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PhD project in computational modeling of Alzheimer’s disease at MCEN/BCAM, Bilbao, Spain
by Maurizio De Pitta Oct. 9, 2018

Oct. 9, 2018

Fully-funded PhD project: Computational modeling and data mining of early markers of Alzheimer’s disease Lab / Host institution : Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN) at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM) Location : Bilbao, The Basque Country, Spain Duration : 3 years. Stipend : 18k EUR/year + mobility allowance Starting date : immediate Scientific background : Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, personality changes, and withdrawal. The causes of AD remain poorly understood and no treatment is currently available to stop or reverse the progress of the disease nor to reduce the risk of developing it. The principal pathological hallmark of AD is the accumulation in the brain of senile plaques, primarily composed of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, and tangles of filaments of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. However, population-based studies show that there is a continuum of AD type pathology in the aging population, with considerable overlap in the burdens of tangle and plaque pathology in demented vs. non-demented individuals. It is therefore difficult to establish thresholds of classical lesions for the prediction of dementia and additional factors are operative to determine whether a given burden of pathology is associated with cognitive impairment. There is therefore a need to explore non-standard pathological markers. Workplan : The candidate will deploy mathematical tools to simulate biophysical processes that could underpin deposition of amyloid beta plaques and tau filaments. Emphasis will be on emerging evidence on the interaction between neurons and glial cells, to identify potential mechanisms that promote local excitation of neuronal networks at the onset of AD, before cognitive impairment takes over, or when only mild cognitive deficits are diagnosed. The project is strongly interdisciplinary, as the candidate will pursue computational research in close collaboration with experimentalists to design realistic models inspired by experiments in cell cultures and brain slices from AD mouse models. At the same time she/he will be able to design experiments based on predictions from her/his models. Working environment : The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Maurizio De Pittà in all the aspects of the project. Dr. De Pittà is a leading expert on computational modeling of neuron-glia interactions, with an experience in computational neuroscience of 10+ years. Dr. De Pittà recently joined the MCEN group at BCAM as « Junior Leader » fellow with a start-up grant supported by la Caixa Banking Foundation. The MCEN group is a rapidly growing team led by Ikerbasque Professor Serafim Rodrigues, that was established in 2016 as part of the strategic research portfolio enacted by the Basque Country to foster interdisciplinary research in Neuroscience. The candidate will collaborate with Dr. Elena Alberdi and Prof. Carlos Matute at Achucarro, the Basque Center for Neuroscience in Bilbao, at the local campus of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). BCAM is one of the Severo Ochoa’s excellence centers for scientific research in Spain providing a fertile international environment for enriching scientific collaborations. Bilbao, as the capital of the Basque Country in Spain, is a vibrant, friendly city with one of the highest standards of life quality in Spain. Requirements : -- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields -- Excellent English skills (oral and written) -- Programming skills in Matlab, Python and C/C++ -- High motivation for interdisciplinary research with strong interests for biological details with an analytic mindset -- Essential knowledge of neuroscience, cell biology and biochemistry is preferred but not required Additional notes : This is a cutting-edge project that ideally matches with outstanding and creative candidates, with a strong motivation for international collaborations, mobility, and independence. The candidate is supposed to work on the project full-time (i.e. part-time agreements are taken into consideration), and must be . To apply : Applicants should send a CV with letter of motivation (max 2 pages) to Dr. De Pittà at mdepitta(a)bcamath.org with headings : « PhD Candidacy ». Review of applicants is incumbent, and will continue until the position is filled. The earliest start date is November 2018. -- Maurizio De Pittà https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/

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Tenure-Track Junior Professor in Computational Neuroscience at Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris France
by boris gutkin Oct. 7, 2018

Oct. 7, 2018

> Junior Professor in Computational Neuroscience at Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris France > > Department of Cognitive Studies at the Ecole Normale Superieure (Paris France) seeks candidates for a tenure-track junior professor in computational neuroscience. Candidates in cognitive computational neuroscience, machine learning approaches to neuroscience and statistical neuroscience are particularly encouraged to apply. Successful candidate will join the computational neuroscience core at the Laboratory for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (LNC2, https://lnc2.dec.ens.fr/fr) > > Candidates should show a strong track record of research in computational neuroscience as well as potential for scientific independence and achievement. Candidate will be expected to develop an independent research program during their pre-tenure period In addition to research candidates will spear-head the computational neuroscience track in the Master of Cognitive Sciences at ENS (Cogmaster,www.cogmaster.net/) provide teaching in computational neuroscience at the masters and upper undergraduate level as well as supervise masters and doctoral students. > > The position offers a 5-year tenure-track contract with an evaluation at the end of the 3rd year. Upon successful evaluaton, the candidate will proceed directly to a competition for a full professorship at ENS Paris. Support for national and international grant competitions will be provided. > > The candidate will join a lively cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience community. Notably the computational neuroscience core of the LNC includes research groups of Boris Gutkin, Srdjan Ostojic and Sophie Deneve and counts over 20 members in total. Computational approaches to human cognitive neuroscience and neuroeconomics are also represented by groups of Etienne Koechlin, Valentin Wyart and Stefano Palminteri. Ample interactions with experimental and computational groups in the Paris area are available and encouraged. LNC2-DEC-ENS is located in the heart of Paris in the Quartier Latin. > > > Candidates should send an application package by e-mail to the application email address below. The subject line should include the words COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE ENS POSITION followed by the name of the applicant. > > APPLICATION ADDRESS: recruitment.jp-compneuro(a)ens.fr > > The application package should include: > > - a CV, including a list of publications; > > - contacts of 3 referees from whom recommendations letters can be requested; > > - ‪a statement outlining both teaching and research goals/experience (up to 3 pages); > > - a research sample consisting of 3 papers. > > > Deadline for the applications is Nov 15 2018. > > Candidate is expected to start in September 2019. > > Informal enquiries and Questions can be sent to boris.gutkin(a)ens.fr > >

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Research Assistant Professor opening for NeuroMorpho.Org IT Manager position
by Ruben Armananzas Arnedillo Oct. 3, 2018

Oct. 3, 2018

Dear Colleagues, We are searching for an exceptional individual to lead the information technology infrastructure of NeuroMorpho.Org as a Research Assistant Professor in the Center for Neural Informatics and the Bioengineering Department of George Mason University (near Washington DC, USA). If you know suitable candidates with a Ph.D. in computer science, software engineering, information systems, applied mathematics, physics, data science, or related fields, please encourage them to apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/44093 Especially desired are proficiency in Java, C/C++, Python, R, Matlab, and Shell scripting; experience with Unix/Linux server administration; SQL & NoSQL database design and system operation; web technologies and API (micro) services; content management & collaborative platforms; big-data & cloud computing analytical tools; task analysis automation; knowledge in project management (PMP or similar); and understanding of neuroscience data. The successful applicant will assume responsibility of the NeuroMorpho.Org continuous maintenance, development, and management, including design of new solutions to enhance and expand existing functionality. The incumbent will work directly with the project director, will select and supervise multiple masters-level assistants, and will have unlimited access to dedicated supercomputer and server facilities, flexible working schedule, salary based on the NIH scale, and state employee benefits. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2018; the position is available immediately. The NeuroMorpho.Org Team

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Assistant Professor Position in High-Dimensional Data Analysis, CU Boulder, Dept. of Applied. Math. (Deadline Oct. 16, 2018)
by Zachary Kilpatrick Oct. 3, 2018

Oct. 3, 2018

The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado at Boulder invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2019. The position is in the area of high dimensional data analysis (big data), with possible areas of emphasis including nonlinear optimization, analysis in high-dimensional spaces, randomized projections, probabilistic numerics, harmonic analysis, theoretical deep learning, and related areas. However, exceptional candidates in all fields of Applied Mathematics may be considered. The candidate is expected to take an active role in undergraduate and graduate teaching, conduct a vigorous externally funded research program, advise graduate students, and participate in department and university governance. We also seek candidates who demonstrate effectiveness in teaching, mentoring, nurturing, and inspiring diverse students of all ethnicities, nationalities and genders, including first generation college undergraduates. Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2018; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. —————————————— The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder is home to five Nobel laureates, four National Medal of Science winners, eight MacArthur "Genius Award" winners, 100 Fulbright Scholars, 17 Guggenheim Fellows, 14 Packard Fellows, 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 23 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. CU Boulder is the only university in the Rocky Mountain region in the American Association of Universities, a group of the nation’s leading research institutions. The Department of Applied Mathematics is home to 22 tenured and tenure track faculty members whose research span computational mathematics, nonlinear mathematics including nonlinear dynamics and waves, mathematical biology, physical applied mathematics, probability, and statistics. The Department sits at the crossroads of the university's two largest colleges, being rostered in the College of Arts and Sciences while teaching students in the College of Engineering. Our faculty have won numerous awards including: four fellows of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics, two fellows of the American mathematical Society, two Guggenheim Fellows, an American Statistical Association Fellow, and a Sloan Fellow. For more information see http://www.colorado.edu/amath. ————————————— Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in applied mathematics or a related area, a strong record of research accomplishments, and have excellent teaching and communication skills. To apply, please submit the following materials at https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=12897 <https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=12897> 1. Resume/CV 2. Cover Letter 3. List of references 4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy 5. Statement of Research Philosophy 6. You will need to submit 3 references for this position. These individuals will be contacted and asked to submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application materials. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.

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Open Rank Faculty Position, Department of Mathematics, City College of New York, CUNY
by Asohan Amarasingham Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

Dear Colleagues, The Department of Mathematics of the City College of New York is hiring invites applications for one or more positions at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor levels, to start August 31, 2019. Computational neuroscience and computational biology generally are an area of particular interest for the search, and an area of focus both in the department and more broadly at City College and CUNY (see, for example, the Initiative for Theoretical Sciences at the CUNY Graduate Center). Thus researchers who focus on applications of mathematics or statistics to neuroscience are encouraged to apply. The department has strong mathematical research activities in a broad range of areas. Instructional needs are at all levels, including undergraduate service and major courses, and graduate courses both in the CCNY graduate programs and through the CUNY Graduate Center. The full announcement is below. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. Best regards, Asohan Amarasingham ==================================== https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/12498 The Department of Mathematics of the City College of New York invites applications for one or more positions at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor levels, pending administrative approval, to start August 31, 2019. The department has strong research in a broad range of areas. Areas of greatest need and interest are for applicants with expertise in statistics, probability, and those areas of applied mathematics most relevant to computational biology and data science, but exceptional applicants from all areas of pure and applied mathematics will be considered. Instructional needs are at all levels, including undergraduate service and major courses, and graduate courses both in the CCNY graduate programs and through the CUNY Graduate Center. The City College of New York (CCNY) is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, with a strong tradition of excellence in science and engineering. CCNY serves a broad range of students and CUNY has an exemplary record in moving students from poverty to prosperity. CCNY serves a broad range of students and CUNY has an exemplary record in moving students from poverty to prosperity. The Department actively encourages applications from women and minority candidates. Applicants must apply electronically at http://www.mathjobs.org ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA CUNYfirst FOR CONSIDERATION. Please apply by visiting this CUNY.jobs page<https://cuny.jobs/jobs/?q=19465> or by the following: Go to www.cuny.edu and click on "Employment" or visit Employment at CUNY<http://www2.cuny.edu/employment/> Click "Search job listings" Click on "More options to search for CUNY jobs" Search by Job Opening ID number 19465 Click on the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions. The applicant must submit an application cover letter detailing interest in the position, a current CV, statements detailing research and teaching interests, a diversity statement reflecting the candidate's thoughts and experience on fostering inclusivity in the classroom and workplace, and arrange for four letters of reference to be submitted through mathjobs.org, with at least three addressing research and at least one addressing teaching qualifications. Review of applications begins October 15th, with applications considered until the position is filled. The City University of New York is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.

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Frontiers Research Topic on Data Assimilation
by Axel Hutt Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

Announcement of the Frontiers Research Topic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Assimilation of Nonlocal Observations in Complex Systems -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural complex systems exhibit spatio-temporal dynamics on multiple scales that are difficult to predict and understand. To gain deeper insights into the system's dynamics and to be able to predict its evolution, observations of that system are analyzed which allows to derive or motivate models that fit that system. In general, one may distinguish two types of data. The so-called in-situ or local observations capture direct measurements of the system itself, such as temperature at a specific height in the atmosphere or electric potentials in biological cells. Other observations are not measured at a certain location but represent the integral of some relevant quantities manifesting the system's activity. Examples in meteorology for such nonlocal observations are satellite radiances, slant delays and radio occultation based on GPS data, or radar reflectivities. In biological systems, the non-invasive measurement techniques provide nonlocal observations, such as electro- and magnetoencephalogram or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In addition to observations, realistic models are essential to improve the understanding of natural complex systems and to predict their dynamical evolution. To merge both models and observations, it is essential to develop techniques that optimally estimate the system activity well-adapted to a model and observed data. Data assimilation comprises a number of methods to merge diverse experimental data with an underlying model. Data assimilation optimally combines observations and a model to achieve a certain goal, such as optimal fitting of model parameters or providing optimal forecasts of the system's dynamics. Since the recent years have shown an increasing number of observation techniques capturing integrals of system activity, data assimilation of nonlocal observations becomes more and more important. The present Research Topic aims to bring together recent theoretical work in data assimilation of nonlocal observations with a strong link to specific applications. This article collection reflects the state-of-the-art in this research field. Examples of theoretical topics (as an unconstrained open list) are Kalman filters, variational assimilation techniques, regression techniques and stochastic optimization techniques. Applications may range from the parameter estimation in genetic regulatory networks over prediction of brain dynamics to weather forecast. We invite you to submit an abstract until November 30, 2018 and the manuscript until June 30, 2019. Contributions will be published as soon as they are accepted and synchronously gathered in the Research Topic volume. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us (email of Axel Hutt: digitalesbad(a)gmail.com) The organisers Lili Lei (Nanjing University) Marc Bocquet (Ecole des Ponts ParisTech) Alberto Carrassi (Nansen Environmental Remote Sensing Center) Axel Hutt (Deutscher Wetterdienst) Roland Potthast (Deutscher Wetterdienst) -- Axel Hutt Directeur de Recherche Deutscher Wetterdienst - German Meteorological Service Research and Development, Department FE 12 (Data Assimilation) Frankfurter Strasse 135, 63067 Offenbach, Germany Tel.: +49 69 8062 2750 http://www.geocities.ws/digitalbath/

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New temporal multiple kernel learning method for characterizing relating SC to connectivity dynamics and Brain state switching
by Dipanjan Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

Dear all, It is my pleasure to share with you a very recent methods and data driven modelling paper from our lab on how Resting State Dynamics Meets Anatomical Structure: Temporal Multiple Kernel Learning (tMKL) Model to explore SC-dFC-FC tripartite relationship published in Neuroimage. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811918318597?via%3Di… The proposed model uses spectral graph theory techniques to partitions aspects of the whole-brain dynamics essentially into two parts: (i) characterizing temporal dynamics through identification of latent transient states, and (ii) linking them to the underlying structural geometry. These two aspects are captured using a novel blend of unique methods. The proposed solution does not make strong assumptions about the underlying data and is generally applicable to resting or task data for learning subject-specific state transitions and for successfully characterizing SC-dFC-FC relationship through a unifying framework. MATLAB code for the proposed method can be downloaded from: https://github.com/SriniwasGovindaSurampudi/tMKL Any comments/questions/suggestions on the method/code are of course welcome. Regards, Dipanjan

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Several Openings, New Lab. Systems Neuroscience.
by Carmen Varela Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

We are looking for researchers (undergraduate to postdoc) to join a new systems neuroscience laboratory that will open in the rapidly growing Jupiter campus of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2019. Under the direction of Dr. Carmen Varela, the lab will seek to discover fundamental cellular and network mechanisms that contribute to cognitive behavior, with a focus on learning and memory and on the role of the neuronal circuits formed by the thalamus https://www.thethalamus.org/ We will rely heavily on extracellular recordings in behaving rodents and quantitative analyses of cellular activity and local field potentials, in order to investigate how thalamic networks contribute to memory retrieval, problem solving, and sleep-dependent memory consolidation. If you are passionate about these topics we would love for you to join us and be part of the founding projects of the lab! *General requirements: * Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated initiative and dedication, ability to learn fast. Hands-on research experience in neuroscience preferred, particularly with rodent models. Knowledge of MATLAB (and/or other programming languages) and computational skills (signal processing, statistics) desirable. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information for two references. Start date is flexible from January 2019. *What you get: * · Research experience in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, electrophysiology, optogenetics, fiber photometry. · Mentorship and guidance to help you achieve your scientific and training goals. The lab is located in the Jupiter campus of FAU, an expanding neuroscience hub that also holds our partners the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Institute. If interested in joining as a graduate student, there are several programs within FAU and with the Max Planck and Scripps (http://www.ibrain.fau.edu/gradneuro/program.html) Application deadlines for graduate programs in the Fall of 2018. *Interested candidates please send a CV and a brief description of research skills and interests to: carmenv(a)mit.edu <carmenv(a)mit.edu> *

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PhD opportunities at the Universities of Bath and Exeter
by Purcell, Sarah Oct. 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

Dear all, The Universities of Bath and Exeter are seeking applications for PhD candidates for two biology/medicine modelling projects. Both projects will use a combination of mathematical modelling and data analysis (possibly with some data collection for interested applicants). The studentship will cover 3.5 years, with a start date of September 2019. However, this is open for EU students only. The first project will involve multi-scale modelling of skeletal muscle bioenergetics, with applications to deficits in cystic fibrosis. The student would primarily be based at the University of Exeter (with Dr. Kyle Wedgwood & Prof. Craig Williams) with secondments at the University of Bath (with Dr. James Betts). For more information, see here: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3236 The second project will investigate ion channel mutations associated with dementia. The student would primarily be based at the University of Bath (with Prof. Alain Nogaret) with secondments at the University of Exeter (with Prof. Andy Randall, Dr. Kyle Wedgwood). For full details of the project, please visit http://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk/available-projects-2/neuroscience-and-mental-hea… and select the project entitled "In-depth understanding of dementia-associated changes to neuronal signalling" Best wishes, Dr. Kyle Wedgwood MRC Research Fellow Centre for Biomedical Modelling & Analysis College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Living Systems Institute Stocker Road EX4 4QD ________________________________________________________________

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Postdoctoral Fellow in Multifactorial Brain Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
by Yasser Iturria Medina Oct. 1, 2018

Oct. 1, 2018

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral student, for joining the *Neuroinformatics for Personalized Medicine* lab (NeuroPM) at the Montreal Neurological Institute (McGill University, Montreal, Canada) and the Kalra lab for Neuroimaging and ALS Research (University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada). The postdoc will be under the supervision of Professors Yasser Iturria-Medina and Sanjay Kalra, and will be expected to collaborate with multiple associated groups. The project, for one year and potentially extendable for another year, includes the analysis of direct multifactorial brain interactions and intra-brain network spreading of aberrant effects in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The NeuroPM lab (http://www.neuropm-lab.com/) is affiliated with the Healthy brain for Healthy Lives (HBHL) initiative (*https://www.mcgill.ca/hbhl/ <https://www.mcgill.ca/hbhl/>*), the Ludmer Center (http://ludmercentre.ca/) and the McConnell Brain Imaging Center (https://www.mcgill.ca/bic/) involving computationally intensive and interdisciplinary research on the brain. The MNI is an internationally renowned institution, characterized by the integration of research and patient care. The Kalra Lab ( http://www.ualberta.ca/ALS/research/) has the mission of improving our understanding of ALS biology through brain imaging and translational research. It is the central coordinating site for the Canadian ALS Neuroimaging Consortium (CALSNIC), a multicenter research platform for the collection of harmonized imaging and behavioural data. Interested candidates should have a solid background in brain imaging and Matlab. Experience in neurodegeneration and brain computational modeling will be an asset. Interested persons should send their CV, a cover letter stating research interests, and two reference letters. The competition will remain open until the position is filled. *Contact*: Yasser Iturria Medina, Emails: yasser.iturriamedina(a)mcgill.ca Sanjay Kalra, Email: kalra(a)ualberta.ca -- Yasser Iturria Medina, PhD. Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Montreal, Canada H3A 2B4, Phone # 514-398-1524 Lab: http://www.neuropm-lab.com/

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