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Neuroscience Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania

by Gold, Joshua

The Neuroscience Graduate Group (NGG; http://www.med.upenn.edu/ngg/) at the University of Pennsylvania is a collaborative and interdisciplinary PhD program that is currently accepting applications for matriculation in the fall of 2018. We are particularly interested in attracting exceptional applicants with backgrounds in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, and/or Psychology and are interested in the broadly defined field of Computational Neuroscience. We have a robust and interdisciplinary community of scholars in this field, including: Geoff Aguirre, Neurology Vijay Balasubramanian, Physics Danielle S Bassett, Bioengineering David H Brainard, Psychology Maja Bucan, Genetics Johannes Burge, Psychology Alice S Chen-Plotkin, Neurology Brian Chow, Bioengineering Yale E Cohen, Otorhinolaryngology Diego Contreras, Neuroscience Long Ding, Neuroscience Steven Eliades, Otorhinolaryngology Russell Epstein, Psychology Christopher M Fang-Yen, Bioengineering Michael Freed, Neuroscience Maria Neimark Geffen, Otorhinolaryngology Joshua I Gold, Neuroscience Joseph W Kable, Psychology Michael J Kahana, Psychology Elani Katifori, Physics Max Kelz, Anesthesiology Konrad Kording, Neuroscience and Bioengineering Daniel Lee, Electrical and Systems Engineering Brian Litt, Neurology and Bioengineering Minghong Ma, Neuroscience Joel D Mainland, Neuroscience Philip Nelson, Physics Michael Platt, Neuroscience, Marketing, and Psychology Nicole C Rust, Psychology Marc Schmidt, Biology Robert G Smith, Neuroscience Alan A Stocker, Psychology Sharon Thompson-Schill, Psychology Penn also has strong programs in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Psychology with faculty actively involved in machine learning, decision making, perception, and computational learning theory. NGG students are encouraged to pursue collaborations and interactions with these groups. Penn also is home to the Computational Neuroscience Initiative (https://cni.upenn.edu) which oversees many of our academic and research programs related to computational neuroscience. The application deadline for the NGG is December 1, 2017. For more details please see our website: http://www.med.upenn.edu/ngg/app_info.shtml ----- Joshua Gold Chair, Neuroscience Graduate Group University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104-6074 jigold(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu<mailto:jigold@mail.med.upenn.edu>

Oct. 18, 2017

PhD in Distributed neural processing of self-generated visual input in a vertebrate brain

by Christopher Buckley

PhD studentships in Systems Neuroscience are available in the groups of Dr Christopher L Buckley (Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems Group) and Prof. Leon Lagnado (Neuroscience group) at the University of Sussex on the BBSRC funded project " Distributed neural processing of self-generated visual input in a vertebrate brain”. We are looking for ambitious candidates with a computational, physics, maths or engineering background who want to get involved in cutting edge experimental neuroscience. This position is particularly suited to those with some experience with computational neuroscience. In this project we will characterise the neural circuits involved in the interactions between the sensory and motor systems using 2p and light-sheet microscopy to image neural activity across the brain of live zebrafish in a virtual reality environment (Nature. 2013;493: 466–468). This setup will allow us to approach foundational questions concerning the biological basis of sensorimotor processing and is a unique opportunity to combine theory and modelling with full experiment control, see https://tinyurl.com/kjtxoq9 for more details. Informal enquiries can be made to Chris Buckley<http://www.christopherlbuckley.com/> (c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>) or Leon Lagnado<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/lagnadolab/> (l.lagnado(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:l.lagnado@sussex.ac.uk>). Sussex Neuroscience<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience> is one of the foremost centers for Neuroscience research in the UK and the University of Sussex has a beautiful campus on the outskirts of the lively South Coast town of Brighton. Application: Please apply through the post-graduate application system of the University of Sussex (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/apply) Please include a brief statement of your scientific interests and skills/experience in the mandatory “research proposal”, including how you would imagine your role in the project (max 2 pages) and include a full CV. Indicate Dr Christopher L Buckley as your preferred advisor and clearly state the title of the studentship. When you apply, please send a copy of your application documents to c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk> and l.lagnado(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:l.lagnado@sussex.ac.uk>. Funding Notes The studentship includes a three year stipend at a standard rate (currently £14,296 per annum) and, in addition, fees at the UK/EU rate. Since the studentship only covers fees at the UK/EU rate, overseas applicants are kindly requested to state in their application how they propose to cover the difference between UK/EU and overseas fees. Deadline Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Christopher L Buckley Lecturer in Neural Computation Evolutionay and Adaptive Systems Group Department go Informatics Sussex Neuroscience University of Sussex Department of Informatics Sussex Neuroscience Falmer Brighton, UK email: c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk> twitter: @drclbuckley

Oct. 18, 2017

PhD studentship in the Humphries lab

by Mark Humphries

A potentially fully-funded UK/EU PhD studentship project is available in the Humphries lab at the University of Manchester, UK A wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Tourette's syndrome have been linked to the aberrant activity of output neurons in the massive, subcortical striatum. It is unknown how such aberrant activity arises from the changes to the brain known to occur in these disorders. This project will test the hypothesis that the network of fast-spiking interneurons within the striatum are a common cause of this aberrant activity. Please see here for full details: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=84600&LID=1020 And here for how to apply, deadline Friday November 17th 2017: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/mrc-dtp/ Any questions please contact Dr Mark Humphries directly (mark.humphries(a)manchester.ac.uk<mailto:mark.humphries@manchester.ac.uk>) _____________________________________________________________________________ Dr Mark Humphries | MRC Senior non-Clinical Research Fellow | Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health http://www.systemsneurophysiologylab.manchester.ac.uk/ [0da17e2a-9ed5-496a-b161-9fd4491ce5c7]@markdhumphries <https://twitter.com/markdhumphries> Public blog: https://medium.com/the-spike

Oct. 18, 2017

3 postdoc positions for a 3 years interdisciplinary project on Human vs Machine Intelligence

by GOMEZ GUTIERREZ, Emilia

Dear comp-neuro list, We are starting an interdisciplinary research project related to the scientific understanding of artificial intelligence and its influence on human cognition and behaviour, and we are currently building a team of postdocs. I thought the topic might be interesting for some researchers in this mailing list. Application deadline is in one week, October 26th. I copy a short summary below, but please contact me for further information. Best regards, emilia ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emilia Gómez Associate Professor, Music Technology Group - DTIC Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona http://emiliagomez.com ----- The Joint Research Centre (JRC) <https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/>is the European Commission's science and knowledge service which employs scientists to carry out research in order to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy. The JRC Centre for Advanced Studies <https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/research/centre-advanced-studies> (JRC-CAS) was established to enhance the JRC’s capabilities to meet emerging challenges at the science-policy interface. JRC-CAS is now launching HUMAINT <https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/science-update/humaint-project>, a three year interdisciplinary project to understand the potential impact of machine learning in human behaviour and societal welfare. It will be carried out at JRC centre in Seville, Spain. There will be close collaboration with the Music Technology Group <http://mtg.upf.edu/> and the Department of Information and Communication Technologies of Universitat Pompeu Fabra <https://www.upf.edu/web/etic> in Barcelona, Spain. The project will (1) provide a scientific understanding of machine vs human intelligence; (2) analyze the influence of machine learning algorithms into human behaviour (3) investigate to what extent these findings should influence the European regulatory framework. In the context of this project, *three postdoc positions* in the area of machine learning and human behaviour are open for appointment from January 1, 2018, at the Joint Research Centre (European Commission) in Seville, Spain. The fully funded positions are available for a period of three years. Particular areas of interests: - Fairness, accountability, transparency, explainability of machine learning methods. - Social, ethical and economic aspects of artificial intelligence. - Cognitive and computational neuroscience, behavioural studies. - Human-computer interaction and human-centered machine learning. - Digital and behavioural economy. - Application domains: music and arts, social networks, health, transport, energy. We are looking for highly motivated, independent, and outstanding postdoc candidates with a strong background in machine learning and/or human behaviour. An excellent research track record, ability to communicate research results and involvement in community initiatives is expected. Candidates should have EU/EEA citizenship. The JRC <https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/> offers an enriching multi-cultural and multi-lingual work environment with lifelong learning and professional development opportunities, and close links to top research organisations and international bodies around the world. Postdoctoral researchers receive a competitive salary and excellent working conditions, and will define their own research agenda inline with the project goals. JRC-Seville is located in Cartuja 93 <https://www.google.es/maps/place/Joint+Research+Centre+(JRC-Seville)/@37.39…>scientific and technological park. Seville <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZXdXzntmok> is the fourth-largest city in Spain. With more than 30 centuries of history (gateway of America for two centuries, main actor in the first circumnavigation of the Earth), three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and privileged climate, it combines its historical and touristic character with a consolidated economic development and innovation potential. We are also open for *collaborations with external researchers*, as one of our goals is to build an expert network in the topics. You may obtain *further information* about the scientific aspects of the positions from Dr. Emilia Gómez (project scientific leader: emilia.gomez(a)upf.edu, <emilia.gomez(a)upf.edu> using the subject [humaint]) and at the following web pages http://recruitment.jrc.e c.europa.eu/?site=SVQ&type=AX&category=FGIV <http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?site=SVQ&type=AX&category=FGIV> and https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/working-with-us/jobs <https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/working-with-us/jobs>. *YOU CAN APPLY HERE <http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?site=SVQ&type=AX&category=FGIV> BY OCTOBER 26, 2017 * -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emilia Gómez Associate Professor, Serra-Húnter & ICREA Academia Fellow Music Technology Group - DTIC Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona http://emiliagomez.wordpress.com

Oct. 18, 2017

CfP 27th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2018)

by Barakova, E.I.

[We apologize if you receive multiple copies of this message] ========================================================================== *** Call for Papers *** 27th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2018) Jiangsu Conference Center, Nanjing, Sheraton, Tai'an CHINA August 27th - September 1st 2018 www.ro-man2018.org ========================================================================== ========================================================================== The 27th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2018, will be held in Nanjing and Tai'an, China, on August 27 to September 1st. This leading forum on Robot and Human Interactive Communication covers the state-of-the-art innovative results and the latest developments in a wide range of topics. This year's theme is "Social Intelligence in Interactive Robots". The conference will look at the impact of friendly, open, ecological and useful cognitive robots in practical & real life applications in healthcare, industry, edutainment, and more, in the context of coexistence and cooperation. The main conference will host presentations of original contributions including new methods, theories and applications of Human-Robot Interactive Communication Systems. Multi-disciplinary approaches and practical solutions are highly encouraged. The workshops, tutorials, and industrial sessions will provide an opportunity to participants from academia and industry to focus on specific and prospective topics. Three keynote speakers will give plenary talks about emerging technologies and methods in human-robot interactive systems and their future. Regular papers. Prospective authors are invited to submit high-quality papers reporting original results under the broad theme socially intelligent robots. Tutorials and workshops will provide half-day or full-day training or discussions in applied research and applications. Proposals for tutorials and workshops should include: objectives, intended audience, list of prospective speakers, and topic list. Special sessions. Prospective special session organizers are invited to submit a proposal to the special session chair. Papers submitted to special sessions will undergo the same review process as the regular papers and will be included in the conference proceedings. Poster Sessions. Prospective authors are invited to submit their recent applied research, innovative applications and work-in-progress to be broadly discussed in designated interactive sessions. Video/ Demos/ Exhibit sessions. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for the industry to showcase their products and services. Startups and labs are also invited to present their prototypes and concepts. Industrial sessions. Participants are invited to share their proof-of-concepts, advanced prototypes, and industrial applications to scientific and industrial audience. Important Dates: Special Sessions, Workshops & Tutorials: Submission Deadline: January 19, 2018 Notification of Acceptance:February 2, 2018 Regular Papers, Special Session Papers: Submission Deadline: March 19, 2018 Notification of Acceptance: May 15, 2018 Camera-ready Deadline: June 5, 2018 Interactive Poster Sessions, Video Sessions, and Demonstration Sessions: Submission Deadline: May 22, 2018 Notification of Acceptance: June 5, 2018 Honorary General Chair Kazuhiko Kawamura, USA General Chair Ryad Chellali, China/ Italy Financial Co-Chairs Honghai Liu, China Lyn Lee, China Program Co-Chairs Fulvio Mastrogiovanni, Italy Amit Kumar Pandey, France Haoping Wang, China Tutorial & Workshop Co-Chairs Juan Rojas, China Silvia Rossi, Italy Exhibition Industry Co-Chairs Pierre Blazevic, France Yi Yang, China Huan Tan, USA Awards Co-Chairs Mary Anne Williams, Australia Marwala Tshilidzi, South Africa Publication Co-Chairs John-John Cabibihan, Qatar Erdem Erdemir, USA Publicity Co-Chairs Emilia Barakova, The Netherlands Yudong Zhang, China Secretariat Meiling Kate Shen, China Contact: info(a)ro-man2018.org Emilia I. Barakova, Ph.D., Faculty of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology Laplace 32, 5612 AZ Eindhoven The Netherlands, Head ID Social Robotics Lab, Editor Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, Associate Editor Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, http://www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/e.i.barakova/

Oct. 18, 2017

Two Post-doc/PhD positions in computational modeling of epilepsy

by Jochen Triesch

Two Post-doc/PhD positions are available in the context of Frankfurt's new Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER). The project focuses on better understanding circuit changes and neuroimmune interactions during the development of epilepsy and is jointly lead by Profs. Peter Jedlicka and Jochen Triesch. The positions are based at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (https://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/en/) Frankfurt has a vibrant Neuroscience community and the successful candidates will work closely together with experimental labs. Ideal candidates will have obtained a PhD/Master Degree in Computational Neuroscience or closely related field and have a strong interest in applying their knowledge to problems of medical relevance. Prior experience with modeling spiking neural networks or compartmental modeling is highly desirable. Experience in modeling epilepsy, neural plasticity and neuro-immune interactions is a plus. Earliest starting date is in January 2018. Review of applications will continue until the positions have been filled. Applications (single pdf file including CV, list of publications, statement of research interests and names and email addresses of three references) should be sent to jedlicka(a)em.uni-frankfurt.de and triesch(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de . Peter Jedlicka and Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Research Professor Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Oct. 18, 2017

Postdoctoral position in memory and sleep at U-Michigan

by Kamran Diba

The Diba Lab for Neural Circuits and Memory <https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/diba-lab/> at the University of Michigan is currently looking for a qualified postdoctoral scholar. We are focused on understanding mechanisms supporting cross-regional circuit dynamics in waking and sleep and their respective roles during memory formation. We use large-scale in-vivo electrophysiology, optical imaging, circuit manipulations (including optogenetics), network modeling (in collaboration with Sen Cheng <http://www.rd.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neuro/wiss/pi/cheng.html.en>’s Lab at Ruhr University-Bochum) and extensive data analyses to investigate these questions in hippocampal and cortical networks. The preferred candidate would have experience in one or more of these areas: unit/spectral analysis, computational network modeling, electrophysiology, imaging, neuroanatomy. Postdocs will provide scientific input in the project and will be trained with the goal of becoming independent investigators. Please contact Kamran Diba directly mailto:kdiba@umich.edu <kdiba(a)umich.edu> and include your CV and description of your research interests and experience. Salaries will follow the National Research Service Awards (NRSA) postdoctoral payscale <https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-16-131.html>.

Oct. 17, 2017

PhD position in computational & experimental approaches to naturalistic behavior

by Constantin Rothkopf

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in the lab of Constantin Rothkopf at the Technical University Darmstadt. The lab is part of the newly established Centre for Cognitive Science and the Institute of Psychology. Our work focuses on computational and experimental approaches to further the understanding of naturalistic, sequential visuomotor behavior in humans, including experimental approaches to investigate cue integration in complex natural tasks (e.g., motor control, locomotion, navigation and spatial orientation). Current topics include: - statistics of visuomotor behavior in naturalistic tasks, - image statistics during visuomotor behavior in-the-wild, - optimal control models of visuomotor behavior, - inverse-optimal-control in human visuomotor behavior, - eye-movements in naturalistic tasks, - cue integration for navigation (optic flow and locomotion, locomotion and cognitive maps). For further information please visit our websites: http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~rothkopf/ Applicants need to have a Master's degree in cognitive science, computer science, psychology, or related fields. In addition to a strong general interest in cognitive science, computational science, experimental psychology, and interdisciplinary research, the ideal candidate has a background in eye-tracking or virtual reality technology. Experience with programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, Unity) is inevitable. Analytical aptitude as well as awareness of experimental literature is expected. We offer a supportive and multidisciplinary environment driven by scientific curiosity, lab facilities for measuring extended behavior (e.g. visuomotor, motor, locomotive, spatial) in-the-wild and in VR, as well as international collaborations. Informal inquiries may be made to Constantin Rothkopf at constantin.rothkopf(a)cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de

Oct. 17, 2017

Postdoctoral positions in theoretical neuroscience

by Jonathan Touboul

Up to two postdoctoral positions are available at Brandeis University to work on exciting problems in theoretical neuroscience (mathematical-neuroscience.net <http://mathematical-neuroscience.net/>). Research topics include the analysis of the dynamics of neuron model or neural networks with heterogeneous elements, learning, memory and pathological brain states, as well as the embryonic development of neural assemblies. Techniques include numerical simulations, dynamical systems (with delays, jumps and/or multiple timescales), probabilities and statistical physics. All projects will involve heavy collaboration with experimental groups in Boston area, Paris and abroad. The positions are up to 3 year terms, contingent upon satisfactory progress, with competitive salary and benefits packages. The fellows will participate to the vibrant scholar life in the Boston area. The successful candidates will join the Mathematics Department at Brandeis University (http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/ <http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/>) with strong ties to the Neuroscience group (http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/ <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/>). Opportunities to teach in the math department could be available and are encouraged! Candidates should have a Ph.D. in mathematics, (computational) neuroscience, physics or engineering and have an excellent track record of scholarship, have experience in dynamical systems and/or stochastic models, and be familiar with computational programing. Applications from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged. Candidates should send their CV, a cover letter indicating their research interests and professional goals, and names and contact information of two references to jtouboul(a)brandeis.edu <mailto:jtouboul@brandeis.edu> . Best wishes, Jon

Oct. 17, 2017

Two postdoc positions Canavier lab

by Canavier, Carmen C.

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the computational neuroscience lab of Carmen Canavier in the School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans to study cholinergic contributions to hippocampal information processing in close collaboration with electrophysiologist Sonia Gasparini. The successful candidate will construct a morphologically and biophysically realistic model of a hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron to explain the observed frequency selectivity of different dendritic regions for slow versus fast gamma band inputs. Some network modeling will also be required for the project. The primary duties will involve linear and non-linear analyses, writing code, calibrating single neuron models, and generating predictions that lead to additional experiments. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related field of study. The ideal candidate would have experience with the simulation package NEURON and some knowledge of the hippocampus. Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics, signal processing, and coding in C and or python in a Linux environment is also desirable. Qualified candidates may submit resume along with cover letter and contact information for three references electronically to: SOM-recruits(a)lsuhsc.edu; reference 00049561. Applications should be received before Nov 15 to ensure consideration for the position. LSUHSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer for females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. A second Postdoctoral Researcher position will available Jan 1.?in the computational neuroscience lab of Carmen Canavier in the School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans to study the dynamic diversity of midbrain dopamine neurons in close collaboration with electrophysiologist Jochen Roeper at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. The successful candidate will construct morphologically and biophysically realistic models of distinct subpopulations of dopamine neurons to account for experimentally observed differences in their bursting and pacemaking dynamics. These simulations will require in some cases incorporation of stochastic channel models and second messenger cascades. The primary duties will involve linear and non-linear analyses, writing code, calibrating single neuron models, and generating predictions that lead to additional experiments. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related field of study. The ideal candidate would have experience with the simulation package NEURON and some knowledge of the basal ganglia. Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics, signal processing, and coding in C and or python in a Linux environment is also desirable. Please email CV to ccanav(a)lsuhsc.edu for more information. LSUHSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer for females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.?

Oct. 16, 2017