis are considered a plus · Strong motivation to carry out neuroimaging studies utilizing MEG and to perform source and connectivity analysis · Knowledge of neuroscience concepts · Good interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in the interaction with subjects and patients (beneficial: knowledge of German) · Excellent skills in written and spoken English; · Proven track record of academic excellence What we offer: The group is part of the Institute for Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology at Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, located in the capital of Germany’s biggest state. The institute hosts a state-of-the-art 306 channel MEG-system and a 128 channel EEG system as well as a 3T MRI. The Heinrich-Heine University (HHU) is part of the Neuroscience Network Düsseldorf, a collaborative effort jointly with the Research Centre Jülich and the IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf. A particular focus of this network is the investigation of disease-associated pathomechanisms such as the one of Parkinson's disease. At the HHU Düsseldorf the graduate school iBrain has been established and enables graduate students to obtain further formal qualifications in neuroscience. Terms and conditions for this position: Both positions are available from 1st of July 2016 or until filled. The initial appointment is for 2-3 years (postdoc) or 3 years (PhD student). Salary for the PostDoc will be according to E13/TV-L and for the PhD up to 0.65 E13/TV-L. Health insurance is included. The contract will be affiliated with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. Female candidates are encouraged to apply; they will be given preference in cases of equal aptitude, ability, and professional achievements unless there are exceptional reasons for choosing another applicant. Applications from suitably qualified severely disabled persons or disabled persons regarded as being of equal status according to Book IX of the German Social Legal Code (SGB – Soziales Gesetzbuch) are encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal aptitude. More information about this vacancy? Please contact Esther Florin: esther.florin(a)med.uni-duesseldorf.de<redir.aspx?REF=n0heCJN2SIPp5bF7BPLNIgtomqUCHYIGBBx5vHNmbFYEOMc_OJnTCAFtYWlsdG86ZXN0aGVyLmZsb3JpbkBtZWQudW5pLWR1ZXNzZWxkb3JmLmRl> Are you interested? Please send your application within 3 weeks to: Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf D 01.2.1 – Kennziffer: 149E/16, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf It should include the following documents: · short (one page) application letter · your CV, incl. a list of publications and the names and contact details of two scientists who can provide references · writing sample · one-page summary of your research For administrative reasons, we cannot return applications. In submitting your application, you give your consent to the retention of the application documents by the university hospital Düsseldorf. _______________________________________________ Dr. Esther Florin Lichtenberg Assistant Professor for Systems Neuroscience Institute for Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf Tel: +49-(0)211-81-08439 esther.florin(a)med.uni-duesseldorf.de<redir.aspx?REF=n0heCJN2SIPp5bF7BPLNIgtomqUCHYIGBBx5vHNmbFYEOMc_OJnTCAFtYWlsdG86ZXN0aGVyLmZsb3JpbkBtZWQudW5pLWR1ZXNzZWxkb3JmLmRl>

June 20, 2016

Postdoctoral Fellowship in multiscale modeling methods for neuroscience simulation

by McDougal, Robert

Multiscale Modeling Postdoctoral Fellowship available for combining cell biology (reaction-diffusion) and electrophysiology in the NEURON simulator (neuron.yale.edu<http://neuron.yale.edu>). The position involves an unusual mix of software engineering and science, depending on the candidate's background and interests. Mathematically, interesting challenges arise in coupling 1D and 3D simulations and coupling deterministic with stochastic simulation. Biologically, dendrites and spines produce complex morphologies with much possibility for spatial variation in concentration. At the network level, the molecular scale interacts in unexpected ways with cellular and network dynamics. Although the work is technical and focused on software development, paper writing is expected with opportunity for both methods papers and biological papers, typically in collaboration with experimental labs. The postdoc will receive training in a wide range of interdisciplinary skills from computer science, applied math, biophysics, cell biology, electrophysiology, etc. The work is being performed in close collaboration with experimental laboratories, giving the opportunity to immediately determine how closely a modeling technique can match the experimental reality (or how experimental artifact can be reduced so as to match a model). Candidates should have a strong background in computer programming, with demonstrated proficiency in C/C++, Python, or some other major language. Familiarity with any or all of threading, MPI, SBML, or user interface design is a strong plus. Strong interest, though not necessarily research experience, in cell biology and/or neuroscience is a must. Some experience with NEURON is desirable. We are part of the team that develops and disseminates the NEURON multiscale modeling (MSM) environment, used by thousands of researchers over decades (now in year 40). As with most simulators, NEURON has historically emphasized neuronal network connectivity and cell membrane electrical dynamics. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics require that the scales of cell biology be added to the MSM mosaic. This extension is particularly important for understanding major problems in learning and memory (the genesis of long-term potentiation in the interaction of chemo- and electro-) and in understanding and developing treatments for brain disease. The work is being done as a collaboration between SUNY Downstate and Yale University under the auspices of a 5 year continuation of an ongoing grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. The NIH and other agencies (FDA, NASA, NSF, DARPA, others) are making a strong push to enhance multiscale modeling in biomedical engineering across organ systems, but particularly with respect to brain function and brain disease -- this is a major growth area in bioscience. Based on the candidate's background and preferences, job could be in Brooklyn, New Haven or via telecommuting. The labs maintain frequent communication via instant messaging (Slack) with software sharing via git and mercurial. Applicants should contact Bill Lytton or Robert McDougal by email (billl at neurosim.downstate.edu<http://neurosim.downstate.edu> robert.mcdougal at yale.edu<http://yale.edu>; no snail mail please) with a CV and cover letter describing your experience with any relevant technologies (Python, C/C++, MPI, NEURON, etc). SUNY is an equal opportunity employer.

June 17, 2016

Biomag 2016 Brain Connectivity Analysis Competition

by Stefan Haufe

Dear colleagues, we have just launched a data analysis competition on brain connectivity analysis using EEG and MEG. Detailed information on the challenge and the data to be analyzed can be found at http://bbci.de/supplementary/EEGconnectivity/BBCB.html . At this website, we also offer a basic Matlab-based software framework for generating EEG/MEG data in a realistic head model, plotting results, etc. You and your colleagues are warmly invited to participate in the challenge. Please feel free to pass on this link to anyone else who might be interested. Besides active participation we would also be very happy to just hear your general opinion on the design of the challenge, and about any suggestions for extension (in the future). Our challenge is on of three official data analysis competitions of this year's BIOMAG conference. The invitation to participate in all three challenges is pasted below for your convenience. With best wishes, Stefan Haufe and Arne Ewald -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [megcommunity] Biomag 2016 Data Analysis Competition Date: Mon, 30 May 2016 16:56:31 +0200 From: Ole Jensen <ole.jensen(a)DONDERS.RU.NL> Reply-To: Ole Jensen <ole.jensen(a)DONDERS.RU.NL> To: MEGCOMMUNITY(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK Dear all, We are happy to announce three challenges for the 'Data Analysis Competition' at Biomag 2016. Please see details at http://www.biomag2016.org/data_analysis_competition.php The aim of the competitions is to promote the development and application of new analysis techniques. The challenges will help to elucidate pros and cons of different techniques and attract experts from outside the MEG field. The winners of the competition will be given the opportunity to present their proposal at the Biomag meeting in Seoul (Oct 1-6) in order to spark discussions on analysis. Please encourage colleagues to participate! Best regards, Ole Jensen -- Prof. dr. Ole Jensen http://www.neuosc.com

June 17, 2016

FW: 2nd Call for Papers: IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Special Issue on Neuromorphic Computing and Cognitive Systems

by Arindam Basu

Dear all， You are invited to submit your work to IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Special Issue on Neuromorphic Computing and Cognitive Systems. The submission deadline has been extended to June 30, 2016. Thanks for your contributions! (And apologies for cross-posting if any) IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Special Issue on Neuromorphic Computing and Cognitive Systems AIM AND SCOPE In recent years neuromorphic computing has become an important emerging research area. There has been rapid progress in computational theory, learning algorithms, signal processing and circuit design and implementation, which have shown appealing computational advantages over conventional solutions. The low size, weight, and power of these hardware architectures shows great potential for embedded cognitive systems. Starting from emulating the computational principles and architecture found in neural systems, neuromorphic computing aims to integrate sensory coding, synaptic computing (e.g., STDP), learning and memory, and attempts to develop neuromorphic sensors and chips, and cognitive behaving systems such as robots. Neuromorphic hardware has provided a fundamentally different technique for data representation and learning, e.g., asynchronous events rather than regularly sampled frames of images. Various hardware systems leveraging on neural spikes based computing have been reported to achieve good performance with much lower power consumption. Therefore, neuromorphic computing can inform cognitive systems because the algorithms that run on this hardware must be neurobiologically inspired. A huge potential exists for applying this emerging computing framework to the next generation of cognitive systems and robotics, neuro-inspired sensors and processors, etc. THEMES This special issue aims to report state-of-the-art approaches and recent advances on (a) learning algorithms constrained by limits of biology and neuromorphic hardware (b) neuromorphic hardware for cognitive systems and (c) applications of neuromorphic architecture or hardware to cognitive robotics. Topics relevant to this special issue include, but are not limited to • Neuromorphic cognitive systems • Cognitive robotics • Brain-inspired data representation models • STDP, Spike-based sensing and learning algorithms • Spike based processing and methods for configuring spike-based processors SUBMISSION Manuscripts should be prepared according to the “Information for Authors” of the journal found at http://cis.ieee.org/publications.html and submissions should be done through the IEEE TCDS Manuscript center: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee <https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee> and please select the category “SI: Neuromorphic Computing”. IMPORTANT DATES 15 June 2016-Extended to 30 June 2016: Deadline for manuscript submission 15 Sep 2016: Notification of authors 15 Oct 2016: Deadline for revised manuscripts 15 Nov 2016：Final version GUEST EDITORS Huajin Tang, Sichuan University, China. （htang(a)scu.edu.cn<mailto:htang@scu.edu.cn>） Tiejun Huang, Peking University, China. （tjhuang(a)pku.edu.cn<mailto:tjhuang@pku.edu.cn>） Garrick Orchard，National University of Singapore (garrickorchard(a)nus.edu.sg<mailto:garrickorchard@nus.edu.sg>） Arindam Basu，Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (arindam.basu(a)ntu.edu.sg<mailto:arindam.basu@ntu.edu.sg>） Jeffrey L. Krichmar，University of California, Irvine, US （jkrichma(a)uci.edu<mailto:jkrichma@uci.edu>） Best regards, Arindam ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY: This email is intended solely for the person(s) named and may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it, notify us and do not copy, use, or disclose its contents. Towards a sustainable earth: Print only when necessary. Thank you.

June 17, 2016

Fwd: Faculty Position in Neural Data and Imaging Sciences, Sabanci Univ., Istanbul

by Mujdat Cetin

*Faculty Position in Neural Data and Imaging Sciences at Sabancı University* http://ee.sabanciuniv.edu/en/full-time-faculty-position-neural-data-and-ima… The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) at Sabancı University, İstanbul, Turkey invites applications for a full-time faculty position in the area of Neural Data and Imaging Sciences with a targeted start date of Fall 2016. The ideal candidate for this position would have a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, computational neuroscience, or a related field, as well as a strong research and publication record in the area of information extraction from challenging neural data. Particular research areas of interest include but are not limited to neuroinformatics, big neural sensor data analytics, biomedical imaging, brain informatics, signal processing of neural activity, computational neuroimaging, neural image analysis, machine learning for understanding the brain, and connectomics. Sensing/imaging modalities of interest include but are not necessarily limited to MRI, fMRI, DTI, PET, EEG, MEG, ECoG, and several forms of microscopy. Application areas of interest include, but are not limited to healthcare, neurotechnology, brain-computer interfaces, neurorehabilitation, and neurorobotics. The faculty member will have a primary affiliation with the Electronics Engineering program but will be expected to conduct collaborative research with other programs in FENS as well. Applications from candidates at all ranks are encouraged. For candidates at the Assistant Professor level, post-doctoral research experience is a plus. Successful candidates are expected to develop externally-funded internationally-recognized research programs; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students; and undertake service responsibilities. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to benefit from the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the brand-new Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), as well as to be involved in the Professional Master’s Program in Data Analytics. Sabancı University, a privately funded premier academic institution, established in 1996 in its state-of-the-art campus located in suburban İstanbul. The university offers 13 undergraduate programs and 38 graduate programs in three faculties (Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Management). The University aims to establish a high standard of academic excellence and a research-oriented atmosphere for its international faculty and students, while nurturing productive relationships particularly with the industries in the region which constitute the industrial heartland of Turkey. The medium of instruction is English. In 2015, Sabancı University ranked 13th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of the top 100 universities under 50 years old, and 21st in the THE Asia university rankings. In the recently announced THE ranking of the world’s best small universities in 2016, Sabancı University ranked 10th globally. It ranked first among all universities in Turkey in the University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Index of the Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology in 2015. Detailed information about the Electronics Engineering Program at Sabancı University can be found at http://ee.sabanciuniv.edu/ Applicants should submit their applications online through https://crm.sabanciuniv.edu/acadcv/application.php and provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, statement of teaching interests, and at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2016 and will continue until the position is filled. -- Mujdat Cetin Technical Program Co-chair, IVMSP 2016 -- http://ivmsp2016.org Technical Co-chair, FUSION 2016 -- http://fusion2016.org Faculty Member Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Sabanci University Orhanli, Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey Phone : +90 (216) 483-9594 Fax : +90 (216) 483-9550 E-mail : mcetin(a)sabanciuniv.edu Web : http://spis.sabanciuniv.edu

June 16, 2016

Scientist II opening in Computational Neuroscience at the Allen Institute for Brain Science (Seattle, USA)

by Costas Anastassiou

Scientist II opening in Computational Neuroscience Lab headed by Dr. Costas Anastassiou Allen Institute of Brain Science Do you want to make a difference in our understanding of brain disorders? Do you have a solid background in computational neuroscience/scientific computing/simulation-based research and curious about how the brain works? Are you able to meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment? The laboratory headed by Dr. Costas Anastassiou at the Allen Institute is currently looking for a talented Scientist II to work on large-scale, biophysically detailed brain circuit simulations to explore the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Our mission at the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. By implementing a team science approach on a large scale we strive to generate useful public resources, drive technological innovations and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory. Position summary: We are seeking to fill a position at the level of Scientist II (SciII) to work on an exciting new translational neuroscience pilot project at the Institute. The goal of this project is to investigate cellular and circuit mechanisms of epileptogenesis in human hippocampus. To address these questions, we seek to develop a faithful computational model of the human epileptogenetic hippocampus consisting of a multitude of reconstructed, interconnected and biophysically faithful neurons emulating anatomical and dynamical characteristics of the pathological brain tissue. For examples of biophysically realistic network models as pursued in this work see [Schomburg, Anastassiou et al, J Neurosci, 2012; Reimann, Anastassiou et al, Neuron, 2013; Taxidis, Anastassiou et al, Neuron, 2015]. The aim of the computational model is to (i) understand how synaptic, cellular and connectivity properties of pathological brain tissue give rise to pathophysiological network dynamics, (ii) understand how pathophysiological dynamics are reflected on signals such as depth-, ECoG- and EEG-recordings, and (iii) identify intervention targets to abort or suppress pathological activity. Importantly, the computational effort will occur in parallel with novel in vitro experiments in brain slices derived from patients undergoing surgery for treatment refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy that will provide the data on which the computational modeling will be based. The project will be pursued in collaboration with in-house experimental colleagues as well as neurologists and neurosurgeons and has a guaranteed duration initially of 18 months beginning in the summer of 2016. Responsibilities: · Construct detailed biophysical models using cable theory and NEURON-software. · Design, implement and analyze large-scale network simulations. · Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. · Prepare written and oral reports on a regular basis. · Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and relevant conferences. · Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor and team members. Qualifications: · PhD degree in computational neuroscience, physics, biology, bioengineering or related fields. · Strong background in scientific computing; experience in computational neuroscience is preferred, but other strong applicants will be considered (with background in computational physics, biophysics, and related disciplines). Experience with parallel computing is a plus as well as familiarity with high-level programming languages such as python. · Ability to meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment. · Strong publication record. · Experience in pursuing research projects in collaborative fashion. · Proven independent thinking and flexibility. · Familiarity with in vitro and in vivoelectrophysiological monitoring techniques and data analyses. · Strong written and verbal communication skills. How to apply: Visit the Allen Institute for Brain Science Careers website and fill out your information for the Scientist II-position under “2200-Modeling, Analysis and Theory”.

June 16, 2016