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Announcement: Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling

by Jelmer Borst

Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, & Accumulator Models – Date: April 4-8, 2016 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 200 (late fee €50 after January 31) Registration: www.ai.rug.nl/springschool <http://www.ai.rug.nl/springschool> The Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling will cover four different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, and Accumulator models. It thereby offers a unique opportunity to learn the relative strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Each day will consist of four theory lectures, one on each paradigm. Each modeling paradigm also includes hands-on assignments. Although students are free to chose the number of lectures they attend, we recommend students to sign up for lectures on two of the modeling paradigms, and complete the tutorial units for one of the paradigms. At the end of each day there will be a plenary research talk, to show how these different approaches to modeling are applied. Admission is limited, so register soon! ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst, Hedderik van Rijn, Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/>. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI, and the timing extension to ACT-R. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca <http://www.nengo.ca/> Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html> How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction. Accumulator Models Teacher: Marieke van Vugt (University of Groningen) Decisions can be described in terms of a process of evidence accumulation, modeled with a drift diffusion mechanism. The advantage of redescribing the behavioral data with an accumulator model is that those can be decomposed into more easily-interpretable cognitive mechanisms such as speed-accuracy trade-off or quality of attention. In this course, you will learn about the basic mechanisms of drift diffusion models and apply it to your own dataset (if you bring one). You will also see some applications of accumulator models in the context of neuroscience and individual differences.

Dec. 9, 2015

PhD studentship in visual decision making

by Ronald van den Berg

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD student position on visual decision making at the department of Psychology at Uppsala University. The project investigates how humans make decisions under multiple simultaneous sources of uncertainty, by means of computational and psychophysical methods. Applicants should have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. Experience with statistical models and computer programming is highly desirable but not necessary. More information about the position and the application procedure can be found at http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=82654. The deadline for application is 4 January 2016. Informal inquiries are welcome at ronald.vandenberg(a)psyk.uu.se.

Dec. 9, 2015

Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology to study origin and function of slow cortical oscillations

by Stefano Panzeri

*Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology to study origin and function of slow cortical oscillations* We are soliciting applications a new postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in the newly established and highly interdisciplinary Neural Coding Laboratory at the IIT. This laboratory, jointly supervised by Stefano Panzeri and Tommaso Fellin, aims at combining experiments and mathematics to crack the neural code. The successful candidate will develop and use tools for the analysis of joint recordings of field potentials and single-neuron activity from genetically identified cell types in the cortex to understand the causal contribution of specific cellular subpopulations to the generation of slow oscillations. The project will also require the development of computational models that may explain the contribution of specific cell types to slow oscillations. The laboratory offers a range of strongly interdisciplinary and highly complementary expertise including computational neuroscience, electrophysiology and optogenetics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to analyze experimental data and to suggest causal manipulations based on the predictions that arise from the theoretical work. The applicants should have a strong background in numerate sciences, be highly independent and have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. Experience in or understanding of experimental neuroscience is desirable, but not necessary. Candidates must hold a PhD in computational neuroscience, (bio)-physics, (bio)-engineering or a related discipline and be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and who are willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. For reference to recent work of the PIs please see Zuo et al. Cur. Biol. 2015; Panzeri et al. Trends Cogn. Neurosci. 2015; Bovetti and Fellin, J. Neurosci. Methods 2015; Einevoll et al. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2013; Beltramo et al., Nat. Neurosci. 2013. Applications (full CV, two recommendation letters and statement of research interest) should be sent by email to Dr. Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…>) and Dr. Tommaso Fellin (tommaso.fellin(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…> ).

Dec. 9, 2015

fully funded 4-year phd studentship - functional network analysis of EEG (application deadline next monday - 14th December!

by Allan, Dr Kevin

A fully-funded 4-year phd studentship (start date: October 2016) is available at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, to work in the School of Psychology EEG Laboratory with Dr Kevin Allan and Professor Bjoern Schelter. Please note the tight deadline for applications: Monday, 14th December! The position is open to UK/EU nationals only. More details below (or see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduate/research/psychological-states-1135.php) If you are interested, and want to find out more, please get in touch with me (Kevin Allan, k.allan(a)abdn.ac.uk) Title: Investigating functional brain networks and psychological states in real-time We are looking for a highly numerate individual, ideally one experienced with EEGlab, matlab, mathematica or R, to help us implement a novel EEG network analysis tool, and then test it in a series of studies examining encoding and retrieval networks involved in episodic memory. The project is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between Dr Allan, a cognitive neuroscientist based in the Aberdeen School of Psychology, and Prof. Schelter, a physicist based in the Aberdeen Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology. The project also has the backing of an industrial partner, Tau-Rx, a University of Aberdeen spinout company working on pharmacological treatments for dementia, and the student will be offered a substantial placement with Tau-Rx during their PhD where the opportunity will be given to apply skills learned to estimate functional network structure in patients and healthy controls from clinical EEG data. A key element of the project is to optimise and implement a new, highly efficient network analysis tool to perform Granger causality analysis upon data as it is being collected, and to display the outputs of the model within a bespoke visualisation tool. This will require training in the matlab and mathematica software packages, EEG data collection hardware and software, as well as the mathematical basis of the analysis, all of which will be provided by Dr Allan, Prof. Schelter and their post-docs. The EEG Lab in the School of Psychology contains all the necessary EEG recording hardware, software and expertise to support the project. In years 2 - 4 the student will receive further scientific and business-related training during a placement with the industrial partner, Tau-Rx. During their placement the student will be given the opportunity to work with a team of researchers involved in the analysis of EEG data from clinical trials of drug therapies for Alzheimer's and fronto-temporal dementia. The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

Dec. 8, 2015

PhD position in computational neuroscience available for project "Learning to hear with plasticity across multiple timescales" at Imperial College London

by Dan Goodman

A PhD position is available as part of the Neurotechnology centre for doctoral training at Imperial College London, jointly supervised by Dan Goodman, Paul Chadderton, Claudia Clopath and in collaboration with Agnes Leger: - http://neural-reckoning.org/ - http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/p.chadderton/ChaddertonLab/Home.html - http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/ - http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/Agnes.Leger The title of the project is "Learning to hear with plasticity across multiple timescales", and it aims at understanding how the brain adapts and learns to cope with difficult listening situations (e.g. a crowded pub or restaurant), and applying this to developing new technology (e.g. for speech recognition). It will involve (1) developing mathematical and computational models of hearing and neural adaptation and plasticity, (2) experimental testing (including animal electrophysiology and human psychoacoustics), and (3) technology development for speech recognition, hearing aids and cochlear implants. The candidate should be willing to learn experimental techniques (animal electrophysiology and/or human psychophysics), but is not required to have any previous experience. The PhD programme is fully funded for four years, of which the first year is a taught MRes course. In addition to working within the centre, studying at Imperial College provides excellent opportunities for interacting with other theoretical and experimental researchers, both at Imperial (recently ranked 8th in the world in the QS world university rankings) and in the many neuroscience groups in London. Note that unfortunately funding for non-UK/EU residents is quite limited and there will therefore be stronger competition for these places. For more details on this project, the centre, and how to apply: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/projects/hear_with_plasticity/ Dan Goodman

Dec. 8, 2015

IBM Journal of R&D, Special Issue on "Computational Neuroscience"

by James R Kozloski

Call for Papers IBM Journal of Research and Development Special Issue on "Computational Neuroscience" Overview Understanding the brain's dynamics is of central importance to neuroscience. Our ability to observe, model, and infer from neuroscientific data the principles and mechanisms of brain dynamics will determine our ability to understand the brain's unusual cognitive and behavioral capabilities. In the nearer term, analysis and prediction of changes to these dynamics, observed in vast new datasets and rendered in large scale simulations, are beginning to facilitate applications in important societal areas such as education, aging, assistive technology, and the treatment of disease. The explosion in new data about brain and neural tissue dynamics and development leads us to propose this special issue of the IBM Journal of Research and Development, which will emphasize new solutions, models, capabilities, and other technologies that advance the analysis of neuroscientific data and the application of predictive models to anticipate changes in brain function, cognition, and behavior. We solicit Abstracts (paper proposals) in the following areas: Potential Focus Areas for Papers Applications of machine learning algorithms to prediction in neuroscience Analysis of behavioral dynamics Analysis of brain and neural circuit image and time-series data Analysis of physiological data Models and computational simulations of brain and neural circuit dynamics Applications of models for better understanding of mental health, real-world behaviors, and perceptual and cognitive states The development of assistive technologies based on cognitive or brain-inspired models IBM Journal Manuscript Preparation Guidelines The Journal is peer reviewed -- all papers will be sent to several experts to be reviewed before a final publication decision is made. All papers must place the described research and results in perspective by carefully citing relevant related scientific work. Contact Cliff Pickover (cliffp(a)us.ibm.com ), or visit the journal web site, for the manuscript preparation template: http://www.research.ibm.com/journal/rdauth.html Contact Information Guest editors for the issue are James Kozloski and Guillermo Cecchi. Authors should indicate their interest in submitting a paper by sending a preliminary abstract to journal Editor-in-Chief Cliff Pickover ( cliffp(a)us.ibm.com) copying co-guest editor James Kozloski ( kozloski(a)us.ibm.com) -- by January 15, 2016. You must submit an abstract to be considered for this issue, and we will notify you when your abstract is accepted. Important Deadlines and Schedule - January 15, 2016: Preliminary Abstracts Due (tentative article title, author names/affiliations, 1 paragraph description) - May 15, 2016: Final Paper Draft Due (if your abstract is accepted) - March, 2017: Special Issue Published (every paper will be on-line by this date) ____________________________________________ James Kozloski Research Staff Member Master Inventor T.J. Watson Research Center 1101 Kitchawan Rd., 13-132E Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Tel +1 914 945 3982 Mobile +1 203 231 6187 ibm.co/kozloski

Dec. 8, 2015

IBM Research, Postdoctoral Entry Research Position

by James R Kozloski

IBM Research is undertaking a project to characterize and implement models of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical system. This work will develop and implement models of systems in the normal and diseased brain, including portions of cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, and dopaminergic nuclei, as point neuron network and then neural tissue simulations. The models will serve as a test bed for simulation studies in subsequent projects. Using these models, candidate system-level failure modes consistent with disease states will be identified and analyzed. Simulations will provide a tool for quantifying brain system homeostasis, evaluating risk, and developing potential strategies to mitigate the effects of disease. Categorization of simulated brain states and of key measurements from these states will be directed towards helping test several core hypotheses along with experimental collaborators. IBM is seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher with a degree in bioengineering, neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, physics or similar field. Candidates should have a proven neuroscience background, experience analyzing neural systems data, and the modeling and simulation of neural circuits, including neuroplasticity and conductance-based models. Preferred Candidates will have: Experience in computational neuroscience or data analytics Experience in neuroscience Basic knowledge in models of Neural Plasticity and Calcium Dynamics Experience in programming (C++, Matlab, Python) Please apply at the following IBM Careers - Job details link: https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?jobId=23341&Partn…

Dec. 7, 2015

Computational Neuroscience Graduate Positions available at the University of Minnesota

by David Redish

*The Neuroengineering IGERT Training Program at the University of Minnesota, funded by the National Science Foundation, is inviting outstanding students to apply through the Graduate Program in Neuroscience or the Biomedical Engineering Program. The IGERT program is aimed at training the next generation of scientific and technical leaders in the interface of engineering and systems neurosciences, as broadly defined. The training themes include: * 1) Neural decoding - Computational and theoretical neuroscience and neuroengineering studies on decoding theory, methods, as pursued via animal models or human studies. Neuroimaging is also pursued as means of brain decoding. 2) Neural modulation - Mechanisms of neuromodulation in brains for both deep brain stimulation and transcranial stimulations. 3) Neural interfacing - Mechanisms of motor control and learning as applied to brain-machine interface, as pursued in animal models and humans. Outstanding training opportunities include mentoring by co-advisors from over 40 faculty across engineering and brain sciences, a new neuroengineering minor curriculum, industrial and international internships, and general stipend and tuition coverage. Visit the IGERT program website to find out more: http://www.igert-ne.umn.edu/ *==========================================================More information:Become the future of systems neuroengineering.* The University of Minnesota is home to an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship *(IGERT) program in Systems Neuroengineering*, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Bright, high-achieving students who are admitted to a University of Minnesota’s Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Neuroscience are eligible for this prestigious training program. The program provides a generous stipend and tuition coverage as well as access to cutting-edge research in neuroengineering. Minnesota is also home to the largest collection of medical device manufacturers in the world and our program provides opportunities for IGERT trainees to gain practical experience working with these companies. Through our education and research-training model, students in our program learn to develop the skills to revolutionize neurotechnologies and advance our understanding of neuroscience processes underlying these technologies. *Program Faculty* The Systems Neuroengineering IGERT Program has over 40 outstanding faculty members who have made significant contributions to neural decoding, neuromodulation, neural interfacing, and neuroimaging research, and who are committed to graduate training. Many of them are world class leaders who have shaped where the field is in cutting-edge research, including noninvasive brain-computer interface controlling quadcopter, deep-brain stimulation, high field MRI imaging, and dynamic brain mapping. *Key Program Features* - Choice of research advisors from over 40 participating training faculty across engineering and brain sciences - Joint faculty mentoring and team advising of research - Tailored neuroengineering graduate curriculum - Lab rotations in engineering and basic/clinical brain sciences - Industrial internship rotations - Generous stipend ($30,000/year for up to two years on IGERT program) and tuition coverage *Eligibility Requirements* Trainees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been admitted to one of the four participating University of Minnesota doctoral programs: *Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,* and *Neuroscience.* For more information on this highly selective training program and how to apply, please visit our website at http://www.igert-ne.umn.edu/, or contact us at igert-ne(a)umn.edu.

Dec. 7, 2015

PhD in computational neuroscience at Oxford

by Rafal Bogacz

Dear Colleagues, We are looking for a highly motivated and creative candidate for doctoral studies in computational neuroscience, to start in October 2016. The research project will employ computational methods to investigate how to best control neural circuits affected by Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor with different forms of electrical stimulation, such as "deep brain stimulation" or transcranial electric current stimulation. The work will involve building statistical or dynamical models that can predict responses to stimulation and inform on optimal stimulation protocols. This Ph.D. (D.Phil.) studentship is funded by the Medical Research Council and will cover Oxford University and College fees at the home/EU rate as well as providing a stipend at the current RCUK rates (£14,057 p.a.) for 3 years. The project will be supervised by Rafal Bogacz and will be carried out within the interdisciplinary team of the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 8th January 2016. More details can be found at: http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/vacancies/phd-studentship-computational-neurosc… Best wishes, Rafal

Dec. 7, 2015

PhD Studentships in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Hertfordshire

by Torben-Nielsen, Benjamin

PhD Studentships in Computational Neuroscience We welcome applications for a funded PhD position in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. The successful applicant will work on a project related to modeling the structure and physiological function of the inferior olive. The inferior olive is an important part of the olivo-cerebellar circuitry as its axons, the climbing fibers, play a central role in all theories of cerebellar learning. Further, the inferior olive has been postulated to act as a clock for the brain. In this project, we aim to use an accurate structural model of the inferior olive to investigate, in silico, recent hypotheses related to the generation and maintenance of timing signals. An integral part of this project involves the further development of the NeuroMac software to generate structural models of the inferior olive. Please refer to the publication list of the Biocomputation Group website (http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/) for recent publications. Who are we looking for? - Candidates should have excellent programming skills (preferably also in Python) and familiarity with parallel and high-performance computing and visualization toolkits (such as VTK) is appreciated. - Candidates should possess great curiosity. - Candidates should be able to formulate their own questions about the circuitry and dynamics in the olivo-cerebellar system to direct their research efforts. Knowledge of neuroscience is a plus but the eagerness to learn about the brain and how to use scientific approaches (such as computational neuroscience and neuroinformatics) is considered pivotal. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (approximately GBP 13,800 per annum bursary plus the payment of the standard UK student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible, but will have to pay half of the overseas fees out of their bursary. Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognized as excellent by the latest Research Excellent Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted being rated as world leading or internationally excellent.The Science and Technology Research Institute provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University of Hertfordshire is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. The student will be supervised by Drs. Ben Torben-Nielsen (b.torben-nielsen(a)herts.ac.uk) and Volker Steuber (v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk) to whom informal enquiries can be sent. Application forms can be obtained from Mrs Lorraine Nicholls, Research Student Administrator, STRI, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, Tel: 01707 286083, l.nicholls @ herts.ac.uk. The short-listing process will begin on 28 December 2015. Dr. Ben Torben-Nielsen Senior Lecturer (Assistant professor) Biocompution Group University of Hertfordshire, UK

Dec. 5, 2015