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Postdoctoral openings in modeling, analysis of brain network dynamics

by ShiNung Ching

Postdoctoral positions are available in the Brain Dynamics and Control Group at Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO, USA), in two areas of interest: (i) Modeling macro-scale network dynamics in states of reduced arousal, including coma. The research goals include developing tractable dynamical systems models for network dynamics associated with severe brain injuries resulting in coma. The developed models will be analyzed in order to study mechanisms and their link to behavior. This position, which carries an affiliation with the Department of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine, will involve close collaboration with clinical researchers and will require analysis of multimodal neural data. (ii) Relating systems-theoretic properties to information processing in neural circuits. The goals include reconciling systems-level properties (reachability, controllability etc.) with overt information objectives in dynamical neuronal network models, and to explore the conservation of these network input-output relationships across scales. Candidates should have a background in some combination of dynamical systems theory, network science or systems science/control engineering. Prior experience in clinical research and basic neural data analysis is a substantial asset. Positions are for two years, with review after Year 1. Interested applicants should send a CV and brief description of interests and goals to ShiNung Ching (shinung(a)wustl.edu) ideally by January 5, 2016. The starting date is flexible, but the position is expected to begin no later that the Summer of 2016. Salary will be determined according to experience and the institutional scale at Washington University in St. Louis. For more information, please visit: http://braindynamics.engineering.wustl.edu

Dec. 3, 2015

Workshop announcement: HBP CodeJam

by Andrew Davison

================================ HBP CodeJam Workshop #7 11th-14th January 2016, Manchester, UK ================================ You are cordially invited to join us at the 7th CodeJam workshop, sponsored this year by the Human Brain Project. http://neuralensemble.org/meetings/CodeJam7/ The goal of the CodeJam workshops is to catalyze open-source, collaborative software development in computational and systems neuroscience and neuroinformatics, by bringing together researchers, students and engineers to share ideas, present their work, and write code together. Mornings will be dedicated to invited and contributed talks, leaving the afternoons free for discussions, tutorials and code sprints. If you would like to give a lightning talk or have an idea for a code sprint, please let us know when you register. The CodeJam is open to all scientists, engineers and students who use or write software as part of their neuroscience research. Confirmed speakers include Michael Hines (NEURON simulation environment), Eilif Muller (Blue Brain Project), Matteo Cantarelli (OpenWorm), Catherine Zwahlen (Human Brain Project), Padraig Gleeson (NeuroML and OpenSourceBrain) and David Lester (SpiNNaker). Registration is open until 16th December at http://neuralensemble.org/meetings/CodeJam7/ and is limited to 50 participants. The meeting will take place at Shrigley Hall Hotel, a 19th Century four-star country house hotel in Cheshire, UK, close to Manchester International Airport and perfectly located for exploring the Peak District. Andrew Davison (CNRS) David Lester (University of Manchester) Eilif Muller (EPFL) Abigail Morrison (Forschungszentrum Jülich) Jeffrey Muller (EPFL)

Dec. 3, 2015

Postdoctoral Position at The Rockefeller University

by George Reeke

Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience A postdoctoral position supported by the BRAIN initiative is available at The Rockefeller University under the guidance of George Reeke in collaboration with Charles Gilbert and Winrich Freiwald. The overall project will study cortical mechanisms of object recognition and more specifically the influence of top-down task-and attentional influences on cortical dynamics and perceptual learning in areas of the visual cortical pathway. The computational work will involve developing and running large-scale spiking models of cortical regions studied in the overall project, with the goal of developing an accurate theoretical understanding of the phenomena observed in the experimental research. The successful candidate should, ideally, have a Ph.D. in a relevant area of neuroscience with a strong knowledge of mammalian visual systems and neuronal systems modeling. The candidate will be expected to develop suitable software to supplement the available tools as needed and will be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Interested individuals should send a c.v. and the names of three references to Dr. George Reeke (reeke(a)rockefeller.edu) with a subject line "Computational Neuroscience postdoc position". The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Rockefeller University is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Dec. 2, 2015

Tenure Track position in Computational Neuroscience, NIDA-IRP

by Brian Sadacca

*Tenure-Track, Tenure-Eligible Investigator in **Computational Modeling, * *National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program* *Baltimore, MD * *(Review of Applications Begins: December 28)* The Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking an outstanding tenure-eligible or tenure-track scientist to develop a research program to use computational models and other tools (e.g. human functional imaging) to complement and expand existing research programs at the NIDA IRP. The successful candidate must possess a doctoral degree in neuroscience, physiology, economics or another relevant field with additional training and emphasis on computational neuroscience, learning and decision-making. Expertise in computational modeling and state of the art imaging techniques and a strong publication record highlighting his/her contributions to elucidating the computational mechanisms underlying brain systems involved in reward learning, cognitive control and decision making is highly desirable. Preference will be given to those with interest in applying computational models to the study of the neurobiology of addiction. In view of the required integrative approach, the successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other research groups within NIDA - a proven ability to establish and sustain collaborative work is desired. Candidates must submit a CV, a statement of proposed research objectives and goals (3 pages or less), and contact information for 3 potential references to: Joshua Kysiak, Intramural Program Specialist, NIDA IRP, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 200, Room 04A314, Baltimore, Maryland 21224. Telephone 443-740-2465, FAX 443-740-2865, Email: kysiakjo(a)nida.nih.gov <https://mail.nih.gov/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=1n7m_YTJ84moYRtNCS2AiK5V49da0Ff6C4…>. Review of applications will begin on or about December 28, 2015, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

Dec. 2, 2015

CFP: SCIS&ISIS 2016, Hokkaido, Japan, August 25-28, 2016

by Yusuke NOJIMA

<Apologies for multiple postings> =================================================== SCIS&ISIS 2016 Call for Papers and OS Proposals =================================================== Joint 8th Int. Conf. on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems ＆ 17th Int. Symp. on Advanced Intelligent Systems August 25-28, 2016, Sapporo, Japan http://scis2016.j-soft.org =================================================== Dear colleagues, On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to announce Joint 8th International Conference on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems and 17th International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems (SCIS&ISIS 2016) to be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on August 25-28, 2016. SICS&ISIS 2016 is the flagship international conference of Soft Computing in Asia, that attracts several hundred participants all over the world. We strive to foster an open and lively scientific forum by bringing together researchers, engineers and practitioners with diversified backgrounds to discuss and disseminate the latest state-of-the-art achievements, thought provoking challenges and potential future directions in many different aspects. Conference webpage: http://scis2016.j-soft.org < Call for Papers > We would like to cordially invite you to submit your papers to SCIS&ISIS 2016. There are two categories: full paper submissions (4-6 pages) and short paper submissions (2-4 pages) in IEEE style. < Call for Organized Session Proposals > We would also like to invite you to submit your organized session proposals. Interested organizers should prepare a proposal which includes: 1. Session title. 2. Organizer(s) (name, affiliation and E-mail address). 3. List of at least three (3) papers (tentative titles and their authors). 4. Presentation mode: oral or poster. Please send it to scisisis2016+OS(a)gmail.com. < Important Dates > Organized Session Proposal: December 15, 2015 Paper Submission: February 15, 2016 Notification of Acceptance: May 1, 2016 Conference: August 25-28, 2016 For general inquiries regarding the conference, please contact the general affairs. SCIS&ISIS2016 General Affairs: scisisis2016+info(a)gmail.com

Dec. 2, 2015

Ph.D. and Master positions in theoretical neuroscience at the MPI for Brain Research

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

Ph.D. and Master positions in theoretical neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research We are seeking undergraduate students interested in writing a Master thesis and have open positions for Ph.D. Students to join our group "Theory of neural dynamics" at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research lead by Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko. Our group studies how networks of neurons encode and decode sensory stimuli and how these functions are related to computations that underlie cognitive functions and behavior. We develop models to address linear and non-linear properties of neuronal networks and have ongoing collaborations with experimental labs where we analyze in vitro as well as in vivo data and develop appropriate models to explain the observed phenomena. Successful applicants should have a strong background in a quantitative field such as physics, mathematics or computer science and should be interested in an interdisciplinary exchange with other disciplines such as biology or medicine. Life science majors interested in quantitative modeling work are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they would like to combine experiments and theory in their Master or Ph.D. thesis work. We are looking for candidates with strong English skills and prior programming experience. In order to make teamwork in our group enjoyable and fun, the ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic and have demonstrated consistent self-motivation skills. Female students are particularly encouraged to apply. Prospective students should apply by sending an email to theoryneuraldynamics(a)gmail.com which includes * a letter of motivation, * CV, * and a copy of the current academic transcripts To make your motivation letter easier to write for you and more informative for us, please check the list of questions to be answered in your motivation letter at http://www.tchumatchenko.de/Opportunities.html Let me note, that our institute is hosting the IMPRS graduate school "Neural circuits". It's open call for applications can be found here: http://brain.mpg.de/graduate-studies/call.html Looking forward to your applications! Tatjana Tchumatchenko -- Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko Research group leader Theory of Neural Dynamics Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str 4 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany www.tchumatchenko.de

Dec. 2, 2015

Update 3: 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2016)

by IEEE WCCI 2016

Dear Colleague, Greetings from IEEE WCCI 2016! Below please find some updated information about 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2016), which is financially sponsored by the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS), and jointly sponsored by the International Neural Network Society (INNS), the Evolutionary Programming Society (EPS), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada 25-29 July 2016 www.wcci2016.org *-----------------------~*******~------------------------* * Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016* *-----------------------~*******~------------------------* IEEE WCCI 2016 paper submission is now OPEN. Please submit your papers through the IEEE WCCI 2016 online paper submission system at: http://www.wcci2016.org/submission.php *------~*******~------* * Tutorial Speakers* *------~*******~------* - Meta-heuristics for Multi-objective Optimization - By Carlos Coello - Applying Evolutionary Computation in Industrial Practice - By Erik D. Goodman - Automatic Algorithm Configuration: Methods, Applications, and Perspectives - By Thomas Stützle - Advances in Particle Swarm Optimization - By Andries Engelbrecht - Search Based Software Engineering: Foundations, Recent Advances, Challenges and Future Research Directions - By Marouane Kessentini - Data Stream Mining - By Leszek Rutkowski - Spiking Neural Networks: The Machine Learning Approach - By Nathan Scott and Nikola Kasabov - Learning from Unstructured Data Streams in Cybersecurity - By Seiichi Ozawa - Learning in Non-Stationary Environments - By Cesare Alippi and Manuel Roveri - Physics of the Mind - By Leonid I. Perlovsky - Passive and Active Control for a Lower-limb Rehabilitation Robot - By Zeng-Guang Hou - Big Data: Technologies and Computational Intelligence Approaches - By Isaac Triguero and Francisco Herrera - Fuzzy Logic and Machine Learning: A Tutorial - By Hamid Tizhoosh - Type-2 Fuzzy Ontology and Fuzzy Markup Language for Real-World Applications - By Chang-Shing Lee - A Sum-of-Squares Framework for Fuzzy Systems Modeling and Control: Beyond Linear Matrix Inequalities - By Kazuo Tanaka - Tutorial on Type-2 Fuzzy Sets and Systems - By Christian Wagner, Jon Garibaldi and Robert John More tutorials will be announced soon. For more information, please visit: http://wcci2016.org/programs.php?id=tutorial?sd=t_info *---~*******~---* * Workshops* *---~*******~---* IEEE WCCI 2016 is pleased to confirm the following Workshops: - “Computational Energy Management in Smart Grids” - Organized by Stefano Squartini, Derong Liu, Francesco Piazza, Dongbin Zhao and Haibo He - “Neuromorphic Computing and Cyborg Intelligence” - Organized by Huajin Tang, Gang Pan, Arindam Basu and Luping Shi For more information about the workshops, please visit: http://wcci2016.org/programs.php?id=workshop?sd=w_ijcnn *------~****~------* * Panel Sessions* *------~****~------* IEEE WCCI 2016 is pleased to confirm a Panel Session on “How to Publish Your Research Papers in IEEE CIS Transactions?” Members of the panel session include, - Derong Liu: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems - Chin-Teng Lin: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems - Kay Chen Tan: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation - Graham Kendall: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games - Angelo Cangelosi: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development - Hisao Ishibuchi: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Computational Intelligence Magazine - David B. Fogel: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE CIS Book Series - Jacek M. Zurada: IEEE Life Fellow, Past IEEE VP-Technical Activities - Witold Pedrycz: IEEE Fellow - Nikhil R. Pal (Moderator): IEEE CIS Vice-President for Publications *-------------~****~----------------* * Sponsorship Opportunities* *-------------~****~----------------* We invite you to be a sponsor of the IEEE WCCI 2016, and thus play an essential role for the success of the flagship event of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society in 2016. A rich scientific program that covers all the areas of computational intelligence - tutorials by leading researchers in the field, a number of specialized workshops, exhibition of products, companies and research centers - will make IEEE WCCI 2016 one of the most influential conferences in the field of computational intelligence and a key scientific and technological event in IT. There are different ways you may provide support to IEEE WCCI 2016. For further information, please contact: wcci2016(a)gmail.com or visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/sponsors.php *-----------~****~--------------* * Exhibits Opportunities* *-----------~****~--------------* The IEEE WCCI 2016 cordially invites industry representatives and publishers to showcase innovative technologies in the area of computational intelligence at the IEEE WCCI 2016 and support the Congress with your active participation. The IEEE WCCI 2016 exhibits program is an opportunity for your organization to showcase its offerings to the broadest professional community of Computational Intelligence (CI) practitioners and researchers. The Congress is advertised extensively through international promotion activities that include: the Congress and other websites, electronic and printed announcement brochures, scientific and technical journals and magazines, professional and other networks. Your participation in this prestigious event will be very beneficial to the delegates attending and to bring your business focuses at an international level. For further information, please contact: wcci2016(a)gmail.com or visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/sponsors.php *-------------------------~*******~-------------------------* * Special Sessions Proposal by 15 November 2015* *-------------------------~*******~-------------------------* Special session proposals are invited to the IEEE WCCI 2016. The special session proposals submission deadline is 15 November 2015. Special session proposals should include the title, aim and scope (including a list of main topics), and the names of the organizers of the special session, together with a short biography of all organizers. For more information about provisionally accepted IEEE WCCI 2016 special sessions, please visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/spsessions.php *--------~****~--------* * Important Dates* *--------~****~--------* - Special Session & Workshop Proposals Deadline: 15 November 2015 - Competition & Tutorial Proposals Deadline: 15 December 2015 - *Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016* - Paper Acceptance Notification Date: 15 March 2016 - Final Paper Submission & Early Registration Deadline: 15 April 2016 - IEEE WCCI 2016: 25-29 July 2016 *For more information on the Congress, please visit: www.wcci2016.org <http://www.wcci2016.org>* *Alternatively we can also be reached on the following social media platforms,* - https://www.facebook.com/wcci2016 - https://twitter.com/wcci2016 - http://www.weibo.com/wcci2016 - http://t.qq.com/wcci2016 We look forward to welcoming you in Vancouver next year! Best wishes, Kay Chen Tan and Gary G. Yen 2016 IEEE WCCI General Co-Chairs

Dec. 2, 2015

IEEE Transactions on Haptics: Special Issue on Haptics in Neuroscience

by Sliman Bensmaia

This special issue calls for papers related to the study of the neural basis of haptic perception and to technologies designed for haptic interaction. In particular, topics will include: • The psychophysics of touch and its physiological basis in the peripheral and central nervous systems • Computational models of the skin, the peripheral nerve, and/or central processing of somatosensory information • Approaches to convey somatosensory feedback through neural interfaces • Haptic devices that generate well-controlled tactile and kinesthetic stimuli for use in psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies • Devices and experimental studies that measure the skin response during haptic interactions • Haptic interfaces, sensors and devices that are inspired by the biology of touch Timeline December 31, 2015 Deadline for paper submissions February 1, 2016 First decisions to authors May 1, 2016 Second decisions to authors August 1, 2016 Final publication materials due from authors November 1, 2016 Special issue publication Submission Process Visit http://www.computer.org/toh to view formatting requirements, and submit your paper at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/th-cs. When uploading your paper please select the appropriate special issue under the category “Manuscript Type.” Guest Editors Dr. Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago (sliman(a)uchicago.edu) Dr. Ingvars Birznieks, University of New South Wales, (i.birznieks(a)unsw.edu.au) Dr. Gregory Gerling, University of Virginia (gg7h(a)virginia.edu) Dr. Fabrizio Sergi, University of Delaware (fabs(a)udel.edu) -- ________________________________________________________ Sliman Bensmaia Associate Professor Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy University of Chicago 773.834.5203 http://bensmaialab.org ________________________________________________________

Dec. 1, 2015

Multiple Faculty Positions: The Malleable Nervous System: From Molecule to Circuit to Behavior

by Aaron Seitz

The University of California at Riverside (UCR) is embarking on a major new hiring initiative that will add 300 tenure-track positions in 33 cross-disciplinary areas selected through a peer-reviewed competition (clusterhiring.ucr.edu) Over the next three years, UCR will hire multiple faculty members in each area and invest in research infrastructure to support their work. This initiative will build critical mass in vital and emerging fields of scholarship, foster truly cross-disciplinary work and further diversify the faculty at one of America¹s most diverse research universities. In a major Neuroscience initiative, we seek to hire up to 8 tenure-track or tenured faculty members as part of a cross campus multi-disciplinary effort to study the nervous system (from development, to function, to aging, degeneration and repair). We seek researchers that collectively span multi-disciplinary levels of investigation (molecular mechanisms to circuit analysis to complex behaviors) using state of the art techniques (molecular, optogenetics, behavioral, educational, computational, imaging, genetic and research of clinical populations) applied to experimental model systems of health, injury and disease (invertebrate, vertebrate or human systems). Our goal is to recruit a team of collaborative individuals with an outstanding record, committed to excellence in research, that complement existing campus strengths. Applicants for tenured positions should also demonstrate notable scientific contributions and sustained extramural support. Successful candidates must also have clear potential or demonstrated ability to work successfully with and benefit a diverse student body. UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. Depending on research focus, training background and career achievements, successful candidates will be appointed at the rank of assistant, associate or full professor within College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Bourns College of Engineering, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Graduate School of Education or the School of Medicine. To foster development of collaborative research across hiring units, the successful candidates will participate in a campus wide seminar program and annual research retreat. Particular strengths on the campus pertinent to this recruitment include sensory processing, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, glial-neuronal interactions, cognitive neurotherapeutics, functional imaging, assessment and interventions of clinical populations, child development, circuits, neurobiology and endocrinology of behavior. Successful candidates will be also expected to contribute to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels depending upon the college/department to which the candidate is assigned. Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input. The University of California, Riverside is centrally located within the Southern California area and situated in an historic citrus growing area surrounded by mountain ranges. Riverside is an hour away from ski slopes, surfing, or hiking in mountain wilderness or desert environments, and housing in the area is very affordable. The campus is located in close proximity to a host of high profile universities, research institutes, and biotech industries in Southern California. Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., Pharm D., or equivalent degree and qualify for a tenure track or tenured faculty appointment at the University of California. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 1st and the positions will remain open until filled. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability; protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from scholars committed to excellence and seeking to help redefine the research university for the next generation. To Apply: Please submit the following items electronically through the APRecruit system: Cover Letter, Curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and goals, statement of teaching expertise. Choose the appropriate link based on qualifications Assistant Professor - https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00498 Associate/Full Professor - https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00490

Dec. 1, 2015

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at Indiana University

by Izquierdo, Eduardo J.

Dear all, We are happy to announce that we are in the process of hiring a postdoctoral scientist interested in developing and analyzing integrated neuromechanical models of behavior at Indiana University. We would greatly appreciate it if you could forward the attached ad to anyone who might be interested. Sincerely, Eduardo J. Izquierdo Randall D. Beer Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington Applications are invited for a post-doctoral in Computational Neuroscience. The position will be available in Spring 2016, but the starting date is flexible. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The successful candidate will be working with Professors Eduardo Izquierdo and Randall Beer to construct and analyze integrated neuromechanical models of behavior in the nematode worm C. elegans. The ideal candidate will have completed their doctoral studies, and should have expertise in modeling and computational neuroscience. Experience in parameter optimization algorithms, dynamical systems theory, and information theory would be preferred but not necessary. Strongest consideration will be given to applications received before December 31, 2015; however, applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their applications at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/1962. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Professors Eduardo Izquierdo or Randall Beer at Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University, 1900 East 10th St., 819 Eigenmann, Bloomington, Indiana 47406-7512 or, by email, edizquie(a)indiana.edu<mailto:edizquie@indiana.edu> or rdbeer(a)indiana.edu<mailto:rdbeer@indiana.edu>. Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Applications from women and minority group members are especially encouraged.

Dec. 1, 2015