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Physics of Neural Systems focus topic at the 2015 American Physical Society March Meeting, March 2-6, San Antonio, TX
by Ilya Nemenman Nov. 10, 2014

Nov. 10, 2014

Dear Colleagues: This is the final reminder that the 2015 American Physical Society (APS) March meeting (March 2-6, 2015; San Antonio, TX) will emphasize “Physics of Neural Systems” as one of the focus topics supported by the Division of Biological Physics. We expect multiple sessions resulting from this focus topic, addressing recent advances in understanding of the structure and the dynamics of neural circuits responsible for sensing, memory, and motor output. Arguably, in the last few years, we have found out more about the dynamics of neural circuits than we have in all of the previous decades combined. Thus we solicit submissions of contributed presentations to the March meeting, focusing on a broad range of topics on the intersection of physics and neuroscience, such as quantitative experimental protocols, modeling of neural dynamics, analysis of collective computation in neural circuits, and others. The neural focus at the meeting will be anchored by talks by Tatyana Sharpee (Salk Institute) and Christopher Fang-Yen (University of Pennsylvania), among others. March meeting abstract submission website: http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/scientific/index.cfm <http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/scientific/index.cfm> Abstract submission deadline: November 14, 2014, 5:00pm EST While the actual timing of the neuro sessions at the meeting will not be known until December and will depend on the number of qualified submissions, the sessions will be scheduled not to conflict with other computational neuroscience meetings, such as COSYNE. APS March meeting is the largest physics meeting in the world, attracting about 10,000 physicists. At the meeting, the APS Division of Biological Physics supports one of the largest and scientifically diverse programs on the interface of physics and biology, from molecular and cellular biophysics, to computational neuroscience and population dynamics, featuring typically more than 500 talks every year. We are looking forward to receiving your abstracts. If you have any questions about neuroscience at the March Meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact Ilya Nemenman (ilya.nemenman(a)emory.edu <mailto:ilya.nemenman@emory.edu>). Sincerely, Ilya Nemenman Associate Professor of Physics and Biology Emory University, Atlanta, GA and Vice-Chair, Division of Biological Physics (DBIO) American Physical Society (APS) http://nemenmanlab.org <http://nemenmanlab.org/> Biophysicist? Join APS/DBIO and come to the March Meeting!

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Can local inhibition lead to long-range competition?
by Dylan Richard Muir Nov. 10, 2014

Nov. 10, 2014

Dear colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to a recent publication, where we examine the spatial range of competition expected for columnar visual cortex, given known features of cortical anatomy. Reprints are freely available from the author’s homepage (see link below). Models of cortex that assume long-range competition are widespread, although it has long been known through anatomical studies that the spatial extent of inhibition is in fact more restricted than that of excitation. We analyzed straightforward models of interacting cortical columns, and performed simulations of larger models, to show how the spatial scales of excitation and inhibition interact to produce competition through disynaptic inhibition. We found that although disynaptic inhibition is widespread, the presence of competition across the cortical surface is predicted well by the anatomy of direct excitatory and inhibitory coupling. In comparison, the effect of multisynaptic network interactions was very small. This implies that for realistic models of cortex, which should include short-range inhibition and longer-range excitation, the spatial extent of competition is likely to be even narrower than the range of inhibitory connections. Muir and Cook, "Anatomical Constraints on Lateral Competition in Columnar Cortical Architectures", Neural Computation 26 8:1624–1666. Reprints: http://dylan-muir.com/resources/docs/neco_a_00613.pdf Journal: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/NECO_a_00613 Summary: http://dylan-muir.com/projects/lateral_competition_cortex/ Best regards, Dylan Muir. Dylan Muir | Post-doctoral researcher Biozentrum, University of Basel | Klingelbergstrasse 50/70 | CH-4056 Basel Phone: +41 61 267 17 75 | Email: dylan.muir(a)unibas.ch www.biozentrum.unibas.ch | www.dylan-muir.com

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Postdoctoral position in computational systems neuroscience (sensory processing & decision-making)
by Ralf Haefner Nov. 10, 2014

Nov. 10, 2014

Postdoctoral position in computational systems neuroscience (sensory processing & decision-making) We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Ralf Haefner in the department for Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester (NY). The focus of our group is on understanding the neural basis of perceptual inference. Based on the assumption that the brain performs probabilistic inference using an internal model of the world, we ask questions such as: What is the nature of the internal model? How is it learnt? How are posterior beliefs represented by spiking responses of populations of neurons and what algorithm does the brain use to compute its beliefs? The position requires strong mathematical and good programming skills. The ideal candidate would also be familiar with machine learning techniques, especially regarding generative models and MCMC-sampling-based probabilistic inference. Possible research projects range from purely theoretical to data-driven. Our collaborations with electrophysiology labs allow for testing of theoretical models using state-of-the-art cortical population recordings in vivo and, if desired, the opportunity to record your own data. More information about past work is available here: http://tinyurl.com/rmhaefner and a preprint of a manuscript representative of future work here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1409.0257 For details on current and possible future projects, and general information, please contact us directly. The successful candidate with join a world-class department with a wide range of research interests ( https://www.bcs.rochester.edu/research/index.html ) and a strong tradition in probabilistic modeling. Start date and duration are flexible. Please send applications including a CV and names of 2-3 references by email. Please contact us as soon as possible if you'd like to meet at the upcoming SfN or NIPS conferences. Ralf Haefner Assistant Professor Brain & Cognitive Sciences University of Rochester (NY) rhaefner(a)bcs.rochester.edu

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Postdoctoral research position: modelling musical preference decisions
by Marcus Pearce Nov. 10, 2014

Nov. 10, 2014

Dear All (with apologies for cross-posting), A postdoc position is available at Queen Mary, University of London as part of an EPSRC-funded project <http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/M000702/1>on predicting musical choices using computational models of cognitive and neural processing. The goal of the project is to understand the cognitive and neural processes involved in musical preference decisions using computational modelling that incorporates the structure of the music, the listener and the listening context. The project also involves behavioural and EEG data collection and analysis using machine learning. Salary: £31,735 - £35,319 per annum Closing date: 14th November 2014 Start date: January 2014 or soon thereafter Duration of post: 14 Months For further information and to apply see: http://music-cognition.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/postdoc.html Marcus -- Lecturer in Sound and Music Processing Queen Mary, University of London Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 6207 Web:http://webprojects.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/marcusp Lab:http://music-cognition.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/

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Postdoctoral position in Houston--Multisensory Integration and Visual Perception
by Beauchamp, Michael S Nov. 8, 2014

Nov. 8, 2014

The Beauchamp Lab at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston (http://openwetware.org/wiki/Beauchamp) seeks a postdoctoral fellow for a federally-funded research program. The main focus of the lab is to understand the neural substrates of multisensory integration and visual perception. The laboratory uses multiple techniques, including fMRI and electrocorticography: experience with one of these techniques (or related) is a requirement. Data analysis is carried out with specialized software, including AFNI, EEGlab and Fieldtrip, requiring that applicants be comfortable with writing and modifying C-shell scripts. An interest in computational and quantitative modeling of behavioral and neuroimaging data is an asset. Houston has a rich neuroimaging and neuroscience community, with Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as partners in the Gulf Coast Consortia for quantitative biomedical sciences. Facilities include multiple research‑dedicated 3 T scanners, a Blackrock Microsystems 128‑channel recording system, infrared eye trackers, and MR-compatible transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The position is available immediately and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please send your CV to beauchamplab(a)gmail.com<mailto:beauchamplab@gmail.com> for an immediate reply.

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Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
by Liu, Robert C Nov. 7, 2014

Nov. 7, 2014

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience The Department of Biology in the Emory College of Arts and Science is seeking applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Current computational neuroscience research at Emory is anchored in the Department of Biology (http://www.biology.emory.edu<http://http/www.biology.emory.edu/>) and is grounded in experimental preparations and neurobiological questions (http://compneurosci.college.emory.edu) The ideal candidate would be a theorist who bridges into experimental data analysis in systems neuroscience. Innovative approaches to understanding principles of neural coding, neural dynamics, learning, memory, and behavior are of particular interest. The successful candidate is anticipated to have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in a quantitative science, and is expected to contribute to the Biology Department's teaching mission in the context of programs in quantitative theory and methods (http://quantitative.emory.edu) and neuroscience (http://www.nbb.emory.edu) Interactions with experimentalists and other theorists within Emory's rich, collaborative neuroscience community are encouraged. Emory has more than 120 laboratories participating in graduate programs in Neuroscience (http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/) and Biomedical Engineering (http://www.bme.emory.edu) and spanning Emory College (Biology, Psychology, Physics, Anthropology), School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Georgia Institute of Technology. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement and three confidential reference letters. Applications and reference letters must be electronically uploaded through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/25348<http://go.toutapp.com/ecca7f39a80cf3c11e>. The deadline for applying is December 1, 2014; applications received after this date are not guaranteed full consideration. Emory University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Disability/Veteran employer. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Robert C. Liu, PhD Associate Professor Winship Distinguished Research Professor Emory University Department of Biology Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE, Room 2131 Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-5274 Fax: (404) 727-2880 Email: robert.liu at emory.edu Website: http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Liu/html/index.php This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

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Faculty position in Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience, Cambridge
by Máté Lengyel Nov. 7, 2014

Nov. 7, 2014

Faculty position in Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Applications are invited for a University Lectureship (~ US Assistant /Professor equivalent) in the Control Group in the Department of Engineering. Exceptional candidates are sought with the potential to develop a record of world-class research commensurate with the Department’s international reputation. The current faculty members in the Cambridge Control Group are: Emeritus Professor Keith Glover, Professor Jan Maciejowski, Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre (Professor of Engineering), Professor Malcolm Smith (Head of Group) and Dr Glenn Vinnicombe (Reader). Candidates will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the general area of Control Engineering and possibly other related areas of Information Engineering. The closing date for applications is 9 January, 2015. The interviewing panel will meet soon after the closing date. Short-listed candidates will be invited to visit the Department, give a short seminar/lecture and attend a formal interview. The field of this University Lectureship is at the interface between Information Engineering and Medical Neuroscience. Unprecedented challenges and opportunities exist in this area as a consequence of a fast-developing technology of actuating and sensing devices at the neuronal scale (e.g. neural implants, multi-electrode recordings, and optogenetic techniques). The successful candidate will preferably be working in the field of Control Engineering with a research record in problems of medical neuroscience, and with appropriate theoretical expertise (nonlinear systems). It could be filled by someone whose primary expertise is in a different branch of Information Engineering, but the ability to contribute to teaching in one or more of the ‘core’ areas of Information Engineering (Control, Signal processing, Information theory, etc) will be expected. Medical neuroscience and brain science is a current focus of most national and international funding agencies. Funding opportunities will exist in conjunction with Cambridge Neuroscience. The lectureship will strengthen the Department’s Bioengineering strategic theme. Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre (r.sepulchre(a)eng.cam.ac.uk) or Professor Malcolm Smith (mcs(a)eng.cam.ac.uk)

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PhD studies in Comp Neuro and Neural Engineering at the University of Washington
by Adrienne Fairhall Nov. 6, 2014

Nov. 6, 2014

PhD studies in Computational Neuroscience and Neural Engineering at the University of Washington The University of Washington has a rich, active and highly collaborative community of researchers in the field of computational neuroscience (http://compneuro.washington.edu/) and neural engineering. The University of Washington is a vibrant research university with a beautiful campus in a spectacular urban setting, with an ERC Center in Sensorimotor Neural Engineering (http://www.csne-erc.org/) the UW Institute for Neuroengineering (uwin.washington.edu) close connections to the local tech industry and the Allen Institute for Brain Science. UW is also a major data sciences center with interdisciplinary interactions coordinated through the eSciences Institute (http://escience.washington.edu) The city is a short distance from wilderness and outstanding summer and winter outdoor adventure. While faculty advisors belong to a wide range of different departments, researchers come together regularly for seminars, journal clubs and a yearly retreat. Many student funding opportunities exist through multiple training grants, UWIN and the CSNE. Doctoral programs encourage collaborative research projects across departmental boundaries, but admissions and first-year course work and formal requirements are handled by graduate programs individually. Students interested in this area should apply to the program that best fits their background, interests and career goals. Relevant programs, websites and application deadlines include: Neuroscience, http://depts.washington.edu/behneuro/ , Dec 1 Bioengineering, http://depts.washington.edu/bioe/, Dec 1 Computer Science and Engineering, www.cs.washington.edu/, Dec 15 Applied Mathematics, www.amath.washington.edu/, Jan 15 Speech and Hearing, http://depts.washington.edu/sphsc/, Feb 15 Biological Physics, Structure and Design, http://depts.washington.edu/bpsd/, Dec 1 Biology, www.biology.washington.edu/, Dec 1 Faculty include: Wyeth Bair (Neurobiology and Behavior, CSE): Computer modeling of visual cortical circuits Geoff Boynton (Neuro, Psychology): Functional imaging of vision Beth Buffalo (Neuro): Navigation and memory in primates Bing Brunton (Biology and Data Sciences): High dimensional neural data Howard Chizeck (CSE): Performance metrics for neural interfaces Tom Daniel (Neuro, Biology): Sensorimotor integration and flight control Horacio de la Iglesia (Neuro, Biology): Circadian rhythms Marcel den Nijs (Physics): Statistical mechanics of brain function Adrienne Fairhall (Neuro, BPSD, Physics): Adaptive neural coding and sensorimotor integration Eb Fetz (Neuro): Motor control and brain-computer interfaces Ione Fine (Neuro, Psychology): Human visual psychophysics and imaging David Gire (Neuro, Psychology): Mammalian olfaction Bertil Hille (Neuro, BPSD): Biophysics of neuronal signal transduction Greg Horwitz (Neuro): Cortical color processing Nathan Kutz (A Math): Nonlinear dynamics and dimensionality reduction Adrian KC Lee (Neuro, Speech and Hearing): Auditory scene analysis with imaging Chet Moritz (Neuro, Rehabilitation Medicine): Neural prosthetics Sheri Mizumori (Neuro, Psychology): Neurobiology of decisions, learning, and memory Bill Moody (Neuro, Biology): Cortical development Scott Murray (Neuro, Psychology): Visual neuroimaging Jay Neitz (Neuro): Color vision Jeff Ojemann (Neuro, Neurology): Human neural function and neuroprosthetics Anitha Pasupathy (Neuro): Neurobiology of visual shape processing David Perkel (Neuro): Neural mechanisms of vocal learning Steve Perlmutter (Neuro): Motor control Chantal Prat (Neuro, Speech and hearing): Auditory processing Nino Ramirez (Neuro): Neural control of rhythmic activity Rajesh Rao (Neuro, CSE): Computational modeling and brain-computer interfaces Fred Rieke (Neuro, Physics, BPSD): Sensory signal processing in the retina Jeff Riffell (Neuro, Biology): Neuroecology and chemosensation Ed Rubel (Neuro): Development of the auditory system Jay Rubinstein (Neuro, Bioengineering): Biophysics and engineering of cochlear implants Eric Shea-Brown (Neuro, A Math): Nonlinear dynamics in neural computation and coding Bill Spain (Neuro): Biophysics of neuronal computation Kat Steele (Mec Eng): Human movement Emo Todorov (Neuro, A Math, CSE): Optimal motor control

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PhD in Cogn Neuro, Univ of Wisc-Milwaukee
by Adam S Greenberg Nov. 6, 2014

Nov. 6, 2014

Dear Colleagues, Please pass the following information along to your undergraduates who plan to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience beginning in the Fall of 2015. Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) are actively recruiting graduate students who intend to earn a PhD conducting cognitive neuroscience research. UWM has an extremely energetic & cohesive group of faculty using cognitive neuroscience techniques to study the neural bases of learning & memory, attention, perception, dementia, addiction, anxiety, depression, and motor control. Collectively, our labs form a group of more than 50 faculty, postdocs, graduate students, research scientists, and research assistants all working on cognitive neuroscience at UWM. A major strength of our program is our depth - cognitive neuroscientists at UWM are part of a much broader community of researchers whose interests range from cellular to systems-level neuroscience (see http://www4.uwm.edu/neuroscience for more information about UWM's Neuroscience Program). Labs of the following cognitive neuroscience faculty are currently interested in accepting graduate students: Ira Driscoll, PhD --> Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging Lab (http://www.uwmdriscolllab.com) Adam S. Greenberg, PhD --> Sensory Neuroscience, Attention, & Perception Lab (http://SNAPlaboratory.com<http://snaplaboratory.com/>) Anthony J. Greene, PhD --> Greene Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (http://www4.uwm.edu/people/ag) Deborah Hannula, PhD --> Memory & Brain Lab (https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/hannula/brainlab) Fred Helmstetter, PhD --> Helmstetter Lab (http://pantherfile.uwm.edu/fjh/www/helmlab) Wendy Huddleston, PhD --> Visuomotor Lab (http://www4.uwm.edu/visuomotor) Christine Larson, PhD --> Affective Neuroscience Lab (http://<http://uwmlarsonlab.org/>uwmlarsonlab.org<http://uwmlarsonlab.org/>) Krista M. Lisdahl, PhD --> Brain Imaging & Neuropsychology Lab (http://uwmBraINlab.com<http://uwmbrainlab.com/>) Ali Borji, PhD --> Vision & Learning Lab (http://pantherfile.uwm.edu/borji/www) These labs make use of a large array of tools including fMRI, TMS, eye-tracking, MEG, EEG, DTI, psychophysical methods, and computational modeling. In addition to two existing 3 Tesla MRI scanners, we are also excited about the recent arrival of a research-dedicated 7 Tesla MRI scanner at our partner institution, the Medical College of Wisconsin. Students in our program interact with biophysicists, neurologists, and radiologists through the world-renown Center for Imaging Research: http://www.mcw.edu/CIR/AboutUs/About-the-Center.htm Milwaukee is a vibrant, inexpensive city on the shores of Lake Michigan (90 miles from Chicago) with a thriving urban culture, food, arts & music scene. An award-winning network of parks and biking/hiking trails allow for plentiful outdoor activities during all seasons. Research experience is strongly desirable. Students in good standing typically receive financial support for five years, in the form of research, teaching or fellowship positions. Students are encouraged to contact the above faculty directly by email, and can apply through the graduate programs listed below (depending on the lab they're interested in). NOTE: Please come visit our booth (#41) at SfN 2014 during the Graduate School Fair on 11/15 & 11/16 to talk to one of us about our program and answer any questions you may have. PhD in Experimental Psychology/Neuroscience (applications due December 1, 2014): http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/psychology/graduate/phdprograms/experimental/ind… PhD in Clinical Psychology (applications due December 1, 2014): http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/psychology/graduate/phdprograms/clinical/ PhD in Health Sciences/Kinesiology (rolling admissions): http://www4.uwm.edu/chs/academics/phd_health_sciences/ PhD in Computer Science/Engineering (rolling admissions); http://uwm.edu/engineering/academics-2/graduate/doctoral-programs-in-engine… ___________________________ Adam Greenberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Psychology P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201 email: agreenb(a)uwm.edu<mailto:agreenb@uwm.edu> Tel. (414) 229-1106 Fax (414) 229-5219 http://www.snaplaboratory.com/ ___________________________

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Postdoctoral Position at the Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany
by Birgit Ahrens Nov. 6, 2014

Nov. 6, 2014

*PostDoc Position in Non-Clinical Epilepsy Research in the Biomicrotechnology lab of Prof. Ulrich Egert* We are currently offering a PostDoc position (2 years) in the Laboratory for Biomicrotechnology (http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/people/details/egert) at the University of Freiburg. The project investigates mechanisms underlying mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy from the perspective of the dysfunction of interaction between subnetworks in the hippocampal formation (Froriep et al. 2012, Epilepsia). We aim to use targeted stimulation to reduce the circuit's susceptibility for seizures. For this project, we are searching for a neurophysiologist to implement a new paradigm for stimulation in a mouse model of epilepsy. It is essential that you have a background in neuroscience, ideally in experimental neurophysiology in vivo as well as a PhD degree. You should further be competent in data analysis and have an affinity for the network perspective. The project is part of the Cluster of Excellence "BrainLinks-BrainTools'' (www.brainlinks.uni-freiburg.de) together with the Bernstein Center Freiburg (www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de) and will combine neurophysiology, computational neuroscience and neurotechnology. *Please apply using our online form at https://yoda.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/* Further details on: www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs Contact: Dr. Birgit Ahrens Teaching & Training Coordinator Bernstein Center Freiburg Hansastr. 9a 79104 Freiburg, Germany birgit.ahrens(a)bcf.uni-freiburg.de

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