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PhD position @ Blue Brain Project - Plasticity in the neocortex
by emuller Nov. 2, 2016

Nov. 2, 2016

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- PhD position in the Blue Brain Project - Department of In Silico Neuroscience ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project title: Principles of biophysical structural plasticity in the neocortex Supervisors: Prof. Henry Markram, Dr. Eilif Muller Keywords: simulation, neocortex, plasticity, network reorganization, assemblies, coding, dendrites, calcium, NMDA Project description: During our lifetimes, our brains undergo continuous changes as a consequence of our experiences. Synaptic plasticity—the biological process by which brain activity leads to long-term changes in synaptic connections—is thought to be central to learning and memory. However, little is known about how this process shapes the specialization of biological neural networks, such as the neocortex. The objective of the present work will be to devise, implement and study data-driven biophysical models of synaptic and structural plasticity for the formation of functional neocortical networks. This project will leverage the Blue Brain Project data-driven reconstruction of a neocortical microcircuit [1], and augment it with data-driven biophysical calcium-based models of synaptic and structural plasticity. The specific objective of this PhD project will be to implement and constrain models of structural plasticity, and study the formation of assemblies, and emergent structure-function relationships in the presence of structured input. The prospective student will join an ongoing collaboration including international experts in biophysical modeling of plasticity and dendrites, topological analysis of network structure, and optimization of neural simulations for large supercomputers. A significant allocation of computing time on a large HPC system will be at the disposal of this project. [1] Markram, H., Muller, E., Ramaswamy, S., Reimann, M. et al. Reconstruction and Simulation of Neocortical Microcircuitry. Cell 163:2, 456-495 (2015). Key external collaborators: Dr. Michael Graupner (CNRS, Université Paris Descartes), Prof. Idan Segev (Hebrew University Jerusalem) This project is offered in the context of the EPFL Doctoral School in Neuroscience (EDNE). Please visit http://phd.epfl.ch/neuroscience-openings for further details, and information on how to apply. Application Deadline: Nov 15th, 2016. For further details on the project contact: Dr. Eilif Muller <eilif.mueller(a)epfl.ch> ------------- Dr. Eilif Muller Section Manager - In Silico Neuroscience - Experimentation EPFL - Blue Brain Project Biotech Campus Chemin des Mines 9 1202 Geneva Switzerland Tel: +41 21 693 0698 Fax: +41 21 693 5350 www: http://bluebrain.epfl.ch/page-77926-en.html www: http://neuralensemble.org/people/eilifmuller

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Fully funded postdoc position at the University of Geneva
by Jolivet, Renaud Nov. 1, 2016

Nov. 1, 2016

The University of Geneva seeks one postdoc in computational neuroscience to investigate the relation between information transfer at synapses and in neural networks, and concomitant energy consumption. The starting date is May 2017. This position is fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for 24 months. Initial appointment is for one year. Research will be conducted in the medical physics group of the physics section at the University of Geneva, under the supervision of Prof. Renaud Jolivet. * Summary Information transmission in the brain is energetically expensive, yet has to satisfy demands of speed and signal-to-noise reliability. We have recently shown that the strong retinogeniculate synapse relaying information from the retina to the thalamus resolves these competing constraints by maximizing energetic efficiency when transferring information. In their physiological state, these synapses are not set to transmit the maximum amount of information possible: information transmission increases when larger excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) are injected into the postsynaptic thalamic neuron. However, EPSCs that are larger or smaller than physiological EPSCs decrease the information transmitted per energy used. The physiological EPSC size therefore maximizes energy efficiency rather than pure information transfer across the synapse. In other words, the retinogeniculate synapse trades information for energy savings (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.10.063; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.08.019) These findings suggest maximization of information transmission per energy used as a design principle in the brain. However, it is unclear how broadly this principle applies. Whether energy efficiency at excitatory synapses is a special property of strong relay synapses, or a more general principle also governing synaptic inputs that contribute more weakly to determining the output of the postsynaptic cell is an open question. These findings also raise the question of what mechanisms are in effect in order to achieve energetic efficiency of information transfer at synapses. This project will address these questions using information theory and simulations of biologically validated neuron models. Applicants must imperatively be self-sufficient programmers (MATLAB preferred) and have a strong background in computational neuroscience. They should be familiar with several of the following topics: information theory, Hodgkin-Huxley models, the NEURON simulation environment, signal processing, models of synaptic plasticity, models of neural networks. Please contact renaud.jolivet(a)unige.ch<mailto:renaud.jolivet@unige.ch> for additional information. * About the University of Geneva (UNIGE) UNIGE is a generalist French-speaking university located in Geneva, Switzerland. The QS World University Rankings 2016 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016/17 respectively rank UNIGE as 95th and 131st worldwide. It ranks 41st worldwide for science (Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities in Natural Sciences and Mathematics 2016). It is Switzerland’s second largest university with more than 17000 students of 150 different nationalities and about 4000 researchers of 113 nationalities, who study and work in 9 different faculties. UNIGE trains a large number of PhD students and postdocs in neuroscience. The various research and teaching activities are listed at http://neurocenter.unige.ch/ and at https://www.unil.ch/ln/en/home.html. UNIGE is also developing with other institutions a new campus in Geneva (http://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/) focusing heavily on neuroscience and translational research. Geneva is at the heart of a conurbation with more than 1.25 million inhabitants. It is a global city, a financial center, and worldwide center for diplomacy and research. It has one of the highest quality of life in the world. It offers varied cultural activities and outdoor opportunities being located at one extremity of Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe, on the western doorstep of the Alps. The University of Geneva offers competitive salaries and conditions at all levels in a young, dynamic, and multicultural environment. It is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply. The official language of the laboratory is English. * How to apply Please send an e-mail to renaud.jolivet(a)unige.ch<mailto:renaud.jolivet@unige.ch> with your resume, list of publications, a one-page statement describing your research interests and career plan, and the names of at least three references. — Prof. Renaud Jolivet CERN, Experimental Physics Department & University of Geneva, Physics Section +41 22 767 24 70 (CERN) +41 22 379 62 75 (UNIGE) +41 79 830 21 29 (mobile) renaud.blaise.jolivet(a)cern.ch<mailto:renaud.blaise.jolivet@cern.ch> https://sites.google.com/site/renaudjolivet/

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PhD position in cognitive modeling
by Angela Yu Oct. 31, 2016

Oct. 31, 2016

Applications are invited from highly motivated students to conduct PhD research in the Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, led by Angela Yu, at University of California, San Diego. Candidates must have a strong background in mathematics and/or machine learning, and be committed to applying rigorous mathematical tools to modeling cognitive and neural processes. Experience or interest in carrying out human behavioral experiments (either in person or on Amazon M-Turk) and/or collaborating with other human/animal neuroscience laboratories is also desirable. Current research in the lab ranges across cognitive control, decision-making, visual search, active learning, social cognition, and machine learning. Dr. Yu's group is situated within the Cognitive Science department of UCSD, but Dr. Yu advises students not only from the Cognitive Science, but also from Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Neurosciences PhD programs. Interested students should apply directly to one or more of the PhD programs, and indicate Dr. Yu as a potential research advisor in the research statement. They are also encouraged to email Dr. Yu directly to explain why they think their interests/background are a good fit for working with Dr. Yu. ------------------------------------- Angela J. Yu Associate Professor UCSD Cognitive Science www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/~ajyu <http://www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/~ajyu> —————————————————— ----------------------------------- Angela J. Yu Associate Professor UCSD Cognitive Science 858-822-3317 www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/~ajyu -----------------------------------

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Postdoc position in computational modeling
by Angela Yu Oct. 28, 2016

Oct. 28, 2016

Applications are invited from highly motivated researchers for a postdoctoral position immediately available in the Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, led by Angela Yu, at University of California, San Diego. Candidates must have a strong background in mathematics and/or machine learning, and be committed to applying rigorous mathematical tools to modeling cognitive and neural processes. Experience or interest in carrying out human behavioral experiments (either in person or on Amazon M-Turk) and/or collaborating with other human/animal neuroscience laboratories is also desirable. Current research in the lab ranges across cognitive control, decision-making, visual search, active learning, social cognition, and machine learning. Accepted candidate would have great latitude in determining own research projects. Dr. Yu's lab is situated within the Cognitive Science department of UCSD, and affiliated with the Computer Science Department, Electrical Engineering Department, Neurosciences Graduate Program, and the Institute of Neural Computation. There are ample opportunities for collaborations with related groups across the UCSD main campus, the medical school, and the Salk Institute. Interested candidates should send a research statement, along with a CV including publications, to Dr. Angela Yu (ajyu(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:ajyu@ucsd.edu>). Candidates are invited to explain in detail how their own research interests dovetail that of Dr. Yu's lab. Two or more letters of references should be sent directly to Dr. Yu. Dr. Yu will be interviewing candidates at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting in San Diego, November 12-16, 2016. ------------------------------------- Angela J. Yu Associate Professor UCSD Cognitive Science www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/~ajyu -------------------------------------

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MIT postdoc position in AI/neuroscience/physics
by Max Tegmark Oct. 27, 2016

Oct. 27, 2016

The MIT Physics Department invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to work with Professor Max Tegmark on the physics of intelligence, in partnership with Tomaso Poggio, Edward Boyden, Gabriel Kreiman and others associated with the Center for Brains, Minds & Machines (https://cbmm.mit.edu/about/people) and with a network of other collaborators. Research interests at the interface of theoretical physics, artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience are a strong plus. Candidates interested in exploring ways to test theories with state-of-the-art data and simulations are particularly welcome. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief description of research interests and goals and should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to this site by December 1, 2016. A Ph.D. in physics or physics-related discipline, such as AI or computational neuroscience, is required by the start of employment. Any inquiries should be sent to tegmark(a)mit.edu. MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

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PhD position: Dimension reduction for neural networks
by Laing, Carlo Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

Funding is available for a PhD position in "Dimension reduction for neural networks" at Massey University (Auckland, New Zealand). Project description: An essential tool in the study of complex networks is dimension reduction, i.e. the discovery and then computational use of a small number of collective variables which completely describe the behaviour of the network to within some accuracy. Having such a reduced description can allow the drastic acceleration of computational tasks for modelling and predicting network behaviour, and provides a mechanism for discovering which details of a network are essential in determining its behaviour. This project involves the development of reduced models of networks of model neurons, in order to better understand their possible dynamics. An important aspect will involve investigating the role of heterogeneity (both in terms of a network's structure, and the intrinsic dynamics of a single neuron) in the networks' behaviour. The student should have the equivalent of an MSc in Mathematics (or other highly mathematical field such as Physics). A good knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and scientific programming is an advantage; no knowledge of neuroscience is assumed. The scholarship consists of a stipend of NZ$27,500 per year (tax free) plus applicable student fees for 3 years. Applicants must fulfil the PhD eligibility conditions of Massey University. Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, a statement of interest and the names and contact details of two (2) referees to Associate Professor Carlo Laing (E-mail: c.r.laing(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:c.r.laing@massey.ac.nz>) Webpage: http://www.massey.ac.nz/~crlaing/ -- Associate Professor Carlo Laing. INMS, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, NSMC, Auckland, New Zealand. ph: +64-9-414-0800 x 43512. fax: +64-9-443 9790 http://www.massey.ac.nz/~crlaing/

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PhD position in 'New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies'
by Eirini Mavritsaki Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

Dear comp-neuro team, I was wondering if you could please forward the information below to your list about a new PhD position in our lab for February 2017 start. Kind regards, Eirini Mavritsaki PhD available for February 2017 start in 'New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies' Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship within the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University. Applicants need to demonstrate ability and commitment, including excellent communications skills in written and spoken English. Project Synopsis: There are many limitations on the behaviour of complex neural systems, but one primary constraint is to filter incoming input in order that actions can be programmed to behaviourally relevant stimuli. This is the limit of 'attention'. A major challenge for current-day researchers is to understand how (and why) these limitations arise, especially in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where the attentional system is dysfunctional. Our application's main aims is to access differences in visual attention between children diagnosed with ADHD and typically functioning children and the role of diet in this. This Ph.D. thesis aims to do this using a novel interdisciplinary approach, behavioural and computational modelling study together with a food diary. The Ph.D. is part of a bigger research project that is in collaboration with Dr Chrysavgi Tsakona in Russell Hall Hospital. The successful applicant will join the newly-established Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) within the Department of Psychology at Birmingham City University. This centre is part of a vibrant and rapidly expanding research community, which offers applicants with an excellent opportunity to develop their research career. The applicant has the opportunity to have teaching experience, to participate to research seminars and to co-supervise undergraduate projects. Candidate Qualification and Specifications: Essential ? The applicant should hold a good undergraduate honours degree (First or 2:1) in psychology or a related social sciences subject. ? A demonstrated understanding of research methods is essential (as evidenced by degree transcript grades for research methods and dissertation modules). ? The applicant will be expected to undertake and pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. ? The applicant should enjoy working with children. ? The applicant should have experience in computational modelling. Desirable ? A Masters' degree in research methods, psychology or a related social sciences subject. ? Work experience (voluntary or paid) in schools or experience working with children. ? Experience in C++ and/or Matlab. ? Access to a car and a valid driving licence. For more information please contact Dr Eirini Mavritsaki (Eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eirini Mavritsaki, Ph.D., CPsychol Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology and Director of Research for the School of Social Sciences Department of Psychology Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University The Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 Special Issue in Frontiers 'Neuropsychology through the lenses of computational modelling' http://fron.tiers.in/go/r2e3M4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Onsite interviews at SfN for Neural Data Analytics - Post Docs, Staff Scientists and Electrical Engineers
by Platt, Jo Ann Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

Join our team to revolutionize medicine. The Center for Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is conducting interviews at the 2016 Neuroscience Meeting in San Diego for multiple positions in the fields of machine learning, neural engineering, neural decoding and data analytics, microfabrication, bioelectronics and biosensing, and neurophysiology. Each successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to determine the nature of neural control over molecular, cellular and organ functions of the body, the parts of the brain that regulate those nerves, and the signals that the brain receives to monitor cell and organ function. The candidates will work on projects involving development of novel signal processing and machine learning methods to gain insights into decoding and encoding mechanisms of the brain and peripheral nerves, reinforcement learning approaches used to optimize neural stimulation, techniques to directionally transmit or receive neural signals and numerical and biophysical modeling of neural circuits. Submit your resume to japlatt(a)northwell.edu for consideration and to arrange an onsite interview. Jo Ann Platt The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Cell: (415) 265-0441 350 Community Drive Manhasset, NY 11030 The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

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NIH BRAIN THEORIES--POSTDOCTORAL POSITION
by Stephen Jose Hanson Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

NIH Post-doctoral Fellowship in BRAIN Initiative: Theories, Models and Methods for Analysis of Complex Data from the Brain Applications for an NIH-funded post-doctoral position are invited for the Laboratory of Dr. Stephen José Hanson’s in the Department of Psychology and in RUBIC (Rutgers Brain Imaging Center) at Rutgers University, Newark, N.J. USA. The focus of research and training is in the area of computational neuroscience, and the development of brain network models based on graphical model selection using dynamical search procedures and the modeling of brain signals arising from neuroimaging data (e.g. fMRI). These projects will be performed in the lab of Dr. Hanson and in conjunction with Dr. Glymour’s (CMU) causal discovery research group. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computation, statistics, probability theory, multivariate analysis and signal processing. Programming skill sets ( e.g., C++, R, Matlab, Debian, python) would be key to a successful candidate. Additionally, having background in neuroscience, neuroimaging or brain science more generally would be important to a successful application. This is a 2 year position with a 3 rd year possible. Starting date is flexible and with earliest start by December 1. Applications will be accepted until a candidate is hired. Inquiries should be addressed to Stephen José Hanson (jose(a)rubic.rutger s.edu). Please also send applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees to jose(a)rubic.rutgers.edu. Relevant publications include: Ramsey J., Hanson S.J. Hanson C., Halchenko Y.O., Poldrack R.A., & Glymour C. (2010). Six problems for causal inference from fMRI. Neuroimage, 49, 1545-1558. Hanson, C., Hanson, S.J., Ramsey, J. & Glymour, C. (2013) Atypical effective connectivity of social brain networks in individuals with autism. J. Brain Connect. 3(6):578-89. Hanson, S. J. & Halchenko, Y. O. (2008). Brain reading using full brain support vector machines for object recognition: there is no face- identification area. Neural Computation, 20, 486-503 Poldrack, R.A., Halchenko, Y., & Hanson, S.J. (2010). Decoding the large-scale structure of brain function by classifying mental states across individuals. Psychological Science, 20, 1364-1372 Ramsey, J., Glymour, M., Sanchez-Romero, R. and Glymour, C. (in Press) A million variables and more: The fa st greedy search algorithm for learning high dimensional graphical causal models, with an application to functional magnetic resonance images. International Journal of Data Science and Analytics. Rutgers is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

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PhD position in Oxford
by Rafal Bogacz Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

Dear Colleagues, Applications are invited from UK or EU residents for doctoral studies in computational neuroscience, to start in October 2017. The project will be supervised by Rafal Bogacz and will be carried out within the interdisciplinary team of the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit. The research can focus on areas investigated by Rafal Bogacz's Group, including: - models of decision making in the basal ganglia - optimising deep brain stimulation - predictive coding models of the cortex Candidates must have a very strong mathematical or computational background and an excellent undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or neuroscience). An undergraduate 1st class or upper 2nd class degree (or equivalent grade) is required for graduate entry into Oxford. The minimum standards for English apply for applicants. This PhD (DPhil) studentship is funded by the Medical Research Council. To be eligible for a full award (stipend in addition to university/college fees) a student must have settled status in the UK, and must have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for three years prior to the start of the studentship. For further details about student eligibility requirements for full and fees-only awards, please see: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/skills-careers/studentships/studentship-guidance/stude… Formal applications must be made via the University online application system. The relevant course code is: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Neurosciences – RD_CU1. In the covering letter, please describe the research you would like to conduct and clarify how your experience and skills would help you in that work. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 13th January 2017. Best wishes, Rafal

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