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Multiple Openings for Research Scientists and Engineers in Machine Learning to Reverse-Engineer Intelligence
by Lopez, Camila May 2, 2017

May 2, 2017

Multiple Openings for Research Scientists and Engineers in Machine Learning to Reverse-Engineer Intelligence We are looking for exceptionally talented researchers that share our vision: to discover new computational principles of brain intelligence and apply these principles to create fundamentally new algorithms for machine intelligence. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in machine learning, computational neuroscience or with strong quantitative background in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or Computer Science. Our Neuro-Inspired Networks for Artificial Intelligence (ninai.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ninai.org&d=DwMGaQ&c=ZQ…>) research team is interdisciplinary and international, with expertise ranging from large-scale neurophysiology and brain circuit analysis to deep learning. POSITIONS: We have opportunities in several project components and multiple locations, and all participants will interact extensively across multiple scientific disciplines and multiple sites. Highest-priority topics include: * Developing new architectures for deep networks * Neuro-inspired networks for real-world tasks * Functional modeling of neuronal microcircuits * Probabilistic inference by population codes * Statistical analysis of large-scale neural data from behaving animals THE TEAM: The project is led by Andreas Tolias (PI) and Xaq Pitkow (co-PI), from Baylor College of Medicine, and includes researchers from Caltech, Columbia, Cornell, Rice University, University of Toronto, University of Tübingen, the Allen Institute, and Princeton: Matthias Bethge, Liam Paninski, Ankit Patel, Clay Reid, Sebastian Seung, Thanos Siapas, Raquel Urtasun, Chris Xu, Richard Zemel and Richard Baraniuk. For detailed information about the team and its members, please see our website, ninai.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ninai.org_&d=DwMGaQ&c=Z…>. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a record of productivity, excellent quantitative skills, good communication skills, and creativity. Experience in Machine Learning and in particular Deep Learning is desired. APPLYING: The positions provide a competitive annual salary and benefits, and outstanding scientific opportunities. Applicants should email a CV, letter of research interests, and contact information for three references to info(a)ninai.org<mailto:info@ninai.org>. We look forward to hearing from you! Camila Lopez Baylor College of Medicine 713.798.4072 | camilal(a)bcm.edu<mailto:camilal@bcm.edu>

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Extended deadline for abstract submissions, Neuroinformatics 2017!
by congress May 2, 2017

May 2, 2017

Dear all, *Due to the many requests we received, we have extended the abstract submission deadline to May 30!* *Submit here: http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/ <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/>* The annual INCF Congress provides a meeting place for researchers in all fields related to neuroinformatics. Join us for keynotes from top neuroscientists, community sessions and poster- and demo sessions. This meeting is especially useful for anyone who is developing neuroscience tools and methods, working on better ways to handle neuroscience data, and looking for cross-disciplinary collaborations. *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/* <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/> *The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) is an international non-profit organization devoted to advancing the field of neuroinformatics and global collaborative brain research. Learn more about INCF www.incf.org <http://www.incf.org/>* *We look forward to seeing you in Kuala Lumpur!* Best Regards INCF Secretariat

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postdoc in mind reading by machine learning
by Máté Lengyel May 1, 2017

May 1, 2017

Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Cognitive Science Central European University, Budapest, Hungary We are seeking a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the group of Mate Lengyel at the Department of Cognitive Science, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (https://cognitivescience.ceu.edu/) The group is also twinned by the Lengyel group at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (http://learning.eng.cam.ac.uk/Public/Lengyel/) where Dr Lengyel holds a permanent position. The group studies learning and memory from computational, algorithmic/representational and neurobiological viewpoints. Computationally and algorithmically, we use ideas from Bayesian approaches to statistical inference and reinforcement learning to characterise the goals and mechanisms of learning in terms of normative principles and behavioral results. Specifically, the project will characterise how human’s structured and high dimensional mental representations change in time due to forgetting, learning, interference, and other processes. For this, state-of-the-art machine learning techniques will be employed to analyse a diverse set of behavioural data sets collected by our experimental collaborators: Gergely Csibra (infant studies) and Jozsef Fiser (visual perception and learning) in Budapest, and Daniel Wolpert (sensorimotor control) in Cambridge. The project is funded by an ERC grant, providing internationally competitive salaries. The successful candidate will have - a strong quantitative background - demonstrable interest in the analysis of behavioural data - obtained (or be close to the completion of) a PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning or a related field Preference will be given to candidates with - previous experience in machine learning, computational and / or behavioural neuroscience - sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations (eg. in C, Python, or MatLab) - expertise with advanced data analysis and Bayesian techniques Research environment: The Central European University is the highest-ranked university in Hungary. It is a privately funded and endowed, fully English-speaking, postgraduate-only university, accredited in both the USA and Hungary. The Department of Cognitive Science is one of the most highly regarded centres for cognitive science in Europe, with world-leading groups in infant cognition, visual cognition, and social cognitive science. It provides a vibrant research environment, by running two journal club events per week on selected topics in cognitive science, a monthly research club, a weekly series of guest seminars by invited speakers from around the globe, a visitors programme with about two-three leading researchers in the field spending several months at the Department every year, and various small-to-medium sized international workshops, conferences, and summer schools organised locally by members of the Department. More broadly, Budapest is an exciting city, with a rich history and busy cultural life, great cuisine, and a very affordable cost of living index. For informal queries, please contact Máté Lengyel <m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk>. Applications will be accepted until the post is filled. Mate Lengyel -- Department of Cognitive Science Central European University Oktober 6 street 7, Budapest H-1051, Hungary tel: +36 1 887 5142 , fax: +36 1 887 5010 Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 332 662 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

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PhD positions at the Queensland Brain Institute
by Geoffrey Goodhill May 1, 2017

May 1, 2017

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland invites expressions of interest from exceptional and highly motivated candidates to undertake full-time PhD research in neuroscience. QBI has 40 labs and ~100 PhD students and ~100 postdocs studying all aspects of neuroscience, including systems and computational. QBI is looking for students who can demonstrate: - excellent academic performance during tertiary study evidenced by a high Grade Point Average (GPA); - a high level of commitment to developing their skills as a researcher to conduct high quality neuroscience research; - possession of strong communication skills. The first stage of the application process is to identify the QBI Group Leader with whom you would like to work via https://qbi.uq.edu.au/groupleaders. Then email that Group Leader, including your detailed academic resume and links to any publications, and complete tertiary academic records (including GPA scores/grades, and grading scale details). If interested, the Group Leader will then work with you to develop your application for submission to QBI. For more information about QBI, PhD entry criteria, and UQ scholarships, please visit the QBI website https://qbi.uq.edu.au Expression of Interest closing date: 25 June 2017 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time. Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics & Physics University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Email: g.goodhill(a)uq.edu.au http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/professor-geoffrey-goodhill

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postdoc position in sleep and circadian rhythms modelling
by Svetlana Postnova April 28, 2017

April 28, 2017

*Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics of Sleep-Wake Dynamics and Circadian Rhythms* *School of Physics Reference no. 721/0417* *The position focuses on studying sleep-wake and circadian dynamics phenomena in the brain using mechanism-based modelling approaches and experimental data across various dynamical scales: from neurons to behavior* *Full-time, fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of extension to 3 years, subject to performance, funding, and need * *Remuneration package: $104k-112k AUD pro rata p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% superannuation* *About the opportunity * Applications are sought for Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) in the School of Physics in the Complex Systems Group led by Professor Peter Robinson. The group is involved in a number of interdisciplinary research centres, including the NHMRC Centre of Excellence for Translational Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology (NeuroSleep), the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (CIBF), and the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity, as well as numerous national and international collaborations. *About you* The successful applicant will work with a team of researchers on a variety of sleep-wake and circadian-related projects that underpin a wider program of sleep-wake and circadian research, including understanding and modelling of the relevant neurobiological mechanisms during normal sleep-wake cycles, circadian misalignment (e.g. jetlag), and sleep restriction, as well as prediction of dynamics in real-world conditions. To be successful in this position you should have following: - undergraduate major in physics, applied mathematics, or similar field - theoretical/computational PhD in physics, computational neuroscience, biological modelling, applied mathematics, engineering, or allied field; thesis must have at least been submitted for examination by the time of interview for this position (approximately 3 weeks after closing date). - experience in physiologically-based modelling of biological systems (as opposed to or in addition to signal analysis and statistical modelling). - demonstrated ability to program in Matlab , C++, or Python - proved research ability and evidence of self-motivation and research potential, including the ability to conduct research activities under limited supervision - publications in refereed journals *Desirable criteria also apply * *About us* Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across 9 campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 47,000 students. We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us. The position is full-time fixed term for two years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees with the possibility of extension to three years, subject to performance, funding, and need. *All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.* Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply. *Closing date:* 11:30pm 18 May 2017 (Sydney Time) We are committed to diversity and social inclusion. We welcome applications from women (particularly for senior and non-traditional roles), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. *©* The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. -- Dr Svetlana Postnova CRC for Alertness Safety and Productivity & Complex Systems Group School of Physics, University of Sydney room 438, Madsen F09, NSW 2006, Australia Phone: +61 2 9036 7971

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[ANN] 10ᵀᴴ Advanced Scientific Programming in Python in Nikiti, Greece, August 28—September 2, 2017
by Jakob Jordan April 28, 2017

April 28, 2017

10ᵀᴴ Advanced Scientific Programming in Python ============================================== a Summer School by the G-Node and the Municipality of Sithonia Scientists spend more and more time writing, maintaining, and debugging software. While techniques for doing this efficiently have evolved, only few scientists have been trained to use them. As a result, instead of doing their research, they spend far too much time writing deficient code and reinventing the wheel. In this course we will present a selection of advanced programming techniques and best practices which are standard in the industry, but especially tailored to the needs of a programming scientist. Lectures are devised to be interactive and to give the students enough time to acquiredirect hands-on experience with the materials. Students will work in pairsthroughout the school and will team up to practice the newly learned skills in a real programming project — an entertaining computer game. We use the Python programming language for the entire course. Python works as a simple programming language for beginners, but more importantly, it also works great in scientific simulations and data analysis. We show how clean language design, ease of extensibility, and the great wealth of open source libraries for scientific computing and data visualization are driving Python to become a standard tool for the programming scientist. This school is targeted at Master or PhD students and Post-docs from all areas of science. Competence in Python or in another language such as Java, C/C++, MATLAB, or Mathematica is absolutely required. Basic knowledge of Python and of a version control system such as git, subversion, mercurial, or bazaar is assumed. Participants without any prior experience with Python and/or git should work through the proposed introductory material before the course. We are striving hard to get a pool of students which is international and gender-balanced. You can apply online: https://python.g-node.org Application deadline: 23:59 UTC, May 31, 2017. There will be no deadline extension, so be sure to apply on time ;-) Be sure to read the FAQ before applying. Participation is for free, i.e. no fee is charged! Participants however should take care of travel, living, and accommodation expenses by themselves. Date & Location =============== August 28—September 2, 2017. Nikiti, Sithonia, Halkidiki, Greece Program ======= → Best Programming Practices • Best practices for scientific programming • Version control with git and how to contribute to open source projects with GitHub • Best practices in data visualization → Software Carpentry • Test-driven development • Debugging with a debuggger • Profiling code → Scientific Tools for Python • Advanced NumPy → Advanced Python • Decorators • Context managers • Generators → The Quest for Speed • Writing parallel applications • Interfacing to C with Cython • Memory-bound problems and memory profiling • Data containers: storage and fast access to large data → Practical Software Development • Group project Preliminary Faculty =================== • Francesc Alted, freelance consultant, author of Blosc, Castelló de la Plana, Spain • Pietro Berkes, NAGRA Kudelski, Lausanne, Switzerland • Zbigniew Jędrzejewski-Szmek, Krasnow Institute, George MasonUniversity, Fairfax, VA USA • Eilif Muller, Blue Brain Project, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Switzerland • Juan Nunez-Iglesias, Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative, University of Melbourne, Australia • Rike-Benjamin Schuppner, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany • Nicolas P. Rougier, Inria Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Bordeaux, France • Bartosz Teleńczuk, European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience, CNRS, Paris, France • Stéfan van der Walt, Berkeley Institute for Data Science, UCBerkeley, CA USA • Nelle Varoquaux, Berkeley Institute for Data Science, UC Berkeley, CA USA • Tiziano Zito, freelance consultant, Berlin, Germany Organizers ========== For the German Neuroinformatics Node of the INCF (G-Node) Germany: • Tiziano Zito, freelance consultant, Berlin, Germany • Zbigniew Jędrzejewski-Szmek, Krasnow Institute, George MasonUniversity, Fairfax, USA • Jakob Jordan, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany • Etienne Roesch, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, University of Reading, UK Website: https://python.g-node.org Contact: python-info(a)g-node.org -- Jakob Jordan Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany tel.: +49 2461 61-96450 http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Funded PhD Position at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova (IT) - Cellular mechanisms of perception
by Valentina Pasquale April 28, 2017

April 28, 2017

Funded PhD Position at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova (IT) - Cellular mechanisms of perception Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship in Neuroscience within the "Optical Approaches to Brain Function" laboratory (https://www.iit.it/lines/optical-approaches-to-brain-function) led by Tommaso Fellin and located at IIT in Genova (Italy). PhD Courses are established in agreement with Università degli Studi di Genova and financially supported by IIT. Project summary: The PhD project is entitled "Cellular mechanisms of perception" and focuses on the cellular mechanisms underlying the coding of sensory information in the mouse cortex. To tackle this question, experimental approaches including two-photon functional imaging, patch-clamp recordings and optogenetic manipulations will be coupled with advanced analytical approaches. For the positions we look for candidates with a M.Sc. degree in biology, physics, bioengineering or computer science with propensity for interdisciplinary research. Applicants should have strong interest in both physiological approaches to monitor/manipulate cortical microcircuits and mathematical methods to describe and model neural networks. Interested candidates are invited to contact Prof. Tommaso Fellin (tommaso.fellin(a)iit.it<mailto:tommaso.fellin@iit.it>) by emailing their CV and briefly explaining their interest in this position. Application process: In order to formally apply to the PhD Position, all applicants must refer to the University web site (https://www.studenti.unige.it/postlaurea/dottorati/XXXIII) for the procedures necessary to apply. Deadline for formal application is June 13th, 2017. For further information, please see https://www.iit.it/phd-school. About IIT: Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (www.iit.it<http://www.iit.it>) is a private Foundation with the objective of promoting Italy's technological development and higher education in science and technology. IIT was established in 2003 and successfully created a large-scale infrastructure in Genova and a network of 10 state-of-the-art laboratories countrywide with an international staff of about 1100 people from more than 50 countries. IIT's research endeavor focuses on high-tech and innovation, representing the forefront of technology with possible applications from medicine to industry, computer science, robotics, life sciences and nano-biotechnologies. Regards Tommaso Fellin

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Welcome to Neuroinformatics 2017 in Kuala Lumpur
by Louise Erixon April 28, 2017

April 28, 2017

Dear all, The annual INCF Congress provides a meeting place for researchers in all fields related to neuroinformatics. Join us for keynotes from top neuroscientists, community sessions and poster- and demo sessions. This meeting is especially useful for anyone who is developing neuroscience tools and methods, working on better ways to handle neuroscience data, and looking for cross-disciplinary collaborations. *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/* <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/> The deadline for abstract submissions for Neuroinformatics 2017 is approaching, you can read more and submit your abstract by* April 30* here:* http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/ <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/abstracts/>* Registration for Neuroinformatics 2017 is open and early bird registration fees are available until *July 2*, find out more: *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/register/ <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/register/>* INCF is calling for community proposals for Special Interest Group meetings to be held on August 22, the day after the Congress. INCF is looking to broaden community engagement through the creation of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which are suggested and led by the community. Read more about SIGs here: *https://www.incf.org/collaborate/incf-special-interest-groups* <https://www.incf.org/collaborate/incf-special-interest-groups> Please spread this information to anyone you feel would be interested in attending. *The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) is an international non-profit organization devoted to advancing the field of neuroinformatics and global collaborative brain research. Learn more about INCF www.incf.org <http://www.incf.org/>* *We look forward to seeing you in Kuala Lumpur!* Best Regards INCF Secretariat

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BBP - Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Neuron and Synapse Modeling
by Daniel Keller April 27, 2017

April 27, 2017

BBP - Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Neuron and Synapse Modeling A post-doctoral position in modeling of molecular synapses and neurons is available at the Blue Brain Project at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland (www.epfl.ch) The Blue Brain Project, based in Geneva, Switzerland, performs large-scale simulations of the brain. The position entails development of methods and systems to perform multi-scale modeling and integrate knowledge of signaling pathways to create models of plasticity, transmission, and regulation. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience or related field. Experience in modeling of molecular plasticity, biochemical signaling cascades, and reaction-diffusion modeling is desired. Strong biology and mathematical background, as well as coding competence in Python, C++, and NEURON are essential. We are looking for highly motivated individuals to work as members of a highly multidisciplinary group working at the interface of neuroscience, physics and computer science with good writing, collaboration, and communication skills. Selected candidates will join a prestigious project that is pioneering simulation neuroscience research, composed of a young, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team. We offer a state-of-the-art working environment based at the Biotech Campus in Geneva ( http://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/ ) with access to cutting edge simulation, informatics and computing facilities. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and a detailed CV in PDF format only, with file name “Surname_position _Cover Letter” and “Surname_positon _CV” electronically to jobs.bbp(a)epfl.ch Please use the reference of the position title in the “object” field.

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Postdoc in neuromorphic pattern recognition at U Herts
by Schmuker, Michael April 26, 2017

April 26, 2017

* Postdoc in neuromorphic pattern recognition * Applications are invited for a postdoc position in the Biocomputation group, School of Computer Science, at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. The appointment is due to start as soon as possible, with an initial fixed duration until 31st March 2018, with a possibility to extend, pending funding decisions. The successful candidate will join our efforts to advance neuromorphic pattern recognition on the SpiNNaker and BrainScaleS hardware systems that are built within the Human Brain Project (HBP). We are looking for a candidate with a keen tenacity in pushing forward the boundaries of future computing off the well-trodden path. The Biocomputation group provides a rich and inspiring interdisciplinary research environment that connects Computer Science with Neuroscience and branches out into Machine Learning and Robotics. HBP membership provides excellent opportunities to connect to world-leading scientists in all aspects of neuroscience, high-performance computing, neurorobotics and neuromorphic engineering. We enjoy first-class access to the latest neuromorphic technologies developed in HBP, and we work in tight interaction with the groups developing the hardware systems, SpiNNaker and BrainScaleS. Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognized as excellent in the REF 2014, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. Candidates should have a PhD in neuromorphic computing, machine learning, computational neuroscience, computer science, physics or another relevant subject area. In addition, the successful candidate should have demonstrable experience in either: - Machine learning and pattern recognition, ideally deep and recurrent neural networks, self-organisation, or - Neuromorphic computing, ideally with hands-on experience with SpiNNaker, BrainScaleS, or other neuromorphic hardware systems, or GPU-accelerated simulations. Further desired skills: - Ability to conduct original research, as evidenced by high-quality, peer-reviewed papers, - Excellent programming skills, as evidenced e.g. by a link to a github account that shows work on relevant projects, - Ability to work and communicate in a multidisciplinary team. Informal inquiries about this post are warmly welcome and should be directed to Dr Michael Schmuker, m.schmuker(a)herts.ac.uk . Please apply online via http://www.jobs.herts.ac.uk , vacancy reference 014592, until 22nd May, 2017 at the latest. — Dr Michael Schmuker Senior Lecturer in Computer Science University of Hertfordshire http://biomachinelearning.net

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