- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

deadline for International Conference on Cognitive Modeling/Society for Mathematical Psychology extended
by Marieke van Vugt RUG March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017

Dear colleagues, The Society for Mathematical Psychology and International Conference on Cognitive Modeling will hold a joint conference this year in Warwick, UK, from July 22nd-25th. The goal of the conference is to bring researchers together who are interested in using computational and mathematical modeling to better understand human cognition. It is a forum for presenting, discussing, and evaluating the complete spectrum of cognitive modeling approaches, including mathematical models, connectionism, symbolic modeling, dynamical systems, Bayesian modeling, and cognitive architectures. We welcome basic and applied research across a wide variety of domains, ranging from low-level perception and attention to higher-level problem-solving and learning. We also welcome contributions that use computational models to better understand neuroimaging data. The submission deadline for MathPsych/ICCM 2017 has been extended to April 1st, 11:59pm GMT for all types of submissions. Please make your submissions through the links at http://mathpsych.org/conferences/2017/submissions/ <http://mathpsych.org/conferences/2017/submissions/>. Best wishes, Adam Sanborn, Gordon Brown, James Adelman (MathPsych co-chairs) Marieke van Vugt, Adrian Banks, Bill Kennedy (ICCM co-chairs) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Marieke van Vugt, PhD Assistant Professor, Cognitive Modelling Group University of Groningen Bernoulliborg, room 326 Nijenborgh 9 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands phone: +31-6-5195-4984 (cell) +31-50-363-9487 (office) http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~mkvanvugt> twitter: @mvugt m.k.van.vugt(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.k.van.vugt@rug.nl> / mkvanvugt(a)gmail.com

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2017 NEURON Summer Course
by Ted Carnevale March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017

The 2017 NEURON Summer Course will be held at Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio, from Monday, June 5, through Saturday, June 10. The course will present a thorough introduction to computational modeling of neurons and networks with NEURON, and is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. This year we have increased the course duration to 6 days (5 days in previous years) in order to provide expanded coverage of parallel simulation, and to give participants more time for active learning exercises. The registration deadline is Monday, May 15, 2017. No applications will be accepted after that date, and there will be no on-site registration. Space is limited, and applications will be considered in the order received. For more information and the on-line registration form, see http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/summer2017/summer2017.html --Ted

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2017 Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth Computational Summer School
by Matthijs van der Meer March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017

Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth (MIND) 2017 Computational Summer School August 13th - 20th, 2017 https://summer-mind.github.io/ We are delighted to welcome applications for our inaugural Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth (MIND) Computational Summer School. The theme of this year’s summer school is Network Dynamics at Multiple Spatiotemporal Scales. There is a growing gap between how graduate students in psychology and neuroscience are trained and what they actually need to know to do cutting edge work. In addition, there is increasing interest in supplementing the traditional reductionist approach to studying the elements of brain, cognition, and behavior in isolation, to integrating how these elements interact as a cohesive complex system. This entails considering not just which elements in a network interact, but also the content of the interaction, and the dynamics of how this information flows through networks over time. This general issue is present in multiple domains, with an accompanying need for similar tools: neurophysiologists studying spiking activity in ensembles of single neurons, cognitive neuroscientists studying whole-brain activity levels, and social psychologists studying group interactions. Our curriculum is motivated by the realization that there is a common core of computational methods that apply across different subfields of neuroscience, with exciting opportunities for crossover across these subfields. Thus, our summer program aims to provide integrated training of network methods at the circuit, whole-brain, and social network levels. The overall format has short lectures in the morning, followed by hands-on tutorial-style labs, and a hackathon in which students will collaboratively work on projects with faculty. Themes running through the curriculum include open tools and data, data visualization, statistical modeling, and model comparison. The summer school will be taught by faculty with unique expertise in using innovative computational techniques to understand network dynamics at multiple scales. Chris Baldassano (Princeton University) Luke Chang (Dartmouth College) Janice Chen (Johns Hopkins University) Nicholas Christakis (Yale University) Howard Eichenbaum (Boston University) Sam Gershman (Harvard University) Caterina Gratton (Washington University) Yaroslav Halchenko (Dartmouth College) James Haxby (Dartmouth College) Christopher Honey (Johns Hopkins University) Caleb Kemere (Rice University) Jeremy Manning (Dartmouth College) Ida Momennejad (Princeton University) Matthijs van der Meer (Dartmouth College) Thalia Wheatley (Dartmouth College) Topics include: Open source computing resources Estimation and hypothesis testing with computational modeling Representing and describing networks Identifying structure in networks through connectivity Characterizing the temporal dynamics of networks Identifying representations of information using decoding techniques The application deadline is April 15th, 2017. Information about how to apply can be found on our website https://summer-mind.github.io/ Luke Chang, Jeremy Manning, and Matt van der Meer Directors Jim Haxby, Thalia Wheatley, Todd Heatherton, and Dan Rockmore Advisory Committee This event is sponsored by the Center for Social Brain Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, and Neukom Institute for Computational Sciences at Dartmouth.

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CfP: ACM Symposium on Applied Perception 2017
by Douglas Cunningham March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017

Symposium on Applied Perception Call for Papers and PostersThe ACM Symposium on Applied Perception (ACM SAP) aims to advance and promote research that crosses the boundaries between perception and disciplines such as graphics, visualization, computer vision, haptics and acoustics. These fields can benefit from the exchange of ideas. The scope of the conference includes applications and algorithms in any area of research that incorporates elements of perception and computer science. Our fourteenth annual event provides an intimate, immersive forum for exchanging ideas about areas of overlapping interests. The ACM SAP 2017 conference will be held in Cottbus, Germany at the Brandenburg University of Technology on the 16th and 17th of September, 2017. We aim to further promote communication between the core perception and computer graphics communities. We invite submissions of original work in all areas of applied perception. Relevant areas include: * Modeling, rendering, and animation * Visualization * Computational aesthetics * Haptic rendering, haptic input and perception * Perception of virtual characters * Color vision and color appearance modeling * Perception of high dynamic range scenes and images * Interaction techniques and interfaces * Augmented reality * Virtual worlds * Display technologies * Auditory display and interfaces * Perceptual auditory coding * Spatialized sound * Speech synthesis and recognition * Sensory integration * Multimodal rendering * Spatial and temporal vision * Attention and eye movements * Statistical learning and perception of natural scenes * Perception of shapes, surfaces, and materials PapersResearch can be submitted as a long paper (up to 8 pages and up to 20 minute talk), a short paper (up to 4 pages and up to 15 minute talk), or as a poster presentation (1 page abstract). All submissions should follow the generalSIGGRAPH formatting guidelines. Diagrams and images should be represented in color where appropriate. Papers that are not accepted will be considered for the poster session. Authors of posters accepted by this route will, of course, have the option to decline the opportunity to present a poster. PostersThe posters program at SAP provides an informal venue for authors to share their research achievements and further discuss them with others. In that spirit, we encourage all types of scholarly submissions that fit the scope of ACM- SAP. In particular, we explicitly welcome poster submissions on work- in-progress and on work that may have been previously published elsewhere but for which additional dissemination and discussion is desired. The poster session is an integral part of SAP and the SAP program will include a dedicated time slot for poster viewing and discussion. All poster presenters will also have the opportunity to give a one-minute presentation on their work during a poster fast- forward session. NOTE: SAP poster abstracts are NOT considered to be publications, and as such will NOT appear in the ACM Digital Library. Poster abstracts WILL be included in the conference USB drive. Poster abstracts should follow the general SIGGRAPH formatting guidelines, except that they should be 1 page long. . Further detailsAll papers will be carefully reviewed by our International Program Committee. SAP follows a double blind review process. Papers will be evaluated as submitted, given limited time between submission and printing of final versions. Under a recent agreement with the ACM Transactions on Applied Perception (TAP) and the ACM Publications Board, the strongest accepted papers will be offered publication as full papers in the ACM journal TAP. Authors of such special issue papers must agree to present the paper at ACM SAP. As has always been the case, authors of regular ACM SAP papers can still submit to TAP regular issues with appropriate additions. Papers that have been recommended for acceptance in the ACM TAP journal will undergo a second review cycle, during which the authors will revise the paper to address reviewer concerns (similar to conditional acceptances at ACM SIGGRAPH). Please note that TAP referrals are conditional. The TAP reviewers may recommend bringing the paper back to the SAP proceedings if the quality of the revision is inadequate. Therefore, it is very important to incorporate as many reviewer comments as possible into the revision. The revised paper has to be submitted in TAP format to Manuscript Centr al and must include a cover letter stating that the submission is for the SAP special issue. The cover letter should also document the list of changes made to the paper to address the reviewer concerns. Reformatting an 8-page paper from the SAP format to the TAP format typically adds a few pages so we expect the final papers will have somewhere between 10-15 pages. TAP papers must not exceed 20 pages in length. Complete TAP author guidelines and templates are available at h ttp://tap.acm.org/authors.cfm. Conference Chairs * Douglas W. Cunningham, Brandenburg University of Technology * Michael Breuß, Brandenburg University of Technology Program Chairs * Sophie Joerg, Clemson University * Victoria Interrante, University of Minnesota Poster Chair * Susana Castillo Alejandre, Brandenburg University of Technology Deadline sPapers: * Monday, May 22: Mandatory abstract submission * Friday, May 26: Paper submission deadline * Friday, June 23: Decisions announced * Friday, July 14: Final papers due Papers recommended for TAP: * Friday, July 14 (Camera Ready) Revisions to TAP recommended papers due (anonymous, in TAP format) * Friday, July 21: Notification to TAP authors Posters: * Friday, July 7: Poster submission * Friday, July 21: Decisions announced * Friday, July 28: Camera ready version of 1-page abstract due

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[ICANN 2017] DEADLINE EXTENSION -- 26th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks, Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
by ENNS Secretary March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017

Second Announcement and Call For Papers // DEADLINE EXTENSION [Apologies for cross-postings] #ICANN2017ENNS =========================================================== www.icann2017.org ICANN 2017 26th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks Alghero, Sardinia, Italy 11th - 15th September 2017 =========================================================== The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2017, the 26th ICANN will be organised from the 11th to the 15th of September 2017 in Alghero, Sardinia, Italy. Conference proceedings will be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. IMPORTANT DATES Submission of abstracts and papers: Extended to 3 April 2017 Notification of acceptance: 15 May 2017 Camera-ready paper and registration: 28 May 2017 Conference dates: 11 - 15 September 2017 CONFIRMED PLENARY SPEAKERS Moshe Abeles (Bar-Ilan University) Elisabeth André (Universität Augsburg) Michele Giugliano (University of Antwerp) Marco Gori (Università degli Studi di Siena) David Ríos Insua (ICMAT-Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Madrid) CONFERENCE TOPICS ICANN 2017 will feature the main tracks Brain Inspired computing and Machine Learning research, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: • Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organization, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Recurrent Networks, Deep Learning. • Machine Learning: Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models. • Neural Applications for: Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES - To bring together researchers from two worlds: Information Sciences and Neurosciences - To keep a wide scope, ranging from Machine Learning Algorithms to models of real nervous systems - To facilitate discussions and interactions in the effort towards developing more intelligent computational systems and increasing our understanding of neural and cognitive processes in the brain. - To help researchers to meet, mingle and network with colleagues from all over the world. - To be the meeting point between research and business. - To be a global interdisciplinary meeting encompassing Machine Learning and Neural Computation. - To help young researchers on the job market meet and mingle with potential labs and research groups in an informal setting. BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE - A solid cutting-edge scientific programme including talks from the world experts in the field of artificial neural networks. - A conference schedule tailored to encourage interaction between the attendees, with time for networking and discussion. - The publication of all accepted contributions in the peer-reviewed book of conference proceedings, in the Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. - The opportunity to vote and to be considered for the best paper awards, presented during the final ceremony of ICANN. - A top-level conference in the field with a reasonable registration fee, thanks to the not-for-profit policy of the ENNS organisation. Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend. - An overly attractive conference location in the beautiful setting of the Sardinian coast, with social events to explore the area. http://www.alghero-turismo.it/en/ CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES Early registration fees have been kept particularly low for this kind of event because ENNS and ICANN aim at full implementation of the academic not-for-profit policy. Early registration fees: Undergraduate students (Bachelor and Master level): 100 EUR PhD Students: 240 EUR Regular delegates: 290 EUR ENNS members have a reduction of 40 EUR Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend (see the conference website for details). CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2017 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications (on permanent display and 2 hours presentation) - demonstrations Authors willing to present original contributions for any category must submit a manuscript of maximum 8 pages length that will be refereed to international standards by at least three referees. Accepted papers of contributing authors will be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. Selected papers will be invited after the conference for a full journal paper submission. Authors willing to present a contribution for oral communications and posters without submitting a full manuscript must submit a 1-page abstract that will also be refereed by at least three referees. The abstracts will be published all together in a proceedings section without an author index. In case of program constraints the priority will be given to original contributions accompanied by a full paper submission. CALL FOR WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL SESSIONS ICANN 2017 invites proposals for workshops and special sessions to be held as satellite events of the conference. For more information, please refer to the website and/or contact the general chair. BEST PAPER AWARDS ENNS will sponsor several best paper awards, in the Brain Inspired Computing track and in the Machine Learning research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. ORGANISATION General Chair: Alessandro E.P. Villa General Co-chairs: Alessandra Lintas, Věra Kůrková, Stefano Rovetta, Paul F.M.J. Verschure Local Co-chairs: Eugenio Lintas, Anna Mura Program and Workshop Committee: Cesare Alippi, Jérémie Cabessa, Barbara Hammer, Petia Koprinkova-Hristova, Jaako Peltonen, Antonio J. Pons, Yifat Prut, Stefano Rovetta, Igor V. Tetko, Paul F.M.J. Verschure, Alessandro E.P. Villa, Francisco Zamora-Martinéz Communications Chair: Paolo Masulli Organisation Università degli Studi di Sassari, Italy University of Lausanne, Switzerland Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain European Neural Network Society, Switzerland

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Postdoctoral Research Position in Comp-Neuro of Spatial Memory, Sheffield, UK
by Tony Prescott March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POST IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE We are seeking a post-doctoral research associate in computational neuroscience of episodic and spatial memory. This is a full-time post at the University of Sheffield Department of Psychology, the post will be located in Sheffield Robotics <http://www.sheffieldrobotics.ac.uk/>. The role will be to develop models of the mammalian hippocampal system as networks of rate-coded or spiking model neurons and to test these within a wider systems architecture controlling exploration and navigation in simulated or physical mobile robots. The post is supported by the European Union Flagship Human Brain Project <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en_GB> and within the sub-field of systems neuroscience and computational modelling. Though initially till the end of March 2018, it is expected that the position will be extended beyond that date. Applicants should hold a PhD equivalent in a numerate discipline and have experience of computational neuroscience modelling. For further information and to apply go to http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs and enter the job code: UOS015616, deadline is the 11th of April. Feel free to contact me directly for informal enquiries. Regards, Tony Prescott p.s. apologies for cross-posting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tony J Prescott <http://www.shef.ac.uk/psychology/staff/academic/tony-prescott>, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Director of Sheffield Robotics <http://www.sheffieldrobotics.ac.uk/>; Editor-in-Chief, Connection Science <http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ccos20> mail: t.j.prescott(a)sheffield.ac.uk, twitter: tonyjprescott <https://twitter.com/tonyjprescott?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7C…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Frontiers in Serotonin Research Symposium
by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt March 12, 2017

March 12, 2017

We are very pleased to announce an upcoming neuroscience symposium titled Frontiers in Serotonin Research – Crossing Scales and Boundaries. The symposium will be held in Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China, on the 28th and 29th June this year. Serotonin is an important chemical in the brain. It modulates neuronal and neuronal circuit activities and regulates mood, cognition and behavior. Dysfunctions of the serotonergic system are associated with various brain disorders. Recent research using advanced technologies have revealed additional levels of heterogeneity and complexity in the serotonergic system, hence presenting new challenges to research and therapy. This symposium aims to bring together experimental and computational researchers that work across different scales of the serotonergic system to address these challenges. Confirmed speakers include Trevor Sharp (University of Oxford,UK), Minmin Luo (NIBS, China), Francesc Aartigas (IDIBAPS, Spain), Kae Nakamura (Kansai Medical University,Japan), Yousheng Shu (BNU, China), Katsuhiko Miyazaki (OIST, Japan), Xuechu Zhen (Soochow University,China), Giuseppe Di Giovanni (University of Malta; University of Cardiff), and Albert Compte (IDIBAPS, Spain). If you are interested in attending the symposium or have any enquiry, please contact Prof. Da-Hui Wang (wangdh(a)bnu.edu.cn<mailto:wangdh@bnu.edu.cn>). Best, Prof. Da-Hui Wang (Beijing Normal University, China) and Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin (Ulster University, UK) ------------------ Further information: Beijing is the capital of China, and has a long history with many attractions. The latter include the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Great Wall, etc. (e.g. see http://www.china.org.cn/travel/beijingguide/node_7044548.htm) The weather in Beijing toward the end of June can be warm and has an average high temperature of about 30 °C. Beijing Normal University (BNU) is one of the top universities in China (http://english.bnu.edu.cn/about_bnu/general_information/index.htm) Its faculty and staff conduct highly competitive research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning (http://brain.bnu.edu.cn/en/Home/) at BNU consists of leading laboratories on cognitive neuroscience research in China. The School of Systems Science at BNU is another prominent research institute which focuses on the science and applications of complexity, which includes neural systems, complex networks, socioeconomic system and multi agent systems. The most convenient way to travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Normal University campus is by taxi. The taxi fare is about 100 RMB one way, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. There is a hotel named Jing Shi Da Sha located on campus (http://www.ciae.bnu.edu.cn/english/index.html) This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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Workshop on Brain Dynamics and Neurocontrol Engineering, (St. Louis, USA) June 26-27, 2017
by ShiNung Ching March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017

Workshop on Brain Dynamics and Neurocontrol Engineering, (St. Louis, USA) June 26-27, 2017 We are pleased to invite participants to the Workshop on Brain Dynamics and Neurocontrol Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO, USA), to be held this summer (June 26-27, 2017). ** Travel awards (including meals, housing) are available for students, postdocs and junior faculty. ** The goal of this workshop is to provide a focused forum for the discussion of research synergy between the dynamical systems, control and neuroscience communities. An emphasis will be placed on bringing together experts from each of these domain areas, in an effort to discuss current formulations and future challenges. Topics include: Inferring dynamics in neural circuits, Linking control-theoretic analysis of neural circuits to function, and Optimizing extrinsic manipulation of neural activity. For full information, including speaker list, award and registration details, please visit: http://sites.wustl.edu/brain Please direct questions to: braindynamics(a)wustl.edu

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Call for Papers Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology
by Reinoud Maex March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017

Call for Papers Special issue of the Journal of Integrative Neuroscience http://www.iospress.nl/journal/journal-of-integrative-neuroscience on Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology Guest Editors: R.J. Martis, H. Lin, E. Barakova and Y. Zeng Brain-inspired intelligence technology aims to showcase the principles and mechanisms of human intelligence through development of brain-inspired intelligent systems. It is an effort to extract, integrate and analyse these principles and mechanisms across scale from quantum neuroscience to cognitive science research in pioneering the next wave of sentient technologies. The special issue is unprecedented, showcasing brain-inspired technology beyond 2020. Deadline for submission:25 November 2017 How to Submit: Authors are requested to submit their manuscript via the submission system available at http://msTracker.com/submit1.php?jc=jin In the “Cover Letter” box please indicate you are submitting your paper to the special issue on Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology Topics of relevance include: * Biophysical neural networks * Brain-inspired cognitive models * Wetware design * Neurophotonics * Elemental conscious constructs * Quantum entanglement in agents * Cognitive technology supporting brain-inspired intelligence * Brain connectome based on optical nanoscopy technology * Observer-independent intelligence * Pico-scale resolution patch-clamping * Brain-inspired super and general artificial intelligence * New deep neural networks for brain-inspired learning * Brain-inspired intelligent hardware infrastructures * Cognitive neurorobotics For more information contact: Yi Zeng, Ph.D Deputy Director Research Center for Brain-inspired Intelligence Institute of Automation Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China, 100190 Email: yi.zeng(a)ia.ac.cn

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Postdoctoral research associate in machine learning (curiosity-based learning, probabilistic theories of deep learning)
by Răzvan Valentin Florian March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017

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postdoc position in computational neuroscience/brain physics in Oslo Norway
by Gaute Einevoll March 7, 2017

March 7, 2017

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Computational Neuroscience/Brain Physics in Oslo, Norway Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position in computational neuroscience/brain physics at the Department of Physics at the University of Oslo. The position is funded by the Research Council of Norway as part of the FRINATEK project "COmputing BRAin signals (COBRA): Biophysical computations of electrical and magnetic brain signals". The position is for 2 years and expected start date is in the Spring/Summer of 2017. Job/project description: The successful candidate will develop and apply physics-based computational methods to model electrical and magnetic brain signals measured inside (local field potential; LFP) and outside (EEG, MEG) cortex. For a review of this biophysical modeling approach, see Einevoll et al., Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2013. In COBRA this modeling work will be compared with corresponding in-house experimental recordings from mouse visual cortex done in the laboratory of Marianne Fyhn at Department of Biosciences at UiO. The project thus also involves the development of a network model for mouse visual cortex. The candidate will work in the cross-disciplinary environment CINPLA (cinpla.org) a research center set up by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Presently, CINPLA includes about twenty biologists, physicists, and computer scientists co-localised in the building of Department of Biosciences at UiO. The candidate will develop and use state-of-the-art computer simulation packages and national supercomputer resources. Requirements: Applicants must hold a master's degree in physics and have a PhD in either computational neuroscience or theoretical physics with a significant computational component. The candidate must have demonstrated strong skills in developing codes for scientific computing. Previous experience in neuroscience is considered advantageous, but not required. For more information, including on how to apply, see: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/135223/postdoctoral-research… Deadline for application: April 2nd 2017 For questions, please contact professor Gaute T. Einevoll, gaute.einevoll(a)fys.uio.no. ********************************************** Gaute T. Einevoll Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Ph. +47-64965433, Mobile: +47-95124536 email: Gaute.Einevoll(a)nmbu.no, web: compneuro.nmbu.no, cinpla.org

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Swartz Fellowship in Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Washington
by Eric Shea-Brown March 6, 2017

March 6, 2017

The Swartz Center for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Washington in Seattle is seeking applications for a Swartz Postdoctoral Fellow. The Fellow should have a strong analytical or computational background and will be free to work on projects with the extensive and vibrant UW theoretical and experimental neuroscience community, http://compneuro.washington.edu/ <http://compneuro.washington.edu/>. Possibilities also exist for collaborations with the Allen Institute for Brain Science. The Fellowship is available immediately although start date is negotiable, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Please send a one-page statement of interests and CV with contact information for references. Please send applications to fairhall(a)u.washington.edu <mailto:fairhall@u.washington.edu> and etsb(a)u.washington.edu <mailto:etsb@u.washington.edu>.

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1st Conference of the Timing Research Forum - Call for Abstracts
by teki March 5, 2017

March 5, 2017

Dear list members, The call for abstracts and symposium proposals for the 1st Conference of the Timing Research Forum <http://timingforum.org/> (TRF1) is now open. TRF1 is the first international conference dedicated to multidisciplinary research on timing and time perception and will be held in *Strasbourg, France from October 23-25, 2017*. The deadline to submit both abstracts and symposium proposals is *May 1, 2017*. During the submission process, please indicate if you wish to present an oral or poster presentation, and express your interest for student travel awards. All selected abstracts will be published in the journal, Timing and Time Perception Reviews <http://www.brill.com/node/37536>. We are pleased to announce three impressive Keynote Speakers - *Warren Meck* <https://psychandneuro.duke.edu/people/warren-h-meck>: Professor, Duke University *Lera Boroditsky* <http://lera.ucsd.edu/>: Associate Professor, University of California San Diego *Sofia Soares* <http://www.neuro.fchampalimaud.org/en/person/175/>: PhD Candidate, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown Sofia will present her paper <http://science.sciencemag.org/content/354/6317/1273.long> - Soares, S., Atallah, B. V. & Paton, J. J. (2016) *Midbrain dopamine neurons control judgment of time*. *Science* 354, 1273–1277, that was selected by the TRF Committee <http://timingforum.org/committee-members/> as the 'Best Timing Paper of 2016'. We thank our current sponsors - Wellcome Trust, INSERM, CNRS, Neuropole Strasbourg, FMTS and the University of Strasbourg and look forward to further proposals of sponsorship. Our sponsorship booklet is available here <https://trf-strasbourg.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/8>. Anyone interested in *joining the Timing Research Forum* can do so by following the instructions at this link <http://timingforum.org/membership> . For further details about submission guidelines, conference program, registration, accommodation etc., please visit the conference website - *https://trf-strasbourg.sciencesconf.org* <https://trf-strasbourg.sciencesconf.org/>. We look forward to seeing you in Strasbourg! Anne Giersch & Jenny Coull Conference Co-Chairs trf.strasbourg(a)orange.fr & Sundeep Teki & Argiro Vatakis (On behalf of Timing Research Forum) timingforum.org --- Sundeep Teki PhD Sir Henry Wellcome Fellow Auditory Neuroscience Group Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics University of Oxford Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT sundeepteki.org | @sundeepteki <https://twitter.com/sundeepteki>

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CNS*2017 Abstract Deadline Extension
by Sharon Crook March 3, 2017

March 3, 2017

Abstract Deadline Extended to March 12 CNS*2017 Call for Abstracts Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) 26th Annual Meeting Antwerp, Belgium July 15-20, 2017 The main meeting (July 16-18) will be preceded by a day of tutorials (July 15) and followed by two days of workshops (July 19-20). Invited Keynote Speakers: Erik De Schutter, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Panayiota Poirazi, IMBB-Forth, Greece Karl Friston, University College London, UK Sue Denham, University of Plymouth, UK A preliminary program for the workshops is available at: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2017-workshops Registration and abstract submission are open. Abstract submission deadline: Extended to March 12, 2017 Travel Award Application deadline: Extended to March 12, 2017 Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Latest safe date for Member applications before abstract submission extended to March 8. For up-to-date conference information, please visit: http://www.cnsorg.org/meetings

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DEADLINE EXTENDED: MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course applications due March 7
by Mark Steven Goldman March 3, 2017

March 3, 2017

The application deadline for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA has been extended to March 20. The full advertisement is included below: Applications are open for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. The course will run from July 30 to August 24, 2017, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 20*. The course covers a range of topics in computational neuroscience including neuronal biophysics, neural coding & information processing, circuit dynamics, learning & memory, motor control, and cognitive processing & disease. In addition, numerous tutorials and problem sets will cover a broad range of computational and mathematical modeling methods. The course strongly emphasizes the collaboration between theory and experiment in solving neuroscience problems, and lectures will be given by a mixture of theorists and experimentalists. The final weeks of the course are primarily reserved for work on projects that students design in collaboration with the resident faculty. Further information can be found on the MCN website: http://www.mbl.edu/mcn/ 2017 Course Directors: Michale Fee, MIT Mark Goldman, UC Davis 2017 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Steve Baccus, Stanford University Joshua Berke, UCSF Carlos Brody, Princeton University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Foundation Sophie Deneve, Ecole Normale Superieure Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, University of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, University of Washington Ila Fiete, UT Austin Loren Frank, UCSF Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Jack Gallant, UC Berkeley Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, University of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University Cristina Savin, NYU Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Xiao-Jing Wang, NYU

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[ADSAA-BIOMED2017] Adaptive Analysis Applied to Biomedical Data (no publication charges)
by Leonardo Abdala Elias March 3, 2017

March 3, 2017

Dear colleague, Does your research involve adaptive data analysis? We invite you to submit an experimental, theoretical or review paper to ADSAA-BIOMED2017 - Adaptive Analysis Applied to Biomedical Data, a special issue of the journal Advances in Data Science and Adaptive Analysis (http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscinet/adsaa) More information available @ https://easychair.org/cfp/ADSAA-BIOMED2017 Submissions are open @ https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=adsaabiomed2017 Submission deadline: October 31, 2017 No publication charges. Journal listed in SJR. Impact factor 0.92. Experimental, Theoretical and Review papers are accepted. Suggested topics (not limited to): • Empirical Mode Decomposition, Bayesian methods, Kalman filtering, machine learning techniques; • Adaptive analysis applied to biomedical data (e.g., biological signals, such as EMG, ECG, EEG, neural activity, medical images, biomechanical data); • Adaptive analysis in thematic areas such as burgeoning datasets (Big Data) emerging as a result of wearable wireless systems. Contact: adsaabiomed2017(a)easychair.org (mailto:adsaabiomed2017@easychair.org) This special issue is led by the ADSAA-BIOMED2017 team. ADSAA Editor-in-Chief • Prof. Samuel S.P. Shen (http://shen.sdsu.edu/) Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA (Sam.shen(a)sdsu.edu (mailto:Sam.shen@sdsu.edu)) Leading Guest Editors • Prof. Adriano O. Andrade (http://lattes.cnpq.br/1229329519982110) Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil (adriano(a)ufu.br (mailto:adriano@ufu.br)) • Prof. Slawomir J. Nasuto (https://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/bme/about/staff/s-j-nasuto.aspx) University of Reading, Reading, UK (s.j.nasuto(a)reading.ac.uk (mailto:s.j.nasuto@reading.ac.uk)) Associated Guest Editors • • Dr. Catherine M. Sweeney-Reed (http://www.kneu.ovgu.de/kneu/en/Research/Research+Groups/Workgroups/Neurocy…) Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (catherine.sweeney-reed(a)med.ovgu.de (mailto:catherine.sweeney-reed@med.ovgu.de)) • Dr. Nicoletta Nicolaou (https://sites.google.com/site/nicolaounikki/home) University of Reading, Reading, UK (n.nicolaou(a)reading.ac.uk (mailto:n.nicolaou@reading.ac.uk)) • Prof. Marcus Fraga Vieira (http://lattes.cnpq.br/4153462617460766) Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil (marcus(a)ufg.br (mailto:marcus@ufg.br)) • Prof. Teodiano Freire Bastos (http://lattes.cnpq.br/3761585497791105) Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil (teodiano.bastos(a)ufes.br (mailto:teodiano.bastos@ufes.br)) • Dr. Sri Krishnan (http://www.ee.ryerson.ca/people/Krishnan.html) Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada (krishnan(a)ryerson.ca (mailto:krishnan@ryerson.ca)) • Dr. Leonardo Abdala Elias (http://lattes.cnpq.br/5429275286295501) University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil (leoelias(a)fee.unicamp.br (mailto:leoelias@fee.unicamp.br)) • Dr. Steffen Walter (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Steffen_Walter) University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany (steffen.walter(a)uni-ulm.de (mailto:steffen.walter@uni-ulm.de)) We look forward to receiving your contribution. The ADSAA-BIOMED2017 team Unsubscribe (http://dmanalytics2.com/delivery-unsubscribe?d=CHvgFcXeRP6yA1wqiBnL2g&e=com…) [Image: Direct Mail for Mac] (http://dmanalytics2.com/about-dm?utm_source=fr-ftr&utm_medium=email&utm_con…) This email is powered by Direct Mail for Mac. Learn More (http://dmanalytics2.com/about-dm?utm_source=fr-ftr&utm_medium=email&utm_con…) • Report Spam (http://dmanalytics2.com/report-spam?d=CHvgFcXeRP6yA1wqiBnL2g&e=comp-neuro@n…)

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Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School, in Shanghai (deadline March 15)
by Murray, John March 3, 2017

March 3, 2017

We are pleased to announce the 7th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) Summer School which will take place July 6-29, 2017, on the campus of NYU-Shanghai in Shanghai, China. 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-based programming labs coordinated with the lectures will provide practical training in important computational methods. Course information is available on the CCN official website: http://www.ccnss.org Applications are being accepted now through the NYU-Shanghai website: https://research.shanghai.nyu.edu/centers-and-institutes/brain/ccnss-2017-a… The application deadline is March 15, 2017. Organizers: - Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University) - Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) - Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) - John D. Murray (Yale University) - Eric DeWitt (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) 2017 Lecturers: - Daphne Bavelier (University of Geneva) - Timothy Behrens (University of Oxford) - Matthew Botvinick (Google DeepMind) - Michael Breakspear (University of Queensland) - Robert Desimone (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) - Jeff Erlich (NYU Shanghai) - Stefano Fusi (Columbia University) - Surya Ganguli (Stanford University) - Michael Hausser (University College London) - Nikolaus Kriegeskorte (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit) - Yann LeCun (New York University & Facebook AI Research) - Sukbin Lim (NYU Shanghai) - Alex Pouget (University of Geneva) - Matthew Rushworth (University of Oxford) Feel free to direct any questions to: john.murray(a)yale.edu John D. Murray ----------------------------------------------- Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine murraylab.yale.edu -----------------------------------------------

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RESEARCH FELLOW IN DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR EPILEPSY AND SEIZURE PREDICTION (2 POSITIONS)
by Levin Kuhlmann March 2, 2017

March 2, 2017

Exciting med-tech opportunity at the interface between academia and industry. We are seeking talented research scientists to join a team conducting a clinical trial of a fully implantable system for seizure forecasting and control with epilepsy patients. Requires experience in electrophysiology and neural signal analysis. There are two Research Fellow positions available in our epilepsy research group for a new NHMRC research project titled Critical Slowing in Epilepsy. The research will quantify how the brain changes around times where it is susceptible to seizures. Seizure susceptibility will be studied using a new deep brain stimulation and recording system in a first in man clinical trial in partnership with the medical device company, Medtronic. There are also opportunities to study seizure susceptibility using the one-of-a-kind long-term continuous intracranial electroencephalography database obtained from the clinical trial of the Neurovista Seizure Advisory System. At least one of the Research Fellows will be involved in all aspects of the Medtronic trial, from testing with patients to data analysis and reporting. Testing will involve measuring the interaction between the brain's response to very small electrical stimuli and epilepsy-related changes. Close date: 12 Mar 2017 Contact both Dr Levin Kuhlmann (levink(a)unimelb.edu.au) and Dr Dean Freestone (deanrf(a)unimelb.edu.au) for details. For a position description, selection criteria and to apply visit: http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/890173/research-fellow-in-deep-brain-…

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Global Scholar Awards for New Investigators
by Zylberberg, Joel L March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017

Hi All, I want to draw your attention to a new investigator award that is open to faculty working anywhere in the world (and of any nationality). The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar Awards<http://www.cifar.ca/global-scholars/> provide $100K (CAD) in unrestricted funds over a 2 year period. In addition to the research funding, the global scholars are appointed as members of the CIFAR research programs that most closely match their work. For the comp-neuro community, I'm guessing that would be either Learning in Machines and Brains<https://www.cifar.ca/research/learning-in-machine-and-brains/>, or Brain, Mind, and Consciousness<https://www.cifar.ca/research/brain-mind-consciousness/>. The programs have small workshop-style meetings for their ~30-40 members a few times per year. Because of the strength of the CIFAR program members (for example, the LMB group is listed here<https://www.cifar.ca/research/learning-in-machine-and-brains/>), these meetings are an extremely valuable opportunity. If you have any colleagues who might be interested in this opportunity, please forward this information on to them. Cheers, __ Joel Zylberberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Physiology and Biophysics University of Colorado School of Medicine www.jzlab.org<http://www.jzlab.org> CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, Learning in Machines and Brains program ~the neuroscience is theoretical, but the fun is real

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Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2017, extended deadline: 15.03.2017
by Zrinka Gattin March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and the Bernstein Center Göttingen invite proposals for Satellite Workshops. Satellite Workshops will directly precede the Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen. ************************************************************** *Important Dates:* _Workshops:_ September 12 - 13, 2017 _Main Bernstein Conference:_ September 13 - 15, 2017 _Deadline for proposal submission:_ *March 15, 2017* _Notification of workshop acceptance:_ April 10, 2017 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops. They provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. Workshop formats should be designed to foster debate beyond a mere series of talks. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. _Workshop time frame:_ September 12, 2017, 13:00 - 18:00 September 13, 2017, 9:00 - 12:30 Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs: NEW THIS YEAR – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: For all accepted workshops the registration is free of charge for organizers and speakers. Organizers will also receive a waiver for the main conference fee. New this year: From the accepted workshops a maximum of ten workshops will be selected to each receive financial support of up to 1.500,00 €. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/satellite-workshops *Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals:**March 15, 2017* Accommodation and Hotel Reservation: We strongly recommend early room booking. The number of available accommodation is limited due to several concurrent events. We arranged for room contingents in a variety of hotels that you may book by yourself by email or phone. Please follow the instructions at our Accommodations Web-site (http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation) We would like to emphasize that these room contingents will be held open up to different expiration dates depending on the hotel (or until they are filled). The earliest expiration date is already end of May 2017 whereas the majority of offers expire at the 12th of July 2017. We strongly encourage participants to share rooms and to book rooms as a group. Groups of three or four are possible if you book a suite. The room contingent contains a set of suits and apartments. We emphasize that it will be very difficult to book accommodation beyond the expiration dates. Please find a list of the hotels at our Accommodations Web-site. CONTACT: contact(a)bccn-goettingen.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Göttingen! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter (Chair) Marion Silies (co-Chair) Christian Tetzlaff (co-Chair) Matthias Bethge Laura Busse Claudia Clopath Julia Fischer Alexander Gail Richard Hahnloser Claus Hilgetag Peter Jonas Siegrid Löwel Michael Platt Viola Priesemann Nicole Rust Fred Wolf (Conference Chair) -- Dr Zrinka Gattin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen PhD Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Phone: +49 (0)551 5176 418 Fax: +49 (0)551 5176 14418 E-Mail:zrinka@nld.ds.mpg.de ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Open position - High resolution fMRI of bistable perception
by Tomas Knapen March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017

Open position - High resolution fMRI of bistable perception Our lab at the *Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam* <http://vu.nl/> has an opening to be filled by either a PhD student (4 years) or junior PostDoc (2-3 years), financed by an NWO-CAS grant <http://www.nwo.nl/en/news-and-events/news/2016/nihc/1-5-million-for-sino-du…> . *Outline of research project* In this project, we will study the interplay between top-down and bottom-up processing in perceptual bistability using functional imaging of cortical laminae at 7T. This project will answer cognitive neuroscience questions from a systems neuroscience perspective. The project involves mathematical modelling of behaviour, detailed psychophysics and eye tracking, as well as the development of state-of-the-art analysis techniques for submillimeter resolution functional imaging. Therefore, the successful applicant will have a background in computation, be a fluent programmer and preferably have experience with high-resolution functional imaging. The project is a collaboration with the Zhang lab at the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing and the He lab at the University of Minnesota, and will involve regular travel between these labs. *Information & Application* Feel free to contact Tomas Knapen <tknapen(a)gmail.com> for informal inquiries. More information on bistable perception can be found in our soon-to-appear review of the topic on the Annual Reviews of Psychology website <http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-010417-085944>. The lab website can be found at tknapen.github.io, and we are part of the cognitive psychology group <http://vupsy.nl/> in the department of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at the VU. A formal application should contain a CV, two-page statement of interest and two names of persons that can provide letters of recommendation, and be sent to Barbara Goudriaan <http://127.0.0.1:4000/2017/03/01/barbara.goudriaan@vu.nl>, with reference number 00034515 in the subject line of the application email. We will entertain applications continuously from now. *Further particulars * The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel. As an indication, this is a minimum of €2191 gross per month for a PhD position, and €2717 for a PostDoc position, depending on experience. The appointment will be initially for 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended. You can find information about benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl <http://127.0.0.1:4000/2017/03/01/www.workingatvu.nl> Thanks, Tomas TK Signature *Tomas Knapen* Assistant Professor *@* Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Cognitive Psychology <http://www.vupsy.nl/> *Contact* tknapen(a)gmail.com || +31 6 34091812 *Web* Lab website <http://tknapen.net/tknapen/> || GitHub profile <https://github.com/tknapen>

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2x PostDocs in Gazeinformatics @ Imperial College London
by Faisal, Aldo A March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017

Dear All, we are looking to hire 2 PostDocs in Gazeinformatics at the interface of eye movement research, machine learning and computational neuroscience. Below is the ad, feel free to give me a shout for details, best wishes Aldo --- --- Dr Aldo Faisal Director Behaviour Analytics Lab Data Science Institute & Associate Prof in Neurotechnology Department of Bioengineering & Department of Computing Imperial College London London, SW7 2AZ www.FaisalLab.org http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.faisal The Brain & Behaviour Lab of Dr Aldo Faisal is seeking to hire two 2-year Postdoctoral Fellows in Gazeinformatics to work at the interface of eye movement research, machine learning/computational neuroscience and robotics. Fostering interdisciplinary research is core to the lab’s vision and profile sought. The focus area of the project is: 1. To study hierarchical representations for perception-action in a data-driven manner to develop methods for eye movement analysis and prediction of motor actions in complex real-world tasks. 2. To automatically decode action intentions from eye movements and act them out using dextrous robotic interfaces. The technology is meant to restore the ability of paralysed people to interact with the world again. You should have or expect shortly to hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Robot Vision, Robotics, Computer Vision, Neural Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Eye Movement research or very strong quantitative and programming (e.g. Physics). Research work will involve translational evaluation of the developed technologies with paralysed end-users and industrial partners. You will need to have a thorough understanding of quantitative methods and experience supervising projects, as well as strong analytical and programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, Python, ROS, and/or C/C++). You will have experience in the field/s of; 1. Human robotics or human robotic interaction; 2. Computer vision or robot vision; 3. Neural/ behavioral/ eye-tracking data analysis and modelling; 4. Experimental eye movement research, 5. Computational neuroscience modelling, 6. Data science analysis of human neural or behavioural data, 7. Biomedical engineering or neural engineering development. You must have excellent communication skills and be able to organise your own work and prioritise work to meet deadlines. All applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English. Research Associates will work in the Brain & Behaviour Lab Research group and the Data Science Institute’s Behaviour Analytics Lab (both directed by Dr Aldo Faisal) at the South Kensington Campus.

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On the existence of a purely abstract cognitive system in the brain that is based on single cells
by Asim Roy Feb. 28, 2017

Feb. 28, 2017

The following paper was published recently in Frontiers in Psychology, Cognition: “The theory of localist representation and of a purely abstract cognitive system: The evidence from cortical columns, category cells and multisensory neurons” http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00186/full On the extensive use of abstract multisensory neurons in the brain There is now substantial neurophysiological evidence for a purely abstract cognitive system in the brain that is based on single cells. The evidence primarily comes from abstract category cells and multisensory neurons. Multisensory neurons provide a remarkable insight to the brain. Ghazanfar & Schroeder (2006) claim that multisensory integration extend into early sensory processing areas of the brain and that neocortex is essentially multisensory. Saleem, Ayaz, Jeffery, Harris & Carandini, M. (2013) report finding nearly half of V1 neurons in mice to be multimodal integrating visual motion and locomotion during navigation. And Klemen & Chambers (2012) notes that there is now “broad consensus that most, if not all, higher, as well as lower level neural processes are in some form multisensory.” So abstractions are used extensively in the brain. And these abstraction are layered, sometimes integrating information from two modalities, sometimes three and so on. Much more evidence is discussed in the paper. On the absence of evidence for distributed representation It is also argued in the paper that there is no evidence for distributed representation in the brain, since, as per McClelland, the dense form (not the sparse form) is the only form that counts. And there is absolutely no evidence for the dense form (Panzeri et al. 2015). On the compatibility of grounded cognition and an abstract cognitive system It is also argued in the paper that such an abstract cognitive system is fully compatible with grounded and embodied cognition. And Barsalou’s (2008, p. 618) statement is very consistent with the claims made in this paper: “From the perspective of grounded cognition, it is unlikely that the brain contains amodal symbols; if it does, they work together with modal representations to create cognition.” One of Barsalou’s questions was (p. 631): “Can empirical evidence be found for the amodal symbols still believed by many to lie at the heart of cognition?” I think there is extensive evidence now that there indeed are amodal symbols in the brain and in the brains of many species. The discovery of this purely abstract cognitive system in the brain has the potential to resolve deep theoretical conflicts in cognitive science that’s almost four decades old. Asim Roy Professor, Information Systems Arizona State University www.lifeboat.com/ex/bios.asim.roy<http://www.lifeboat.com/ex/bios.asim.roy>

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Final Program of the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation, March 13-14, 2017
by Aurel A. Lazar Feb. 28, 2017

Feb. 28, 2017

fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html <https://t.co/mY9aARlYrB> Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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Immediate Postdoc and Asst. Prof. openings in the lab of Dr. Kevin Tracey at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
by Platt, Jo Ann Feb. 27, 2017

Feb. 27, 2017

Job description Postdoctoral and Assistant Professor opportunities are available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Kevin J. Tracey at the Center for Biomedical Sciences at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY. We are seeking driven individuals to join a newly funded research program on investigating the role of ascending and descending neural pathways in the control of adaptive immune function. The research focus of the lab is in the field of Bioelectronic Medicine to develop nerve-stimulating technologies to regulate the molecular targets underlying disease. The fellow will interact with a wide range of researchers in a dynamic and productive environment, bridging basic science with clinical research. Interested applicants should send a brief description of research interests and curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references to Jo Jo Platt, Center for Bioelectronic Medicine japlatt(a)northwell.edu Desired skills and experience The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. with electrophysiology skills including electrical and optogenetic modulation of peripheral neural circuitry, neuroanatomical mapping, and single cell neuronal recording. The candidate is expected to have strong skills in major biochemistry and cell biology techniques, animal handling, primary cultures and quantitative data analysis. A strong immunology background, experience with animal models including cre-lox models, animal surgery, molecular biology, and microscopy would be an asset. The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

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Reminder: CNS*2017 Abstract Deadline March 5
by Sharon Crook Feb. 27, 2017

Feb. 27, 2017

CNS*2017 Call for Abstracts Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) 26th Annual Meeting Antwerp, Belgium July 15-20, 2017 The main meeting (July 16-18) will be preceded by a day of tutorials (July 15) and followed by two days of workshops (July 19-20). Invited Keynote Speakers: Erik De Schutter, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Panayiota Poirazi, IMBB-Forth, Greece Karl Friston, University College London, UK Sue Denham, University of Plymouth, UK A preliminary program for the workshops is available at: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2017-workshops Registration and abstract submission are open. Abstract submission deadline: March 5th, 2017 Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. For up-to-date conference information, please visit: http://www.cnsorg.org/meetings

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PhD position in multimodal neuroimaging in Munich
by Igor Yakushev Feb. 25, 2017

Feb. 25, 2017

A PhD position is available at the Department of Nuclear Medicine (Head of Neuroimaging: Dr. Igor Yakushev), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. The project will investigate neuronal substrates of training-induced cognitive improvement in middle-aged healthy subjects at the level of large-scale brain connectivity. The study involves acquisition and analysis of PET and DTI data. This three-year PhD position is funded by a grant of the German Research Foundation (DFG; pay scale TV-L 13 65%), with starting date May 2017. The Dept. of Nuclear Medicine offers exciting opportunities for neuroimaging research in an interdisciplinary environment consisting of computational scientists, medical physicists, and clinicians, and access to state-of-the-art technology including a hybrid PET/MR scanner. The research group is integrated into the TUM Neuroimaging Center, which possesses a broad methodological and thematic expertise: http://www.tumnic.mri.tum.de/tumnic/index.html The PhD student will be enrolled at a TUM graduate school that offers a structured curriculum of courses and seminars and supports participation in conferences and international exchange: http://www.gs.tum.de/en/home/ There is no tuition fee at the TUM. Prior experience with image analysis, programming and good statistical skills are required. Interested researchers should submit their applications including CV, two recommendation letters (or names and contact details of personal references), and a brief letter of motivation to Dr. Yakushev at igor.yakushev(a)tum.de Applications will be considered until the position has been filled.

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MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course: Applications due March 7
by Mark Steven Goldman Feb. 25, 2017

Feb. 25, 2017

Applications are open for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. The course will run from July 30 to August 24, 2017, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 7*. The course covers a range of topics in computational neuroscience including neuronal biophysics, neural coding & information processing, circuit dynamics, learning & memory, motor control, and cognitive processing & disease. In addition, numerous tutorials and problem sets will cover a broad range of computational and mathematical modeling methods. The course strongly emphasizes the collaboration between theory and experiment in solving neuroscience problems, and lectures will be given by a mixture of theorists and experimentalists. The final weeks of the course are primarily reserved for work on projects that students design in collaboration with the resident faculty. Further information can be found on the MCN website: http://www.mbl.edu/mcn/ 2017 Course Directors: Michale Fee, MIT Mark Goldman, UC Davis 2017 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Steve Baccus, Stanford University Carlos Brody, Princeton University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Foundation Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, University of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, University of Washington Ila Fiete, UT Austin Loren Frank, UCSF Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Jack Gallant, UC Berkeley Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, University of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University Cristina Savin, NYU Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Xiao-Jing Wang, NYU

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Funded PhD studentship in computational cognitive neuroscience
by Srivas Chennu Feb. 24, 2017

Feb. 24, 2017

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship with Dr Srivas Chennu in the School of Computing at the University of Kent (UK) to be based in our Medway Campus, to begin in September 2017 or shortly thereafter. The PhD project will focus on the research topics below, spanning computational and translational neuroscience. ==Neurodynamics of consciousness== Understanding how neural dynamics generate human consciousness is a grand challenge for neuroscience. We develop computational frameworks that use neuroscientific data (EEG/MEG/fMRI) to study the brain network correlates of consciousness during normal wakefulness, and in altered states like sleep, sedation and meditation. We also apply this science to build computational tools for improving diagnostics and prognostics during emergence from coma, and in prolonged disorders of consciousness (including the so-called vegetative and minimally conscious states). These tools could eventually be deployed right at the patients' bedside to visualise, quantify and track how their brains are recovering after injury. ==Deep neural network models of cognition== The idea that the brain is a hierarchical neural network designed for predictive cognition is persuasive one. In this view, the cortex implements Bayesian inference to maintain a successively complex hierarchy of predictive models of sensory causation. Alongside, deep learning can enable us to build dense neural networks based on complex neuroimaging datasets. We combine EEG/MEG with these modelling frameworks to describe how recurrent neural information processing realises predictive cognition in the brain. The successful applicant will be able to capitalise on Dr. Chennu’s strong research links with empirical and clinical collaborators at the Universities of Cambridge, Birmingham, Liége (Belgium), and Western Ontario (Canada). They will be embedded within the Data Science research group within the school, which brings together academics with expertise in signal processing, brain-computer interfacing, machine learning and computational intelligence. More information is available is available at Dr Chennu’s academic website: www.cs.kent.ac.uk/people/staff/sc785/ ==The School of Computing, University of Kent== The School of Computing has a reputation for high-quality research, with over 40 current PhD students. Our research activity is wide ranging and takes place within focused Research Groups which provide a vibrant research community for all members, staff or student. The School of Computing was ranked highly in the recent government run Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Our research intensity was ranked 12th out of 89, with superb impact – 100% of our research impact ranked world leading or internationally excellent. The University of Kent is a leading university with a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. As the UK's European university, it is committed to creating a global student and staff community that advances knowledge and stimulates intellectual creativity, and performs at the highest levels. Kent is ranked 21st in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Table of Tables’ 2017 and it has twice been awarded the highly prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. The School is committed to the Athena Swan Scheme. This is a national scheme whereby Universities commit to advancing and promoting the careers of female scientists. Details can be seen on our website at http://www.kent.ac.uk/human-resources/athenaswan/. Kent’s Medway campus in Chatham Maritime is a 45-minute journey south-east from London’s St. Pancras International station. ==Funding== A scholarship award will cover the successful applicant’s fees at the home/EU rate (£4,121 in 2016/17) plus a maintenance bursary (£14,296 in 2016/17). The award will be for three years, subject to satisfactory progression through each year of study. They are awarded on a competitive basis and interview performance will be taken into account. Support for research students includes regular supervision meetings, a research training programme, computer equipment, a desk in an office and funds for conference travel. ==Applicant Qualifications== You should: Essential- Hold a good undergraduate degree (UK First or 2:1 or equivalent) in a numerate discipline (computing, engineering, physics, etc.). Students with a background in biology and psychology are also welcome to apply, as long as they have the requisite technical and quantitative skills. Be able to program independently in high-level scientific programming languages like MATLAB, Python and R. Desirable- Have prior experience or evidenced interest in computational neuroscience. Able to work with complex time-series data, including EEG. ==How to Apply== Please get in touch with Dr Chennu by email (sc785(a)kent.ac.uk) in the first instance, with a Curriculum Vitae and a brief outline of your research proposal. Applications need to be submitted by Monday 3 April 2017.

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Deadline approaching for Smart Start Application
by Smart Start Coordination Office Feb. 24, 2017

Feb. 24, 2017

Call for applications Ready for a SMARTSTART into Computational Neuroscience? We invite first and second-year Master students with a background in related fields to apply to our joint training program SMARTSTART. The program aims at complementing previous studies with concepts, theories and techniques of Computational Neuroscience. SMARTSTART consists of two programs. Both of them last one year each and take place at numerous locations of the Bernstein Network and further locations throughout Germany. SMARTSTART provides financial support to then second-year Master students, allowing them to attend supplementary courses and training visits at participating institutions. Students will receive an experienced faculty mentor who will advise and guide them at this educational stage. SMARTSTART 2 provides fully funded positions for pre-PhD students. At the start of the program, these students will have already obtained their Master´s degree and are in the process of selecting a PhD project. SMARTSTART 2 allows them to elaborate their own PhD proposal as a collaborative project between two labs. This comprises exchange visits as well as voluntary attendance of lectures and courses offered by participating institutions. Both SMARTSTART programs will commence the second round in the winter term 2017/18. The Deadline for application is Tuesday, February 28, 2017. More information can be found on our website: www.smartstart-compneuro.de<http://www.smartstart-compneuro.de> Best regards, Kathrin Hebert -- Coordination Office Smart Start - Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9593 mail: smartstart(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:smartstart@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Software Engineer position to develop biological neural network modeling tool (SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY)
by Salvador Dura Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

We are looking for a software engineer to work on NetPyNE, a python package to facilitate the development, parallel simulation and analysis of biological neuronal networks using the NEURON simulator. For more information on the tool see: - Website with documentation: http://neurosimlab.org/netpyne/ - Github: https://github.com/Neurosim-lab/netpyne - Conference posters: CNS16 and SFN16 Responsabilities: - Design and implementation of new features, maintenance, and debugging of NetPyNE package (including new GUI). - Providing technical support to lab members developing models using the NEURON simulator and NetPyNE package. - Writing documentation, attending meetings/conferences, and giving presentations on software package. Requirements: - MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline. - Minimum 5 years experience in full-stack (front-end and back-end) software development (scientific software a plus). - Expertise with Python; fluency with Linux, Git/Github. - GUI design/implementation experience is a plus. - Previous experience in research/academic environment and/or neuroscience background are a plus Conditions: - Postdoc-level salary (commensurate with experience) - Initial contract of 1 year with possibility of extension (depending on performance and budget) - Become part of the Neurosim lab (http://neurosimlab.org) at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center. - Academic environment with possibility of getting involved in several neuroscience research projects and interacting with 10-15 researchers (graduate students, postdocs and professor). - Work in New York, a vibrant city with a wide offer of activities (working remotely also a possibility) To apply please send CV and cover letter to salvadordura(a)gmail.com and billl(a)neurosim.downstate.edu

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2 postdoctoral positions in Quantitative Biological Modeling
by Hermann Riecke Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

Hi Could you please post the ad below on teh comp-neuro list? thank you Hermann Riecke ——————————— Overview: The Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics solicits applications for postdoctoral fellowships in quantitative biological modeling. Two positions are available starting September 1, 2017 and a third position starting September 1, 2018. These positions are part of a National Science Foundation Research Training Grant (NSF-RTG). Duties: Postdoctoral fellows will conduct research on the quantitative modeling of biological systems and will teach three quarter courses per year in the department. Each position will typically be for three years. Postdoctoral fellows will additionally participate in RTG-related training and career development activities. Environment: Postdoctoral fellows will be part of an interdisciplinary environment focusing on current problems in experimental and computational biology. Fellows will gain experience from training in mathematical modeling, numerical methods, and modern data analysis/statistical tools relevant to biological problems. Research internships outside of Northwestern will broaden fellows' perspectives. Each fellow's research will be mentored by faculty from both applied mathematics and a biological discipline. Ongoing collaborations exist with faculty in Neurobiology, Molecular Biosciences, Environmental Engineering and Preventive Medicine, and additional areas of interest are welcome. An overall goal of the program is to broaden computational biological modeling in the department and at Northwestern. Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, three reference letters (one addressing teaching qualifications) and brief research and teaching statements online at the URL: https://openposition.mccormick.northwestern.edu/apply/index/NjE= If desired, one or two representative publications may also be submitted. Applications for the Fall 2017 position are currently being reviewed and will continue being considered until the position is filled. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries about the position may be directed to: Hermann Riecke Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208-3125 Phone: (847) 491-3345 Email: h-riecke(a)northwestern.edu http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/applied-math/

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Postdoc positions in Neuromorphic computing in Singapore
by Yansong Chua Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

Multiple scientist and research engineer positions are available in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore. This project is part of a large multidisciplinary grant in neuromorphic technologies involving multiple universities and research institutions in Singapore (NUS, NTU, IME, IHPC, I2R). The project is focused on building a new neuromorphic chip using RRAM that enables on-chip learning, together with a suite of learning algorithms that would then be deployed in applications in the advanced manufacturing domain. The primary scope of our research is to develop spike-based computing and learning algorithms for deep spiking neural networks on a neuromorphic chip. Specifically, we are interested in employing spikes in information processing and learning. To this end, successful candidates will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: - Neuronal coding. What coding and readout strategy underlie spike-based representation. How to encode external stimuli into spike based representations and how to readout information from spike activities. - Learning. How does neurons adapt their synaptic weights to perform a given task under cases of supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement signals. What are the underlying mechanisms for deep-structured network learning. - System integration and applications. How to integrate different computational principles into a system and apply it to solve different practical tasks. Preference will be given to candidates who can document knowledge in machine learning, neural networks, information processing, system design or hardware implementation with VLSI and FPGA. Candidates must have a PhD (for scientists) or MS/BS (for engineers) in computer science, computational neuroscience or related fields. Strong programming and quantitative skills are highly desired. Candidates should be proficient in spoken and written English. The appointments will be for 2 years, and extended for another 2 years, after review. Salaries are commensurate with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. For comparison, in 2013, Singapore's per capita GDP is US$55,000 and US's per capita GDP is US$53,000. Other benefits include: - Funding for international conferences and training courses - Collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of international scientists Candidates please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and three references to Dr. Yansong Chua (chuays(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg) or Dr. Qiang Yu (yuqiang(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg) More information: - Institute for Infocomm Research: http://www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/ - Working in Singapore: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/professionals/why_ singapore/

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master in Brain and Cognition, with focus on Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis, Barcelona
by Ruben Moreno Bote Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period. The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) In this email, we emphasize the possibility of participation of outstanding candidates with strong quantitative background, such as physics, mathematics or machine learning eager to learn about computational and cognitive neuroscience. Candidates with these backgrounds could perform research activity with the following experts in computational neuroscience: Gustavo Deco (http://cns.upf.edu/) Albert Compte (http://complab.fcrb.es/complab/pres) Rubén Moreno-Bote (https://portal.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) Overall, the groups participating at the Master are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition https://www.upf.edu/mbc/who_ are_we2.html . Students will be exposed to the ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact mbc(a)upf.edu for further information. Scientific-related questions such as fit of quantitative backgrounds can be consulted to ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Rubén Moreno-Bote -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella, Building 24, office 331 Ramon Trias Fargas, 24-27 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

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REMINDER: Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2017
by Zrinka Gattin Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and the Bernstein Center Göttingen invite proposals for Satellite Workshops. Satellite Workshops will directly precede the Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Workshops: September 12 - 13, 2017 Main Bernstein Conference: September 13 - 15, 2017 Deadline for proposal submission: March 01, 2017 Notification of workshop acceptance: March 27, 2017 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops. They provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. Workshop formats should be designed to foster debate beyond a mere series of talks. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. Workshop time frame: September 12, 2017, 13:00 - 18:00 September 13, 2017, 9:00 - 12:30 Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs: NEW THIS YEAR – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: For all accepted workshops the registration is free of charge for organizers and speakers. Organizers will also receive a waiver for the main conference fee. New this year: From the accepted workshops a maximum of ten workshops will be selected to each receive financial support of up to 1.500,00 €. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/satellite-workshops Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 01, 2017 Accommodation and Hotel Reservation: We strongly recommend early room booking. The number of available accommodation is limited due to several concurrent events. We arranged for room contingents in a variety of hotels that you may book by yourself by email or phone. Please follow the instructions at our Accommodations Web-site (http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation) We would like to emphasize that these room contingents will be held open up to different expiration dates depending on the hotel (or until they are filled). The earliest expiration date is already end of May 2017 whereas the majority of offers expire at the 12th of July 2017. We strongly encourage participants to share rooms and to book rooms as a group. Groups of three or four are possible if you book a suite. The room contingent contains a set of suits and apartments. We emphasize that it will be very difficult to book accommodation beyond the expiration dates. Please find a list of the hotels at our Accommodations Web-site. CONTACT: contact(at)bccn-goettingen.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Göttingen! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter (Chair) Marion Silies (co-Chair) Christian Tetzlaff (co-Chair) Matthias Bethge Laura Busse Claudia Clopath Julia Fischer Alexander Gail Richard Hahnloser Claus Hilgetag Peter Jonas Siegrid Löwel Michael Platt Viola Priesemann Nicole Rust Fred Wolf (Conference Chair) -- Dr Zrinka Gattin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen PhD Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Phone: +49 (0)551 5176 418 Fax: +49 (0)551 5176 14418 E-Mail: zrinka(a)nld.ds.mpg.de

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PhD opening in the neural mechanisms of decision making
by Simon Kelly Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in the Cognitive Neural Systems lab (https://cogneusys.com/) led by Simon Kelly, to study the neural mechanisms of decision making. This position is part of a project funded by Science Foundation Ireland, which involves a combination of psychophysics, computational modelling, non-invasive electrophysiology of human brain and muscle, and analyses of existing single-cell neurophysiological data. The funded research is specifically focused on the impact of value (i.e., how much decision outcomes are worth) on the dynamics of decision formation in sensory, decision, and motor areas of the brain. However, the overall PhD can be significantly broader in scope (including e.g. biomedical/translational applications), depending on the student’s interests within the broader research themes of the lab. The Cognitive Neural Systems lab is situated within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in University College Dublin, Ireland, and has strong collaborative links to basic cognitive and clinical neuroscience research groups both locally (e.g. Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience) and internationally (e.g. City College and Columbia University in New York). The successful applicant will have ample opportunities for wider collaborations and the learning of a broad range of experimental, conceptual, analytic and computational skills. Applicants should have a BSc/B.E. or Masters degree in neuroscience, psychology, Electrical/biomedical engineering, computer science, or other related discipline and a demonstrable interest in cognitive neuroscience. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. Any prior experience in programming, psychophysics, EEG and/or modelling, especially in the area of cognitive neuroscience, is a definite advantage. To apply, submit a CV, short cover letter and contact information for at least two referees to Dr Simon Kelly (simon.kelly(a)ucd.edu) Candidates should explain in their cover letter how their own research interests fit specifically with those of the Kelly lab. ----------------------------------------------------------- Simon Kelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University College Dublin t: +353 (1) 716 1803 e: simon.kelly(a)ucd.ie -----------------------------------------------------------

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We have a wide range of posts open in Fudan Univ.
by jianfeng feng Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/606495-senior-research-fellow… -- -------------------------------------- J. Feng, Prof. of Biology, Computer Science, Medicine and Mathematics Warwick University, UK http://www.dcs.warwick.ac.uk/~feng Fudan University, PR China http://ccsb.fudan.edu.cn/

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Postdoc and PhD student for project on deep learning in artificial, human, and rodent brains
by Hans Op de Beeck Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Postdoc and PhD student for project on deep learning in artificial, human, and rodent brains For a project combining the domains of human functional neuroimaging, computational modelling, and rodent physiology, we are looking for two new collaborators. Hirings can be at the level of postdoc as well as PhD student. First, we look for a scientist to implement and further develop deep neural network modelling. The aim is to compare the representations in these artificial networks over the course of training with neural responses in human and rodent cortex. Here we build upon earlier work such as Kubilius et al. (2016, PLOS Comput. Biology). Candidates should have a background in computational neuroscience, computer vision, artificial intelligence, or related fields. Second, we look for a scientist to study the cortical basis of visual learning in awake rodents through extracellular recordings using electrode arrays. Relevant earlier studies from our lab in this domain are Vinken et al. (2014, J. Neurosci.) and Vinken et al. (2016, Cerebral Cortex). Candidates should have a background in Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical sciences, Bioengineering or a related field. Independent of career stage (so also for incoming PhD students), only candidates will be considered that have a quantitative and computational background including expertise with Matlab, good social skills and team spirit, and good communication skills in English (oral and written). For PhD students, we expect a competitive study record putting the student among the top students in an internationally competitive program. For postdocs, we expect a relevant and competitive publication record (e.g., in computational and systems neuroscience) including first-author peer-reviewed publications. The research will be implemented in the research group of Hans Op de Beeck in the Laboratory of Biological Psychology at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium). The research group focuses upon multidisciplinary work, including human neuroscience research with functional magnetic resonance imaging, rodent behaviour & electrophysiology, and computational modelling. Many members of the group come from countries outside Belgium (e.g., Canada, Brasil, South-Korea, Italy, Belarus), and the professional language is English. The city of Leuven is an old, medieval city which is very lively thanks to a large population of students and researchers. Leuven is at 25 km from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections, also to the international airport of Brussels (20 minutes by train). The university is one of the oldest in the Low Countries (founded in 1425) and is ranked in the top 50 of universities worldwide (THE ranking). It is home to a large community of systems/cognitive/visual/computational neuroscientists. Applications should be submitted before March 8th 2017. Funding is available for up to 3 (postdoc) or 4 (PhD student) years. The starting date is flexible between May and October 2017. Informal queries for further information can be sent to hans.opdebeeck(a)kuleuven.be<mailto:hans.opdebeeck@kuleuven.be> . For the formal application, applicants should go to https://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/vacatures/54073261. The site will ask for a motivation letter (please include contact information for 2 references) and a CV (please include a list of publications if applicable). --- Prof. Dr. Hans P. Op de Beeck Professor in Brain & Cognition Program Director of KU Leuven Bachelor Psychology Laboratory of Biological Psychology University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium Tiensestraat 102, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Email: hans.opdebeeck(a)kuleuven.be<mailto:hans.opdebeeck@kuleuven.be> Website: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/home/english/research/lbp/lbpMembers/00029058

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Connectomics. Advanced Course. Siena, Tuscany April 22-29, 2017
by Francesca Martini/NSAS Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Dear All, The last few seats remain for: Advanced Course Connectomics Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Certosa di Pontignano, Siena, Tuscany April 22-29, 2017 <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/ Coordinator: Sean Hill École Polytechnique Fédérale & The Blue Brain Project, Lausanne, Switzerland Faculty include: Julie Harris, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle. USA Michael Milham, Child Mind Institute, New York, USA Fabrizio de Vico Fallani, Inria & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, Paris, France Patric Hagmann, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Marcello Massimini, University of Milan, Italy Viktor Jirsa, Aix-Marseille University, France Sean Hill, École Polytechnique Fédérale & The Blue Brain Project, Lausanne, Switzerland This Advanced Course will focus on multi-scale aspects of the connectome the comprehensive wiring diagram of the brain and its impact on brain function, behavior and health. Ion channels, receptors, cells and synapses breathe dynamics into this wiring diagram and give rise to sensory responses, perceptions, decisions, memories and actions. When we fall into a deep dreamless sleep, our connectome doesnt change, nor does it change when we experience the vivid hallucinations of dreams. Yet it is the substrate of human experience disrupting the connectome gives rise to neurological deficits or disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the latest techniques of large-scale data acquisition, analysis, theory, modeling and simulation. The Advanced Course will cover 1) the cellular basis of connectivity including gene expression, morphology and electrophysiology, 2) large-scale data gathering and data analysis of whole brain connectivity across scales including electron microscopy, single neurons, meso-scale viral tracers, diffusion and functional whole brain imaging; 3) data integration of multimodal connectome data; 4) data-driven computational modeling and simulation at different scales of brain circuitry; 5) theoretical analyses of brain network topology and principles of connectivity; 6) the development of the connectome and its link to behavior and neurological disorders; 7) predicting whole brain dynamics from the connectome; 8) wakefulness, sleep and disorders of consciousness: the relationship between the connectome and the diversity of brain states and experiences. Course Format <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/course-format/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/course-format/ Application Form <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/application-form/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/application-form/ Kind regards, Francesca The Course Secretariat Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Certosa di Pontignano Via di Pontignano 5, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena. Italy Tel. +39.0577.146.0003

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Postdoctoral Positions in Machine Learning and Neuromodulation at Emory University and Georgia Tech
by Babak Mahmoudi Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Postdoctoral positions are available at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology on developing machine learning algorithms and data analytics tools for the optimization of neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy and memory. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists and clinicians in the Departments of Biomedical Informatics, Neurosurgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Tech, Grenoble University at France, and medical device industry partners. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience or related fields with a strong background in machine learning, optimization theory, multivariate analysis and signal processing. Programming skill sets in Matlab and other languages (e.g., C++ and python) would be key to a successful candidate. Inquiries should be addressed to Babak Mahmoudi (b.mahmoudi(a)emory.edu) The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Please send applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three references to b.mahmoudi(a)emory.edu

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Post-doc proposal: Charting the human brain with fMRI
by Ana Luísa Pinho Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Please find enclosed a post-doc proposal for an original "exhaustive cognitive mapping" performed in the framework of the Human Brain Project. *Duration & salary*: 12 months renewable up to 3 years, about 2100 enet monthly *Research teams*: Parietal (INRIA Saclay) and Unicog (INSERM), located at Neurospin, Saclay,France. *Responsible:* Bertrand Thirion. Contact: bertrand.thirion(a)inria.fr *Application*: Interested candidate should send CV and motivation letter. The post-doc will be in charge of setting a set of protocols up and running to pass them on the existing pool of 12 subjects of the Individual Brain Charting project. These protocols will be provided by the community (potentially from in-house developments) are meant to cover a large array of sensory, motor and cognitive processes. The post-doc will take part to the set of acquisitions performed on Neurospin 3T scanner at high resolution (1.5mm) and analyze the data by using a pipeline provided by the lab. Detailed reports will be provided to assess the quality of the data, motivate the participants and document the content of the database. These reports will provide extensive information on the functional organization of the brain in each individual, which will furthermore be confronted to other imaging modalities, e.g. anatomical and functional connectivity. Complex alignment procedures will then be carried out to obtain a population-level mapping that will lead to the first data-based cognitive atlas of the human brain. The data and atlas and analysis material will be released publicly. See https://team.inria.fr/parietal/files/2011/07/post-doc_ibc-1.pdf for details.

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Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in New York
by Ruben Coen-Cagli Feb. 21, 2017

Feb. 21, 2017

Postdoctoral position in the Coen-Cagli Laboratory Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY I will be at Cosyne and available to meet with candidates there. I am looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational and systems neuroscience in my lab at the Department of Systems and Computational Biology and Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) in New York City. The lab studies how biological sensory systems interpret the surrounding environment. Topics include probabilistic representations of natural images; models of selectivity and variability in large cortical populations; the perceptual consequences of neuronal variability; and uncertainty in visual and auditory perception. We combine theories of probabilistic neural coding, tools from computer vision and machine learning, psychophysics, and neurophysiology through collaborations. The candidate is expected to perform research related to these topics. Close interaction and collaboration with other members of the department is anticipated. https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/ Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with an academic record of scientific excellence and independent research. Prior experience should include areas such as computational neuroscience, machine learning, computer vision, or statistics. Experience with psychophysics experiments is a plus. Applicants should have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches to biological and neural systems. AECOM offers a vibrant interdisciplinary environment, with a growing systems and computational contingent. It is located in a quiet neighborhood of New York, only a short subway ride from Manhattan. Information about working at the AECOM, including benefits and housing for postdocs, can be found at: https://www.einstein.yu.edu/research/belfer-institute/ The position starts in summer 2017, and is funded for several years, with an initial one-year appointment and expectation of extension given satisfactory performance. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter, CV, and publication list to ruben.coencagli(a)gmail.com. Furthermore, candidates should organize two letters of reference, to be sent to the same e-mail address. The position is open until filled. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Ruben Coen Cagli, PhD Department of Systems and Computational Biology, and Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine 1300 Morris Park Ave. Price 353B Bronx, 10461. NY office: +1.718.678.1150 web: https://sites.google.com/site/rubencoencagli/

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NeuroBridges 2017 (Second Call)
by ahmed el hady Feb. 20, 2017

Feb. 20, 2017

*NeuroBridges 2017 Summer school , Cluny, France* *(** September 3 - September 14, 2017 )* *NeuroBridges* is an initiative that was founded to bring Mediterrenean and Middle Eastern neuroscientists in an event to discuss science and promote mutual understanding. The two first events of the series took place in Goettingen, Germany in July 2014 (http://elsc.huji.ac.il/ content/neurobridges) and in Paris, France, in September 2015 ( http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/second-neurobridges-meeting) Each of these three days events brought together twenty young speakers, Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Syrians and Israelis, as well as several speakers from the hosting countries. Nobel Laureate Erwin Neher opened NeuroBridges in 2014. Stanislas Dehaene, professeur au College De France and member of the French Academy of Sciences gave the opening lecture in NeuroBridges 2015. *NeuroBridges 2017* (http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/ neurobridges2017.html) will be a ten days summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions of contemporary neuroscience. In addition to the lectures, the students will work in groups on small research projects. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or physics, interested in theoretical brain and cognitive sciences. We will also consider those with biological or medical background given that they show proof of basic mathematical knowledge (i.e. linear algebra, calculus, in particular ordinary differential equation). Through the online application system (can be accessed through: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2017.html ) , you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, the names of two referees , a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. The school will take place between September 3 and September 14, 2017 in Le Centre de Conférences Internationales de Cluny (CCIC) <http://www.ccic.eu/index.html>. Cluny is a small medieval town in Burgundy, France, located about 400km southeast of Paris (accessible by fast train, TGV). All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. The application deadline is March 31st 2017. *NeuroBridges* is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady <http://scholar.princeton.edu/ahmedelhady/home>(Princeton Neuroscience Institute, USA), Yonatan Loewenstein <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/loewenstein/home> (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) and David Hansel <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/david-hansel>(CNRS, Paris, France). *2017 Confirmed Faculty (check the website regularly for updated faculty list):* Carl van Vreeswijk (CNRS) <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/carl-van-vreeswijk/> Gianluigi Mongillo (CNRS) <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/gianluigi-mongillo/> Shaul Druckmann (Janelia) <https://www.janelia.org/people/shaul-druckmann> Yoram Burak (Hebrew University) <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/burak/home> Omri Barak (Technion) <http://neuroscience.technion.ac.il/researcher/19> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> Farzan Nadim (NJIT) <https://biology.njit.edu/people/nadim.php> Valerie Ego-Stengel (CNRS) <https://www.unic.cnrs-gif.fr/teams/Research%20group%20of%20Daniel%20Shulz> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Ahmed El Hady (email: ahady(a)princeton.edu )

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PhD post in Computational Neuroscience
by McDaid, Liam Feb. 20, 2017

Feb. 20, 2017

Dear all, A PhD position in Computational Neuroscience is available at the Ulster University where the closing date for applications is Friday 24th February 2017. The position is fully funded with a start date of October 2017. Project title: A Computational Model of Regulating Neuronal Excitability by GABA Neurons The successful candidate will be based at Ulster working within the Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) and the position will involve close collaboration with colleague at University College London and the University of Manchester. The project will build on recent findings where it was shown that the GAT3 transporter facilitates the uptake of extracellular GABA and this is accompanied by a large increase in intracellular Na+ concentration, which can reverse the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger causing an intercellular increase in Ca2+. This may have an important role in regulating blood flow and also can result in the release of gliotransmitters, which is believed to modulate synaptic strength and transmission. Moreover, it is now believed that GAT3 induces a rise in extracellular adenosine that acts at presynaptic adenosine receptors and this is likely to cause a decrease in secondary messengers within cells. This is a completely novel mechanism of glia-neuron communication and capturing this interaction will be the major focus of this PhD. This exciting project will require the graduate to collaborate with experimental neuroscientists in the development of computational models of the above GABA mediated interactions and therefore at the end of the PhD study period he/she will expect to have gained significant expertise in computational modelling and neuroscience. We would also like to encourage international applicants. For more information on how to apply go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/faculties/computing-and-engineering/schools/resear… ________________________________ This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The University of Ulster was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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Postdoctoral position modeling gamma synchrony in Carmen Canavier's lab
by Canavier, Carmen C. Jan. 25, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

Description A Senior Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the area of Computational Neuroscience in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health New Orleans in the lab of Dr. Carmen Canavier. The main project will take an existing model of interneuronal network gamma (ING) and embed it within a network of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in order to build a model of pyramidal-interneuronal gamma (PING). The project will include both theoretical and empirical analyses of the synchronization properties of these networks, and in particular the contribution of intrinsic neuronal properties as compared to synaptic properties. These analyses require knowledge of linear and nonlinear systems theory, probability theory and signal processing. The project will require programming in python and the simulation package NEURON to run parallelized simulations on a Linux cluster. This position will include administering the lab’s computational cluster and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. Qualifications * Ph.D. in Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Computer Science or a related field of study * At least three (3) years of experience in computational neuroscience Preferred Qualifications * Writing code, running the simulation package NEURON, using single neuron models * Signal processing experience and familiarity with nonlinear dynamics Applicant Instructions Qualified applicants should submit curriculum vitae and three letters of reference using the following link https://www.lsuhsc.edu/Administration/hrm/CareerOpportunities/Home/Detail/1…

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Symposia on Memory, March 6-10 in Barcelona
by Alex Roxin Jan. 25, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

Dear all, This is a reminder that there will be a week-long series of Symposia on Memory at the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica this coming March 6-10. We will focus on a different topic each day, e.g. molecular and synaptic basis of memory, circuit mechanisms, cortex and hippocampus, and so on. There will be both experimental and theoretical talks; please look at the schedule if you are curious. You can view the schedule and register here http://www.crm.cat/en/Activities/Curs_2016-2017/Pages/MATHMEM_Symposia.aspx There is a special, reduced fee, single day registration if you cannot attend the full meeting. Note that the final day of the program will take place at the Institut d'Estudis Catalans, a historic building in the heart of Barcelona, right next door to where Santiago Ramón y Cajal taught medicine! You can still submit abstracts for a poster or a contributed talk of which there will be a limited number. The deadline for submission is the -31st of January-. I hope to see you in Barcelona. best regards, Alex

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Call for abstracts, symposia and registration for CNS 2017 in Antwerp, Belgium
by Daniele Marinazzo Jan. 24, 2017

Jan. 24, 2017

Dear all it's our pleasure to inform you that the site for the 26th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting is now up and running for submissions of papers and symposia proposals, and for registration. Please visit http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2017 for all the info on the conference. We also have a twitter account https://twitter.com/CNS2017Antwerp Looking forward to seeing you in beautiful Antwerp from July 15th to 20th, for what will be a great meeting! On behalf of all the organizers Daniele -- Daniele Marinazzo -- Department of Data Analysis Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium +32 (0) 9 264 6375 <http://www.da.ugent.be/>http://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz/ https://twitter.com/dan_marinazzo http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php

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Sense 2 Synapse 2017 Conference, Saturday April 8th, The Rockefeller University, New York City, Registration Open
by Christoph Kirst Jan. 24, 2017

Jan. 24, 2017

Dear Neuroscience Community, we like to invite you to join us for this year's *Sense 2 Synapse *which will be held on Saturday, *April 8th, 2017* in the Carson Family Auditorium at *The Rockefeller University, New York City *! The conference is an annual event for scientists working on the biology of sensory transduction, subsequent neural processing and perception. With *Larry Abbott *(Columbia University), *Nicole Rust* (University of Pennsylvania),****Sarah Woolley**(Columbia University) and*Gaby Maimon* (The Rockefeller University) we have a great list of key-note speakers, which will be complemented by talks selected from abstract submissions and a poster session. More information found on our website: *http://sense2synapse.com/ <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__sense2synapse.com_&d=Dw…> * and you can register here: *http://www.sense2synapse.com/registrationForm <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.sense2synapse.com_r…>* Join us for a great day of science, discussions and nice food ! The organizing team Christoph Kirst Florian Berger Jeremie Barral Gonzalo Otazu Nicolas Renier -- Christoph Kirst Fellow for Physics and Biology Center for Theoretical Studies and Kavli Physics Fellow Kavli Neural Systems Institute The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA +1 212 327 7561 :: ckirst(a)rockefeller.edu

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LM2017 - Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors (7 weeks until submission deadline)
by INFO CSNETWORK, Bústia Compartida Jan. 22, 2017

Jan. 22, 2017

**Apologies for crossposting** 2nd Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines VI: The 6th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 25 – 28 July 2017 http://livingmachinesconference.eu/ <http://livingmachinesconference.eu/2017> Living Machines Conference | Home livingmachinesconference.eu Stanford will host Living Machines 2017! The 6th International Conference on Biomimetics and Biohybrid Systems will be hosted at Stanford University, California, US. To be hosted at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA Accepted papers will be published in Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline: March 10th, 2017 ______________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqPOCDh1FNw YouTube www.youtube.com and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The theme of the conference also encompasses biomimetic methods for manufacture, repair and recycling inspired by natural processes such as reproduction, digestion, morphogenesis and metamorphosis. The following are some examples of “Living Machines” as featured at past conferences: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Nature-inspired designs and manufacturing processes. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation programme, 26th to 28th July 2017, hosted at Stanford University, California, USA. The conference programme will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies. The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Satellite Events hosted at Stanford University. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2017 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines Proceedings, published in the Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence. Full papers (minimum 8 pages, up to 12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career and should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybrid research. More preliminary work is better suited for short paper submission (minimum 4 pages, with a maximum of ten references and no more than three self-citations). Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation with a short podium preview. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of the Taylor & Francis journal Connection Science. Satellite events Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for full or half-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held on the 25th July at Stanford University. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event! EXPECTED DEADLINES March 10th, 2017 Paper submission deadline April 28th, 2017 Notification of acceptance May 15th, 2017 Camera ready copy July 25th - 28th 2017 Conference SPONSORSHIP Organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products through conference publications, conference events, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive options to potential sponsors: http://livingmachinesconference.eu/about/ VENUE Living Machines 2017 will be hosted at Stanford University a world leading research University that this year celebrates its 125th anniversary. Stanford is located in California's Bay Area, one of the most intellectually dynamic and culturally diverse areas of the US. Organising Committee: Mark Cutkosky, Stanford University (Local Organizing Chair) Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Co-Chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Michael Mangan, University of Lincoln (Programme Chair) Marc Desmulliez, Heriott Watt University, Scotland (Steering Committee) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Web and Communications) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Communications)

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New JETCAS Special Issue: Low-Power, Adaptive Neuromorphic Systems: Devices, Circuit, Architectures and Algorithms
by Arindam Basu Jan. 21, 2017

Jan. 21, 2017

Dear all ** Apologies for cross-posting Would like to draw your attention to a new Special issue in JETCAS on "Low-Power, Adaptive Neuromorphic Systems: Devices, Circuit, Architectures and Algorithms" that I am co-editing with colleagues. Manuscript submission deadline is on April 30, 2017. Look forward to receiving your contributions. IEEE JOURNAL ON EMERGING AND SELECTED TOPICS IN CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS CALL for PAPERS Low-Power, Adaptive Neuromorphic Systems: Devices, Circuit, Architectures and Algorithms Guest Editors Full name Email Affiliation Arindam Basu* arindam.basu(a)ntu.edu.sg Nanyang Technological University Tanay Karnik tanay.karnik(a)intel.com Intel Hai Li hai.li(a)duke.edu Duke University Elisabetta Chicca chicca(a)cit-ec.uni-bielefeld.de Bielefeld University Meng-Fan Chang mfchang(a)mx.nthu.edu.tw National Tsing Hua University Jae-sun Seo jaesun.seo(a)asu.edu Arizona State University (* Corresponding) Scope and Purpose The recent success of “Deep neural networks” (DNN) has renewed interest in bio-inspired machine learning algorithms. DNN refers to neural networks with multiple layers (typically two or more) where the neurons are interconnected using tunable weights. Though these architectures are not new, availability of lots of data, huge computing power and new training techniques (such as unsupervised initialization, use of rectified linear units as the neuronal nonlinearity, regularization using dropout or sparsity, etc.) to prevent the networks from over-fitting have led to its great success in recent times. DNN has been applied to a variety of fields such as object or face recognition in images, word recognition in speech or even natural language processing and the success stories of DNN keep on increasing every day. However, the common training method in deep learning, such as back propagation, tunes the weights of neural networks based on the gradient of the error function, which requires a known output value for every input. It would be difficult to use such supervised learning methods to train and adapt to real-time sensory input data that are mostly unlabeled. In addition, training and classification phases of deep neural networks are typically separated, such that training occurs in the cloud or high-end graphics processing units, while their weights or synapses are fixed during deployment for classification. However, this makes it difficult for the neural network to continuously adapt to input or environment changes in real-world applications. By adopting unsupervised and semi-supervised learning rules found in biological nervous systems, we anticipate to enable adaptive neuromorphic systems for many real-time applications with a large amount of unlabeled data, similar to how humans analyze and associate sensory input data. Energy-efficient hardware implementation of these adaptive neuromorphic systems is particularly challenging due to intensive computation, memory, and communication that are necessary for online, real-time learning and classification. Cross-layer innovations on algorithms, architectures, circuits, and devices are required to enable adaptive intelligence especially on embedded systems with severe power and area constraints. Topics of Interest This special issue invites submissions relating to all aspects of adaptive neuromorphic systems across algorithms, devices, circuits, and architectures. Possible scalability to human brain-scale computing level with energy-efficient online learning is desired. Submissions are welcome in the following topics or other related topics: · Spin mode adaptive neuromorphics with devices such as spin transfer nano-oscillator, domain wall memory, tunneling magnetic resistance, inverse spin hall effect, etc. · Memristive technology based learning synapse and neurons · Neuromorphic implementations of synaptic plasticity, short-term adaptation and homeostatic mechanisms · Self-learning synapses (STDP and variants) and self-adaptive neuromorphic systems · High fan-in scalable interconnect fabric technologies mimicking brain-scale networks · Circuits and systems for efficient interfacing with post-CMOS memory based learning synapses · Design methodology and design tools for adaptive neuromorphic systems with post-CMOS devices · Algorithm, device, circuit, and architecture co-design for energy-efficient adaptive neuromorphic hardware Important Dates 1. Manuscript submissions due: April 30, 2017 2. First decision: July 15, 2017 3. Revised manuscripts due: August 15, 2017 4. Final Decision: October 15, 2017 5. Final manuscripts due: November 15, 2017 Request for Information Arindam Basu (arindam.basu(a)ntu.edu.sg<mailto:arindam.basu@ntu.edu.sg>) https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jetcas Best regards, Arindam ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY: This email is intended solely for the person(s) named and may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it, notify us and do not copy, use, or disclose its contents. Towards a sustainable earth: Print only when necessary. Thank you.

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ICMNS 2017: *Reminder, Abstracts Due Jan 31, 2017*
by Zachary Kilpatrick Jan. 20, 2017

Jan. 20, 2017

This is a reminder that Abstract Submissions are due January 31, 2017 for the 3rd International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2017), to be held at the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, Colorado from May 30 to June 2, 2017. https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/index.html <https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/index.html> Meeting registration will open soon. Early Registration (Until March 31) will be $250 for students/postdocs, $350 for faculty, and $50 for tutorials. The International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience will provide a forum for researchers to discuss current mathematical innovations emerging in neuroscience. A major aim of the conference is to attract and train young researchers on current methods in mathematical neuroscience. Abstract Submission: We encourage abstract submission by researchers from all areas of mathematical neuroscience. One page abstracts will be reviewed by a Program Committee and divided into three parallel talk sessions and a poster session. Details are given here: https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/submissions.html <https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/submissions.html> Student Travel Awards: This year, we will offer student travel awards, due to the generous support from NSF, SIAM, Burroughs Wellcome, and the University of Colorado. To apply, students must submit an abstract and include a current CV as part of their submitted document in Easychair. Confirmed Speakers Danielle Bassett (University of Pennsylvania) Paul Bressloff (University of Utah) Nicolas Brunel (University of Chicago) Sophie Deneve (École Normale Supérieure) Brent Doiron (University of Pittsburgh) Marla Feller (University of California, Berkeley) Ila Fiete (University of Texas) Stefano Fusi (Columbia University) Peter Thomas (Case Western Reserve University) Taro Toyoizumi (Riken Brain Science Institute) Tutorial Speakers: Paul Bressloff, Sophie Deneve, Brent Doiron, Stefano Fusi, Joel Zylberberg (University of Colorado, School of Medicine) Program Committee https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/committees.html <https://www.math.uh.edu/~zpkilpat/icmns2017/committees.html> We hope to see you in Boulder this May! All the best Zachary Kilpatrick (University of Colorado) Julijana Gjorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research) Robert Rosenbaum (University of Notre Dame)

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Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon 2017
by Yiyin Zhou Jan. 19, 2017

Jan. 19, 2017

Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon 2017 FFBH 2017 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2017>March 12, 2017Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 We are pleased to announce the 2nd Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon (FFBO 2017). This hackathon will feature the Fruit Fly Brain Observatory (FFBO) and its key components NeuroNLP and NeuroGFX. The former allows for exploring fruit fly brain data using plain English queries, and the latter facilitates the modeling and execution of such brain circuits. Brief tutorials will be given on the usage of the FFBO as well as developing new tools/features in FFBO. The hackathon is aimed at three main groups of participants: neurobiologists, modelers and software engineers. The goal of the hackathon is to bring together these three groups of participants to create new ideas to develop, use and improve the FFBO platform towards developing executable model of the fruit fly brain. The Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon is organized in conjunction with the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuit, Memory and Computation on March 13-14, 2017. Participants of the hackathon are welcome to attend the workshop. Registration is free but all participants have to register <https://ffbo17.eventbrite.com/> (*https://ffbo17.eventbrite.com/ <https://ffbo17.eventbrite.com/>*). Organizers: Paul Richmond, Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield Adam Tomkins, Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield Nikul Ukani, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University Chung-Heng Yeh, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University Yiyin Zhou, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University More information can be found on the hackathon website: http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2017 ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ Best Regards, Yiyin Zhou, on behalf of the organizers

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Postdoc in Medical Data Science
by Philipp Berens Jan. 19, 2017

Jan. 19, 2017

The lab of Philipp Berens (www.berenslab.org) at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research (www.eye-tuebingen.de) at the Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen is offering a position as Postdoctoral Researcher in _Medical Data Science for Ophthalmology_ to be filled as soon as possible, with funding for up to 4 years. The successful candidate will perform research at the interface of data science and medicine with the goal to advance statistical methods for predicting disease onset or identifying risk factors by combining classical epidemiological approaches with recent developments in deep learning. The work will be done in close collaboration with the lab of Marius Ueffing and the ZEISS Vision Lab at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research and will contribute to a better understanding of ophthalmic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. The Berens lab conducts research in computational neuroscience, data science and biostatistics with a focus on developing tools to integrate various data sources. We have recently developed a framework based on deep neural networks for detecting diabetic retinopathy from fundus images modeling the decision uncertainty of the classifier (https://doi.org/10.1101/084210) Tübingen is home to a vibrant machine learning community with ample opportunity for interaction with researchers at both the University as well as the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. The Institute of Ophthalmic Research is part of the Center of Ophthalmology, covering various aspects of ophthalmic research from basic retinal neuroscience to the development of gene therapy and neuroprosthetics. We offer employment with a salary and social benefits based on the collective agreement for public service employees in the academic and science sector, TV-L. The Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen promotes gender equality and therefore particularly encourages female scientists to apply. Preferential status will be given to handicapped persons, if equally qualified. Requirements: • PhD in machine learning, statistics or related fields • Experience with medical data • Programming experience in Python and R • Strong publication record and scientific independence Interested applicants should contact Dr. Philipp Berens (philipp.berens(a)uni-tuebingen.de) providing a curriculum vitae, a one-page description of past research experience & future research interests, a one-page description of the motivation for applying to this position and names of at least two people that could provide letters of reference. Please compile your application in one single PDF-file and add [Data Science Postdoc] to the subject line. -- University of Tübingen Institute for Ophthalmic Research http://www.berenslab.org NEW PHONE NUMBER: +49-7071-2988833

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3 years funded PhD in oscillatory behaviour in Alzheimer’s disease to establish biomarkers, Deadline 31st of January
by Eirini Mavritsaki Jan. 19, 2017

Jan. 19, 2017

Dear all, We are advertising a 3 year funded PhD project in "Investigating oscillatory behaviour in Alzheimer’s disease to establish biomarkers: an EEG and computational modelling programme of PhD study" Successful applicants for our funded PhD studentships will receive a tax-free research stipend that tracks UK Research Council rates (currently £14,296) and a fee waiver to the value of Home / EU student PhD fees (currently £4,120). Closing date for applications Tuesday 31 January 2017 at 23:59. This is a transdisciplinary STEAM Project This proposed PhD work follows high profile research by the University of Birmingham team (Prof. Kim Shapiro, Prof. Howard Bowman and Mr Ali Mazaheri). The project is collaborative work between Birmingham City University (Dr Eirini Mavritsak) and University of Birmingham (Prof. Kim Shapiro and Prof. Howard Bowman). The University of Birmingham team has access to ERP data of a semantic anomaly and word repetition task (Olichney et al, 2002). In the original analysis of the data Olichney and colleagues, the N400 component was analysed, which is related to semantic manipulation. Olichney and colleagues found evidence of N400 abnormalities in mild cognitive impairment patients, which predicted later progression to Alzhemier’s. We plan to simulate this data and the changes observed in this data by developing a computational model that is based on the sSoTS (Mavritsaki, Heinke, Humphreys and Deco, 2011) model. The synaptic currents that sSoTS contains will allow us to extract the ERP profile and simulate the above described experiment. In addition to that sSoTS model has already successfully simulated visual search outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s (Mavritsaki and Humphreys, 2013). The project is separated into two phases: in phase 1, we plan to develop the computational model to simulate controls and mild cognitive impairment patients and in phase 2 we are planning to extend the model to allow us to predict the development of the disease based on identified biomarkers. The successful applicant will join the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) within the Department of Psychology at Birmingham City University. CAP Research is part of a vibrant and rapidly expanding research community, which offers applicants with an excellent opportunity to develop their research career. The applicant has the opportunity to have teaching experience, to participate in research seminars and to co-supervise undergraduate projects. The successful candidate will also be expected to attend the weekly meetings of the University of Birmingham research team. You can find further details on studying for a PhD and details of how to apply on the following link http://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/social-sciences Candidate Qualification and Specifications: Essential Ø The applicant should hold a good undergraduate honours degree (First or 2:1) in psychology or related area. Ø The applicant should have experience of computational modelling, evidenced by previous work or masters degree. Ø A demonstrated understanding of research methods is essential (as evidenced by degree transcript grades for research methods and dissertation modules). Ø Experience in C++ and Matlab. Desirable Ø A Masters’ degree in research methods, psychology or computational modelling Ø Experience in EEG analysis Contact: Eirini Mavritsaki, Ph.D., CPsychol Email: eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> Best regards, Eirini Mavritsaki ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eirini Mavritsaki, PhD, CPsychol Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology Director of Research in the School of Social Sciences Department of Psychology Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University The Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 Special Issue in Frontiers 'Neuropsychology through the lenses of computational modelling' http://fron.tiers.in/go/r2e3M4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Postdoctoral fellowship in computational neuroscience at Harvard
by Jan Drugowitsch Jan. 18, 2017

Jan. 18, 2017

Dear all, Jan Drugowitsch (Department of Neurobiology, Harvard) and Sam Gershman (Department of Psychology, Harvard) are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on a project combining computational modeling, psychophysics, and clinical studies. The project focuses on the neural basis of visual structure discovery, using motion perception as a model system. Our goal is to understand how neural circuits represent and reason about complex combinatorial structures, and how these neural circuits break down in autism. The postdoctoral fellow's main focus is the computational modeling component of the project. The Drugowitsch and Gershman labs are located in the Longwood medical area and Harvard’s Cambridge campus, respectively. Harvard, and the Boston area in general, has an excellent neuroscience community and programs in engineering, statistics, and related fields. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline and strong background in Bayesian modeling and computational neuroscience. Experience with visual psychophysics experiments is desirable but not essential. Applicants should send a CV and statement of research interests to Jan Drugowitsch (Jan_Drugowitsch(a)hms.harvard.edu) The initial appointment is for one year with the expectation of extension given satisfactory performance. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Jan Drugowitsch will be attending the the Computational and Systems Neuroscience meeting on February 23-28 to interview potential candidates. Best regards, Jan Drugowitsch Assistant Professor in Neurobiology Harvard Medical School

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Excellence workshop ''Dynamical Network States, Criticality and Cortical Function'' (March 25-28, 2017 in Germany)
by David Rotermund Jan. 18, 2017

Jan. 18, 2017

We would like to invite you to participate in our excellence workshop “Dynamical Network States, Criticality and Cortical Function”. It will take place March 25-28, 2017 at the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg in Delmenhorst (near Bremen, Germany). Please feel free to forward the following information to anyone who you think may be interested in attending our workshop. Confirmed Speakers John Beggs, Matthias Bethge, Stefan Bornholdt, Mauro Copelli, Lucilla de Arcangelis, Thilo Gross, Michael Herrmann, Anna Levina, Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen, Paolo Massobrio, Ruben Moreno-Bote, Eilif Benjamin Müller, Dietmar Plenz, Viola Priesemann, Silvia Scarpetta, Woodrow Shew, Oren Shriki, Thilo Womelsdorf. Workshop description ==================== Current information on the workshop can be found on the website http://www.h-w-k.de/index.php?id=2240 Soon we will update this web-page with the program . Cortical information processing relies heavily on the collective dynamics of neurons and networks distributed over many brain areas. A key concept for understanding this process is the idea that networks operate near a critical state, which offers several potential benefits for computation and information processing. However, there is still a large gap between research on criticality and understanding brain function: For example, * biological cortical networks are not homogeneous but highly structured, * they are not in a state of spontaneous activation but strongly driven by changing external stimuli, and * they process information with respect to a concrete behavioral goal. Moreover, critical states are just one side of the medal, since there are other concepts of how collective dynamics enables, shapes, and controls information processing; i.e. actively provide an operating point for cortical computation: To name just a few, there are * balance between excitation and inhibition, * temporal coordination and multiplexing, and * task-dependent computation and signal routing (selective attention). Understanding cortical function will only be possible by putting these conceptual ideas into a unifying framework and critically test them against experimental evidence. In this workshop we will bring together experts representing different approaches for understanding the collective dynamics of cortical networks and their implications for information processing. Hereby we will focus on work with a concrete link to cortical physiology, structure or dynamics observed in experiments. Our goals are to establish novel links between communities, concepts and methods and to identify key problems that have to be addressed by future theoretical and experimental work. Registration ============ The general costs of the workshop will be subsidized by the 'Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg Institute for Advanced Study' (www.h-w-k.de) and by the BMBF (Bernstein Award Udo Ernst). However, in order to cover all costs, we ask for a registration fee in the amount of € 50,00 for PhD students and € 100,00 for postdocs/professors. Unfortunately, we cannot cover your costs for accommodation and travelling. Participation in the workshop will be limited to about 60 attendees (20 main speakers, 40 postdocs + PhD students). In case you are interested in participating, we would ask you to send your reply to Agnes Janssen ajanssen(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de. We can also arrange hotel reservations for you. Poster session ============== Besides the talks of the main speakers and plenty of time for discussions, there will be a poster session. You are invited to present a poster, in which case please send the title and abstract to Agnes Janssen. Again, we would greatly appreciate having you at our workshop. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely Udo Ernst and Nergis Tömen

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Post-Doc position at UCL Ear Institute: How the brain detects patterns in sound sequences
by Marcus Pearce Jan. 18, 2017

Jan. 18, 2017

Dear All (with apologies for cross-posting), *A postdoctoral research associate position*is available at the UCL Ear Institute’s ‘Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience Lab’ to work on a project entitled "How the brain detects patterns in sound sequences". The project will be supervised by Dr Maria Chait and conducted in collaboration with Dr. Marcus Pearce (Queen Mary University, London) and colleagues at the UCL Wellcome Trust centre for neuroimaging. The post is funded for 34 months in the first instance and involves a combination of behavioural, computational, eye tracking, and functional brain imaging (EEG, MEG, fMRI) experiments in humans. For more information about the post please see the lab website: *http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ear/research/chaitlab/vacancies* The Ear Institute is a leading interdisciplinary centre for hearing research in Europe, situated within one of the strongest neuroscience communities in the world at University College London *Key Requirements* The successful applicant will have a PhD in neuroscience or a neuroscience-related discipline and proven ability to conduct high-quality original research and prepare results for publication. Essential skills include excellent time-management and organizational ability; proficiency in computer programming and good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Previous experience with functional brain imaging, neural data analysis, psychophysical assessment, and/or auditory science or acoustics would be desirable. *Further Details* You should apply for this post (Ref #: 1618836) through UCL's online recruitment website, www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs <http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs>, where you can download a job description and person specifications. *Closing Date for applications is: *1 Feb 2017 *For an informal discussion please contact Dr. Maria Chait (m.chait(a)ucl.ac.uk).* Maria Chait PhD m.chait(a)ucl.ac.uk <mailto:m.chait@ucl.ac.uk> Reader in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience Lab site: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ear/research/chaitlab/ UCL Ear Institute 332 Gray's Inn Road London WC1X 8EE

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Faculty position in Computational Neuroscience - open rank
by Jorn Diedrichsen Jan. 18, 2017

Jan. 18, 2017

Western University (Ontario, Canada) is inviting applications from exceptional investigators at all career levels for a probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant or Associate or a tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate or Professor in Computational Neuroscience. This appointment is in association with BrainsCAN (http://www.uwo.ca/brainscan) a $66M initiative funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund at Western University, and will be the first of two new positions in this area. For further particulars, please see: http://www.uwo.ca/bmi/media/CompNeuroScienceJan2017.pdf Jörn Diedrichsen Western Research Chair Brain Mind Institute Department of Computer Science Department of Statistics Email: jdiedric(a)uwo.ca<mailto:jdiedric@uwo.ca> Tel: 1-519-661-2111 x86994

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Funded PhD/postdoc position "Neural basis for motivation and perseverence in behavior"
by Gjorgjieva, Julijana Jan. 17, 2017

Jan. 17, 2017

A funded PhD position "Neural basis for motivation and perseverence in behavior” is available in the group of Julijana Gjorgjieva, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research (Frankfurt, Germany) and the Technical University of Munich (Munich, Germany). We will also consider strong postdoctoral applicants. Recommended application deadline: February 15, 2017. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. The project is a collaboration with the experimental lab of Ilona Grunwald Kadow (Technical University of Munich) who studies the neural circuits underlying sensory processing and decision making in Drosophila. We are two young and highly-driven labs with many interesting ideas and synergistic interactions. Have you ever wondered how you came to like the taste of coffee? If you don’t like blue cheese, would you still consider eating some if you were very hungry? We want to understand how behavior changes in response to different sensory experiences and how they are imprinted as memories. The project aims to uncover circuit principles and behavioral readouts of motivation and persistence in the presence of diverse stimuli of different valences (appetitive of aversive) and as a function of internal state (e.g. hunger). To achieve this, we use a combination of theory, computational modeling and cutting-edge experiments. Applicants should have strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields), some experience in programming and data analysis, and a desire to develop cutting-edge experimental techniques. Previous background in behavioral analysis is a plus! The position offers the possibility to live in two of the most exciting cities in Germany and Europe. It will be based at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, with frequent visits to the Technical University of Munich in Munich. The position also offers the possibility of behavioral analysis and in vivo multiphoton imaging experiments to be performed in the collaborating Grunwald Kadow lab: http://www.neuro.wzw.tum.de To apply, please email the following: 1. A curriculum vitae 2. A motivation letter (if a PhD student) or a description of research interests (if a postdoc). Please explain your scientific interests, what are you strengths when working on a problem, why us? 3. Contact details for 2-3 referees 4. A written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or code Please feel free to contact us with informal enquiries: gjorgjieva(a)brain.mpg.de http://www.cns.wzw.tum.de ----------------------------------------- Julijana Gjorgjieva, PhD Research Group Leader Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Technical University of Munich, WZW Freising office: +49 69 850033 3600 http://cns.wzw.tum.de

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Post-doc position in Computational Neuroscience available at University of Sussex
by Thomas Nowotny Jan. 17, 2017

Jan. 17, 2017

Dear all, A post-doc position in Computational Neuroscience is available at the University of Sussex for 20 months to be filled as soon as possible. You will be joining the Odor Objects project (http://www.odor-objects.org/) in which we are investigating how animals interpret the complex odor plumes of chemicals in the air to identify sources of odors and distinguish them. Odor Objects is supported by the Human Frontiers Science Program (www.hfsp.org/<http://www.hfsp.org/>) and combines 4 international groups in Konstanz, Germany (physiology), Tempe, Arizona (behavior), Tokyo, Japan (robotics) and Brighton, UK (computational models). If you are joining us at Sussex your work will involve computational modelling of brain networks and data analysis of related data from the experimental partners. Models will then be used to design bio-mimetic controllers which will be tested by our partners in Japan. We are looking for a talented post-doc with an interest in computational work. Applicants from all science disciplines are welcome but essential skills are the ability to program, mathematical skills, e.g. to be able to apply dynamical systems analysis, and creative scientific thinking. The bulk of the work will be carried out on the beautiful Falmer campus of the University of Sussex at the outskirts of the lively South Coast town of Brighton. As part of the project you will travel to the project partners worldwide. There are many opportunities for further interactions at Sussex beyond the project, e.g. with the Brains on Board project (BrainsOnBoard<http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/P006094/1)>), and a wide variety of Neuroscience research in Sussex Neuroscience (www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/>). For more details and to apply, please go to http://www.sussex.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/1626 . There is an initial closing date of 1 February 2017 but we will continue searching until the position is filled. Best regards, Thomas -- Prof Thomas Nowotny Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange School of Engineering and Informatics University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK Phone: +441273678593 FAX: +441273877873

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3-year fully-funded PhD in motor learning and control
by Joseph Galea (School of Psychology) (ID=*****11) Jan. 17, 2017

Jan. 17, 2017

Dear all, The Galea lab (josephgalea.weebly.com<http://josephgalea.weebly.com/>) in the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham (UK) has a fully-funded (for UK/EU nationals) 3-year PhD position beginning October, 2017 funded by the ERC starting grant: MotMotLearn. Motor learning (the ability of the brain to learn and update how an action is executed) is a fundamental process which influences many aspects of our lives such as learning to walk during childhood; the day-to-day behavioural adjustments required as an adult or in healthy ageing; and the rehabilitation process following an illness or injury. Despite the impact to society, it has proved extremely difficult to develop interventions that significantly enhance human motor learning. Therefore, devising protocols which optimise motor learning is a state-of-the-art research question that promises to deliver scientific, clinical and societal impact. Seeking reward and avoiding punishment are powerful factors in motivating humans to alter behaviour during cognition-based learning (selecting which action to perform), with sensitivity to reward and punishment being biased by the availability of dopamine in the brain. Intriguingly, reward and punishment are also known to affect generic motor learning (deciding how an action is executed) tasks which involve multiple underlying mechanisms. However to establish their potential for optimizing motor learning, we must understand how explicit reward- and punishment-based motivational feedback impact motor learning systems with unique computational and anatomical features. Using a combination of behavioural analysis, computational modelling, genetics and brain imaging, this PhD project will contribute to the first systems-based account of how reward, punishment and dopamine influence motor learning. Specifically, the successful candidate will investigate how motor memories are consolidated across multiple days and the influence reward has on this process. It will further examine whether memory retention can be enhanced through reward-based implicit cues and if this process can be captured with EEG. Dr Galea is seeking an intelligent and enthusiastic student with experience either in motor control/learning, computational neuroscience and/or EEG. The ideal candidate will have experience with programming in matlab, collecting data (from participants) on behavioural tasks and some understanding of statistics. A masters and/or research assistant experience would be ideal but not compulsory. Psychology at the University of Birmingham www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology/research/index.aspx<http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology/research/index.aspx> If interested please email your CV to: j.galea(a)bham.ac.uk<mailto:j.galea@bham.ac.uk>

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Connectomics
by Francesca Martini/NSAS Jan. 16, 2017

Jan. 16, 2017

I would like to post in the mailing list about the following Workshop: Advanced Course: Connectomics. April 22-26, 2017. Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Siena, Italy. Coordinator: Sean Hill (Switzerland) This Advanced Course will focus on multi-scale aspects of the connectome and will cover the cellular basis of connectivity; large-scale data gathering and data analysis of whole brain connectivity across scales; data integration of multimodal connectome data; data-driven computational modeling and simulation at different scales of brain circuitry; the development of the connectome and its link to behavior and neurological disorders; predicting whole brain dynamics from the connectome; the relationship between the connectome and the diversity of brain states and experiences. Further information: <http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/> http://www.nsas.it/courses-workshops/advanced-courses/connectomics/ Kind regards, Francesca The Course Secretariat Neuroscience School of Advanced Studies Certosa di Pontignano Via di Pontignano 5, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena. Italy Tel. +39.0577.146.0003

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2 postdoc positions open in Champalimaud, Lisbon
by Cristina Chavarrías Jan. 13, 2017

Jan. 13, 2017

*Call for Post-Doctoral Fellows in the Neuroplasticity & Neural Activity MRI-Lab * Two fully-funded post-doc positions are available immediately in the Neuroplasticity & Neural Activity MRI-Lab <http://neuro.fchampalimaud.org/en/research/investigators/research-groups/gr…> at the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme (CNP), Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. We are looking for top-tier, highly-motivated Post-Doctoral Fellows who have a strong interest in understanding how underlying neural activity is related with fMRI signals. The focus is on performing high-end BOLD and nonBOLD fMRI with simultaneous calcium recordings and/or electrophysiology in rodents, using optogenetics for pretargeting specific populations of neurons. In particular, we aim to hire one person with extensive experience in* in vivo* calcium recordings / imaging and/or electrophysiology and one person with extensive experience in fMRI analyses. An excellent, well-documented track-record is imperative. To apply, please send the following items to noam.shemesh(a)neuro.fchampalimaud.org: 1. Cover Letter stating your interests 2. A full CV, including list of publications 3. Names and email addresses of at least 3 references. Successful applicants will receive full funding and a private/national health insurance. Call deadline: *Feb 28th 2017*. ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- The Shemesh Lab in Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme (CNP) <http://neuro.fchampalimaud.org/en/research/investigators/research-groups/gr…> investigates neural activity, neuroplasticity, and how they elicit behavioral changes *in vivo*. These questions are interrogated in the context of normal processes (development, learning…), as well as in neuropsychiatric and neurodegeneration animal models of disease. Our approach involves a plethora of advanced methods, mainly revolving around state-of-the-art preclinical MRI/MRS, augmented by simultaneous ancillary techniques (optogenetics, calcium recordings, advanced behavioral testing). One of the main goals in the Lab is to develop nonBOLD fMRI methods, which will report on neural activity much more directly compared to conventional fMRI. This ERC-funded Lab benefits from a cutting-edge, ultrahigh field 16.4T scanner, as well as a 9.4T scanner equipped with two 4-element array cryoprobes (for mice and rats, respectively), another 1T scanner for basic scanning and testing in more biomedical settings, and lasers for optogenetics / calcium recordings; the Lab also has a fully equipped surgery room, space for performing extensive behavioural studies and access to one of Europe’s largest vivaria and ancillary platforms for histology, microscopy, transgenics and viruses, among others. CNP is situated within the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown <http://www.fchampalimaud.org/en/>, a private, non-profit foundation residing on Lisbon’s waterfront, right where the River Tejo meets the Atlantic Ocean. CCU provides a stunning and productive working environment, harboring a Neuroscience department for basic research, and a clinical centre for treating cancer patients with pioneering methods. This unique blend of basic research and clinical practice under the same roof, which actively encourages collaborations and exchange of ideas, results in a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating atmosphere. Post-Doctoral salaries are very competitive vis-à-vis Lisbon costs of living, and post-docs further benefit from health insurance.

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Towards solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness
by Stephen Grossberg Jan. 12, 2017

Jan. 12, 2017

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to call your attention to my article about the Hard Problem of Consciousness. The results have enabled me to explain lots of psychological and neurobiological data about normal subjects and clinical patients for which I can find no other explanations, let alone explanations as part of an emerging unified theory. The article is published Open Access so anyone can read it. Grossberg, S. (2017). Towards solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness: The varieties of brain resonances and the conscious experiences that they support Neural Networks 87, 38–95 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893608016301800 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893608016301800> Best, Steve Stephen Grossberg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Grossberg <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Grossberg> http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3BIV70wAAAAJ&hl=en <http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3BIV70wAAAAJ&hl=en>https://youtu.be/9n5AnvFur7I <https://youtu.be/9n5AnvFur7I> Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering Director, Center for Adaptive Systems http://cns.bu.edu/~steve <http://cns.bu.edu/~steve> steve(a)bu.edu <mailto:steve@bu.edu>

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Fancy a change in 2017? Faculty posts in the UK...
by John Spencer (PSY) Jan. 12, 2017

Jan. 12, 2017

Greetings Colleagues, The School of Psychology at the University of East Anglia (https://www.uea.ac.uk/psychology) has 5 faculty positions available at the Lecturer (Assistant Prof) / Senior Lecturer/Reader (Associate Prof) / and Professor levels. This is part of a major expansion of the School; as such, we welcome interest from research teams who might offer concentrated strength in a single area. The School of Psychology is the newest school at UEA, and the first new School of Psychology to be formed in a research-intensive university in the UK for many years. These posts signal UEA's commitment to investment in world-class research, forming part of an ambitious expansion plan to create a world-leading faculty bridging disciplines to yield deep understanding of the processes that underlie and organise human behaviour. We are currently building a strength in the area of systems neuroscience, including a variety of imaging approaches as well as computational neuroscience. UEA has fantastic research facilities (fNIRS, fMRI, TMS, EEG, eye-tracking, virtual reality), a lovely campus, and it is situated in Norwich, UK - a wonderful place to live, with a castle, cathedrals, restaurants, and pubs. If you have any questions about the posts, do let me know. Details can be found at: https://www.uea.ac.uk/hr/vacancies/academic/-/asset_publisher/h0n2rDvu3ug8/… Cheers, John Spencer John P. Spencer, PhD Professor School of Psychology, Room 0.09 Lawrence Stenhouse Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ United Kingdom Email: j.spencer(a)uea.ac.uk<mailto:j.spencer@uea.ac.uk> School website: http://www.uea.ac.uk/psy Telephone 01603 593968 [cid:image001.png@01D09851.EF67E200] UK Top 15 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017) UK Top 5 for Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2005-2016) World Top 1% (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2016-17) World Top 100 for Research Excellence (Leiden Ranking 2016)

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Open postdoctoral position in fMRI data analysis at the California Institute of Technology
by Ueli Rutishauser Jan. 12, 2017

Jan. 12, 2017

*Post-doctoral position for fMRI data analysis at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech)* We invite applicants with strong expertise in machine learning and functional connectivity analysis of resting-state fMRI data to apply for a post-doctoral position in Caltech’s NIH Conte Center for the Neurobiology of Social Decision-Making (conte.caltech.edu) The research will be in a highly collaborative environment and include exploration of multimodal data encompassing rs-fMRI, structural MRI, psychological assessments, eyetracking data, as well as lesion data and intracranial electrophysiology, with the overall aim to investigate the neural underpinnings of individual differences. Candidates should have a recent PhD in systems, cognitive, or computational neuroscience with a track-record of first-author publications. Strong programming skills (using Matlab or Python), data handling skills, statistical literacy and fMRI software expertise (Freesurfer, AFNI/FSL/SPM, Connectome Workbench) are essential. Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants should submit a CV, including a list of publications, a brief description of research interests and analysis skills, and a list of three references to Ralph Adolphs, radolphs(a)caltech.edu.

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3 neuroinformatics positions in the Vogels Group at Oxford University
by timvogels＠gmail.com Jan. 12, 2017

Jan. 12, 2017

Dear all, We are opening three positions (2 postdocs and a technician) in my lab to continue the work on icg.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk <http://icg.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk/>. Our first paper is still in revision, but its pretty close to out now, so if we’re lucky, at some point it will make it out into the world. You can find a preprint at http://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/06/16/058685 <http://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/06/16/058685>. If you are interested (or you know someone who would be interested) in any of the open positions, please find the first two ads with information on how to apply here: bit.ly/2i8zKQU <http://bit.ly/2i8zKQU> and here: bit.ly/2jkz4cn <http://bit.ly/2jkz4cn> Deadline is the 10th of February 2017 but we will keep looking until we find suitable applicants. The starting date is negotiable. We are looking for people who can code up a storm, love neurobiology and neuroinformatics and work well in a team environment. Successful candidates will work with the other members of the @icgenalogy project within the Vogels lab, http://www.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk/~timv <http://www.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk/~timv> at the cncb.ox.ac.uk <http://cncb.ox.ac.uk/> at the University of Oxford. We will collaborate with https://senselab.med.yale.edu/ModelDB/ <https://senselab.med.yale.edu/ModelDB/> and hope to integrate also with http://www.opensourcebrain.org/ <http://www.opensourcebrain.org/>, http://www.treestoolbox.org/index.html <http://www.treestoolbox.org/index.html>, and any other open source brain simulation databases that wants to coordinate their efforts. Below, please find additional information for the posts, but do feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. Applications from women and minority groups are encouraged. All the best, Tim Vogels ------------------ Prof Tim Vogels Sir Henry Dale Research Fellow, Associate Professor Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour and Oriel College Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics University of Oxford Mansfield Road Oxford, OX1 3SR http://cncb.ox.ac.uk <http://cncb.ox.ac.uk/> http://www.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk/~timv <http://www.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk/~timv> Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Neuroscience Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford Grade 7.1 £31,076 p.a. We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to support and expand ongoing neuroinformatics research (https://icg.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk) undertaken in the Vogels Group at the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour. The candidate will contribute to the development of approaches for the quantitative analysis, comparison and categorisation of published neuroscientific models and experimental data, aiding in field-wide standardization of experimentally-constrained modelling. The researcher will be expected to carry out simulations of morphologically detailed neuron models and neuronal networks in the NEURON simulation environment, and should be familiar with, and able to implement, standard models of ion channel function. Additionally, he/she will develop neuroinformatics infrastructure for the storage, classification and visualisation of experimental and simulated data. The successful candidate will also perform general laboratory duties to include keeping accurate records of work carried out, maintaining adequate levels of general laboratory consumables, to take part in and make regular reports at laboratory meetings and to share responsibility for general data management of the lab. The candidate will also be expected to guide and support the progress of the Graduate students in the lab. Some ad hoc teaching may also be required. The successful candidate must have a demonstrable academic interest in both computer science and the neurosciences with a PhD in neuroscience, computer science or a related discipline. They will have experience with object oriented programming, be familiar with Git and team-based software development and have laboratory experience in computational neuroscience, neuroinformatics and computer science. They should have good written and oral communication skills and be able to work as part of team and to collaborate with other colleagues on a wide range of projects. The successful candidate will be based at the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA. This is a full-time, fixed-term post until March 2020 funded by the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council). The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 10 February 2017. Lab Technician Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford Grade 5: £24,565 p.a. We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support and expand ongoing neuroinformatics research (https://icg.neurotheory.ox.ac.uk) undertaken in the Vogels Group at the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour. The candidate will contribute to the development of approaches for the quantitative analysis, comparison and categorisation of published neuroscientific models and experimental data, aiding in field-wide standardisation of experimentally-constrained modelling. The technician will be responsible for the curation and maintenance of a large database of published neuroscientific models and simulation data. For the expansion of the database, he/she will be expected to extract and annotate data from publications, as well as manipulate code for neuroscientific models to comply to standardized specifications. This includes the conversion of existing code between common neuronal simulator frameworks (e.g. Neuron, Moose, and Genesis). The research technician will preferably have extensive experience in neuroscience and/or computer science, or a related discipline such as maths, physics or biophysics. The post has high potential for training in neuroscience and would be an excellent starting point for a career in computational neuroscience or neuroinformatics. The candidate will be expected to work in close collaboration with all team members. The successful candidate will also perform general laboratory duties to include keeping accurate records of work carried out, maintaining adequate levels of general laboratory consumables, to take part in and make regular reports at laboratory meetings and to share responsibility for general data management of the lab. This post is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for a fixed-term of 3 years. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 10th February 2017.

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TMBMC - Shannon Centennial Special Issue Part 1
by Dimitrov, Alex Jan. 11, 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

Please, take a look at the TMBMC issue that we edited. A second volume is coming up soon… View this email in your browser<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__us12.campaign-2Darchive…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/660c2fc8403470cea02de0f18/images/6690283a-215…]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications is proud to announce that our Special Issue on Biological Applications of Information Theory in Honor of Claude Shannon’s Centennial—Part 1 is now live on IEEE Xplore<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…>. Within the issue, you'll find the following 8 papers: * Mechanisms of information filtering in neural systems (Invited Paper; Linder) * Noise Filtering and Prediction in Biological Signaling Networks (Invited Paper; Hathcock, Sheehy, Weisenberger, Ilker, and Hinczewski) * The Use of Rate Distortion Theory to Evaluate Biological Signaling Pathways (Invited Paper; Iglesias) * Nonlinear Stochastic Dynamics of Complex Systems, III: Noneqilibrium Thermodynamics of Self-Replication Kinetics (Saakian and Qian) * Inferring Biological Networks by Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics (Mangan, Brunton, Proctor and Kutz) * Info-Clustering: A Mathematical Theory for Data Clustering (Chan, Al-Bashabsheh, Kaced, Zhou and Liu) * Fundamental Bounds for Sequence Reconstruction from Nanopore Sequencers (Magner, Duda, Szpankowski and Grama) * Inference of Causal Information Flow in Collective Animal Behavior (Lord, Sun, Ouellette and Bollt) Special Issue Guest Editors Prof. Alexander G. Dimitrov Department of Mathematics and Statistics Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Washington State University, Vancouver, Washington, USA Prof. Faramarz Fekri Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Prof. Aurel Lazar Department of Electrical Engineering Columbia University, New York, New York, USA Prof. Stefan M. Moser Signal and Information Processing Lab (ISI) ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan Prof. Peter J. Thomas* Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of Biology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA *corresponding guest editor The Special Issue on Biological Applications of Information Theory in Honor of Claude Shannon’s Centennial—Part 2 is forthcoming. Sincerely, Christina Tang-Bernas Editorial Assistant IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications Copyright © 2017 IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have attended a TMBMC-related event, are affiliated with TMBMC and/or their editors, published in TMBMC, or opted in at the TMBMC website. Our mailing address is: IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications 3737 Watt Way PHE 506 Los Angeles, CA 90089 Add us to your address book<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> or unsubscribe from this list<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> This email was sent to alex.dimitrov(a)vancouver.wsu.edu<mailto:alex.dimitrov@vancouver.wsu.edu> why did I get this?<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> unsubscribe from this list<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> update subscription preferences<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mbmc.us12.list-2Dmanage…> IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications · 3737 Watt Way · PHE 506 · Los Angeles, CA 90089 · USA [mail Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.mailchimp.com_monke…>

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PhD position Warwick University - neuroimaging genetics for economic and strategic choice
by Massaro, Sebastiano Jan. 11, 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

[Apologies for cross-postings. Please feel free to circulate the post to your network. Thanks] PhD Position at Warwick University Neuroimaging genetics for economic and strategic choice [Competitive funding for UK/EU candidates only] Applications are invited for a full-time PhD position at Warwick University on "neuroimaging genetics for economic and strategic choice" commencing in October 2017. The project will be developed under the supervision of Prof. Feng (Warwick and Fudan) and Dr. Massaro (Warwick), at the Department of Computer Science and Warwick Business School, respectively. This project is part of an ongoing research endeavour developed with Prof. Rustichini at the University of Minnesota, Economics, and may involve other Departments and scholars at Warwick. The candidate will be based at Warwick University; due to the nature of project may be required to occasionally travel to Minneapolis and/or Shanghai. The project This PhD project undertakes a multidisciplinary approach to advance the current understanding of the biological basis of human economic and strategic decision making. The overarching question of this PhD project is: How do genes, brain activity, and behaviour relate to one another to explain the underpinnings of economic and strategic choice? Behavioral, physiological, structural and functional brain imaging, as well as genetic data will be analyzed in an integrated way to identify the biological origins and pathways expressed in brain activity and associated to specific economic and strategic tasks. Depending on their background, the candidate will join this project by contributing to the development of the genetic (GWAS), statistical (classic and Bayesian), neuroimaging (fMRI), and/or computational aspects of the project. Candidate specification We seek to recruit a highly motivated student with very strong numeracy and/or experimental skills. The ideal candidate will have a first class (or equivalent) BSc or preferably MSc degree (awarded/expected) from a reputed University in a discipline relevant to the project (i.e., mathematics, physics, computer science, cognitive sciences, genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics, economics). Interest in the study of strategic decision-making and neuroeconomics, and former experience with genetic analyses, fMRI data analysis, and/or computational neuroscience methods are desirable. Proficiency in oral and written English is required according to the University Regulations (http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/english/<https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=70842&type=184&DID=22…>). How to apply Candidates interested in this project shall initially contact Dr. Massaro via email (sebastiano.massaro(a)wbs.ac.uk) including a copy of their CVs (with the name of 2 referees), and specifying if self-funded or seeking a scholarship, by the 7th of February 2017. Following this, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an informal interview. Pending a positive outcome, if seeking funding, the candidate will then be endorsed for application to the highly-competitive Bridges Programme (see below). This does not guarantee funding/placement in the Bridges Programme. Funding Shortlisted candidates seeking funding will be endorsed for application to the Bridges Programme at the University of Warwick. The Bridges Programme aims to provide PhD students with deep knowledge of contemporary research questions in the social sciences, and rigorous training in the mathematical and computational approaches needed to answer them. The Trust has a particular interest in supporting UK or EU students. More information can be found here (View Website<https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=70842&type=184&DID=22…>) Other UK/EU scholarships may be available at the University of Warwick for 2017/18 intake (View Website<https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=70842&type=184&DID=22…>). Applications from self-funded candidates are also welcome.

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[EAIS 2017] Paper Submission deadline is on Sunday, 15th January 2017 2359 UTC-12hr
by Teng Teck Hou Jan. 11, 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

[Apologies for cross-postings] ################################################## CALL FOR PAPERS IEEE Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems (EAIS 2017) May 31- June 2, 2017, Ljubljana, Slovenia http://msc.fe.uni-lj.si/eais2017/ ################################################## The 2017 IEEE Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems (EAIS 2017) will be held in Ljubljana (Slovenia), a beautiful medieval town. Ljubljana lies halfway between Vienna and Venice, at the crossroads of different cultures, geographical regions, and historical developments. Compared to other capitals, Ljubljana is very small, very green, and very walking-friendly town, which makes it a great place to explore on foot. It is in the center of Slovenia and enables exploring some of the most popular tourist sights of Slovenia in one day. Visit enchanting Bled, with its medieval castle perched upon the lake, explore mysterious Predjama castle and end the trip by visiting Postojna cave, Slovenia's number 1 attraction. EAIS 2017 will provide a working and friendly atmosphere and will be a leading international forum focusing on the discussion of recent advances, the exchange of recent innovations and the outline of open important future challenges in the area of Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems. Over the past decade, this area has emerged to play an important role on a broad international level in today's real-world applications, especially those ones with high complexity and dynamics change. Its embedded modelling and learning methodologies are able to cope with real-time demands, changing operation conditions, varying environmental influences, human behaviors, knowledge expansion scenarios and drifts in online data streams. EAIS 2017 is organized by the IEEE Technical Committee on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems, SMC Society. The conference series has a history starting in 2006 in Lake District (England). It was held after that in Witten-Bommerholz (Germany), Nashville (USA), Leicester (England), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Singapore, Linz (Austria), Douai (France), and Natal (Brasil). Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended versions for possible inclusion in a special issue of the Journal Evolving Systems (Springer). ##############################Important Dates############################## * Paper Submission January 15, 2017 * Paper Decision Notification February 24, 2017 * Camera-Ready Submission March 24, 2017 * Authors registration March 24, 2017 * Conference May 31 - June 2, 2017 ########################################################################### ##########################Keynote Speakers########################## * Plamen Angelov, Professor, Lancaster University, United Kingdom * Fernando Gomide, Professor, University of Campinas, Brazil * Nikola Kasabov, Professor of Computer Sience, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand #################################################################### ##########################Accepted Special Sessions########################## 1. Computational Intelligence in Control of Power Generating Systems, Transmission and Load Management, Session proposer: Horst Schulte, HTW Berlin Email: Horst.Schulte(a)HTW-Berlin.de ############################################################################ # ############Paper Submission and Publication############ * Papers for EAIS 2017 should be submitted electronically through the Conference website at http://msc.fe.uni-lj.si/eais2017. * Submitted papers will be refereed by experts in the fields and ranked based on the criteria of originality, significance, quality and clarity. ######################################################## ######################################################## IEEE Autonomous Learning Machines Competition ALMA Competition is organized by IEEE SMC Society. The goal of this competition is to increase the level of autonomy of the learning algorithms. Competition Tracks: 1. New data sets and streams that are suitable demonstrators for the topic of the competition. 2. New methods and algorithms for Autonomous Machine Learning in: . Clustering . Classification . Control . Prediction Awards: Track 1 - $1000 Track 2 - $1000 in each category ($4000). Important Dates: 31 January, 2017. Deadline for submitting the algorithms in open source GNU license format. The proposed methods and algorithms must be described in form of papers and submitted to the ALS Competition track of EAIS 2017 and presented at the conference (which will be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia). May 31- June 2, 2017. Results will be announced during the conference EAIS 2017. ######################################################## ##################Topics and Areas of Interest################## This conference solicits papers addressing original works in topics and areas of interest including, but are not limited to: * Basic Methologies Evolving Soft Computing Techniques Evolving Fuzzy Systems Evolving Rule-Based Classifiers Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Systems Adaptive Evolving Neural Networks Adaptive Evolving Fuzzy Systems Online Genetic and Evolutionary Algorithms Data Stream Mining Incremental and Evolving Clustering Approaches Adaptive Control Adaptive Pattern Recognition Computational Intelligence in Control and Estimation Incremental and Evolving ML Classifiers Adaptive Statistical Techniques Evolving Decision Systems Big Data Advanced Concepts * Problems and Methodologies in Data Streams Stability, Robustness, Convergence in Evolving Systems Online Feature Selection and Dimension Reduction Online Active and Semi-supervised Learning Online Complexity Reduction Computational Aspects Interpretability Issues Incremental Adaptive Ensemble Methods Online Bagging and Boosting Self-monitoring Evolving Systems Human-Machine Interaction Issues Hybrid Modeling Transfer Learning Reservoir Computing Real-world Applications * EIS for On-Line Modeling, System Identification, and Control EIS for Time Series Prediction EIS for Data Stream Mining and Adaptive Knowledge Discovery EIS in Robotics, Intelligent Transport and Advanced Manufacturing EIS in Advanced Communications and Multi-Media Applications EIS in Bioinformatics and Medicine EIS in Online Quality Control and Fault Diagnosis EIS in Condition Monitoring Systems EIS in Adaptive Evolving Controller Design EIS in User Activities Recognition EIS in Huge Database and Web Mining EIS in Visual Inspection and Image Classification EIS in Image Processing EIS in Cloud Computing EIS in Multiple Sensor Networks EIS in Query Systems and Social Networks EIS in Alternative Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches ################################################################ ##########################Organizing Committee########################## * Honorary Chairs Plamen Angelov, UK Dimitar Filev, USA Nikola Kasabov, New Zealand * Conference Chair Igor Škrjanc, chair, Slovenia Sašo Blažic, co-chair, Slovenia * Publication Chairs Edwin Lughofer, Austria Sašo Blažic, Slovenia * Local Arrangement Chairs Dejan Dovžan, Slovenia Milan Simcic, Slovenia * Web & Publicity Chair José A. Iglesias, Spain Teck-Hou Teng, Singapore * Special Session Chair: Radu-Emil Precup, Romania * Program Committee Chair: Igor Škrjanc, Slovenia * International Program Committe Cesare Alippi, Italy Plamen Angelov, UK Rosangela Ballini, Brazil Rashmi Dutta Baruah, India Abdelhamid Bouchachia, UK Jorge Cassillas, Spain Bruno Costa, Brazil Dejan Dovžan, Slovenia Alain Droniou, France Dimitar Filev, USA Nadine Gaertner, Germany Joao Gama, Portugal Fernando Gomide, Brazil Jose Antonio Iglesias Martínez, Spain Lazaros Iliadis, Greece Nik Kasabov, New Zealand Juš Kocijan, Slovenia Ana Kosareva, Germany Rudolf Kruse, Germany Agapito Ledezma, Spain Daniel Furtado Leite, Brazil Andre Lemos, Brazil Chin Teng Lin, Taiwan Edwin Lughofer, Austria Yannis Manolopoulos, Greece Trevor Martin, UK Moamar Sayed Mouchaweh, France Veronika Nesheva, UK Seiichi Ozawa, Japan Witold Pedrycz, Canada Radu-Emil Precup, Romania Jose de Jesus Rubio, Mexico Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Spain Horst Schulte, Germany Olga Senyukova, Russia Teck Hou Teng, Singapore Marley Vellasco, Brazil Di Wang, UAE Wilson Wang, Canada Ronald Yager, USA ####################################################################### #########################Sponsoring Organizations######################### * IEEE * Laboratory of Modeling, Simulation and Control, University of Ljubljana * Laboratory of Autonomous Mobile Systems, University of Ljubljana ##########################################################################

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PhD position available at ETH Zürich
by Felix Franke Jan. 10, 2017

Jan. 10, 2017

We are looking for a talented student with a proactive and self-driven nature who will map functional characteristics of retinal ganglion cells across the entire retina. The successful candidate will perform experiments with ex-vivo retinae and state-of-the-art microelectrode array technology in an interdisciplinary research project and will collaborate with scientists in electrical engineering, neurobiology, computational neuroscience and ophthalmic research. The PhD project is set in an interdisciplinary research group providing an exciting scientific environment and linked with several ongoing projects. It will pave the way to a better functional understanding of the organization of retina, including the optics of the eye and the statistics of natural stimuli. In particular, we want to understand if functional properties of retinal ganglion cells follow a spatial organization across the entire retina. The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, C++), knowledge of statistics and data analysis methods, and a background in Systems Neuroscience, Electrophysiology, Computational Neuroscience, Signal Processing, Optics or related fields. Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Felix Franke (felix.franke(a)ethz.ch) The position is with the Bio Engineering Laboratory of ETH Zurich in Basel in the group of Prof. Andreas Hierlemann (https://www.bsse.ethz.ch/bel) and begins in March 2017 although the starting date is flexible. The position is fully funded for 4 years. Please apply under https://apply.refline.ch/845721/5083/pub/1/index.html including a CV, short statement of motivation and research interests, and two letters of reference. -- Felix Franke, PhD ETH Zürich, D-BSSE Bio Engineering Laboratory (BEL) http://www.bsse.ethz.ch/bel

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Save the Date: 3rd Int. Workshop on Machine learning, Optimization & big Data - MOD 2017 Call for Papers - Paper submission deadline: February 28, 2017
by Giuseppe Nicosia Jan. 9, 2017

Jan. 9, 2017

[Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this announcement] [Please kindly help forward it to potentially interested attendees] 3rd International Workshop on Machine learning, Optimization and big Data - MOD 2017 An Interdisciplinary Workshop: Machine Learning, Optimization and Data Science without Borders - SIAF Learning Village - Volterra (Pisa) Tuscany, September 14-17, 2017 http://www.taosciences.it/mod/ modworkshop2017(a)gmail.com ************************* CALL FOR PAPERS ************************* Paper submission deadline: February 28, 2017 http://www.taosciences.it/mod/call-for-papers/ https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=mod2017 The MOD 2017 workshop will consist of four days of workshop sessions and special sessions. We invite submissions of papers, abstracts and posters on all topics related to Machine learning, Optimization and Big Data including real-world applications for the workshop proceedings: http://www.taosciences.it/mod/call-for-papers/ https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=mod2017 Please prepare your paper in English using the Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) template, which is available http://www.springer.com/computer/lncs?SGWID=0-164-6-793341-0 Papers must be submitted in PDF. MOD 2017 Types of Submissions When submitting a paper to MOD 2017, authors are required to select one of the following four types of papers: + Long paper: original novel and unpublished work (max. 12 pages in Springer LNCS format); + Short paper: an extended abstract of novel work (max. 4 pages); + Work for oral presentation only (no page restriction; any format). For example, work already published elsewhere, which is relevant and which may solicit fruitful discussion at the workshop; + Work for poster presentation only. The poster format for the presentation is A0 (118.9 cm high and 84.1 cm wide, respectively 46.8 x 33.1 inch). For research work which is relevant and which may solicit fruitful discussion at the workshop. MOD 2017 Post-Proceedings All accepted long papers will be published in a volume of the series 'Lecture Notes in Computer Science' from Springer *after* the Workshop. Instructions for preparing and submitting the final versions (camera-ready papers) of all accepted papers will be available later on. All the other papers (short papers, abstract of the oral presentations, poster presentations) will be published on the MOD 2017 web site. MOD 2017 Submission System All papers must be submitted using EasyChair: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=mod2017 The deadline is February 28, 2017 MOD 2017 Important Dates + Paper Submission Deadline: February 28, 2017 + Decision Notification to Authors: May 1st, 2017 + Camera Ready Submission Deadline: June 1st, 2017 + Deadline for early Registration as Presenting Author: June 1st, 2017 + Late registration: June 2 – September 17, 2017 + On-Site registration: September 14-17, 2017 + MOD 2017 Workshop: September 14-17, 2017 We look forward to seeing you in Tuscany! Giuseppe Nicosia & Panos Pardalos - MOD 2017 Chairs. — http://www.taosciences.it/mod/ modworkshop2017(a)gmail.com MOD 2016 Keynote Speakers: Nello Cristianini, University of Bristol, UK George Michailidis, University of Florida, USA Stephen Muggleton, Imperial College London, UK Panos Pardalos, University of Florida, USA http://www.taosciences.it/mod-2016/keynote-speakers/ MOD 2015 Keynote Speakers: Vipin Kumar, University of Minnesota, USA Panos Pardalos, University of Florida, USA Tomaso Poggio, MIT, USA http://www.taosciences.it/mod-2015/MOD 2015 -- Giuseppe Nicosia, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Computer Science Dept of Mathematics & Computer Science University of Catania Viale A. Doria, 6 - 95125 Catania, Italy P +39 095 7383048 nicosia(a)dmi.unict.it http://www.dmi.unict.it/nicosia ================================================================== 4th International Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School - SSBSS 2017 * Biology meets Computer Science & Engineering * July 17-21, 2017 - University of Cambridge, Robinson College, UK http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/ Contact Email: ssbss.school(a)gmail.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/ssbss.school/ SSBSS - Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238417586492061/ Computational Synthetic Biology Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014624245288596/ ================================================================== 3rd International Workshop on Machine learning, Optimization & big Data - MOD 2017 September 14-17, 2017 - Volterra (Pisa), Tuscany, Italy modworkshop2017(a)gmail.com http://www.taosciences.it/mod/ ==================================================================

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Master position in computational neuroscience at INRIA
by Bruno Cessac Jan. 9, 2017

Jan. 9, 2017

Master position in computational neuroscience at INRIA We are seeking an undergraduate student interested in doing a Master thesis, possibly followed by a funded Ph.D. in our group Biovision at INRIA Sophia Antipolis <http://www.inria.fr/en/centre/sophia> lead by Dr. Bruno Cessac. The detailed proposition can be found here https://team.inria.fr/biovision/files/2016/12/M2_Intership_Proposal.pdf In collaboration with experimentalists our group studies how the visual system encodes information about external word. We propose biophysical models, we develop methods coming from theoretical physics and mathematics to analyse them, and we design software inspired from the visual system to mimic its behaviour and to analyse experimental data. Successful applicants should have a strong background in computer science. Physics, mathematics or life science majors with strong skills in computer science (especially C/C++), 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. 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. Unfortunately our source of fundings only covers members of the European Community. Prospective students should apply by sending an email to which includes * a letter of motivation, * CV, * and a copy of the current academic transcripts to be sent to bruno.cessac(a)inria.fr Looking forward to your applications! Bruno Cessac

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several full-time job openings at HRL Laboratories in Malibu, CA
by Pilly, Praveen K Jan. 8, 2017

Jan. 8, 2017

(1) POST DOC RESEARCH STAFF, Machine Learning and Brain-Inspired Computing (2) RESEARCH STAFF, Machine Learning and Brain-Inspired Computing EDUCATION DESIRED: Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Neuroscience, Machine Learning, or related fields. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: To develop, implement, and evaluate novel large-scale brain-inspired computational architectures, including spiking neuromorphic models, to solve complex problems such as resilient sensorimotor control; one-shot learning; visual scene segmentation, recognition, and tracking; spatiotemporal pattern discovery; big data prognostics and diagnostics; grammar learning; etc. Additional job functions include writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, making presentations, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Programming proficiency in C++, Python, or Matlab is required. Knowledge and/or research experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of various neural networks including spiking neuromorphic models, deep learning models, hierarchical temporal memory models, recurrent neural networks, long short-term memory models, deep reinforcement models. Knowledge of expectation maximization theory, Bayesian inference on graphical models, reinforcement learning theory, control systems, nonlinear optimization, and episodic, semantic, and procedural memory systems is preferred. Any experience with high-performance computing using clusters, GPUs, or FPGAs will be a plus. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Good communication (verbal and written) skills, and active participation in R&D team activities are required. Able and willing to occasionally travel. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: U.S. person status required. (3) POST DOC RESEARCH STAFF, Machine Learning and EEG Processing EDUCATION DESIRED: Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Neuroscience, Machine Learning, Bio-Statistics, or related fields ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: To develop, implement, and validate real-time pattern recognition algorithms for decoding high-density EEG signals to predict future behavioral performance and inform non-invasive brain stimulation for behavioral enhancement in realistic tasks. Additional job functions include writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, making presentations, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise. EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Research experience in one or more of the following areas: high-density EEG decoding, pattern recognition applied to brain/body signals, machine learning with very limited training data, brain-machine interfaces, neural statistical modeling, closed-loop brain stimulation, and computational neuroscience. Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms applied to EEG is highly desirable. Experience developing innovative solutions based upon the application of relevant research results from a wide variety of sources. Individuals with a keen interest in translating basic neuroscience research into real-world applications are especially encouraged to apply. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Background in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, pattern recognition, statistical data analysis, neural statistical modeling, neurophysiology, peripheral physiology, neuroscience, and sleep/wake states. Programming proficiency in Matlab and/or C++ is required. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Good communication (verbal and written) skills and active participation in R&D team activities are required. Able and willing to occasionally travel. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: U.S. person status required. We are proud to be an EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. (4) SOFTWARE ENGINEER, Cluster Implementation for Large-Scale Brain Networks EDUCATION DESIRED: Master's degree (or higher) in computer science, engineering, or related fields ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: To implement and evaluate flexible, general-purpose large-scale brain networks on CPU and GPU clusters for real-time operation in real-world applications. Also to visualize large-scale network activity and develop a user interface to set various parameters. Additional job functions include writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, making presentations, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Strong C++ and Python programming skills are required. Experience with/knowledge of brain networks and neural models is highly desired. Experience with threaded programming and MPI, and familiarity with Linux development environment is desired but not necessary. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Good communication (verbal and written) skills, and active participation in R&D team activities are required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: U.S. person status required. We are proud to be an EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. The Information and Systems Sciences Laboratory (ISSL) at HRL Laboratories conducts groundbreaking research in three thrust areas: Complex Networks, Secure and Resilient Systems, Autonomy Computing, and Human-Machine Cognition. We create new and innovative capabilities for diverse applications such as cyber-security, unmanned autonomous systems, human performance augmentation, big data analytics, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The goal of our research in Human-Machine Cognition is to understand how humans process information and effectively interact with the environment to develop smarter autonomous systems, enhance human performance, and develop novel processing systems. Our research starts with the development of large-scale, neurobiologically and behaviorally faithful brain region models. We apply these models along with real-time measurements of brain activity (EEG, fMRI, fNIRS) to create advanced brain-computer interfaces, human decision aids, and neurostimulation-based enhanced training systems. We also use our models to develop novel brain-inspired sensor exploitation, machine learning, and control algorithms, and to develop low size, weight and power brain-based processing hardware for resilient autonomous systems, dexterous robots, and threat warning applications. HRL offers a competitive salary and benefits package, a small company atmosphere, and an ideal work location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We also provide a collaborative technical culture committed to producing the leading R&D in the world. If interested, please send your resume via email to Dr. Praveen Pilly (pkpilly(a)hrl.com<mailto:pkpilly@hrl.com>) and put the pertinent Job Name in the subject heading. -- Praveen K. Pilly, Ph.D. Research Staff Scientist Information and Systems Sciences Laboratory HRL Laboratories Address: 3011 Malibu Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265 Tel: (310) 317-5492 Email: pkpilly(a)hrl.com

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Multiple Postdoc positions in systems neuroscience at Columbia University
by Qi Wang Jan. 6, 2017

Jan. 6, 2017

Apologies for cross posting. Multiple postdoc positions funded by NIH and DARPA projects are available in the Laboratory for Neural Engineering and Control in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University (http://neclab.bme.columbia.edu/) The projects investigate the role of the locus coeruleus (LC) – norepinephrine (NE) system in modulating perception, behavior and learning, and how to accelerate perceptual learning through control of LC activity and peripheral nerve stimulation. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with excellent academic track-record, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Successful candidates should have, or be in the process of completing, a PhD (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a related field. Ideal applicants should have a background on electrophysiology, behavioral training of rodents, and quantitative analytical methods. Experiences in optical imaging is a plus. Applicants should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Applicants should submit a CV, including a list of publications, a brief description of research interests, and a list of three references. All application materials as well as any inquiries should be sent to qi.wang(a)columbia.edu. Salary will be commensurate to the candidate qualifications. -- ====================================== Qi Wang, Assistant Professor Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University ET 351, 500 W 120th Street New York, NY 10027 Email:qi.wang@columbia.edu Associate Editor IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering http://tnsre.embs.org/

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Applications open for Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2017
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 6, 2017

Jan. 6, 2017

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2017 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 26 to July 13, 2017 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 26th through July 13th, 2017 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 3 - February 5, 2017. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Upinder Bhalla (NCBS, India) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh, USA) • Ila Fiete (University of Texas Austin, USA) • Sonja Grün (Research Centre Jülich, Germany) • Shin Ishii (Kyoto University, Japan) • Jason Kerr (MPI Bonn, Germany) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Subkin Lim (NYU Shanghai, China) • Michele Migliore (Institute of Biophysics, Italy) • David Redish (University of Minnesota, USA) • Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins University, USA) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Charles Wilson (University of Texas San Antonio, USA)

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Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2017
by Aurel A. Lazar Jan. 5, 2017

Jan. 5, 2017

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2017 BCMC 2017 March 13-14, 2017 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various sensory and control circuits in higher brain centers. A Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2017> is being conducted in conjunction with the workshop. Workshop participants are welcome to attend the hackathon. Organizer and Program Chair Aurel A. Lazar <http://www.ee.columbia.edu/~aurel>, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University. Program Overview (Confirmed Speakers) Dinu Florin Albeanu <http://albeanulab.labsites.cshl.edu/people/>, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY. Vijay Balasubramanian <http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~vbalasub/public-html/Home.html>, Department of Physics, University of Pennsylvania. Albert Cardona <https://www.janelia.org/people/albert-cardona>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Ann-Shyn Chiang <http://brc.life.nthu.edu.tw/FlyLab/html/leader.html>, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Jonathan B. Demb <http://eyes.yale.edu/people/jonathan_demb.profile>, Yale School of Medicine. Barry J. Dickson <https://www.janelia.org/people/barry-dickson>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Anmo J. Kim <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labmembers/GabyMaimon/>, Rockefeller University, New York. Konrad P. Kording <http://klab.smpp.northwestern.edu/wiki/index.php5/People>, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Adam H. Marblestone <http://www.adammarblestone.org/>, Synthetic Neurobiology Group, MIT. Katherine I. Nagel <http://www.nagellab.com/people/>, NYU Medical School. Gerald M. Rubin <http://www.hhmi.org/scientists/gerald-m-rubin>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Silke Sachse <https://www.ice.mpg.de/ext/index.php?id=hopa&pers=sisa3622>, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena. Marion Silies <http://www.eni-net.org/members/dr-marion-silies>, European Neuroscience Institute, Göttingen. Andreas S. Thum <https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/neuro/member/?tx_mhkleineidam_pi1%5BpId%5D=5029>, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz. Tim P. Vogels <https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/research/vogels-group>, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. More information about BCMC 2017 can be found here <http://fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/>

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Fwd: Ressearch Assitant McGill University
by Md. Taufiq Nasseef Jan. 4, 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

I am already a member of this comp-neuro mailing list. Could you circulate this one please. Thanks. Best wishes, Taufiq *Please see advertisement below:* *Job Title:* Research Assistant *Hiring Unit*: Dr. Brigitte Kieffer’s laboratory *Work Location*: Douglas Hospital and Research Center - Perry Building 6875, boul. LaSalle *Hours/week*: 35 hours/week – Mon-Fri *Salary*: $27,000 -36,000 (adjusted according to experience) *Start Date:* February 1st 2017 *Description:* The selected candidate will be part of an internationally renowned team of Prof. Brigitte Kieffer (http://douglas.research. mcgill.ca/brigitte-kieffer) and will be a key actor for two team projects. These studies aim at understanding the function of Mu opioid receptors (the receptors for morphine) within brain networks and also test innovative opiates drugs. Methodological approaches include establishment of functional connectivity signatures using fMRI in live mice and also visualize/quantify receptor signaling by fluorescence microscopy. The selected candidate will be responsible for image acquisition and post-processing of the fMRI images as well as participating in the development of a pipeline to analyze multiphoton or confocal microscopy images. *Primary Duties*: Acquisition of fMRI images (Bruker 7 Tesla) Data analysis and image post-processing 3D reconstruction and volume analysis of microscopy (confocal/multiphoton) images *Requirements:* Bachelors degree in Biology/Computer Science or relevant experience. Knowledge in MRI and animal experimentation. Knowledge in coding, OS and languages (Linux, MATlab, Python) Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong team spirit to ensure optimal interactions with all team scientists. *Comments:* The person will profit from Douglas Research Centre benefits. Applicants are invited to submit their cover letters and resumes via email to: emmanuel.darcq(a)douglas.mcgill.ca We thank all applicants. Only selected candidates will be contacted. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------- Emmanuel Darcq, PhD Brigitte Kieffer Lab, Douglas Research Centre Dpt Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University Perry room E-3403 6875, boulevard LaSalle Montreal (Quebec) H4H 1R3 CANADA Phone :+1 514 761-6131 ext.: 4772 Avis de confidentialité: L'information contenue dans ce courriel peut être confidentielle et/ou privilégiée. Si vous n’êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez le détruire et en informer l’expéditeur. Il est interdit de copier ou de modifier ce courriel sans autorisation de l’auteur. Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal n’assume aucune responsabilité du contenu des messages personnels. Notice of confidentiality: The information contained in this email may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please destroy it and advise the sender. It is forbidden to copy or modify this email without the author's consent. The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is not responsible for the content of personal messages. -- Md Taufiq Nasseef, PhD Post Doctoral Fellow Brain Imaging Center Douglas Mental Health University Institute McGill University 6875 Lasalle Blvd. Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3 Canada Tel: (514) 862-6907 <%28514%29%20557-2740>

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Master Internship + PhD at CerCo, Toulouse, France
by Timothée Masquelier Jan. 4, 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

Beating Roger Federer: *Modeling visual learning and expertise through a bioinspired neural network embedded in an electronic device* *Goal:* Internship for student in engineering school / Master degree’s student. The project can lead to a PhD grant. *When:* 5-6 months from February to July 2017 *Topic:* How do expert tennis players, like Roger Federer for example, predict if a ball will bounce in or out the field to decide if it should be played or not? After thousands of trajectory presentations, best champions have developed extraordinary skills in such a task, but little is known on how the visual system turns selective to spatiotemporal properties of the visual stimulus (e.g., 3D position, velocity and acceleration) and learns how to make an efficient use of it. The goal of the project is to build an embedded system – based on FPGA circuits and ARM processor – an artificial neural network which would replicate – and perhaps beat – the visual and anticipatory performances of these expert players. To achieve this goal successfully, we will develop a bio-inspired neural network, based on some of the key properties of human vision: the Smart NeuroCam (GST company) will be used to reproduce the retina functioning. It triggers its message under the form of spikes, in an asynchronous way (without any concept of frame per second), responding to spatial or temporal changes in the pattern of illumination. Several kinds of pre-processing filters can be implemented in VHDL language directly in the FPGA circuits, and the output is then sent to a neural network. The artificial network will learn to use this message, applying a simple learning rule, the Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP). This rule allows each neuron to become selective to a particular property of the stimulus, completely autonomously and with no supervision. Several layers will be built to allow perceiving more and more complex properties of the visual scene. Once the network will be established, its performances will be assessed in different conditions of learning and compared to those of the best tennis players. *The project is funded by a French National Research Agency (ANR)*, involving two sites and several researchers: - Robin Baurès, Benoit Cottereau, Timothée Masquelier and Simon Thorpe, CerCo, Toulouse. - Michel Paindavoine, GST, Dijon. *Where: *The candidate will be based at CerCo, Toulouse (France), and will make the interface with the two sites, with regular trips. The computational neuroscience part will be done at Toulouse, and electronic part at Dijon. *Objectives for the engineering / Master internship:* - Matlab (or Python) based simulations of numerical filters. These filters will be applied to the image processing from which spikes are generated and then sent to feed the neural network and STDP learning mechanism. - VHDL coding to implement these numerical filters into the FPGA circuits of the cameras - C/C++ coding of the neural network and STDP mechanism that should work on an embedded ARM processor system - Experimental tests that will allow evaluating the performance of the whole system, from spikes generation to visual properties learning of the embedded system, to predict tennis ball’s trajectories *Required skills:* - Strong knowledge on electronic, and openness to computational neurosciences - Knowledge in signal-image processing, and artificial neural network - Interest for multidisciplinary research - Ability to turn smoothly autonomous, once the road has been set - Ability to be at the interface of two scientific fields and two working areas - Programming with Matlab and/or Python for simulating the neural network - Programming in VHDL language for FPGA circuits - Programming in C/C++ language for porting the algorithms on ARM microprocessors - French is not a requirement if fluent in English, but willingness to learn would be beneficial *Relevant publications for the project:* - Masquelier, T., Guyonneau, R. & Thorpe S.J. (2009). Competitive STDP-Based Spike Pattern Learning.Neural Comput, 21(5),1259-1276. - Masquelier, T. & Thorpe, S.J. (2007). Unsupervised learning of visual features through spike timing dependent plasticity. PLoS Comput Biol, 3(2):e31. - Cottereau, B.R., McKee, S.P. & Norcia, A.M. (2014). Dynamics and cortical distribution of neural responses to 2D and 3D motion in human. Journal of Neurophysiology 111(3), 533-543. - SmartNeuroCam de GST : https://gsensing.eu/fr/ category/sections/products *Contact:* *Robin Baurès, PhD* Associate Professor CerCo, Université Toulouse 3, CNRS CHU Purpan, Pavillon Baudot 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9 – France Office phone: 0033 (0)5 62 74 62 15 <05%2062%2074%2062%2015> Email : robin.baures(a)cnrs.fr *Pr Michel Paindavoine* GlobalSensing Technologies 14, rue Pierre de Coubertin 21000 Dijon email : michel.paindavoine(a)gsensing.eu

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Postdoc position at TU Berlin/BCCN Berlin
by Philipp Hoevel Jan. 4, 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

The Hövel group (Institute of Theoretical Physics at TU Berlin and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin) invites application for a postdoc position in the area of computational neuroscience. The successful applicant will be joining a DFG-funded project entitled "Temporal fluctuations in functional networks of the human brain - modeling brain transition between cognitive states" Detailed knowledge in the area of computational neuroscience and nonlinear dynamics is essential, experience in neuroimaging data analysis is advantageous. For further details, see official call for applications: https://tub.stellenticket.de/de/offers/31261/ Closing date for applications is January 23, 2017. -- Dr. Philipp Hövel Junior Research Group Leader Technische Universität Berlin Fakultät II - Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften Institut für Theoretische Physik, Sekr. EW 7-1 Hardenbergstr. 36 10623 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 (0)30 314-27658 Fax: +49 (0)30 314-21130 Email: phoevel(a)physik.tu-berlin.de Web: http://www.tu-berlin.de?hoevel

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Funded PhD position on neural circuits & behaviour, University of Cambridge
by Timothy O'Leary Jan. 4, 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

A funded PhD position "Reverse-engineering invertebrate neural circuits" is available in the group of Timothy O'Leary, University of Cambridge. Start date: October 2017, *application deadline: January 31, 2017*. Eligibility: *UK and EU students*. The project is a collaboration with a leading experimental lab (Marta Zlatic, HHMI), studying the neural circuits underlying behavioural variability in Drosophila. The project aims to uncover circuit principles of action selection using a combination of theory, computational modeling and cutting-edge experiments. Applicants should have strong skills in mathematics, programming and data analysis, and a desire to develop cutting-edge experimental techniques. *Full description and application instructions are available here*: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/12211/ Please feel free to contact Dr O'Leary directly with informal enquiries ( tso24(a)cam.ac.uk) http://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/directory/profile.php?tso24

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Systems neuroscience mailing list
by Nikolas Karalis Jan. 4, 2017

Jan. 4, 2017

Dear all, I would like to inform you about a new mailing list targeted to researchers in the wider field of Systems Neuroscience. The aim is to create a platform for the distribution of useful information such as job and conference calls. More information about this mailing list can be found at the website: www.systemsneuroscience.eu You can directly subscribe by clicking this link <https://groups.google.com/group/systems-neuroscience/subscribe>. If you would like to advertise any job openings or events you are organizing, please feel free to post to the mailing list by sending an email to the address: systems-neuroscience(a)googlegroups.com Kind regards, Nikolas Karalis -- Nikolas Karalis - http://www.nikolaskaralis.gr <http://nikolaskaralis.gr> Doctoral Candidate in Neuroscience - Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München M.Sc. in Neuroscience (Charité, Berlin & Université de Bordeaux II) B.Sc, M.Sc in Applied Mathematics and Physics (NTUA)

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Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at IDIBAPS/UPF (Barcelona)
by JROCHAV＠clinic.cat Jan. 3, 2017

Jan. 3, 2017

Postdoctoral Position on Behavioural modelling and neural analysis of flexible perceptual decision-making at IDIBAPS / UPF (Barcelona) A postdoctoral research position in computational neuroscience is available to work with Jaime de la Rocha at IDIBAPS (Barcelona) and Alexandre Hyafil at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF, Barcelona). The postdoctoral fellow will be a vital member of the interdisciplinary research team led by Jaime de la Rocha that studies perception and cognition using combined theoretical and experimental approaches. More specifically, the fellow’s work will be part of an ERC-funded project aiming to unravel the behavioural principles and the neural mechanisms underlying how recent experience shapes perception and guides decisions. The fellow will (1) characterize the behavioural influence of recent history onto perceptual choices in rats and humans performing acoustic discrimination tasks, (2) analyze population recordings from cortical neurons obtained from rats to uncover the traces of recent history decision biases and (3) build dynamical models of behaviour based on the population recordings using a variety of machine learning tools. Behavioural and neural data is currently being acquired by other researchers in the lab. The work will be co-supervised between Jaime de la Rocha, head of the Cortical Circuit Dynamics Group (http://neuro.fcrb.es/delaRochaLab/) and Alexandre Hyafil who is establishing his new laboratory in the nearby UPF, and has in the last years develop a set analysis techniques fitted for our data. Both groups are part of the vibrant computational neuroscience community of Barcelona, which promotes the interaction among groups by organizing multiple interaural activities. Applicants should have a strong background in computational neuroscience or applied mathematics and have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate modeling and experimental research. Programming proficiency (Matlab and/or Python) is required. Experience in machine learning methods, advanced statistics as well as nonlinear dynamical systems will be valued. Ability to collaborate in a pluridisciplinary team is essential. Initial appointment for this position is for two years. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants, please send a resume, names and contact of 3 references and a cover letter explaining your interest and research experience to jrochav(a)clinic.cat<mailto:jrochav@clinic.cat> and alexandre.hyafil(a)gmail.com<mailto:alexandre.hyafil@gmail.com>. Jaime de la Rocha Group Leader at IDIBAPS c. Rosselló 149-153 Barcelona, 08036 Spain Tel. +34 932275400 (4307)

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PhD positions available at the Bernstein Centre Freiburg, Germany
by Carsten Mehring Jan. 2, 2017

Jan. 2, 2017

The Bernstein Center Freiburg (BCF) is inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology. The BCF concentrates research in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The projects are highly interdisciplinary and span across mathematical-theoretical approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks, neuroanatomy, experimentally driven neurophysiology and the development of technologies for medical application. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2017. For more information, please visit our website http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs <http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> -- Dr. Birgit Ahrens birgit.ahrens(a)bcf.uni-freiburg.de <mailto:birgit.ahrens@bcf.uni-freiburg.de> Teaching & Training Coordinator Bernstein Center Freiburg University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9a D - 79104 Freiburg Germany Phone: +49 (0) 761 203-9575 Fax: +49 (0) 761 203-9559

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NeuroBridges 2017 Summer school announcement
by ahmed el hady Jan. 2, 2017

Jan. 2, 2017

*NeuroBridges 2017 Summer school , Cluny, France* *(** September 3 - September 14, 2017 )* *NeuroBridges* is an initiative that was founded to bring Mediterrenean and Middle Eastern neuroscientists in an event to discuss science and promote mutual understanding. The two first events of the series took place in Goettingen, Germany in July 2014 ( http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/neurobridges) and in Paris, France, in September 2015 (http://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/second-neurobridges-meeting) Each of these three days events brought together twenty young speakers, Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Syrians and Israelis, as well as several speakers from the hosting countries. Nobel Laureate Erwin Neher opened NeuroBridges in 2014. Stanislas Dehaene, professeur au College De France and member of the French Academy of Sciences gave the opening lecture in NeuroBridges 2015. *NeuroBridges 2017* ( http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2017.html) will be a ten days summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions of contemporary neuroscience. In addition to the lectures, the students will work in groups on small research projects. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or physics, interested in theoretical brain and cognitive sciences. We will also consider those with biological or medical background given that they show proof of basic mathematical knowledge (i.e. linear algebra, calculus, in particular ordinary differential equation). Through the online application system (can be accessed through: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2017.html ) , you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, the names of two referees , a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. The school will take place between September 3 and September 14, 2017 in Le Centre de Conférences Internationales de Cluny (CCIC) <http://www.ccic.eu/index.html>. Cluny is a small medieval town in Burgundy, France, located about 400km southeast of Paris (accessible by fast train, TGV). All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. The application deadline is March 31st 2017. *NeuroBridges* is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady <http://scholar.princeton.edu/ahmedelhady/home>(Princeton Neuroscience Institute, USA), Yonatan Loewenstein <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/loewenstein/home> (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) and David Hansel <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/david-hansel>(CNRS, Paris, France). *2017 Confirmed Faculty (check the website regularly for updated faculty list):* Carl van Vreeswijk (CNRS) <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/carl-van-vreeswijk/> Gianluigi Mongillo (CNRS) <https://neurophys.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/members/gianluigi-mongillo/> Shaul Druckmann (Janelia) <https://www.janelia.org/people/shaul-druckmann> Yoram Burak (Hebrew University) <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/burak/home> Omri Barak (Technion) <http://neuroscience.technion.ac.il/researcher/19> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> Farzan Nadim (NJIT) <https://biology.njit.edu/people/nadim.php> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Ahmed El Hady (email: ahady(a)princeton.edu )

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4th International Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School, July 17-21, 2017, University of Cambridge, UK
by Giuseppe Nicosia Dec. 26, 2016

Dec. 26, 2016

_________________________________________ Call for Participation (apologies for multiple copies) _________________________________________ 4th International Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School *Biology meets Computer Science & Engineering* July 17-21, 2017, University of Cambridge, UK W: http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/ E: ssbss.school(a)gmail.com F: https://www.facebook.com/ssbss.school/ APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2017 http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/#application-form <http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/#application-form> DESCRIPTION & GOALS: Recent advances in DNA synthesis have increased our ability to build biological systems. Synthetic Biology aims at streamlining the design and synthesis of robust and predictable biological systems using engineering design principles and advanced algorithms. Designing biological systems requires a deep understanding of how genes and proteins are organized and interact in living cells: Systems Biology aims at elucidating the cellular organization at gene, protein and network level using computational and biochemical methods. The Synthetic and Systems Biology Summer School (SSBSS) is a full-immersion five-day residential summer school at the Robinson College, University of Cambridge, UK on cutting-edge advances in systems and synthetic biology with lectures delivered by world-renowned experts. The school provides a stimulating environment for students (from Master students to PhD students), Post-Docs, early career researches, academics and industry leaders. Participants will also have the chance to present their results, and to interact with their peers, in a friendly and constructive environment. LIST OF SPEAKERS: * Antonino Cattaneo, Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, Italy * Jasmin Fisher, Microsoft Research & Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, UK * Carole Goble, University of Manchester, UK * Jim Haseloff, University of Cambridge, UK * Jay Keasling, University of California, Berkeley, USA Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA Joint BioEnergy Institute, USA * Edda Klipp, Humboldt University, Germany * Natalio Krasnogor, Centre for Synthetic Biology and Bioexploitation, Newcastle University, UK * Markus Ralser, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, UK & The Francis Crick Institute London, UK * Uwe Sauer, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland * Sarah Teichmann, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute & EMBL, European Bioinformatics Institute, UK SCHOOL DIRECTORS: * Massimo Gulisano, University of Catania, Italy * Giuseppe Nicosia, University of Catania, Italy * Steve G. Oliver, University of Cambridge, UK CALL FOR POSTERS & TALKS: The International Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School is especially aimed to provide a stimulating environment for young researchers, Post-Doc and Ph.D. Students. They will have the possibility to present the results of their research activities on the topic of the summer school, and to interact with their scientific peers, in a friendly and constructive way. Applicants may submit an abstract to present their results. The abstract should be submitted before 31 March 2017. Suitable space will be reserved to the applicants for showing their posters. The poster must be written in English. For your poster, a board will be provided which measures 90cm tall by 70cm wide. You need to print and bring with you the poster to the school. Push tacks or Velcro adhesive will be provided at the conference to mount your poster to the board. POSTER & TALK SUBMISSION: Applicant may submit a research abstract for presentation using the Application Form. School directors and the Scientific Committee will review the abstracts and will recommend for poster or short-oral presentation. Abstract should be submitted by March 31, 2017. The abstracts will be published on the electronic hands-out material of the summer school. http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/#application-form PREVIOUS EDITIONS: http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss2016/ http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss2015/ http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss2014/ MORE INFORMATION: W: http://www.taosciences.it/ssbss/ E: ssbss.school(a)gmail.com F: https://www.facebook.com/ssbss.school/ * Please help us distributing in your circles (emails, blogs, and social networks) the call for participation and call for oral talks/posters for SSBSS 2017. Together we will make SSBSS 2017 a great event! * SSBSS - Synthetic & Systems Biology Summer School Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238417586492061/ Computational Synthetic Biology Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014624245288596/

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CFP - 13th International Conference on Machine Learning and Data Mining in Pattern Recognition (MLDM 2017)
by Sandhya Prabhakaran Dec. 25, 2016

Dec. 25, 2016

Hi, ** We apologize in advance if you receive multiple copies of this CFP ** ** Kindly help to distribute this CFP to your mailing list ** *4th Call for Papers * 13th International Conference on Machine Learning and Data Mining in Pattern Recognition (*MLDM 2017*) www.mldm.de July 15th - 21st, 2017 New York, USA Chair: Prof. Dr. Petra Perner Institute of Computer Vision and applied Computer Sciences, IBaI Leipzig/Germany Program Committee Sergey Ablameyko Belarus State University, Belarus Michelangelo Ceci Universtiy of Bari, Italy Patrick Bouthemy INRIA VISTA, France Xiaoqing Ding Tsinghua University, China Christoph F. Eick Universtiy of Houston, USA Ana Fred Technical University of Lisboa, Portugal Giorgio Giacinto University of Cagliari, Italy Makato Haraguchi Hokkaido University of Sapporo, Japan Dimitris Karras Chalkis Institute of Technology, Greece Adam Krzyzak Concordia University, Canada Thang V. Pham University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands Linda Shapiro University of Washington, USA Shashank Shekhar VMware Inc., USA Tamas Sziranyi MTA-SZTAKI, Hungary Francis E.H. Tay National University of Singapore, Singapore Alexander Ulanov HP Labs, Russia Zeev Volkovich ORT Braude College of Engineering, Israel Patrick Wang Northeastern University, USA Aim of the Conference ------------------------- The MLDM´2017 conference is the tenth event in a series of Machine Learning and Data Mining meetings, initially organised as international workshops. The aim of MLDM´2017 is to bring together from all over the world researchers dealing with machine learning and data mining, in order to discuss the recent status of the research in the field and to direct its further developments. Basic research papers as well as application papers are welcome. All kinds of applications are welcome, but special preference will be given to multimedia related applications, biomedical applications, and webmining. Paper submissions should be related but not limited to any of the following topics: * association rules * case-based reasoning and learning * classification and interpretation of images, text, video * conceptional learning and clustering * Goodness measures and evaluaion (e.g. false discovery rates) * inductive learning including decision tree and rule induction learning * knowledge extraction from text, video, signals and images * mining gene data bases and biological data bases * mining images, temporal-spatial data, images from remote sensing * mining structural representations such as log files, text documents and HTML documents * mining text documents * organisational learning and evolutional learning * probabilistic information retrieval * Selection bias * Sampling methods * Selection with small samples * similarity measures and learning of similarity * statistical learning and neural net based learning * video mining * visualization and data mining * Applications of Clustering * Aspects of Data Mining * Applications in Medicine * Autoamtic Semantic Annotation of Media Content * Bayesian Models and Methods * Case-Based Reasoning and Associative Memory * Classification and Model Estimation * Content-Based Image Retrieval * Decision Trees * Deviation and Novelty Detection * Feature Grouping, Discretization, Selection and Transformation * Feature Learning * Frequent Pattern Mining * High-Content Analysis of Microscopic Images in Medicine, Biotechnology and Chemistry * Learning and adaptive control * Learning/adaption of recognition and perception * Learning for Handwriting Recognition * Learning in Image Pre-Processing and Segmentation * Learning in process automation * Learning of internal representations and models * Learning of appropriate behaviour * Learning of action patterns * Learning of Ontologies * Learning of Semantic Inferencing Rules * Learning of Visual Ontologies * Learning for robots * Mining Images in Computer Vision * Mining Images and Texture * Mining Motion from Sequence * Neural Methods * Network Analysis and Intrusion Detection * Nonlinear Function Learning and Neural Net Based Learning * Real-Time Event Learning and Detection * Retrieval Methods * Rule Induction and Grammars * Speech Analysis * Statistical and Conceptual Clustering Methods: Basics * Statistical and Evolutionary Learning * Subspace Methods * Support Vector Machines * Symbolic Learning and Neural Networks in Document Processing * Time Series and Sequential Pattern Mining * Mining Social Media * Audio Mining * Cognition and Computer Vision Important Dates ----------------- Deadline for paper submission: January 15, 2017 Notification of acceptance: March 18 , 2017 Submission of camera-ready copy: April 05, 2017 Submission guidelines ------------------------- Authors can submit their papers in long or short version: Please submit the electronic version of your camera-ready paper through the COMMENCE conference management system (http://www.mldm.de/CMS/) If you have any problems with the system please do not hesitate to contact info(a)mldm.de. Long Papers Long papers must be formatted in the Springer LNCS format. They should have at most 15 pages. Papers will be reviewed by the program committee. Accepted long papers will appear in the proceedings book "Machine Learning and Data Mining in Pattern Recognition" published by Springer Verlag in the LNAI series. Extended versions of selected papers will be published in a special issue of an international journal after the conference. Short Papers Short papers are also welcome and can be used to describe work in progress or project ideas. They should have no more than 5 pages and must be also formatted in Springer LNCS format. Accepted short papers will be presented as posters in the poster session. They will be published in a special poster proceedings book. Papers will be submitted via the online reviewing system. Best Paper Award ---------------------- The best scientific paper is distinguished with a Best Paper Award. A outstanding contribution in the field of Machine Learning and Data Mining for Pattern Recognition will be awarded with the Best Paper Award. There will be three nominations for the Best Paper Award before the conference. All nominee will receive a certificate. The final decision of the Best Paper Award will be made based on the presentation and the discussion. The Best Paper Award will be a certificate and a prize money of 500 Euro for the research team. Tutorials ----------------------------------------- Data Mining Tutorial Prof. Dr. Petra Perner, Institute of Computer Vision and Applied Computer Sciences IBaI, http://www.data-mining-forum.de/t_dm.php Case-Based Reasoning Tutorial Prof. Dr. Petra Perner, Institute of Computer Vision and Applied Computer Sciences IBaI, http://www.data-mining-forum.de/t_cbr.php Intelligent Image Interpreation and Computer Vision in Mediceine, Biotechnology, Chemistry & Food Industry Prof. Dr. Petra Perner, Institute of Computer Vision and Applied Computer Sciences IBaI, http://www.data-mining-forum.de/t_iicv.php Workshops (http://www.data-mining-forum.de/workshops.php) ---------------------------------------------------------------- * Intern. Workshop I-Business to Manufacturing and LifeScience B2ML 2017 * Intern. Workshop on Data Mining in Marketing DMM 2017 * Intern. Workshop Case-Based Reasoning CBR-MD 2017 * Intern. Workshop on Multimedia Forensic Data Analysis MFDA 2017 Exhibition ----------- 16th Industrial Exhibition on Intelligent Data and Image Analysis IEDA 2017 We like to invite you to present your company or publishing house at the Industrial Exhibition ieda 2017 (www.iedaexhibition.de) If you do not with to receive the newsletter, please press here http://ibai-institut-newsletter.de/cgi-bin/mail/manager.cgi? action=delete&email=pperner%40ibai-institut.de&group1=cbr.

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Postdoc Position in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at UT Austin
by Taillefumier, Thibaud O Dec. 23, 2016

Dec. 23, 2016

The Neuroscience Department invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to work with Professors Ila Fiete (http://clm.utexas.edu/fietelab/) and Thibaud Taillefumier (https://mathneuro.cns.utexas.edu/) in the Center for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (CTNC) and in collaboration with a network of experimental collaborators at UT Austin. Research at CTNC broadly aims at developing new theoretical approaches to better understand how the brain computes. Candidates with a background in nonlinear dynamics, statistical physics, machine learning, or information theory are particularly welcome. Applicants should have a PhD in mathematics, physics, computational neuroscience or related computational fields. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief description of research interests, and should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent. All application materials as well as any inquiries should be sent to thibaud(a)utexas.edu<mailto:thibaud@utexas.edu> and ilafiete(a)mail.clm.utexas.edu<mailto:ilafiete@mail.clm.utexas.edu>. Salary starts at $47484 and will be commensurate to the candidate qualifications. UT Austin is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. Department of Neuroscience The University of Texas at Austin 100 E 24th Street Stop C7000 Austin, TX 78712 www.neuroscience.utexas.edu<http://www.neuroscience.utexas.edu>

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Open position as an MEG physicist/engineer
by Jochem Rieger Dec. 22, 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

The newly founded Neuroimaging Center at the European Medical School of the University of Oldenburg, Germany, offers a position for an *MEG-Physicist/Engineer (salary level E13/TV-L, initially 3 years) * The Neuroimaging Center hosts a state of the art magnetoencephalograph (Elekta Triux) and a magnetic resonance tomograph (Siemens Prisma 3T) and is embedded in an excellent interdisciplinary scientific environment (e.g. the DFG Cluster of Excellence "Hearing 3 All") with a strong research focus on neurosensory, neurocognitive, and medical research. We seek for a highly motivated candidatewith an academic university degree. The position requires a degree in physics, engineering, neuroscience, or psychology with documented research experience in magnetoencephalography methods. In addition, fluency in English is necessary. A doctoral degree is a plus. German and experience in the design of neurocognitiveexperiments are desirable. Successful candidates will be responsible for the operation and administration of the MEG-system, the infrastructure, the development and improvement of measurement and analyses techniques and user consultancy. The University of Oldenburg is rapidly growing and offers a vibrant scientific environment with strong foci on cognitive and sensory neuroscience and a new medical school. The European Medical School is a cooperation project between the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen as well as four local hospitals. Oldenburg is an attractive city in Germany's northwest with excellent quality of life. It is close to Bremen, Hamburg, Groningen, and approx. 1 h from the North Sea. The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increasing the percentage of women in science. Therefore, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given preference in cases of equal qualification. Handicapped applicants will be given preference if equally qualified. Electronic applications (one pdf file) are preferred and can be send to: Professor Dr. Jochem Rieger: Jochem.rieger(a)uni-oldenburg.de Applications by mail should be sent to: Prof. Jochem Rieger Universität Oldenburg Kuepkersweg 74 (W30) 26129 Oldenburg Germany The application process is open until 31.1.2017. Applications should include your CV, a list of most recent publications, and a statement of interest (max. 3 pages). For inquiries contact jochem.rieger(a)uni-oldenburg.de

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PhD studentship in 2P imaging and population coding
by Matthias Hennig Dec. 22, 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the Precision Medicine DTP at Edinburgh: "Deficits and rescue of neuronal population coding in the sensory cortex of mouse models of autism spectrum disorders" This project will be jointly supervised by Nathalie Rochefort, Peter Kind (CIP, Edinburgh) and Matthias Hennig (Informatics, Edinburgh). The studentship is available to EU citizens. For more information, and to apply, go to: http://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/precision-medicine/how-to-apply/deficits-and-resc… For informal inquiries, please contact Nathalie Rochefort: n.rochefort(a)ed.ac.uk -- Matthias H Hennig http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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Call for applications: SMART START - a joint training program in Computational Neuroscience for young researchers
by Smart Start Coordination Office Dec. 22, 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

Call for applications Ready for a SMARTSTART into Computational Neuroscience? We invite first and second-year Master students with a background in related fields to apply to our joint training program SMARTSTART. The program aims at complementing previous studies with concepts, theories and techniques of Computational Neuroscience. SMARTSTART consists of two programs. Both of them last one year each and take place at numerous locations of the Bernstein Network and further locations throughout Germany. SMARTSTART 1 provides financial support to then second-year Master students, allowing them to attend supplementary courses and training visits at participating institutions. Students will receive an experienced faculty mentor who will advise and guide them at this educational stage. SMARTSTART 2 provides fully funded positions for pre-PhD students. At the start of the program, these students will have already obtained their Master´s degree and are in the process of selecting a PhD project. SMARTSTART 2 allows them to elaborate their own PhD proposal as a collaborative project between two labs. This comprises exchange visits as well as voluntary attendance of lectures and courses offered by participating institutions. Both SMARTSTART programs will commence the second round in the winter term 2017/18. The Deadline for application is Tuesday, February 28, 2017. More information can be found on our website: www.smartstart-compneuro.de<http://www.smartstart-compneuro.de/> Best regards, Kathrin Hebert -- Smart Start - Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience Coordination Office Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9593 mail: smartstart(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.hebert@fz-juelich.de> web: http://www.smartstart-compneuro.de/ Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…><https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2017
by Erik De Schutter Dec. 22, 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2017 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 26 to July 13, 2017 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 26th through July 13th, 2017 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 3 - February 5, 2017. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Upinder Bhalla (NCBS, India) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh, USA) • Ila Fiete (University of Texas Austin, USA) • Sonja Grün (Research Centre Jülich, Germany) • Shin Ishii (Kyoto University, Japan) • Jason Kerr (MPI Bonn, Germany) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Subkin Lim (NYU Shanghai, China) • Michele Migliore (Institute of Biophysics, Italy) • David Redish (University of Minnesota, USA) • Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins University, USA) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Charles Wilson (University of Texas San Antonio, USA)

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[ECSQARU 2017] Second Call for Papers
by Alessandro Antonucci Dec. 21, 2016

Dec. 21, 2016

The Fourteenth European Conference on Symbolic and Quantitative Approaches to Reasoning with Uncertainty SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS http://ecsqaru.idsia.ch The biennial ECSQARU conferences constitute a major forum for advances in the theory and practice of reasoning under uncertainty. Contributions come from researchers interested in advancing the scientific knowledge and from practitioners using uncertainty techniques in real-world applications. The scope of the ECSQARU conferences encompasses fundamental issues, representation, inference, learning, and decision making in qualitative and numeric uncertainty paradigms. Previous ECSQARU events have been held in Marseille (1991), Granada (1993), Fribourg (1995), Bonn (1997), London (1999), Toulouse (2001), Aalborg (2003), Barcelona (2005), Hammamet (2007), Verona (2009), Belfast (2011), Utrecht (2013), and Compiègne (2015). ECSQARU 2017 will be co-located with ISIPTA '17, the Tenth International Symposium on Imprecise Probability: Theories and Applications. The joint event will be held in Lugano (Switzerland), on July 10-14, 2017. ::: SCOPE ::: For ECSQARU 2017 we invite submissions of conference papers on topics which include but are not limited to: - Algorithms for uncertain inference - Applications of uncertain systems - Argumentation systems - Automated planning and acting under uncertainty - Belief functions - Belief revision & merging - Classification & clustering - Decision theory & decision graphs - Default reasoning - Description logics with uncertainty - Foundations of reasoning under uncertainty - Fuzzy sets & fuzzy logic - Game theory - Imprecise probabilities - Inconsistency handling - Information fusion - Learning for uncertainty formalisms - Logics for reasoning under uncertainty - Markov decision processes - Possibility theory & possibilistic logic - Preferences - Probabilistic graphical models - Probabilistic logics - Qualitative uncertainty models - Rough sets - Uncertainty & data ::: INVITED SPEAKERS ::: We are delighted of having the following invited speakers: - Leila Amgoud (IRIT, France) - Alessio Benavoli (IDSIA, Switzerland) - Jim Berger (Duke University, USA) - Didier Dubois (IRIT, France) - Eyke Hüllermeier (Paderborn University, Germany) ::: PROCEEDINGS AND SUBMISSIONS ::: In accordance with the previous conferences, the proceedings of ECSQARU 2015 will be published in the Springer Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence series. Authors are requested to prepare their conference papers in the LNCS/LNAI format. Submitted papers will be evaluated by peer reviews based on originality, significance, technical soundness, and clarity of exposition. Authors of accepted papers are expected to attend the conference to present their work. The instructions for submission and the author kit are available here: http://ecsqaru.idsia.ch/submissions-ecsqaru/ ::: IMPORTANT DATES ::: - Tuesday, February 21, 2017: Paper submission deadline - Tuesday, April 18, 2017: Author notification - Friday, April 28, 2017: Camera-ready copy due ::: IJAR SPECIAL ISSUE ::: Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their work to a special issue of the International Journal of Approximate Reasoning (IJAR, Elsevier). ::: SPRINGER YOUNG RESEARCHER AWARD ::: We also invite applications for the Springer Young Researcher Award. The prize, granted by Springer, will be awarded to one young researcher for excellent research in fields related to the ECSQARU scope. The award is open to Master students, PhD students and young post-doc researchers who have received their PhD in 2016 (or 2017). Applicants should have submitted a paper (not necessarily as first authors) to ECSQARU 2017. Applications should be received by the paper submission deadline (February 21, 2017). _________________________________ Alessandro Antonucci IDSIA Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Via Cantonale (Galleria 2) CH-6928, Manno-Lugano, CH mail: alessandro(a)idsia.ch skype: alessandro.antonucci tel: +41 916108515 web: www.idsia.ch/~alessandro _________________________________

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Call for Applications: ISSA Summer School 2017
by Yukie Nagai Dec. 21, 2016

Dec. 21, 2016

Call for Applications: ISSA Summer School 2017 https://groups.oist.jp/issa Date: May 22nd – June 2nd, 2017 Venue: Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Osaka, Japan https://cinet.jp/english/contact/ The Initiative for a Synthesis in Studies of Awareness, ISSA for short, is a group of scientists advocating an integrative approach to the study of consciousness and intelligence. ISSA will organize a two-week Summer School, with lectures covering a variety of topics in experimental and computational neuroscience, cognitive science, philosophy, complex systems, robotics and artificial intelligence. Following the lectures in the morning, students will engage in group disucussions and hand-on exercises in psychophysics, MRI, MEG, and robotics in the afternoon. First week: Fundamental lecturers and group discussions • Christof Koch (Allen Institute for Brain Science) • Ryota Kanai (ARAYA Brain Imaging, YHouse) • Larissa Albantakis (U Wisconsin-Madison) • Dan Zahavi (U Copenhagen) • Jun Tani (KAIST) Second week: Special topics and hands-on exercises • Kaoru Amano (CiNet) • Minoru Asada (Osaka U) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Piet Hut (Institute for Advanced Study, ELSI, YHouse) • Hiroshi Ishiguro (Osaka U, ATR) • Shinji Nishimoto (CiNet) • Mariko Osaka (CiNet) • Nao Tsuchiya (Monash U) • Noriko Yamagishi (CiNet) Application: We invite graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to participate in the summer school. Organizers will provide lodging for all accepted students and travel support for selected students. The applications will be open till December 25, 2016 from the web site (https://groups.oist.jp/issa) The result of selection, based on the research interest, educational background, and the balance of gender and geographic origins, will be notified by February 2017. Co-Sponsors • Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet) • CREST Artificial Consciousness Project (leader: Ryota Kanai) • CREST Social Neuroscience Project (leader: Masahiko Haruno) • Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo Institute of Technology • KAKENHI Mental Time Project (leader: Shigeru Kitazawa) • KAKENHI Artificial Intelligence and Brain Science Project (leader: Kenji Doya) • Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) • YHouse (leaders: Piet Hut and Ryota Kanai) Web site: https://groups.oist.jp/issa Contact: Neural Computation Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology ncus (at) oist.jp — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Osaka University Visiting Researcher, Bielefeld University yukie(a)ams.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp http://cnr.ams.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp/~yukie/

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The Fruit Fly Brain Observatory (FFBO)
by Aurel A. Lazar Dec. 20, 2016

Dec. 20, 2016

We would like to announce that we have released a unique open source platform for investigating fruit fly brain function, in both healthy and diseased brains. Our early version of the FFBO is at: http://fruitflybrain.org <http://fruitflybrain.org/> The Fruit Fly Brain Observatory (i) integrates within a single database, genetic, anatomical, neurophysiological data with computational models. It provides location, morphology, connectivity and biophysical properties of every neuron, (ii) is equipped with powerful executable tools for circuit generation, numerical simulation and user-friendly query and visualization, (iii) automatically generates models of the fly brain that can be simulated efficiently using multiple Graphics Processing Units. There are three main features of the FFBO: NeuroNLP, NeuroGFX and NeuroAPPs. NeuroNLP is natural language user interface for querying the NeuroArch fly brain database. NeuroGFX is a programming interface that automatically translates biological and modeling data into executable code that can be run on a local or cloud-based GPU servers. NeuroAPPs host integrated healthy and diseased models applications of the fruit fly brain. Our project The Fruit Fly Brain Observatory http://fruitflybrain.org <http://fruitflybrain.org/> is one of six finalists in the Open Science Prize Competition https://www.openscienceprize.org <https://www.openscienceprize.org/>. We are a collaborative effort between Columbia University, National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, and University of Sheffield, UK. It would be great if you can let people know about the competition and get them to hopefully vote for us at http://event.capconcorp.com/wp/osp/ <http://event.capconcorp.com/wp/osp/> :-) Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/>

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[CALL FOR PAPERS ]The 2017 International Conference on Brain Informatics (BI'17)
by 张铁林 Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

[CALL FOR PAPERS]The 2017 International Conference on Brain Informatics (BI'17), Informatics Perspective of Investigation on the Brain and Mind Conference Data: November 16-18, 2017, Beijing, China Conference Homepage: http://bii.ia.ac.cn/bi-2017/ Homepage Mirror: http://wi-consortium.org/conferences/bi-2017/ (FULL PAPER SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 2, 2017) ================ ***Conference Introduction *** Brain Informatics (BI) conference series provides a premier forum to bring together researchers and practitioners in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, information communication technologies, and neuroimaging technologies. BI'17 addresses the computational, cognitive, physiological, biological, physical, ecological and social perspectives of brain informatics, as well as topics relating to mental health and well-being. It also welcomes emerging information technologies, including but not limited to Internet/Web of Things (IoT/WoT), cloud computing, big data analytics and interactive knowledge discovery related to brain research. BI'17 also encourages submissions that explore how advanced computing technologies are applied to and make a difference in various large-scale brain studies and their applications. BI'17 welcomes paper submissions (full paper and abstract submissions). Both research and application papers are solicited. All submitted papers will be reviewed on the basis of technical quality, relevance, significance and clarity. Accepted full papers will be included in the proceedings by Springer LNCS/LNAI. Workshop, Special-Session and Tutorial proposals, and Industry or Demo-Track papers are also welcome. The organizers of Workshops and Special-Sessions are invited to prepare a book proposal based on the topics of the workshop/special session for possible bookpublication in the Springer-Nature Brain Informatics & Health book series. ================ *** Topics and Areas *** Track 1: Cognitive and Computational Foundations of Brain Science Track 2: Investigations of Human Information Processing Systems Track 3: Brain Big Data Analytics, Curation and Management Track 4: Informatics Paradigms for Brain and Mental Health Track 5: Brain-Inspired Intelligence and Computing ================ *** Important Dates*** March 10, 2017: Submission for workshop/special-session proposals March 30, 2017: Notification of workshop/special-session proposal acceptance April 2, 2017: Submission deadline for full papers May 20, 2017: Submission deadline for workshop/special-session papers June 10, 2017: Notification of full paper acceptance June 20, 2017: Notification of workshop/special-session paper acceptance June 20, 2017: Submission deadline for abstracts July 10, 2017: Notification of abstract acceptance November 16, 2017: Tutorials, workshops and special-sessions November 17-18, 2017: Main conference ================ *** Post-Conference Journal Publication *** The Brain Informatics conferences have the formal ties with Brain Informatics journal (Springer-Nature, http://www.springer.com/40708) Accepted papers from the conference, including their Best Paper Award papers, will be expended and revised for possible inclusion in the Brain Informatics journal each year. It is fully sponsored and no any article-processing fee charged for authors of Brain Informatics conference. ================ *** Awards *** Best Paper awards will be conferred at the conference on the authors of (1) the best research paper and (2) the best student paper. ================ *** Organizers*** General Chairs Bo Xu (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) Hanchuan Peng (Allen Institute for Brain Sciences, USA) Qingming Luo (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China) Program Committee Chairs Yi Zeng(Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) Yong He(Beijing Normal University, China) Jeanette Kotaleski (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) Maryann Martone (University of California, San Diego, USA) Organizing Chairs Ning Zhong (Maebashi Institute of Technology, Japan, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China Jianzhou Yan (Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China) Shengfu Lu (Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China) Workshop/Special-Session Chairs An'an Li (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China) Sen Song (Tsinghua University, China) Tutorial Chair Wenming Zheng (South East University, China) Publicity Chairs Shouyi Wang (University of Texas at Arlington, USA) Yang Yang (Maebashi Institute of Technology, Japan, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China) Tielin Zhang (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) Steering Committee Chairs Ning Zhong (Maebashi Institute of Technology, Japan) Hanchuan Peng (Allen Institute for Brain Science, USA) ================ *** Contact Information *** tielin.zhang(a)ia.ac.cn shouyiw(a)uta.edu yang(a)maebashi-it.org ================ (END)

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PhD positions at the University of Exeter: Developing gaze training for skilled upper-limb prosthetic use Ref: 2407
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 17, 2016

Dec. 17, 2016

About the award This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2017. This project is part of a competition for funding. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend which, is currently £14,296 per annum for 2016-2017, research costs and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council UK rates for 42 months (3.5 years) for full-time students, pro rata for part-time students. Please note that of the 56 projects advertised we expect that up to 20 posts will be filled. Location: University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Exeter, Devon Supervisors: Main supervisor: Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298> (University of Exeter) Co-supervisor: Dr Gavin Buckingham<http://sshs.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Gavin_Buckingham> (University of Exeter) Co-supervisor: Dr Sam Vine<http://sshs.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Samuel_Vine> (University of Exeter) Co-supervisor: Dr Greg Wood<http://www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk/exspsci/ourstaff/profile/index.php?profile_id…> (Manchester Metropolitan University) Co-supervisor: Dr Mark Wilson<http://sshs.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Mark_Wilson> (University of Exeter) Project Description: Learning to use a prosthetic limb is inherently difficult and requires a huge amount of concentration. Like learning how to wield a new tool for the first time, amputees need to acquire the confidence and dexterity required for skilled action. In order to produce accurate goal-directed movements the motor system requires accurate and timely visual information making the timing and location of the person’s gaze, with relation to the movement of their limbs, critical for skilled behaviour. There is, however, no structured training protocol for use with prosthetic hands. We aim to develop a novel gaze training regime to facilitate the use of a prosthetic hand to skilfully interact with objects. In the first part of the project, the student will undertake an observational study to determine what factors lead some individuals to become skilled with a prosthesis faster than others. We will test large numbers of intact (i.e., without amputation) participants learning to use a state-of-the-art myoelectric prosthetic arm simulator, which is controlled by muscle feedback but ergonomically designed to fit over the wrist of an intact hand. Participants will move objects of different of sizes and weights from one location to another with a range of precision requirements and in the presence of a range of obstacles. Over multiple sessions we will measure hand and object kinematics, fingertip forces, and eye path with a head-mounted eye tracker. We will then develop a data-driven mathematical model of the eye tracking and biomechanical performance data. Statistical analysis of the patterns of eye movement will provide new insights into the ‘signature’ of good performance using the prosthetic arm. The second phase will use the data from Project 1 to develop a training protocol that will adopt the ‘expert signatures’ from project work 1 as a prototype for a trainee to follow. We will focus predominantly on the signature of expertise derived from the gaze behaviour measures and implement a gaze training protocol. We will then test the efficacy of this novel training with new set of intact participants using the prosthetic simulator, tracking their performance in comparison to individuals who will receive a sham training protocol. In the final stage of the project work, the gaze training protocol will be used in a sample of upper-limb-amputees as they learn how to use their new prosthesis. As this state of the project will not be limited to myoelectric prosthetic users, this will also allow us to test the generalizability of our training protocol. The students will be involved in these experiments by running model simulations and data analysis to provide quantitative information for the training protocol as well as focussing on completing the write-up of their PhD thesis. Entry requirements: Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have Master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum of Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply. All applicants would need to meet our English language requirements by the start of the project http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/. The majority of the studentships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in the UK and are classed as UK/EU for tuition fee purposes. If you have not resided in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship, you are not eligible for a maintenance allowance so you would need an alternative source of funding for living costs.To be eligible for fees only funding you must be ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are not eligible for funding. Summary Application deadline: 11th January 2017 Number of awards: 1 Value: 3.5 year studentship: UK/EU tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance at current Research Council rate. Current rate of £14,296 per year Duration of award: per year Contact: Doctoral College Doctoral.College(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:Doctoral.College@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Click here to apply<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/funding/application/> Please be aware you will be asked to upload the following documents: • CV • Letter of application outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project. • Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying. • If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your current proficiency in English. For further details of the University’s English language requirements please see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/. The closing date for applications is midnight on 11 January 2017. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter between 13 February and 17 February 2017. If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email Doctoral.College(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:Doctoral.College@exeter.ac.uk> or phone +44 (0)1392 722311. Project-specific queries should be directed to the supervisor. During the application process, the University may need to make certain disclosures of your personal data to third parties to be able to administer your application, carry out interviews and select candidates. These are not limited to, but may include disclosures to: • the selection panel and/or management board or equivalent of the relevant programme, which is likely to include staff from one or more other HEIs; • administrative staff at one or more other HEIs participating in the relevant programme. Such disclosures will always be kept to the minimum amount of personal data required for the specific purpose. Your sensitive personal data (relating to disability and race/ethnicity) will not be disclosed without your explicit consent. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Department of Mathematics College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298

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PhD positions at the University of Exeter: Controlling noise effects in models of excitable cells
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 17, 2016

Dec. 17, 2016

About the award This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2017. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend which, is currently £14,296 per annum for 2016-2017, research costs and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council UK rates for 42 months (3.5 years) for full-time students, pro rata for part-time students. Supervisors: Main supervisor: Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298> (University of Exeter) Co-supervisor: Dr Jan Sieber<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/js543> (University of Exeter) Co-supervisor: Dr Joël Tabak<http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/about/profiles/index.php?web_id=Joel_Tabak-Szn…> (University of Exeter) Location: University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Exeter, Devon Project Description: This is a project that combines biological modelling and general mathematical analysis of the influence of noise on multiple-timescale systems. It will give the student the opportunity to work on open mathematical questions and see their results applied in experiments on living cells. Many types of cells such as neurons, heart and hormone-releasing cells generate impulses of electrical activity, organized as single spikes or bursts of impulses. In cells of the pituitary gland – the master hormonal gland of the body – the features of electrical activity patterns determine how much hormone is released into the circulation. Hence, understanding how the characteristic features of electrical activity arise is crucial to understanding how these cells function, and how they may malfunction in disease. Mathematical modelling and analysis techniques have proven very successful in helping unravel fundamental mechanisms controlling the behaviour of excitable cells. Electrical activity is driven by the interactions between ion channels of the cell membrane, which produce noisy electrical currents. The mathematical models of electrical activity thus contain random and deterministic parts, which typically appear as separate terms (e.g., the deterministic drift and the Brownian-motion induced diffusion in stochastic differential equations). In experimental practice this distinction is not as clear. For example, ion channels in cells with electrical activity generate noisy signals, driving systematically the electrical and chemical activity in the cell, which operate also on several time scales. It is still unclear how this randomness influences electrical activity in real cells. This PhD project will investigate how one can use control to identify the systematic (deterministic) component of trajectories in dynamical systems with random inputs (such as ion channel noise) that operate on two or three different time scales (such as spiking or bursting cells). A first goal to separate a systematic, approximately periodic, signal without knowledge of the period using control and geometric methods in a reconstructed phase space. Preliminary investigations with noise on a single time scale interacting with a two-timescale oscillation (spiking) have shown that this is in principle possible. It is an open question how this can be generalized to periodic behaviours with a more complicated geometry (such as bursting), interacting with noise effects that occur on two time scales. Another open question is how the geometric control and noise identification is related to extended time-delayed feedback, which creates a reference signal from a geometric time series of past outputs. Entry requirements: Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have Master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum of Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply. All applicants would need to meet our English language requirements by the start of the project http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/. The majority of the studentships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in the UK and are classed as UK/EU for tuition fee purposes; however up to 9 fully-funded studentships across the DTP are available for EU/EEA applicants not ordinarily resident in the UK. Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are not eligible for funding. Summary Application deadline: 11th January 2017 Value: 3.5 year studentship: UK/EU tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance at current Research Council rate. Current rate of £14,296 per year. Duration of award: per year Contact: Doctoral College: 01392 722737 doctoral.college(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:doctoral.college@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Click here to apply<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/funding/application/> Please be aware you will be asked to upload the following documents: • CV • Letter of application outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project. • Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying. • If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your current proficiency in English. For further details of the University’s English language requirements please see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/. The closing date for applications is midnight on 11 January 2017. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter between 13 February and 17 February 2017. If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email Doctoral.College(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:Doctoral.College@exeter.ac.uk> or phone +44 (0)1392 722311. Project-specific queries should be directed to the supervisor. During the application process, the University may need to make certain disclosures of your personal data to third parties to be able to administer your application, carry out interviews and select candidates. These are not limited to, but may include disclosures to: • the selection panel and/or management board or equivalent of the relevant programme, which is likely to include staff from one or more other HEIs; • administrative staff at one or more other HEIs participating in the relevant programme. Such disclosures will always be kept to the minimum amount of personal data required for the specific purpose. Your sensitive personal data (relating to disability and race/ethnicity) will not be disclosed without your explicit consent. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Department of Mathematics Living Systems Institute University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298

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CfP: 18th Int. Conf. on Engineering Applications of Neural Networks
by Simone Scardapane Dec. 16, 2016

Dec. 16, 2016

[Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this CFP] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18th Int. Conf. on Engineering Applications of Neural Networks EANN 2017 (Athens, Greece, August 25-27, 2017) Workshop submission deadline: 11th February, 2017 Paper submission deadline: 20th April, 2017 https://conferences.cwa.gr/eann2017/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call for Papers -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors are invited to submit electronically original, English-language research contributions or experience reports not concurrently submitted elsewhere in ALL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOPICS! Papers should be no longer than 10 pages formatted according to the LNCS Springer style. The program committee may reject papers that exceed this length on the grounds of length alone. In the spirit of the previous EANN conferences, the paper should concentrate on the application rather than just the algorithm or the theory. Submitted papers will be refereed by at least three reviewers for quality, correctness, originality, and relevance. Notification and reviews will be communicated via email. Accepted papers will be presented at the conference and included in the proceedings, which will be published by SPRINGER CCIS “Communications in Computer and Information Science” and they will be available on site. It is important though to follow the instructions in this page to ensure that your paper will be included in the proceedings. Call for Workshops -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposals for Workshops that examine emerging, innovative, or otherwise provocative issues within the conference area are encouraged as well. Workshop proposals should include a 1-2 page summary of the topic and the names and affiliations of 3-4 panelists who have made a commitment to participate. https://conferences.cwa.gr/eann2017/call-for-workshops/ Areas of interest: https://conferences.cwa.gr/eann2017/areas-of-interest/ Important dates -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Tutorial and workshops proposals: February 11th, 2017 * Notification of tutorial and workshops proposals: February 12th, 2017 * Paper submission: April 20th, 2017 * Notification of paper acceptance: May 13th, 2017 * Conference Dates: 25-27 August, 2017

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Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2017
by Zrinka Gattin Dec. 14, 2016

Dec. 14, 2016

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and the Bernstein Center Göttingen invite proposals for Satellite Workshops. Satellite Workshops will directly precede the Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen. ************************************************************** *Important Dates:* _Workshops: _September 12 - 13, 2017 _Main Bernstein Conference:_ September 13 - 15, 2017 _Deadline for proposal submission:_ March 01, 2017 _Notification of workshop acceptance:_ March 27, 2017 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops. They provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. Workshop formats should be designed to foster debate beyond a mere series of talks. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. _Workshop time frame:_ September 12, 2017, 13:00 - 18:00 September 13, 2017, 9:00 - 12:30 Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs: NEW THIS YEAR – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: For all accepted workshops the registration is free of charge for organizers and speakers. Organizers will also receive a waiver for the main conference fee. New this year: From the accepted workshops a maximum of ten workshops will be selected to each receive financial support of up to 1.500,00 €. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/satellite-workshops *Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 01, 2017* Accommodation and Hotel Reservation: We strongly recommend early room booking. The number of available accommodation is limited due to several concurrent events. We arranged for room contingents in a variety of hotels that you may book by yourself by email or phone. Please follow the instructions at our Accommodations Web-site (http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation) We would like to emphasize that these room contingents will be held open up to different expiration dates depending on the hotel (or until they are filled). The earliest expiration date is already end of May 2017 whereas the majority of offers expire at the 12th of July 2017. We strongly encourage participants to share rooms and to book rooms as a group. Groups of three or four are possible if you book a suite. The room contingent contains a set of suits and apartments. We emphasize that it will be very difficult to book accommodation beyond the expiration dates. Please find a list of the hotels at our Accommodations Web-site. CONTACT: contact(at)bccn-goettingen.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Göttingen! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter (Chair) Marion Silies (co-Chair) Christian Tetzlaff (co-Chair) Matthias Bethge Laura Busse Claudia Clopath Julia Fischer Alexander Gail Richard Hahnloser Claus Hilgetag Peter Jonas Siegrid Löwel Michael Platt Viola Priesemann Nicole Rust Fred Wolf (Conference Chair) -- Dr Zrinka Gattin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen PhD Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Phone: +49 (0)551 5176 418 Fax: +49 (0)551 5176 14418 E-Mail: zrinka(a)nld.ds.mpg.de

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