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Frontiers Research Topic: Memory Processes in Medial Temporal Lobe: Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Approaches

by Vassilis Cutsuridis

Dear colleagues, we would like to inform you that our Research Topic organized with Frontiers in Neuroscience (Host Specialty: Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience) is still open and it will be accepting abstracts till April 1st, 2014. Our Research Topic is entitled: "Memory Processes in Medial Temporal Lobe: Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Approaches" Topic Editors: Motoharu Yoshida (University of Bochum) and Vassilis Cutsuridis (Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)) Important deadlines ---------------------------- Abstract Submission Deadline: April 1st 2014 Article Submission Deadline: August 1st, 2014 Research Topic Description ---------------------------------------- The medial temporal lobe (MTL) includes the hippocampus, amygdala and parahippocampal regions, and is crucial for episodic and spatial memory. MTL memory function consists of distinct processes such as encoding, consolidation and retrieval. Encoding is the process by which perceived information is transformed into a memory trace. After encoding, memory traces are stabilized by consolidation. Memory retrieval (recall) refers to the process by which memory traces are reactivated to access information previously encoded and stored in the brain. Although underlying neural mechanisms supporting these distinct functional stages remain largely unknown, recent studies have indicated that distinct oscillatory dynamics, specific neuron types, synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation, play a central role. The theta rhythm is believed to be crucial in the encoding and retrieval of memories. Experimental and computational studies indicate that precise timing of principal cell firing in the hippocampus, relative to the theta rhythm, underlies encoding and retrieval processes. On the other hand, sharp-wave ripples have been implicated in the consolidation through the "replay" of memories in compressed time scales. The neural circuits and cell types supporting memory processes in the MTL areas have only recently been delineated using experimental approaches such as optogenetics, juxtacellular recordings and optical imaging. Principal (excitatory) cells are crucial for encoding, storing and retrieving memories at the cellular level, whereas inhibitory interneurons provide the temporal structures for orchestrating the activities of neuronal populations of principal cells by regulating synaptic integration and timing of action potential generation of principal cells as well as the generation and maintenance of network oscillations (rhythms). In addition, neuromodulators such as acetylcholine alter dynamical properties of neurons and synapses, and modulate oscillatory state and rules of synaptic plasticity and their levels might tune MTL to specific memory processes. The goal of the research topic is to offer a snapshot of the current stateof-the-art on how memories are encoded, consolidated, stored and retrieved in MTL structures. Particularly welcome will be studies (experimental or computational) focusing on the structure and function of neural circuits, their cellular components (principal cell and inhibitory interneurons), synaptic plasticity rules involved in these memory processes, network oscillations such as theta and sharp-wave ripples, and role of neuromodulators. Possible questions are: (1) Which areas or pathways within the MTL support encoding/consolidation/retrieval? (2) What neural activity defines specific memory processes? (3) What are the roles of neuromodulators in defining/switching these memory processes? (4) Could the role of synaptic plasticity be different in different memory processes? (5) What functional roles do the various inhibitory interneurons support during the encoding/consolidation/retrieval processes? About Frontiers Research Topics ------------------------------------------------ Frontiers Research Topics are designed to be an organized, encyclopedic coverage of a particular research area, and a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be of different article types (Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, and others). Our Research Topic has a dedicated homepage on the Frontiers website, where contributing articles are accumulated and discussions can be easily held. Once all articles are published, the topic will be compiled into an e-book, which can be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, and to any number of other organizations. As the ultimate reference source from leading scientists, Frontiers Research Topic articles become highly cited. Frontiers is a Swiss-based, open access publisher. As such an article accepted for publication incurs a publishing fee, which varies depending on the article type. The publishing fee for accepted articles is below average compared to most other open access journals - and lower than subscription-based journals that apply page and color figure charges. Moreover, for Research Topic articles, the publishing fee is discounted quite steeply thanks to the support of the Frontiers Research Foundation. Details on Frontiers' fees can be found at http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees. When published, your article will be freely available to visitors to the Frontiers site, and will be indexed in PubMed and other academic archives. As an author in Frontiers, you will retain the copyright to your own paper and all figures. The details regarding this Research Topic for Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience can be found at the following URL: http://www.frontiersin.org/systems_neuroscience/researchtopics/memory_proce… Should you choose to participate, please confirm by sending a quick email and then your abstract using the following link: http://www.frontiersin.org/submissioninfo Thanks in advance for your interest! Vassilis Cutsuridis and Motoharu Yoshida --- Vassilis Cutsuridis, PhD IMBB - FORTH Heraklion, Crete Greece

March 5, 2014

PhD opportunities at the Queensland Brain Institute

by Geoffrey Goodhill

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI - http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au<http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/>) is seeking exceptional and highly motivated PhD students to undertake neuroscience research at its state-of-the-art facility located on The University of Queensland’s (UQ) St Lucia campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Established in 2003, the QBI's multidisciplinary environment is home to more than 300 staff and approximately 100 PhD students. Key areas of interest include computation and neuronal circuits, cognition and behaviour, neurogenesis and neuronal survival, genetics and epigenetics, neuronal development and connectivity, sensory systems, and synaptic function. QBI researchers have published almost 500 papers in the past two years, including 2 in Science, 4 in Nature, 2 in Neuron, 3 in Nature Neuroscience, 8 in Nature Genetics, 8 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, and 18 in Journal of Neuroscience. Scholarships and Remuneration QBI offers full-time PhD scholarships for outstanding Australian and International students (living allowance AUD$25,392 per annum, indexed annually, tax exempt) for 3 years with a possible 6 month extension. In addition, QBI supports high quality domestic and international applicants in their nomination to The University of Queensland’s competitive scholarship rounds (three rounds per year). A QBI top-up scholarship of $5,000 per annum may also be available to successful candidates. The Candidate Both Australian and International applicants are welcome to apply. Candidates should have a First Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, molecular biology, bioscience, psychology, genetics, the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline. Strong academic performance, the commitment to conduct high quality neuroscience research, and published output are highly desirable. For further information on the Basis of Admission to a UQ research higher degree, please visit http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/our-research-degrees. Successful applicants must accept and commence within 6 months of receiving an award. Enquiries and Applications Please review the research interests of QBI Group Leaders at http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leaders and make direct contact with a Group Leader working in an area of greatest interest to you, providing your detailed academic resume and complete academic records (including GPA scores/grades, and grading scale details). The Group Leader will work with you to develop your application for submission to QBI. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 30 APRIL, 2014 Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics & Physics University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Phone: +61 7 3346 6431 Fax: +61 7 3346 6301 Email: g.goodhill(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:g.goodhill@uq.edu.au> http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/professor-geoffrey-goodhill

March 5, 2014

Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School, in Shanghai

by John Murray

We're pleased to announce the 5th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School which will take place in Shanghai, China from the 5th to the 23rd of July. Applications are being accepted now on the Cold Spring Harbor Asia website, www.csh-asia.org/summerschool_applinstruct.htm and course information is on the CCN official website www.ccnss.org. The application deadline is March 15. *** Please note that the expenses of the summer school including tuition fee, housing and meals will be fully waived. *** Designed to emphasize higher cognitive functions and their underlying neural circuit mechanisms, the course aims at training talented and highly motivated students and postdoctoral fellows from Asia and other countries in the world. Applicants with quantitative (including Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science) or experimental background are welcomed. The lectures will introduce the basic concepts and methods, as well as cutting-edge research on higher brain functions such as decision-making, attention, learning and memory. Modeling will be taught at multiple levels, ranging from single neuron computation, microcircuits and large-scale systems, to normative theoretical approach. Python and Matlab-based programming labs coordinated with the lectures will provide practical training in important computational methods. The summer school is co-organized by Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU & NYU Shanghai), Si Wu (Beijing Normal University), Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) and Upi Bhalla (NCBS) and sponsored by Beijing Normal University, East China Normal University, NYU Shanghai, Hugo Shong and the McGovern Institute, and Cold Spring Harbor Asia. Organizers: - Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) - Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Neurosc. Program) - Upi Bhalla (Nat. Centre for Biological Sciences) - Si Wu (Beijing Normal Univ.) Lecturers: - Bill Newsome (Stanford Univ.) - Bob Desimone (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech.) - Gustavo Deco (Univ. Pompeu Fabra) - Gonzalo G. de Polavieja (Cajal Inst.) - Kenji Doya (Okinawa Inst. Science Technology) - Mariano Sigman (Univ. Buenos Aires) - Michael Breakspear (Queensland Inst. Medical Research) - Michael Hausser (Univ. College London) - Misha Tsodyks (Weizmann Inst.) - Philip Sabes (Univ. California San Francisco) - Sophie Deneve (Ecole Normale Superieure) Feel free to direct any questions to: john.murray(a)nyu.edu

March 4, 2014

Postdoctoral position: neural circuitry of reward and motivated behavior at Cornell

by Melissa R. Warden

We are seeking exceptional postdoctoral fellows to join a creative and multidisciplinary team of researchers, led by Dr. Melissa Warden, in the department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University. The broad goal of our research program is to understand the neural circuitry underlying reward and motivation in the mammalian brain, and to determine how signals reflecting these quantities are constructed and used to control affective state and behavior. We study these systems with an observational and causal approach, combining monitoring and decoding of neural activity with control of defined circuit elements, and utilize an array of techniques including optogenetics, imaging, high-density freely moving neurophysiology, patch clamp electrophysiology, rodent behavior, and computation. For more information see wardenlab.org. Ideal candidates will have a strong quantitative background, experience in imaging or electrophysiology, and proficiency in MATLAB/Python/R. Previous experience with neurobiology is helpful but not necessary. The main selection criteria will be outstanding research accomplishments, creativity, and promise of future achievement. Cornell has a vibrant neuroscience community spanning a wide range of departments and institutes, including Neurobiology and Behavior, Applied and Engineering Physics, Biomedical Engineering, the Kavli Institute for Nanoscale Science, Psychology, Mathematics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and Molecular Medicine, an environment which provides a unique opportunity to bring the latest technological innovations to bear on fundamental problems in neuroscience. Cornell's scenic campus is located in Ithaca, New York, an intellectually and culturally rich city in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Interested candidates should send a research statement, a curriculum vitae with publications, and the contact information for three references to Dr. Melissa Warden (mrwarden(a)cornell.edu) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries are welcome. -- Melissa R. Warden, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Miriam M. Salpeter Fellow Robertson Neuroscience Investigator, New York Stem Cell Foundation Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 http://www.wardenlab.org

March 4, 2014

[11 DAYS LEFT] Frontiers Research Topic - Models of brain stimulation

by Dr Julien Modolo

Dear all, Just a friendly reminder that the deadline of our Research Topic organized with Frontiers in Neuroscience (Host Specialty: Frontiers in Computional Neuroscience) is approoaching rapidly (March 15). As a reminder, our Research Topic is entitled: "Driving Innovation in Therapeutic Brain Stimulation With Biophysical Models" Topic Editors: Julien Modolo, Alexandre Legros and Alex W Thomas - Lawson Health Research and Western University, London, Ontario (Canada). Abstract Submission Deadline: March 15 2014 Article Submission Deadline: June 1st, 2014 Research Topic Description: Electric and magnetic stimulation of the brain have become increasingly used for therapy in numerous neurological disorders over the last 20 years. The domain of therapeutic brain stimulation is complex and dynamic, since it involves many different diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy), stimulation devices and protocols (from completely non-invasive stimulation to the chronic implantation of stimulation electrodes in the brain). Despite its use by hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide, it seems paradoxical that, in most cases, the biological mechanisms by which therapeutic brain stimulation can provide symptom relief are unknown. Our limited knowledge in terms of interaction mechanisms dramatically slows down the development of novel brain stimulation techniques, which rely mainly on empiric observations. Fortunately, a paradigm change has begun, and biophysical modeling has emerged as an alternative tool not only allowing ot understand therapeutic brain stimulation, but also to foster innovation. Realistic models of neurons and neural networks are now routinely used in neuroscience research to better understand the outcome of experimental data, and also to help in experiment design. These models can simulate the activity of single cells (e.g., with the Hodgkin-Huxley model), or, at the other extreme, of the entire brain (Blue Brain project). One especially appealing use of these models is to simulate in silico how electric and magnetic fields modulate neuronal activity at different spatial and temporal scales, to ultimately have an impact on behaviour. This application of biophysical models of brain activity is currently the focus of intense research efforts, with the hope of groundbreaking clinical translations on the horizon. The objective of this Research Topic is to offer a comprehensive overview of the most recent biophysical models and their contribution in the development of innovative therapeutic brain stimulation techniques, in various neurological disorders. An emphasis should be made on the critical role of biophysical modeling in the rational and effective design of novel brain stimulation techniques, and also in providing key insights into fundamental interaction mechanisms that can be exploited to ends of therapy. About Frontiers Research Topics: Frontiers Research Topics are designed to be an organized, encyclopedic coverage of a particular research area, and a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be of different article types (Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, and others). Our Research Topic has a dedicated homepage on the Frontiers website, where contributing articles are accumulated and discussions can be easily held. Once all articles are published, the topic will be compiled into an e-book, which can be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, and to any number of other organizations. As the ultimate reference source from leading scientists, Frontiers Research Topic articles become highly cited. Frontiers is a Swiss-based, open access publisher. As such an article accepted for publication incurs a publishing fee, which varies depending on the article type. The publishing fee for accepted articles is below average compared to most other open access journals - and lower than subscription-based journals that apply page and color figure charges. Moreover, for Research Topic articles, the publishing fee is discounted quite steeply thanks to the support of the Frontiers Research Foundation. Details on Frontiers’ fees can be found at http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees. When published, your article will be freely available to visitors to the Frontiers site, and will be indexed in PubMed and other academic archives. As an author in Frontiers, you will retain the copyright to your own paper and all figures. The details regarding this Research Topic for Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience can be found at the following URL: http://www.frontiersin.org/computational_neuroscience/researchtopics/drivin… Should you choose to participate, please confirm by sending a quick email and then your abstract using the following link: http://www.frontiersin.org/submissioninfo Thanks in advance for your interest! Julien Modolo, Alexandre Legros and Alex W Thomas -- Julien Modolo, PhD Scientist, Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute Assistant Professor, Departments of Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, Western University Room E4-141 268 Grosvenor Street London, ON, N6A4V2 Canada Phone: (+001) 519-646-6100 ext 64192 Fax: 519-646-6100

March 4, 2014

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS: Rhythmic dynamics of visual perception and attention

by Rufin VanRullen

*POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS: Rhythmic dynamics of visual perception and attention * Location: Toulouse (France) Starting date: Flexible (2014) Two postdoctoral positions are available to work in collaboration with Rufin VanRullen at the CerCo in Toulouse, France, as part of a recently funded ERC project. The project investigates rhythmic aspects of visual perception, attention and awareness, using a combination of psychophysical, neuro-imaging (EEG, fMRI, TMS) and computational tools. Successful applicants will have prior experience with at least one of the above-mentioned experimental techniques, and a demonstrated interest in vision and/or attention; some programming experience is also desirable. More information about research in the lab can be found at http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/~rufin/ <http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/%7Erufin/>. French language is not a requirement but a willingness to learn would be beneficial. Net salary ranges between 1,850 Euros and 2,350 Euros per month, commensurate with experience. The initial appointment is one year, and can easily be renewed for up to two more years. Additional information about the research environment in Toulouse can be viewed at http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/fr_vers/cerco_eng/ Applications should be sent to Rufin VanRullen (rufin-lab(a)cerco.ups-tlse.fr <mailto:rufin-lab@cerco.ups-tlse.fr>), and should include a detailed CV including publication list, a brief statement about research interests, and the names of 2 references. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Informal inquiries can also be made at any time to the same email address. Rufin VanRullen. Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, CNRS UMR 5549, Pavillon Baudot, Hopital Purpan, 31052 Toulouse Cedex, France. http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/~rufin/ <http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/%7Erufin/>

March 4, 2014

eNTERFACE14 Summer Workshop on Multimodal Interfaces - Call for participation - 10 days left!!

by Daniel Erro

*** We apologize for multiple postings *** *** Please forward this e-mail to potentially interested students/researchers *** 10th Summer Workshop on Multimodal Interfaces Bilbao, Spain, June 9th – July 5th, 2014 http://aholab.ehu.es/eNTERFACE14/ eNTERFACE 2014 – Call for Participation Aholab Signal Processing research group, from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain, invites researchers from all over the world to join eNTERFACE’14, the 10th Summer Workshop on Multimodal Interfaces, to be held in Bilbao, Spain, from June 9th to July 9th, 2014. eNTERFACE workshops gather in a single place a team of senior project leaders, researchers, and students, to work on a pre-specified list of challenges for 4 weeks. Participants are organized in teams, each team being attached to a specific project. This is the list of projects that have been selected to be carried out in this edition of eNTERFACE (more detailed information about all of them can be found on the official website): 1. Auracle: how are the salient cues situated in audiovisual content? 2. A character animation authoring platform for the 99% 3. Exploring stylistics of expert gestures and singing voice with motion capture and reactive statistical mapping 4. MILLA - Multimodal interactive language learning agent 5. Online platform for obtaining personalized synthetic voices 6. Quantification of the alteration in the resting state networks for measuring brain pathologies and diseases If you are a senior/junior researcher or a PhD/MS/undergraduate student working on similar topics and you want to collaborate in (at least) one of these projects, please prepare a short CV in electronic format along with a list of skills you can offer to the team and fill in the application form available on the official website. The project leaders will select their team members among the applicants. The program will include several keynote lectures given by renowned experts. Nick Campbell (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) and Anton Nijholt (University of Twente, Netherlands) have already accepted our invitation. eNTERFACE’14 has no registration fee and lodging prices will be highly competitive. We will also offer about 5 grants covering accomodation expenses (more information will be given through the official website in due course). Important dates: Deadline for application: March 14th 2014 Notification of acceptance to participants: April 11th 2014 Workshop: June 9th – July 4th 2014 Web: http://aholab.ehu.es/eNTERFACE14 Contact: enterface14(a)aholab.ehu.es

March 4, 2014

Conference "Nonlinear Dynamics on Complex Networks"

by Denis Zakharov

Dear colleagues,* * The deadline for the application to the International Conference “Nonlinear Dynamics on Complex Networks” has been extended to March 15, 2014. We would be grateful if you distribute this information among interested colleagues. Best wishes, Dr. Denis Zakharov Scientific Secretary of the Conference “Nonlinear Dynamics on Complex Networks” e-mail: nwp1(a)neuron.appl.sci-nnov.ru <http://nwp.sci-nnov.ru/index.html> http://nwp.sci-nnov.ru/index.html *_____________________________________________________________________________* *International Conference "Nonlinear Dynamics on Complex Networks" 17-23 July, 2014 **Nizhny Novgorod**, **Russia* * Organized by* Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences University of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia *Chairs * Vladimir Nekorkin, Institute of Applied Physics RAS, Russia Arkady Pikovsky, University of Potsdam, Germany *Program Committee* Valentin Afraimovich, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Mexico Jose Maria Amigo, Universidad Miguel Herna'ndez, Spain Peter Ashwin, University of Exeter, UK Igor Belykh, Georgia State University, USA Jean-Marie Bilbault, Bourgogne University, France Maurice Courbage, Universite' Paris 7, France Alexander Dmitriev, Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics RAS, Russia Alexander Mikhailov, Fritz Haber Institute, Germany Antonio Politi, Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, Scotland, UK Nikolai Rulkov, BioCircuits Institute, USA *Conference scope * Dynamical networks: Elements of general theory Characterization of complex dynamics Heteroclinic sequences and channels in dynamical networks Synchronization Applications in life sciences and engineering Adaptation and control *Invited speakers* *Jose Maria Amigo* /Universidad Miguel Herna'ndez, //Elche//,/ /Spain/ Entropy and switching systems *Vadim Anishchenko* /Saratov// State University, Russia / Poincare recurrences: Theory and applications *Peter** **Ashwin* /University// of //Exeter//, UK / Networks in phase and physical space: design and dynamics of heteroclinic attractors in coupled cell systems *Ernesto Estrada * /University of Strathclyde, //Glasgo//, //UK// / Consensus and controllability in social networks under combined direct and indirect peers pressure Sergey Kuznetsov Kotel'nikov's Institute of Radio-Engineering and Electronics RAS, Saratov Branch, Russia Examples of mechanical systems manifesting chaotic hyperbolic attractors of Smale-Williams type *Elbert Macau* /National Institute for Space Research, //Sao Jose dos Campos//,/ /Brazil/ Controlling Collective Behavior *Leonid Manevich* /Institute of Chemical Physics RAS, //Moscow//, //Russia// / Energy exchange and localization in finite nonlinear oscillatory chains *Gustavo **Martinez**-Mekler* /Instituto de Ciencias Fi'sicas, UNAM, //Cuernavaca//, //Mexico /Complex network dynamics approach to marine external fertilization / / Andrey Polezhaev P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow, Russia Segmented patterns and mechanisms of their formation Maurizio Porfiri Polytechnic School of Engineering, New York University, USA Synchronization and control in networks of stochastically coupled oscillators Eckehard Scho"ll Institut fu"r Theoretische Physik, TU Berlin, Germany Control of complex networks: interplay of structure and delay Aneta Stefanovska**/ Lancaster University//, //UK// / Systems with stable amplitudes and time-varying frequencies *Sebastiano Stramaglia * /University of Bari//, //Italy// / Nonlinear dynamics and information flow on the human brain connectome *Changsong Zhou * /Centre for Nonlinear Studies, Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University,Kowloon Tong, Hong/ /Kong/ Cost-efficiency in neural connectivity and *Scientific Secretary * Dr. Denis Zakharov Institute of Applied Physics RAS e-mail: nwp1(a)neuron.appl.sci-nnov.ru <mailto:nwp1@neuron.appl.sci-nnov.ru> *Key Dates*: Deadline for submission of short abstracts and registration forms 15 March, 2014 Notification of acceptance 1 April, 2014 Deadline for submission of extended abstracts 15 May, 2014 Deadline for early registration 1 June, 2014 Deadline for registration 1 July, 2014 *Conference Fees* The registration fee that includes a registration kit, conference abstracts, historical tours, and welcome party is 400 Euro (300 Euro if paid before 1 June, 2014) for participants and 200 Euro for accompanying persons. The registration fee is waived for the conference chairs and program committee members. Students will be accorded a reduced registration fee of 200 Euro. The cost of accommodation is 800 Euro for each participant and accompanying person. The accommodation on board will be high-class one- or two-berth cabin, breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Also, complementary coffee will be available during the breaks. Participants are expected to secure conference fees and travel funding independently. *Conference** Web site: *http://www.nwp.sci-nnov.ru <http://www.nwp.sci-nnov.ru/>

March 4, 2014

Research Scientist/Engineer, Director of Neuroengineering Design Suite wanted at Georgia Tech, GA, USA

by Ilya Kolb

*Research Scientist/Engineer and Director of Neuroengineering Design Suite* *Georgia Tech* *Atlanta, GA, USA* *Job Purpose: * The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience at Georgia Tech is seeking a Research Engineer/Scientist for the Precision Biosystems Laboratory. This position will involve directing the opening, operation, and hands-on experimentation of the Neuroengineering Design Suite under the direction of Professor Craig Forest. The Neuroengineering Design Suite is a facility dedicated to supporting the Atlanta-area activities of the BRAIN Initiative--anationwide effort to better understand the immensely complex structure and function of the brain. We are building a user facility that puts emerging in-vivo neurotechnology tools in the hands of people who need to use them. The Atlanta-area neuroscience community is large (>100 neuroengineering/neuroscientist investigators), yet not every investigator can afford the expensive instrumentation necessary to conduct groundbreaking experiments in the living brain. This facility will aid in the creation of competitive proposals by being a place for investigators to acquire preliminary in-vivo data using state-of-the-art equipment. Specifically, this facility will support equipment for real-time measurement and control of neural signals, traditional and novel setups for experimental paradigms, and tools for data analysis. For measurement tools, the facility will support three key areas of active research: 1) in-vivo brain imaging involving voltage- and calcium-sensitive dyes, 2) extracellular electrophysiology using multichannel electrodes, and 3) intracellular electrophysiology involving single- or multi-electrode automated patch clamping. For experimental tools, we will furnish the facility with imaging, signal processing, and optical/electrical stimulation apparatuses using the most modern and high throughput devices available. *Job Description:* Directing the opening, operation, and hands-on experimentation of the Neuroengineering Design Suite will involve managing and maintaining neurotechnology, people, money and ideas. The director will provide hands-on hardware and software assistance for various research projects in the Atlanta-area and within the adjacent Precision Biosystems Laboratory. Experimentally, skills in hands-on neuroscience experimentation, especially electrophysiology, will be utilized on a regular basis in the design of experiments and collaborative data gathering. The position will involve interacting with a diverse range of people including student researchers, faculty, support staff, and administrators within an academic environment. The ideal candidate will also have some experience with fund-raising through proposal writing. *Major Responsibilities:* · Perform, advise, and train others in the use of off-the shelf and emerging neurotechnology tools. (The candidate will learn how to use these tools in collaboration with laboratories and companies as necessary for those not already skilled.) · Assist with fund-raising through proposal writing, meetings, and collaboration forming. · Provide instruction to lab users on proper use of lab equipment, lab safety, protocols and procedures related to conducting experiments. · Prepare and on approval administer laboratory budget; purchase supplies and equipment and maintain related records. · Maintain laboratory facility in safe, clean and organized manner. · Coordinate scheduling of lab usage. · Develop and implement laboratory policy and procedures; incorporate best practices as appropriate. · Calibrate lab instrumentation and maintain lab equipment. · Direct the scheduling and work of student assistants assigned to laboratory. *Basic Qualifications:* · *Education: *MS or PhD Degree in relevant scientific field (e.g., electrical engineering, neuroscience, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering) or an equivalent combination of education and experience · *Working hands-on knowledge of instrumentation:* including mechanical, electronic, and software equipment use, calibration, and maintenance, laboratory processes and procedures and lab safety rules and practices. · *Neuroscience specific skills and experience*: prefer electrophysiology (intracellular or extracellular), require animal surgery and handling · *Skills in communication*, customer service, work guidance and instruction. Rather than independent research in isolation, this role will involve daily human interaction. · *Initiative, independence, and resourcefulness at overcoming challenges. *The research academic environment is high risk, high reward and while some of the equipment will be turn-key and some will be experimental, the use and application for new creative research endeavors will require creative exploration and persistence. Interested applicants should forward by e-mail an application letter of interest, curriculum vitae, summary of past accomplishments, short description of career goals and the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references to: Craig R. Forest Assistant Professor, Georgia Tech Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering cforest(a)gatech.edu

March 4, 2014

PhD position in Theoretical Neuroscience and Systems Physiology

by Duncan MacGregor

*PhD position - Autumn 2014* Applications are invited for autumn 2014 entry to a 3 year PhD position (extendable to 4 years with some teaching duties) at the University of Edinburgh, using computational modelling techniques to study the neurons and systems involved in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis. The position is within the School of Biomedical Sciences, in the Centre for Integrative Physiology. You will work alongside predominantly experimental scientists, although supervised by Prof Gareth Leng and Dr Duncan MacGregor, who have mathematical and computational backgrounds. The lab is focussed on neuroendocrinology, studying the neural systems involved in hormonal regulation of the brain and body, centred on the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The neuroendocrine neurons are the most well studied cells in the brain, and present an ideal opportunity to use modelling to study information processing in neurons, and what role this processing plays in larger physiological systems. Our current research focus is provided by a new multidisciplinary EU grant called 'Nudge-it'. Its aim is to understand what controls our eating behaviour, with a view to being better able to influence this behaviour and contribute to tackling obesity. The PhD project will use spiking neuron models, combined with higher level systems modelling to study the hypothalamic systems involved in energy homeostasis. www.nudge-it.eu The candidate must have a good Honours degree (First, or high 2.i) or Masters in the fields of artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, computing, neuroscience or physiology. The ideal candidate will have a good mathematical and computational background, including programming experience, combined with a strong interest in physiology and neuroscience. *This position is fully funded*. Home tuition fees and a monthly stipend (currently £13,726 per annum) will be provided from a European Union FP7 programme-funded grant. The applicant must be a citizen of an EU member state. *How to apply* Candidates should send a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to duncan.macgregor(a)ed.ac.uk. The application deadline is the 31st March 2014. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference). Please contact duncan.macgregor(a)ed.ac.uk for further information. www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/integrative-physiology Dr Duncan MacGregor Centre for Integrative Physiology University of Edinburgh Hugh Robson Building George Square Edinburgh EH8 9XD -- -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

March 3, 2014