- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

[comp-neuro] PhD position(s) in Deep Learning for VR avatars in sport training and motor rehabilitation

by Dr Cristian Axenie

Dear colleagues, We are now accepting applications for passionate students willing to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD within the newly established AUDI Konfuzius-Institut Ingolstadt Lab, a joint technology and research initiative supported by Audi, Technical University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt and the City of Ingolstadt, Germany. https://audi-konfuzius-institut-ingolstadt.de/forschung/akii-microlab/micro… Our focus is to explore the application of AI, ML, and especially Deep Learning techniques, to leverage Virtual Reality avatar reconstruction for applications ranging from performance sports training to motor rehabilitation. If you have interest in cutting edge research at the border of AI, Machine Learning, Computer Graphics and VR then let us know. To get a feeling of the type of research we're conducting check VIRTOOAIR: https://audi-konfuzius-institut-ingolstadt.de/23132/neural-network-predicti… We seek highly motivated candidates with strong programming skills, analytical skills and creativity. A degree in electrical engineering or computer science (or equivalent) with focus on AI and ML is a must. Knowledge and expertise in VR and computer graphics are a plus. For applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to cristian.axenie(a)audi-konfuzius-institut-ingolstadt.de Thank you! --- Dr. Cristian Axenie Head of AKII Microlab PI in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning +49 171 105 4217 cristian.axenie(a)audi-konfuzius-institut-ingolstadt.de Esplanade 10, D-85049 Ingolstadt Germany

Feb. 12, 2019

Call for Participation: 100th Meeting of the Pacific Division of AAAS in Ashland Oregon June 18-22, 2019

by James Bower

Hello all, Back in the business of meeting organization :-). - I would like to specifically draw your attention to the request for presentations related to: “the expanding role of computational modeling in basic science”. As you can see, this is a highly interdisciplinary meeting providing participants the opportunity to explore issues of science, public policy, culture and even art very broadly. Participation is not limited to those in the western United States, but Ashland is easy to get to from the major west coast cities, and I would love to have representation from the comp neuroscience community. The meeting is especially tailored to student participation, graduate and undergraduate. Very best regards and I hope to see some of you in Ashland this June. Jim Bower > > >> >> <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebba9fd5941f10303b3e64b3…> >> 100th Annual Meeting >> Southern Oregon University >> Ashland, Oregon >> June 18 - 21, 2019 >> associations.sou.edu/aaaspd <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb35fa3307c2365cfd32592…> >> The 2019 meeting of the Pacific Division of AAAS <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb35fa3307c2365cfd32592…> will be held on the campus of Southern Oregon University, <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbe1ca7c601a6cf6a3cc111…> Ashland, Oregon, 18 – 21 June 2019. We are pleased to announce that the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, will once again join us for this meeting. Membership in AAAS or its affiliated societies is not required to participate in or present research at this meeting. >> Ashland, Oregon <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb88fe51311f2b98d869641…> and the Rogue River Valley <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb67c13f065e227a295101a…> are unique locations in Southern Oregon with wonderful opportunities to enjoy the natural world, including world famous Crater Lake <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb872145c62caa032d99fb8…>, as well as unique cultural opportunities, like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbf94bd114130bbd88997a4…>, and many gastronomic <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbc35c26eda0f7b3db07e81…> and horticultural riches <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb7407ac3a3fc031eb695ea…>. A wonderful place to bring your family. >> All scientists, including graduate and undergraduate students, citizen scientists, college and university faculty and staff, and industry scientists, are invited to present their research results at the meeting, either orally or as posters. Persons paying the registration fee may attend all scientific sessions as well as participate in many other activities. Field trips require advance registration and payment of additional fees. >> In This Issue >> • Special Meeting Themes <x-msg://10/#A> >> • Common Topics for the Local Community <x-msg://10/#B> >> • What are Your Key Words? <x-msg://10/#C> >> • How Does Your Submission Connect to Science? <x-msg://10/#D> >> • Join Us for a Full Schedule of Activities <x-msg://10/#E> >> • Questions? <x-msg://10/#F> >> >> <>Special Meeting Themes <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb34c90afb66c66a8ef9ab3…> >> While as always, the meeting is happy to accept symposium presentations and contributed oral and poster presentation in any of the broad science disciplines indicated below, this year we have also identified several themes around which we will organize part of the meeting. If your symposium, workshop, or contributed oral or poster presentation is relevant to one (or more) of these themes, please include the theme(s) in your list of key words. >> <>Common Topics for the Local Commmunity <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbc05720a2757a81874bb66…> >> Working with local community leaders we have identified several topics of particular interest to the local community. >> • Climate change >> • Causes and impacts of forest fires >> • Societal and economic implications of AI, machine learning, and robotics >> • The opioid epidemic >> • Local Oregon environmental issues including the proposed Coos Bay pipeline and efforts to remove dams from the Klamath River >> • Diversification of local agriculture >> • The biology of aging >> • The science of wine >> • Impact and issues concerning pollinators >> <>What Are the Key Words of Your Symposium, Workshop, or Research? <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbffc8fa54ab934d6d2d19a…> >> Please also indicate in the key words if your symposium, workshop or contributed research relates to the following issues in science and technology: >> • The future of scientific publishing >> • The future of higher education >> • The expanding role of computational modeling in basic science >> • New approaches to STEM education: k-12 >> • The importance of interdisciplinary approaches in science and technology >> • Engaging the public in science >> • Fostering inclusion of underrepresented minorities in science >> <>How Does Your Submission Connect to Science? <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb72cd3152f7a079a21c46b…> >> Finally, this year’s meeting is also making an explicit effort to link and collaborate with regional cultural organizations and assets. Accordingly, please indicate in your key words if your submission is potentially relevant to linkage between science and: >> • Theater >> • Film >> • Art >> • Music >> <>Plan to join us for a full schedule of activities >> • Contributed oral and poster paper sessions (submission deadline April 18) >> • CALL for ABSTRACTS for CONTRIBUTED PAPERS and POSTERS <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb4b72807b94dd5d8ea46b8…> >> >> • Symposia (submission deadline April 1) >> • CALL for SYMPOSIA <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbd65caabe6518329fc44c0…> >> >> • Workshops (submission deadline April 1) >> • CALL for WORKSHOPS <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbd65caabe6518329fc44c0…> >> >> • Field trips >> • In keeping with a long tradition for this meeting, a wide range of field trips will be offered to meeting participants and their families. Discount prices will also be arranged for a number of outdoor adventures. >> >> • Hands on science banquet <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebbcaead0944f9292f084718…> >> • Networking opportunities >> • And much more! >> >> <>Questions? >> Contact James Bower, Executive Director of the Pacific Division, by email at bowerj(a)sou.edu. <mailto:bowerj@sou.edu> >> >> <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb82f599d2fab795415c065…> Manage Your Email Subscription Preferences | Unsubscribe <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb97019d52e669189dd00e2…> | Privacy Policy <http://click.aaas.sciencepubs.org/?qs=166c48b32e4d9ebb98682473fd7b8b0c5125d…> | Forward to a friend <http://view.aaas.sciencepubs.org/ftaf.aspx?qs=4d099bbbcb6bad6b70eebec04f0af…> >> This email was sent on behalf of Special Announcements from AAAS/Science to: BOWERJ(a)SOU.EDU <mailto:BOWERJ@SOU.EDU> >> >> AAAS/Science | 1200 New York Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20005 | USA >> +1-202-326-6730 | 866-265-4152 (toll-free in the USA) >> >> Copyright © 2019 American Association for the Advancement of Science >> >

Feb. 11, 2019

Prometheus: Cloud Computing Portal for Computational Optogenetics

by Nikolic, Konstantin

We would like to announce the availability of "Prometheus: Cloud Computing Portal for Computational Optogenetics". This is a web-based portal for PyRhO - a set of tools with a GUI for modelling and simulating opsins in neurons, using Python, Neuron or Brian 2. The main attraction is that all necessary modules and dependencies are already installed and configured (including the Python programming language, commonly used scientific Python libraries, NEURON and Brian2 simulation platforms) and the GUI comes with some pre-loaded values. So the platform can be used immediately. Absolutely no installation or set-up is required, just a web-browser, since the portal is using IPython/Jupyter<https://jupyter.org/> notebook. The portal is available here: http://try.projectpyrho.org/ To simplify things, there is no registration wall at the moment. But please note that the resources we are currently renting from a cloud computing service provider are limited. So please be patient - sometimes it might take more time to execute your job, depending on the number of users running their codes at the same time. A paper describing the platform, including several demonstrations, has been published: Evans et.al: "PyRhO: A Multiscale Optogenetics Simulation Platform", Frontiers in Neuroinformatics (2016): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fninf.2016.00008/full Best regards, Dr Benjamin Evans, Bristol University, UK Dr Konstantin Nikolic, Imperial College London, UK

Feb. 11, 2019

MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course

by Stephen A. Baccus

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 29 to August 23, 2019, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 19*. 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/ 2019 Course Directors: Stephen Baccus, Stanford University Xiao-Jing Wang, New York University 2019 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Institute Anne Collins, UC Berkeley Shaul Druckmann, Stanford University Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, U. of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, U. of Washington Ila Fiete, University of Texas Austin James Fitzgerald, Janelia Res., HHMI Loren Frank, UCSF Michale Fee, MIT Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Mark Goldman, UC Davis Kenneth Harris, U. College London James Haxby, Dartmouth University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, Univ. of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University David Redish, U. Minnesota Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Mike Shadlen, Columbia U. Reza Shadmehr, Johns Hopkins Univ. Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Klaas Stephan, Univ. of Zurich Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Nao Uchida, Harvard University Greg Wayne, DeepMind Hongkui Zeng, Allen Institute

Feb. 9, 2019

Postdoctoral Fellow in Multimodal Brain Imaging of Neurodegeneration

by Yasser Iturria Medina

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

Feb. 9, 2019

PhD positions - Learning in Spiking Neural Networks

by Robert Legenstein

The Lab of Robert Legenstein at TU Graz is offering funded PhD positions in the areas Spiking Neural Networks/Machine Learning/Brain Models/Neuromorphic Hardware. A background in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or Mathematics is desirable, as well as evidence for excellent prior performance as a student. Successful candidates will work on learning algorithms for spiking neural networks in the interdisciplinary consortium of the EU-funded project SYNCH. We will develop in this project learning algorithms for spiking neural networks (unsupervised, supervised, and reward-based). Hardware experts will implement these algorithms in cooperation with our team in a spiking neural network chip. The chip will be applied to various tasks within a brain-silicon hybrid system such as the classification of recorded brain network states. (see https://www.tugraz.at/institute/igi/people/prof-legenstein/projects/ for a brief description). Please send your application including a CV, any prior thesis and/or work by February 28 to robert.legenstein(a)igi.tugraz.at Dr. Robert Legenstein Institute Head Institute for Theoretical Computer Science Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 16b/I, 8010 Graz, Austria http://www.igi.tugraz.at/legi/ Follow @CompLegenstein on Twitter. ++43/316/873-5824 ----------------------------------

Feb. 8, 2019

Postdoctoral position in network modeling

by Fidel Santamaria

Postdoctoral position in network modeling An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Charles Wilson at the Neurosciences Institute of the University of Texas at San Antonio, on the topic of oscillations and oscillatory coupling in the basal ganglia. The successful applicant will join a team of experimentalists to create a large scale accurate model of the basal ganglia, with a focus on activity pattern formation by oscillating neurons in the globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra. Applicants should have an interest in the function of the basal ganglia and experience making and using models of neurons and networks. Experience with intracellular recoding is beneficial, but not required. For information about the lab see: https://marlin.life.utsa.edu/ For information about the UTSA Neurosciences Institute see: https://neuroscience.utsa.edu/ To apply please send your CV, a letter describing your experimental interests and contact information for two potential references to Charles Wilson (charles.wilson(a)utsa.edu<mailto:charles.wilson@utsa.edu>).

Feb. 8, 2019

Post-doc position neuropysiology of hearing impairment and machine learning

by Jochem Rieger

Dear list, The DFG-funded cluster of Excellence "Hearing 4 All" has an open post-doctoral position in project "Characterizing central neural speech processing in normal and hearing impaired listeners using machine learning". The aim of the project is to combine neurophysiological measurements (fMRI and/or MEG/EEG) with data driven machine learning to characterize cortical consequences of hearing loss. We offer an international and interdisciplinary research environment and access to up-to-date research facilities. The position is available from April 1st, 2019 until October 31st, 2022. Salary level German TV-L E13, full time. The payment includes an experience dependent component. Application deadline is February 27th 2019 The full job announcement can be found here: https://uol.de/stellen/?stelle=66447 Please forward this message to people who might be interested Regards, Jochem -- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jochem Rieger Head of Applied Neurocognitive Psychology Head of Neuroimaging Unit Faculty VI Carl-von-Ossietzky University 26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49(0)4417984533 Fax: +49(0)4417983865

Feb. 8, 2019

Brainhack Warsaw (March 1–3, 2019, Poland)

by Daniel Borek

Brainhack Warsaw 2019 March 1-3, 2019 University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland — REGULAR -> 04.02 - 17.02 -> 120 PLN (ABOUT €29) — — LATE -> 18.02 - 24.02 -> 135 PLN (ABOUT €33) — On the weekend of March 1-3, 2019, the second edition of Brainhack Warsaw will take place. During this three-day event dedicated to students and PhD students, we will work in teams on neuroscience-related projects. The aim of the event is to meet new, enthusiastic researchers, make new friendships in academia, learn, share the knowledge on data mining and brain research, but also promote open science in the spirit of the whole Brainhack community (Craddock et al., 2016) <https://gigascience.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13742-016-0121-x>. Attendees of various backgrounds are welcome to join! Below you could see a list of projects which will be realised during our three-day event: - Generating fake MRI to enhance Alzheimer’s disease prediction <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project2> - Network analysis of the electrical activity of the brain during epileptic seizures <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project3> - Deep Frankenstein: dissecting and sewing artificial neural networks <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project4> - Tackling the ABCD Neurocognitive Prediction Challenge <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project5> - Multidimensionality problem in passive BCI for game control <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project6> - Cross-Recurrence Quantification Analysis (cRQA) as a new measure of functional connectivity <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project7> - EMG-based desktop controlling <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project8> - Mapping the state of modern psychology through the public online activity of scientists <https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/index.html#project9> ‘Regular’ and ‘Late’ registration for project participants close subsequently on 17.02 and 24.02.2019. A registration fee will be requested after registration. The registration fee will be spent on catering during the event. To register please visit our page and learn more about the Brainhack Warsaw! https://brainhackwarsaw.github.io/ We looking forward to seeing you in Warsaw! On behalf of the Brainhack Warsaw 2019 team

Feb. 8, 2019

Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School 2019

by Christopher Honey

We are pleased to announce the 9th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) Summer School which will take place June 29 - July 21, 2019 in Suzhou, 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 around the world. We welcome both applicants with quantitative backgrounds (including Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science) and those with experimental backgrounds. 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 and microcircuits up to large-scale systems and machine-learning approaches. Python-based programming labs coordinated with the lectures will provide practical training in important computational methods. Course information and application instructions are available on the CCN Summer School website: www.ccnss.org Applications are being accepted through the Cold Spring Harbor Asia website: http://www.csh-asia.org/summerschool_SCOSYNEinstruct.html The application deadline is March 8, 2019. Faculty: Carlos Brody (Princeton) Bob Desimone (MIT) Bard Ermentrout (Pitt) Winrich Freiwald (Rockefeller) Biyu He (NYU) Sukbin Lim (NYU) John Murray (Yale) Jascha Sohl-Dickstein (Google Brain) Jon Winawer (NYU) Byron Yu (CMU) Organizers: Dora Angelaki (NYU) Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) Christopher Honey (Johns Hopkins) Robert Guangyu Yang (Columbia) Feel free to direct any questions to Chris Honey ( chris.honey(a)jhu.edu ) and Robert Guangyu Yang ( robert.yang(a)columbia.edu ).

Feb. 8, 2019

PhD position in DFG project: Active vision: control of eye-movements and probabilistic planning @TU Darmstadt

by Constantin Rothkopf

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in the lab of Constantin Rothkopf at the Technical University Darmstadt. The position is initially funded by the German Research Foundation DFG for three years. The project 'Active vision: control of eye-movements and probabilistic planning' aims to investigate how humans carry out eye-movements across different tasks and how this can be understood with models of probabilistic planning. Recent publications of the lab on this topic include the following papers: - Hoppe, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2016). Learning rational temporal eye movement strategies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(29), 8332-8337. - Hoppe, D., & Rothkopf, C. A. (2019). Multi-step planning of eye movements in visual search. Scientific reports, 9(1), 144. Applicants need to have a Masters degree in cognitive science, computer science, psychology, or related fields. In addition to a strong general interest in cognitive science, computational science, experimental psychology, and interdisciplinary research, the ideal candidate has a background in eye-tracking and probabilistic planning. Analytical know-how, awareness of experimental literature, and experience with programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C++) are indispensable. We offer a supportive and multidisciplinary environment driven by scientific curiosity, lab facilities for measuring eye and body movements in extended behavior in-the-wild and in VR, and collaborations with universities and research institutes in Frankfurt, Giessen, as well as internationally. The lab is part of the Centre for Cognitive Science and the Institute of Psychology at TU Darmstadt. If you are interested, please send a CV, a brief (max. 2 pages) cover letter explaining your research interests, what you are looking for in a PhD, why you would like to study in the lab, your longer term career goals, and the names and contact details of 2-3 academic references to constantin.rothkopf(a)cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de until February 28th 2019, but later applications will be considered until the position is filled. -- Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de/ http://www.ai-da.tu-darmstadt.de/

Feb. 7, 2019

FENS SfN Summer School 2019 on brain reading and writing: new perspectives of neurotechnology - apply by 18 February

by FENS Schools

Dear Colleagues, This year's FENS-SfN neuroscience summer school on *Brain reading and writing: new perspectives of neurotechnology* will take place on 2-8 June in Bertinoro, Italy. We would like to invite you to have a look at the programme below. *Scientific chairs*: *Dr. Pieter Roelfsema* <https://nin.nl/research/researchgroups/roelfsema-group/>, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, The Netherlands *Dr. Andrew B. Schwartz* <http://motorlab.neurobio.pitt.edu/schwartz.php>, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA *School Programme Description* During this school, we will discuss the intracortical methods being developed for reading from, and writing to, the brain. A set of international lectures will provide an overview of the emerging therapeutic applications made possible with this technology. In addition to being exposed to new hardware, students will learn about, and apply new computational approaches to facilitate brain-device communication. We will discuss some of the interesting ethical ramifications of a neuro-technologically assisted future. *Faculty members*: *Matteo Carandini* <https://www.carandinilab.net/>, Cortexlab, UCL, UK *Xinyan Tracy Cui* <https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/cui/>, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, USA *Eduardo Fernandez* <https://www.umh.es/contenido/pdi/:persona_4122/datos_en.html>, Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Spain *Tim Harris* <https://www.janelia.org/lab/harris-lab>, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, USA *Karin Jongsma* <https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/Research/Researchers/Jongsma-Karin-KR>, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands *Jason Kerr* <https://www.caesar.de/en/our-research/behavior-and-brain-organization/direc…>, Department of Behavior and Brain Organization, Research Center caesar, Bonn, Germany *Stephanie Lacour* <https://cnp.epfl.ch/Lacourlab>, Center for Neuroprosthetics, EPFL, Switzerland *Antonio Regalado* <https://www.technologyreview.com/profile/antonio-regalado/>, MIT Technology Review, USA *José-Alain Sahel* <http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/our-people/faculty-staff-bios/jose-alain-sahel-md/>, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA *Eilon Vaadia* <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=vaadia/home>, Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Israel *Anna Wang Roe* <http://www.ziint.zju.edu.cn/index.php/Index/index.html>, Zhejiang University Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology (ZIINT), China *Byron Yu* <https://users.ece.cmu.edu/~byronyu/>, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, USA *Application form*: http://www.fens.org/Training/FENS-Schools/Summer-School-2019/Application-Fo… *Deadline*: 18 February 2019, 3pm CET. Further information about the school and available stipends can be found here <https://www.fens.org/Training/FENS-Schools/Summer-School-2019/>. Feel free to share this enriching opportunity with your professional network. Best regards, FENS Schools Administration

Feb. 7, 2019

Ottawa Summer School: Application Deadline Approaching

by Richard Naud

Dear comp-neuro, This is a second announcement for the Summer School of the Centre for Neural Dynamics<http://www.neurodynamic.uottawa.ca/summer.html> At the University of Ottawa May 26 - June 7, 2019 The application deadline on Feb. 15 is quickly approaching. The course is intended for graduate students and undergraduate students in their third and fourth year of study in the physical sciences (e.g. physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science) and the life sciences (e.g. neuroscience, biology, physiology, human kinetics) who wish to develop their skills in neural data analysis and in mathematical modeling of neural activity. The topics will range from cellular to systems neuroscience, with applications in medicine. Individuals outside of academia may also participate. The first week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings followed by an afternoon of relatedcomputer-based laboratories. The second week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings, followed by an afternoon of interactive discussions and brainstorming activities. Each day will focus on a different subject in systems neuroscience and/or medicine. Participants will work in small groups with mentors, and will be prepared for these activities by directed readings. Later in the afternoon, groups will convene into a plenary session with our experts to identify proper computational questions and associated timely research projects on the focus theme. All classes will be held on the main downtown campus of the University of Ottawa. The course can also be taken for credit, since it is a University of Ottawa three-credit graduate course (NSC8104). The mark will be based on work done in the computer laboratories and a project. All students receive a letter stating that they satisfactorily participated in the school, regardless of whether they take the course for credit. Those taking it for credit will receive their mark from the University of Ottawa Registrar's Office later in the summer. Important Dates January 6, 2019: Registration opens. February 15, 2019: Application deadline (including letter of recommendation). Faculty * Prof. André Longtin (uOttawa) * Prof. Richard Naud (uOttawa) * Prof. John Lewis (uOttawa) * Prof. Maia Fraser (uOttawa) * Prof. Len Maler (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Philippe Thivierge (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Claude Béïque (uOttawa) * Prof. Maurice Chacron (McGill) * Prof. Jonathan Rubin (U Pitt) * Prof. Simon Chen (uOttawa) * Prof. Blake Richards (McGill,MILA) * Prof. Steve Prescott (U Toronto) * Dr. Saskia De Vries (Allen Institute) Sponsored by OCNS and uOBMRI. Organizers André Longtin Richard Naud John Lewis

Feb. 6, 2019

Independent group leader positions in ML & Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany

by Philipp Berens

The Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning - New Perspectives for Science" (http://www.ml-in-science.uni-tuebingen.de/) at the University of Tübingen is looking for independent group leaders in machine learning and its scientific applications, including neuroscience: https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job?id=674387 Appointments can be made at various levels, dependent on experience. Tübingen has a rich computational neuroscience scene to connect with, including faculty members Matthias Bethge, Peter Dayan and others: https://www.bccn-tuebingen.de/faculty.html We are looking forward to your application! -- Prof. Dr. Philipp Berens University of Tübingen Institute for Ophthalmic Research http://www.berenslab.org phone: +49-7071-2988833

Feb. 6, 2019

Open Position: Head of the Laboratory Neurophysics at U Goettingen, Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks

by von Behren, Christina

To whom it may concern, The Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen invites applications for the position as Head of the Laboratory Neurophysics This position is available immediately. This is a full time position with an unlimited contract. Salary and working hours will be according to the German pay scale 14 TV-L. The mission of the Laboratory Neurophysics will be to study the dynamics of neurons and neuronal populations, utilizing biophysical approaches, cellular electrophysiology, and neural interface technologies. The Head of the unit will guide the operation of the laboratory, design and conduct studies, supervise scientists, develop instrumentation, and acquire independent research funding. The Laboratory Neurophysics will serve as an interface for collaborative projects at the Göttingen Campus on the dynamics of neuronal cells and populations and their control through neural interfaces. The Head of the Laboratory Neurophysics will contribute to such collaborative research projects as well as to interdisciplinary teaching and training at the faculties of biology, physics, and in the biomedical sciences. Teaching subjects will in particular include quantitative concepts and methods of experimental and theoretical neuroscience, neural interface technologies and their applications in fundamental research, neural prosthetics, and the restoration of sensory and motor function. The successful candidate holds a Master in Science, University Diploma or equivalent, and a PhD or equivalent in biophysics, neuroscience or a related field, has a strong track record in biophysics and experimental and computational neuroscience, and an excellent publication record. We are looking for a person with in-depth experience in advanced quantitative methodologies and mathematical modelling in neuroscience/biophysics and the corresponding mathematical and programming capabilities. Experience with neural interfaces, quantitative imaging, cellular electrophysiology, molecular biology, and in vitro model systems will be essential. In order to optimally interact with partners on the Göttingen Campus, a broad range of research capabilities are expected: These include state of the art knowledge in synaptic and cellular physiology, in the biophysical basis of neural interface technologies, and in the development of instrumentation for stimulating animal and human brains. Experience with the study of cognitive and sensory-motor functions as well as with human studies will be advantageous. Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field. We are looking for a person with the propensity to develop methods, rapidly adopt novel technologies and initiate cooperations with academic and industry partners. Experience in teaching and student supervision is required and should be documented in the application. Teaching languages are German and English. The Göttingen Campus is a leading center of neuroscience in Europe, hosting numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including the University and its Medical Center, the five Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen. The Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN) is a newly founded transdisciplinary institute. Its mission is to foster frontier research at the border of the exact and biological sciences and to develop advanced mathematical and computational concepts for the analysis of biological networks. On the Göttingen Campus, the CIDBN closely interacts with the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, the German Primate Center, the faculties of Physics and Biology and the University Medical Center. It participates in three key research foci: Primate Cognition, Physics to Medicine and Life at the Nanoscale. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Please send your e-mail application, preferably in one single PDF-document, including a letter of interest, your curriculum vitae, a list of publications, copies of certificates and contact information of at least two references by Feb. 22nd, 2019 to simone.kleinhans(a)biologie.uni-goettingen.de<mailto:simone.kleinhans@biologie.uni-goettingen.de> (Subject: Neurophysics, CIDBN). Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, Department Systems Neuroscience, Mrs Simone Kleinhans, Von-Siebold-Str. 6, 37075 Göttingen. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Yvonne Reimann via e-mail: yvonne.reimann(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:yvonne.reimann@uni-goettingen.de>. Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo Kind regards, Christina von Behren -- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Postal address: Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine Hermann-Rein-Str. 3 37075 Goettingen Germany Email: christina.vonbehren(a)ds.mpg.de<mailto:christina.vonbehren@ds.mpg.de> Tel.: +49-(0)551-39-26674

Feb. 5, 2019

11 PhD / 12 Postdoc positions, Science of Intelligence research

by Sprekeler, Henning

APPLY BY 15 FEBRUARY 2019 *Science of Intelligence Berlin - Cluster of Excellence* *11 PhD and 12 Postdoc positions* with Principal Investigators at six participating institutions Cross-disciplinary research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, cognitive science, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy Starting dates: Summer / Fall 2019 Duration of positions: 3 years Salary level: TV-L 13, 100% for all positions What are the principles of intelligence, shared by all forms of intelligence, no matter whether artificial or biological, whether robot, computer program, human, or animal? And how can we apply these principles to create intelligent technology? Answering these questions - in an ethically responsible way - is the central scientific objective of the new Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence: www.scioi.de<http://www.scioi.de> Researchers from a large number of analytic and synthetic disciplines - artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, cognitive science, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy - join forces to create a multi-disciplinary research program across universities and research institutes in Berlin. Our approach is driven by the insight that any method, concept, and theory must demonstrate its merits by contributing to the intelligent behavior of a synthetic artifact, such as a robot or a computer program. These artifacts represent the shared "language" across disciplines, enabling the validation, combination, transfer, and extension of research results. Thus we expect to attain cohesion among disciplines, which currently produce their own theories and empirical findings about aspects of intelligence. Interdisciplinary research projects have been defined which combine analytic and synthetic research and which address key aspects of individual, social, and collective intelligence. In addition the Science of Intelligence graduate program promotes the cross-disciplinary education of young scientists on a Master, PhD, and postdoctoral level. All PhD students associated with the cluster are expected to join the Science of Intelligence doctoral program: www.scioi.de/education/doctoral-program<http://www.scioi.de/education/doctoral-program> The cluster welcomes applications from all disciplines that contribute to intelligence research. Information on the required documents and the application process (including deadline and timeline for reviews and interviews) may be obtained from: www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/application-process<http://www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/application-process> Further information on the individual PhD and postdoctoral research projects is available at: www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/open-positions<http://www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/open-positions> Applicants wishing to apply for several projects need to provide separate applications for each project. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HERE: https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/call-for-applications/open-positions/ --- Prof. Dr. Henning Sprekeler Technische Universität Berlin & Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin Email: h.sprekeler(a)tu-berlin.de<mailto:h.sprekeler@tu-berlin.de>

Feb. 4, 2019

6 open PhD and Postdoc Positions - Prof. Pipa - Neuroinformatics, University of Osnabrueck - Germany

by Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa

We have 6 open Positions in the Lab of Prof. Pipa, Neuroinformatics, Institute of Cognitive Science, Germany : 1) Postdoc Position in the Field of Deep Learning and Big Data in the domain of weather forecasts. https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote_d etail/11_ikw_phd_candidate.html 2) PhD Position in the Field of circuit design (i.e. low power low budget mixed analogue and digital components), prototyping and programming of embedded system for the development of a low budget EEG wireless system. https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote_d etail/25_ikw_research_assistant.html 3) PhD Position in the Field on Computational Cognition, Deep Learning and Theoretical Neuroscience. https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote_d etail/11_ikw_phd_candidate.html 4) 3 PhD positions in the field of theoretical Neuroscience, Neuroinformatics. https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote_d etail/26_ikw_research_assistant.html Osnabrück University has been certified as a family-friendly university committed to helping working/studying parents and careers balance their family and work life. The university aspires to ensure equal opportunities for men and women and strives to work towards a gender balance in schools or departments where new appointments are made. If equally qualified candidates apply, preference will be given to those with special needs. Applications with the usual documentation should be submitted by e-mail in a single PDF-file to the Director of the Institute of Cognitive Science (office(a)ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de <mailto:office@ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de> ) no later than February 21, 2019. Further information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa (gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de <mailto:gpipa@uni-osnabrueck.de> ). Professor and Chair of the Neuroinformatics Department Dr. rer. nat. Gordon Pipa Institute of Cognitive Science, Room 50/218 University of Osnabrueck Wachsbleiche 27, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany tel. +49 (0) 541-969-2277 fax (private). +49 (0) 5405- 500 80 98 home office. +49 (0) 5405- 500 90 95 e-mail: gpipa(a)uos.de webpage: <http://www.ni.uos.de/> http://www.ni.uos.de research gate: <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act> https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act linkedin: <https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539> https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539 Personal Assistent and Secretary of the Neuroinformatic lab: Anna Jungeilges Tel. +49 (0)541 969-2390 Fax +49 (0)541 969-2246 Email: <mailto:anna.jungeilges@uni-osnabrueck.de> anna.jungeilges(a)uni-osnabrueck.de visit us on <http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck> http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck <https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS> https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS

Feb. 4, 2019

Associate Professor in Mathematical Imaging / Neuroimaging / Computational Neuroscience

by Stephen Coombes

Dear all, As part of the growth of activity in Precision Imaging at Nottingham there is an opening at Associate Professor level in the area of Mathematical Imaging. The post-holder will undertake original research of international excellence in Mathematical Imaging or closely related areas including Neuroimaging and Computational Neuroscience, complementing and enhancing the current activity of the Mathematical Medicine and Biology group (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cmmb/index.aspx) and the University Beacon in Precision Imaging (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/beacons-of-excellence/precision-imagi…) For information about how to apply please visit https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/MED1511X1 Closing Date: Wednesday, 20th March 2019 Informal enquiries may be addressed to stephen.coombes(a)nottingham.ac.uk<mailto:stephen.coombes@nottingham.ac.uk> Best regards, Steve ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Feb. 1, 2019

[meetings] CfP Workshop on Naturalistic Non-Verbal and Affective Human-Robot Interactions, IEEE ICDL-EpiRob 2019

by Nicolás Navarro-Guerrero

*** Apologies for cross-posting *** Dear Colleagues, We would like to cordially invite you to submit a paper to the IEEE ICDL-EpiRob 2019 Workshop on Naturalistic Non-Verbal and Affective Human-Robot Interactions. ================================================================== Call for Contributions and Participation IEEE ICDL-EpiRob 2019 Workshop on Naturalistic Non-Verbal and Affective Human-Robot Interactions 19th August 2019, Oslo, Norway Website: https://nicolas-navarro-guerrero.gitlab.io/workshop-non-verbal-human-robot-… Humans continually manifest non-verbal and affective cues and expressions used to foster cooperation, mutual understanding and signal trustworthiness. If these cues are not appropriately reciprocated, however, the interaction can be negatively impacted. Moreover, inappropriate reciprocation, or lack thereof, may be the result of misperception and or non-timely reactions. Failure to adequately account for biologically plausible perceptual and temporal facets of interactions may detract from the quality of human-robot interaction and hinder progress in the field of social robotics more generally. Incorporation of naturalistic and adaptive forms of sensorimotor and affective human-robot non-verbal communication is challenging because such interaction is highly dependent on the context and the relationship between the observer and the expresser. Biological species based interaction often requires explicit forms of social signalling such as nodding, nonverbal gestures, emotional expressions, etc., the interpretation of all of which may be highly context-sensitive. Furthermore, naturalistic social signalling may involve a certain degree of mimicry of autonomic responses such as pupil dilation, blinking, blushing, etc. which, in human-robot interaction requires the implementation of time-sensitive perceptual mechanisms currently underused in both commercial and research robotics platforms. In this workshop, we will investigate and discuss to what extent the aforementioned naturalistic social signalling capabilities needs to be accounted for in human-robot interaction and what modalities are more relevant, and in what contexts. The workshop will focus strongly on research motivated by naturalistic empirical data. We hope to provide a discussion friendly environment to connect with research covering complementary interests in the areas of robotics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, affective computing and animal learning research. The primary list of topics covers the following (but not limited to): - Emotion recognition - Gesture recognition - Social gaze recognition - The development of expression and recognition capabilities - Joint visual attention and activity - Alignment in social interactions - Non-verbal cues in human-robot interaction Invited Speakers Stefanie Höhl, University of Vienna, Austria Christian Balkenius, Lund University, Sweden Kerstin Dautenhahn, University of Waterloo, Canada Important Dates: Paper submission deadline: 12th May 2019 Notification of acceptance: 7th June 2019 Camera-ready version: 1st August 2019 Workshop: 19th August 2019 Participants are invited to submit short papers (max. 4 pages) following the standard IEEE conference template, link at the workshop webpage. Send your PDF manuscript indicating [ICDL-EPIROB 2019] in the subject to: nng(a)ieee.org . Selected contributions will be presented during the workshop. Organizers: Nicolás Navarro-Guerrero, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Robert Lowe, University of Gothenburg, Sweden Best regards, Nicolás -- Nicolás Navarro-Guerrero Assistant Professor Department of Engineering, and School of Culture and Society Aarhus University, Denmark E-mail: nng(a)eng.au.dk https://nicolas-navarro-guerrero.github.io/ https://socialrobotics.au.dk/ Aarhus University Finlandsgade 22, building 5125 8200 Aarhus N Denmark Tel.: +45 8715 0000 eng(a)au.dk www.eng.au.dk/en/

Feb. 1, 2019

Mouse MRI postdoctoral opening in BL Kieffer lab - Douglas/McGill University

by Colleen Carter

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION available for NEUROIMAGING Laboratory of Pr. Brigitte L Kieffer Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal Canada We are seeking a Post-doctoral fellow with a strong background in neuroscience and computer programming who is interested in studying brain network activities and communication non-invasively using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in mice. Our group is a multidisciplinay team, and studies the role of G protein coupled receptors, including opioid and orphan receptors, in brain function and disease with an emphasis on reward/aversion processing, addiction and mood disorders. The laboratory develops customized genetic mouse mutants with targeted gene mutations to model of psychiatric disorders, and for drug discovery programs. Mice are characterized using sophisticated behavioral methods, optogenetics and neuroimaging approaches translatable to human research. The postdoctoral researcher will use fMRI in living mutant animals to characterize receptor function and drug effects on brain connectivity. Implications are in both basic and biomedical research. The postdoctoral fellow will design resting-state and pharmacological MRI-based experiments, implement existing and further develop state-of-the art post-processing methods, and the research will take place at the Douglas Research Center affiliated to McGill University. The Center has a state-of-the art brain-imaging center including a 7T animal scanner with cryoprobe, and a vibrant community of neuroimaging specialists and researchers for both animal and human research. The successful candidate must have: Ph.D. in Neuroscience /Computer Science Experience in fMRI methods development Excellent programming skills in one or more of the following: Matlab, Python, C/C++, R. Excellent writing and communication skills A record of scientific publication consistent with his/her stage of career development Project leadership skills Preferred Qualifications: Experience or interest in pre-clinical neuroscience research in the field of mental health Ability to work in a team Start date: 1 March 2019 Applicants are invited to submit their cover letter, CV and reference letters via email to: colleen.carter(a)douglas.mcgill.ca<mailto:emmanuel.darcq@douglas.mcgill.ca> Please indicate "Postdoc applicant for Kieffer team" in the subject line. We thank all applicants. Only selected candidates will be contacted. Colleen Carter Agente administrative - Divisions neurosciences et psychosociale, Coordonnatrice FACC, USER et Biosafety | Centre de recherche de l`Hôpital Douglas | 6875 boulevard LaSalle, Perry E-2102, Verdun, QC, H4H 1R3 | 514.761.6131 poste 3929 | Fax 514.762.3034 | colleen.carter(a)douglas.mcgill.ca<mailto:colleen.carter@douglas.mcgill.ca> | (http://douglas.research.mcgill.ca<http://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/>)

Jan. 31, 2019

Open positions at SimLab Neuroscience, Juelich, Germany

by Abigail Morrison

Dear colleagues, we are aiming to recruit scientific software developers and research scientists at the Simulation Lab Neuroscience at the Juelich Research Centre, Germany. Our focus is on exploiting high performance computing to solve fundamental problems in neuroscience. If you have an interest in leading and participating in projects to develop innovative neuroinformatics applications on Europe's finest supercomputers, we would like to hear from you. Specifically, we are looking for candidates to fill the following roles: Scientific software developer for HPC workflow middleware design and implementation at supercomputing scales http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2019-023-EN… Research scientist specialising in brain modelling on HPC (from building new DSLs and their parsers to Bayesian inversion at supercomputing scales) http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2019-024-EN… Research scientist for an interdisciplinary neuromorphic project combining computer science, neuroscience, computational science and mathematics http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2019-025-EN… For a full description and details of how to apply, please see the online job announcements. All the best, Abigail Morrison -- Prof. Dr. Abigail Morrison IAS-6 / INM-6 / SimLab Neuroscience Jülich Research Center & Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience Ruhr-University Bochum http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-6 http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc/slns http://www.ikn.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de Office: +49 2461 61-9805 Fax # : +49 2461 61-9460 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 31, 2019

Postdoctoral position available in Brinkman group at Stony Brook University

by Braden Brinkman

A postdoctoral position is available in Braden Brinkman's group in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Stony Brook University, located on Long Island in New York State. The Brinkman group studies mathematical models of sensory coding and collective network dynamics, with a focus on how environmental and physiological constraints shape coding and computation in the brain. For more information on our work and the department, please visit the PI's website <https://www.sites.google.com/site/bradenbrinkman/> and the Stony Brook Neurobiology and Behavior homepage <https://renaissance.stonybrookmedicine.edu/neurobiology>. Candidates must have a strong background in quantitative methods; background in statistical physics is a plus. Position is available immediately, but we are also accepting applications from applicants expecting to graduate by June 1, 2019. Please submit applications through Stony Brook's jobs portal here (job # 1803718): https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/post_docs/jobdetail.ftl?job=180… Complete applications must include 1. C.V., including publication & preprint list. 2. A 1 to 2 page summary of past research accomplishments, highlighting the aspects of at least one project that the candidate found most interesting and/or enjoyable 3. A 1 page statement describing the candidates future directions of interest in the field of theoretical/computational neuroscience or mathematical biology. 4. 2 reference letters from senior scientists familiar with the candidate's work. Items 1-3 may be attached through the online application portal or sent directly to braden.brinkman(a)stonybrook.edu; letter writers should send letters directly to this email address. Deadline for applications is Feb 24, 2019. Please feel free to get in touch to express interest or ask any questions you may have about the position!

Jan. 30, 2019

Postdoctoral and doctoral studies in the neuroscience of action planning and control

by Andrea Green

POSTDOCTORAL AND DOCTORAL STUDIES IN THE NEUROSCIENCE OF ACTION PLANNING AND CONTROL Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal Applications are invited for postdoctoral and doctoral studies in systems neuroscience. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research group studying how we coordinate our motor actions as we move through space. Different projects address how the brain integrates multisensory cues to create estimates of our spatial motion, how such estimates are used in action selection, planning and control as well as how we learn to execute movements in different dynamic environments (e.g., body stationary vs. in motion). Research in our group involves behavioral and single- and multi-electrode neural recording experiments in non-human primates, human behavioral studies and computational modeling of the nervous system. Multiple positions are available and include collaborative projects between the laboratories of Dr. Andrea Green, Dr. Paul Cisek and Dr. John Kalaska. Depending on specific research interests successful applicants will investigate the computation of spatial motion estimates, their contribution to voluntary reaching and/or the acquisition of new motor skills in different dynamic environments through neural recordings in non-human primates. All students with a strong background in biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or psychology and an interest in system-level study of the brain are encouraged to apply. However, prior experience in neurophysiology and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Applicants will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. For further information, please contact Dr. Andrea Green (andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca) Applicants are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to: Dr. Andrea Green Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, CANADA Tel: 514-343-6111 x3301 Email: andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Jan. 29, 2019

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neuroinformatics at Ruhr University Bochum, invites applications for a full-time position of *Postdoctoral Scholar (TV-L E13) in Computational Neuroscience. *The position starts on 1st July 2019 and is funded for *3 years*. This project is part of the newly established DFG research unit 2812 “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Westfälische Wilhelms University Münster. The research unit will study the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying the constructed scenarios that make up episodic memory. It will employ and combine approaches from Philosophy, Psychology as well as Experimental and Computational Neuroscience. Further information about the project can be found at www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. *Job description* The successful candidate will model the function of episodic memory in inference and prediction using abstract computational models. This project strives to find answers to the questions: * Why are specific experiences stored in episodic memory helpful for predicting the future? * Why can general, or semantic, information not serve the same purpose? *Your Profile: * Candidates should hold a PhD in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling or machine learning, and excellent programming skills are mandatory. In addition, relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required. Experience in the study of episodic memory and in working within a collaborative research group would be a further asset. Candidates should have excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work well in a team. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de>. In addition, at least two academic references may be sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is 15.03.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

Jan. 29, 2019

NeuroBridges 2019 Call for Applications (correct link)

by Ahmed El Hady

*/NeuroBridges 2019 Summer school , Cluny, France/* */( September 8th - September 19th, 2019)/* I would like to bring to your attention the *NeuroBridges 2019 Computational Neuroscience School*. <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html> NeuroBridges <https://www.facebook.com/NeuroBridges/>is a one-of-a-kind series of scientific meetings in brain research, which brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote international scientific cooperation in system and computational neuroscience. A major goal of this school is to serve as a bridge between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, addressing system-level questions. This year the school will primarily focus on the neural basis and computational principles underlying sensory- motor tasks, in which the agent chooses from a small number of actions based on sensory and operant cues. *The forthcoming NeuroBridges 2019* will be a ten-day summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions in the field of decision making. 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 (but not only) from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. Through the online application system, you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. In addition, we request two recommendation letters. The school will take place between *September 8 and September 19, 2019* in Le Centre de Conferences 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. *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). Review of applications will end in May 2019. *2019 Faculty:* Merav Ahissar (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=ahissar/home> Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) <https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/rafal-bogacz> Thomas Boraud (CNRS) <http://www.inb.u-bordeaux2.fr/dev/EN/researcher.php?researcher=Thomas+Borau…> Mathew Diamond (SISSA) <https://phdcns.sissa.it/faculty/mathew-diamond> Ido Erev (Technion) <https://web.iem.technion.ac.il/en/people/userprofile/erev.html> Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehdi_Khamassi> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> The deadline for application is *April 30th, 2019 *and the following is the website including the link for the online application: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> For more information, please contactneurobridges2019(a)gmail.com <mailto:neurobridges2018@gmail.com>.

Jan. 28, 2019

NeuroBridges 2019 Call for Applications

by Ahmed El Hady

*/NeuroBridges 2019 Summer school , Cluny, France/* */( September 8th - September 19th, 2019)/* I would like to bring to your attention the *NeuroBridges 2019 Computational Neuroscience School*. <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html> NeuroBridges <https://www.facebook.com/NeuroBridges/>is a one-of-a-kind series of scientific meetings in brain research, which brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote international scientific cooperation in system and computational neuroscience. A major goal of this school is to serve as a bridge between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, addressing system-level questions. This year the school will primarily focus on the neural basis and computational principles underlying sensory- motor tasks, in which the agent chooses from a small number of actions based on sensory and operant cues. *The forthcoming NeuroBridges 2019* will be a ten-day summer school. Students will attend lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions in the field of decision making. 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 (but not only) from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. Through the online application system, you will be asked to provide personal details, academic background, a motivation letter that should include a paragraph about your quantitative skills and a CV. In addition, we request two recommendation letters. The school will take place between *September 8 and September 19, 2019* in Le Centre de Conferences 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. *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). Review of applications will end in May 2019. *2019 Faculty:* Merav Ahissar (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=ahissar/home> Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) <https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/rafal-bogacz> Thomas Boraud (CNRS) <http://www.inb.u-bordeaux2.fr/dev/EN/researcher.php?researcher=Thomas+Borau…> Mathew Diamond (SISSA) <https://phdcns.sissa.it/faculty/mathew-diamond> Ido Erev (Technion) <https://web.iem.technion.ac.il/en/people/userprofile/erev.html> Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehdi_Khamassi> Najib Majaj (NYU) <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Najib_Majaj> The deadline for application is *April 30th, 2019 *and the following is the website including the link for the online application: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2019.html <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> For more information, please contactneurobridges2019(a)gmail.com <mailto:neurobridges2018@gmail.com>.

Jan. 28, 2019

[job-post] PostDoctoral positions on low-latency vision for autonomous robotics

by Chiara Bartolozzi

The Event-Driven Perception for Robotics (EDPR) Research Line (www.edpr.iit.it) at the iCub facility – Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) – is seeking to appoint two postdoctoral fellows in the area of low-latency vision for autonomous robots. We are looking for talented and enthusiastic postdocs who will join our team to develop algorithms for low-latency and high-speed vision for motion estimation and 3D object tracking. In particular, the candidates will be in a unique position to exploit recent advances in machine learning and more traditional computer vision techniques, in combination with novel biologically “event-driven” inspired sensors. More details at https://www.iit.it/careers/openings/opening/914-postdoctoral-positions-on-l… The deadline is approaching: 31 January 2019

Jan. 28, 2019

PhD position in computational neuroscience/machine learning

by Rui Ponte Costa

The Neural and Machine Learning group<http://ruipcosta.weebly.com/> at the University of Bristol, UK is looking for a PhD student to work at the intersection between computational neuroscience and machine learning (funded by a EPSRC Doctoral Training grant). We are part of the Bristol Computational Neuroscience Unit<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/computational-neuroscience/> and are associated with the world-class neuroscience and machine learning communities at Bristol, and we also collaborate with other national and international labs. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, computational neuroscience or machine learning (or equivalent), and a strong interest in neural and biological systems. This position is open to applicants who are UK citizens, or EU citizens resident in the UK for at least 3 years. Project: Deep temporal credit assignment with dynamic synapses Successful behaviour relies on the ability of animals and machines to predict the outcome of their actions. Selecting which synapses (or parameters) to adjust to trigger the right action is a hard problem as it depends on past sensory information. Exactly how does the brain solve such temporal credit assignment problems has remained largely enigmatic. In this project, the student will developed a novel theoretical framework to address the temporal credit assignment problem. This framework will be compared with experimental observations and tested in machine learning tasks in collaboration with experimental neuroscientists and machine learning researchers. Relevant papers: * Llera M, Sacramento J and Costa RP - Computational roles of plastic probabilistic synapses<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438818301028> - Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 54, Feb 2019 * Sacramento J, Costa RP, Bengio Y and Senn W - Dendritic cortical microcircuits approximate the backpropagation algorithm<https://papers.nips.cc/paper/8089-dendritic-cortical-microcircuits-approxim…> - 32nd Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2018), Montreal, Canada. * Costa RP, Assael YM, Shillingford B, Freitas N and Vogels TP - Cortical microcircuits as gated-recurrent neural networks<http://papers.nips.cc/paper/6631-cortical-microcircuits-as-gated-recurrent-…> - 31st Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NIPS 2017), Long Beach, CA, USA. * Costa RP, Froemke RC, Sjöström PJ and van Rossum MCW - Unified pre- and postsynaptic long-term plasticity enables reliable and flexible learning<https://elifesciences.org/articles/09457> - eLife 2015; 10.7554/eLife.09457 University of Bristol: The University of Bristol is a world-class university<https://youtu.be/fg7EbfKPo0o> ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, and top 50 in the world. The university has one of the strongest neuroscience<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience> and machine learning communities in the UK (e.g.: Visual Information Lab, Intelligent Systems Lab and Institute for Statistical Science). The university also runs the unique Wellcome Trust Doctoral Program in Neural Dynamics<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neural-dynamics/> with PhD students working at the intersection between theoretical and experimental neuroscience, and is associated with the Alan Turing Institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The city itself has been ranked as the best place to live in the UK and one of the most cool destinations in the world according to National Geographic. Details on how to apply: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/funding/epsrcdta.html When applying online please follow the instructions in the link above and include a CV, two references and a motivation letter. Deadline: 28th of February 2019 Best wishes, Rui Ponte Costa Lecturer (Assistant professor) in Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning University of Bristol, UK Visiting Research Scientist at University of Oxford/Bern http://ruipcosta.weebly.com

Jan. 27, 2019

Publication of the book "Computational Glioscience"

by Maurizio De Pitta

Dear colleagues, I would like to share with you the news of the publication of the book entitled "Computational Glioscience" (Springer, 2019). The book, which is co-edited by who is writing in collaboration with Dr. Hugues Berry (Inria, France) showcases a collection of original chapters In addition, feel free to reach out authors of individual chapters independently to ask for a copy of their manuscript if needed, that are authored by a pool of more than thirty internationally-renowned scientists. In particular, the book aims at presenting a selection of recent modelling approaches on the complex, emerging topic of neuron-glial interactions, from subcellular to network levels, both for experts and non-experts in the field. The whole book along with individual chapters may be accessed at the following link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-00817-8 A repository with freely-downloadable code used in the simulations of the book is also available at the address below: https://github.com/mdepitta/comp-glia-book The following is the Table of Contents of the book: Part I -- Introduction 1. M. De Pittà and H. Berry, A Neuron–Glial Perspective for Computational Neuroscience Part II -- Calcium Dynamics 2. I. Siekmann, P. Cao, J. Sneyd and E. J. Crampin, Data-Driven Modelling of the Inositol Trisphosphate Receptor (IP3R) and its Role in Calcium-Induced Calcium Release (CICR) 3. Y. Timofeeva, Intracellular Calcium Dynamics: Biophysical and Simplified Models 4. S. Rüdiger and J. Shuai, Modeling of Stochastic Ca2+ Signals 5. M. De Pittà, E. Ben-Jacob and H. Berry, G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated Calcium Signaling in Astrocytes 6. V. Matrosov, S. Gordleeva, N. Boldyreva, E. Ben-Jacob, V. Kazantsev and M. De Pittà, Emergence of Regular and Complex Calcium Oscillations Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Signaling in Astrocytes 7. J. Lallouette, M. De Pittà and H. Berry, Astrocyte Networks and Intercellular Calcium Propagation Part III -- Tripartite Synapse and Regulation of Network Activity 8. C. González-Arias and G. Perea, Gliotransmission at Tripartite Synapses 9. A. Pillai and S. Nadkarni, Purinergic Signaling at Tripartite Synapses 10. M. De Pittà, Gliotransmitter Exocytosis and Its Consequences on Synaptic Transmission 11. V. Volman and M. Bazhenov, Computational Models of Pathophysiological Glial Activation in CNS Disorders Part IV -- Homeostasis and Metabolic Coupling 12. A. Scimemi, The Role of Astrocytes in Neurotransmitter Uptake and Brain Metabolism 13. K. Mergenthaler, F. Oschmann and K. Obermeyer, Glutamate Uptake by Astrocytic Transporters 14. G. Halnes, K. H. Pettersen, L. Øyehaug, M. E. Rognes and G. T. Einevoll, Astrocytic Ion Dynamics: Implications for Potassium Buffering and Liquid Flow 15. T. Çakır, Constraint-Based Modeling of Metabolic Interactions in and Between Astrocytes and Neurons Part V -- Computational Tools to Analyze and Model Astrocyte Experiments 16. T. Manninen, R. Havela and M.-L. Linne, Computational Models of Astrocytes and Astrocyte–Neuron Interactions: Characterization, Reproducibility, and Future Perspectives 17. S. Venugopal, R. Srinivasan and B. S. Khakh, GECIquant: Semi-automated Detection and Quantification of Astrocyte Intracellular Ca2+ Signals Monitored with GCaMP6f 18. M. Stimberg, D. F. M. Goodman, R. Brette and M. De Pittà, Modeling Neuron–Glia Interactions with the Brian 2 Simulator In addition, feel free to independently reach out the authors of individual chapters to ask for a copy of their manuscript if needed. Please disseminate the news among your team members, students and colleagues. Thank you for your consideration of the matter. Sincerely, Maurizio De Pitta' ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

Jan. 27, 2019

PhD IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE @ LISBON

by Prata, Diana

A PhD IN INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSCIENCE AND IN LISBON? Go to: https://www.neurulisboa-phd.com/. You can visit our lab’s page to choose a project theme around oxytocin’s role in social cognition using neuroimaging/EEG/pupilometry/SCR, or psychiatric multimodal biomarkers), dpratalab.wordpress.com<http://dpratalab.wordpress.com>, contact the PI; and apply for a NeurULisboa fellowship (deadline 14th of February). Diana Prata, Phd Marie Curie Fellow Principal Investigator (Biomedical Neuroscience Lab), Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London

Jan. 26, 2019

Job advert / 3 year post-doc LMU Munich computational social neuroscience

by Deroy, Ophelia

We are looking for One Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Computational Social Neuroscience for 3 Years, to be based at the LMU, Munich. The expected starting date is between April 1st, 2019 and July 1st, 2019 Deadline for applications is February 15th, 2019 This post-doctoral fellowship will investigate how the diversity of social information affects attitudes and decisions, both for individuals and groups. This post is part of a broader project supported by the NOMIS foundation to apply quantitative methods (behavioural, computational and neuroimaging) to examine - under controlled and ecologically-valid settings - fundamental issues on the impact of diversity and volatility of information on social influence. The project is hosted by the Munich Centre for Neuroscience, and will be supervised Professor Ophelia Deroy and Dr. Bahador Bahrami. International collaborations (with Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, University College London as well as Centre for Adaptive Rationality in Max Planck Institute for Human development in Berlin) are integral to the project and the current position. Job Description: The appointee will be expected to - develop research ideas and plan and implement experiments (ethics, design, programming); - conduct experiments and collect data from adult human subjects; - perform statistical analysis (with particular focus on using computational modelling to - prepare reports and articles for publication; - participate in regular meetings and contribute to the research environment; - supervise research assistants - work as part of a team. Requirements: The successful candidate will have a PhD level - a strong background in quantitative methods (statistics, physics, machine learning, computational neuroscience) - interest in interdisciplinary projects and - a PhD in computer sciences (machine learning), physics (eg complex systems), psychology (cognitive or social), or neuroscience (behavioural, systems). Knowledge of experimental design, statistics and data analysis is expected. Strong command of linear algebra, probability theory, computer programming (web-based platforms (e.g. Java), R, Python, Matlab) is highly desirable. The position is for three years, with an intermediate evaluation for satisfactory performance after 1 year. The appointment will be made within the German TV-L E 14 salary scheme (family benefits apply). Applications should include a CV (including full list of publications and skills), cover letter and the contact details of three referees. Address for preliminary information and applications: bahador.bahrami(a)lmu.de

Jan. 25, 2019

Postdoctoral position jointly in Behrmann/Grover labs CMU in understanding neural mechanisms through noninvasive brain monitoring

by Pulkit Grover

Postdoctoral position jointly in Behrmann/Grover labs CMU in understanding neural mechanisms through noninvasive brain monitoring A postdoc position on utilizing noninvasive measurement modalities is available in the labs of Marlene Behrmann and Pulkit Grover at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA). The team's goal is to utilize existing and novel engineering and mathematical tools to understand neural mechanisms in healthy and diseased states through EEG measurements, possibly complemented by fMRI. The role of the postdoc will be to lead experimental testing, simulations, and data analysis. The postdoc will collaborate with information theorists, neuroscientists, experimentalists, and clinicians. This is an opportunity to work on challenging and applicable scientific problems in a highly interdisciplinary and vibrant environment. Requirements: PhD in a related discipline (Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience, or Biomedical Engineering) with a strong experimental and computational record. Background in EEG recordings is required. The labs are committed to the professional development of the members, making this position a valuable preparation for those interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. The ideal start date is April 2019, but early applications will also be accepted. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to behrmann(a)cmu.edu and pulkit(a)cmu.edu with the subject line “neural monitoring postdoc”. Application review will proceed until the position is filled.

Jan. 25, 2019

Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program

by Bányai Mihály

Dear colleagues, I've been asked to circulate the announcement below on the comp-neuro list: Our Dear Colleagues: BSCS-US http://www.bscs-us.org/ announces a study abroad program in Budapest: Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program start/end dates: June 10th - Aug 2d, 2019 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest. Transcript is issued by the Registrar of the Semmelweis University Medical School, and sent directly to the Registrar of your college/university. For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ [sysneuro-semester.org] Inquiry: Program directors / academic supervisors Péter Érdi perdi(a)kzoo.edu László Négyessy <negyessy(a)gmail.com> John Milton <JMilton(a)kecksci.claremont.edu> Office: bscs(a)bscs-us.org With kind regards, Péter Érdi http://people.kzoo.edu/~perdi/ aboutranking.com https://www.ijcnn.org/

Jan. 25, 2019

Job opening at Research Center Juelich - Coordinator Software Technology

by Martina Reske

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at the Jülich Research Center in Germany investigates the structure and function of the brain. The Subinstitute INM-6 consists of 4 departments and 1 team that conduct research in the field of computational and systems neuroscience. The Statistical Neuroscience group headed by Prof. Sonja Grün develops computational methods to analyze the joint activity of neuronal networks, and applies these methods to experimental data in the context of international collaborations using state-of-the-art approaches from neuroinformatics. For this project the Statistical Neuroscience group is seeking a Coordinator Software Technology Your Job: * Development, maintenance, and distribution of the Elephant analysis software (python-elephant.org) * Planning and coordination of software development for the Elephant software * Development of solutions for software packaging to bundle individual resources, including cross-language components of the software and deployment on large systems * Installation, provisioning, and adaptation of the software and matching environments on heterogeneous HPC systems * Management of open-source software development cycles using suitable agile paradigms, and handling inquiries and contributions via issue systems and similar channels * Review and evaluation of software contributions from a world-wide community with respect to scientific content, the code maturity, and the possibility to be integrated into the Elephant software * Guidance and coordination of the code review process * Co-design and dissemination of generic conceptual guidelines and project-specific implementations for scientific workflows, in close dialogue with scientists and developers and by incorporating current software developments * Implementing library features and statistical analysis tools for neuronal data * Parallelization of analysis codes using modern technologies * Actively contacting and supporting method developers * Maintenance of the software documentation and accompanying teaching material, including content for the presentation of the software on the web and on social media * Representing the technology at scientific conferences, during educational courses, to the public, and within the framework of the EU Flagship Project “Human Brain Project” Your Profile: * University degree in natural sciences, computer science or mathematics * Very good expertise in the programming language Python, as well as C/C++ or Matlab, in parallelization techniques (MPI, openMP,...) and in the standard Linux tools as well as web-based services for managing software (version control, issue tracking,…) * Experience in implementing scientific analysis methods * Experience in creating documentation and course material * High ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently, systematically and on one’s own responsibility * Good communication skills * Willingness to travel Our Offer: * A green campus with world-leading scientific infrastructure near the cultural centers of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen * A position in a creative and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science, themes ranging from computational neuroscience to simulation technology * World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * Excellent scientific equipment including the fastest supercomputer in Europe * A comprehensive further training programme * Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life * Limited until 31.03.2020 with possible longer-term prospects * Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the applicant's qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks, salary grade 13-14 TVöD-Bund Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application, preferably the online recruitment system on our career site, quoting the reference number 2018-321 at https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf… -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 25, 2019

Job opening at Research Center Juelich - Data Manager

by Martina Reske

The Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at the Jülich Research Center in Germany investigates the structure and function of the brain. The subinstitute INM-6 consists of 4 departments and 1 team that conduct research in the field of computational and systems neuroscience. The Statistical Neuroscience department headed by Prof. Sonja Grün develops computational methods to analyze the joint activity of neuronal networks, and applies these methods to experimental data in the context of international collaborations using state-of-the-art approaches from neuroinformatics. For this project the Statistical Neuroscience group is seeking a Datamanager Your Job: * Development and maintenance of the data processing workflows of the institute using state-of-the-art technologies along the FAIR principles, including experimental recordings, simulation outcomes, and data produced by the analysis process * Design of metadata schemes for different work areas (experiments/simulation) * Development of concepts for interfacing data storage technologies with complementary software * Development of ontologies and software tools with the community * In-depth curation and documentation of primary data (e.g., spikes, LFPs or Ca2+ imaging) * Implementation of version-controlled, provenance-tracked data preprocessing pipelines and solutions for cross-lab data storage and exchange * Integration of primary data and metadata in the different work areas * Assisting scientists in the implementation of custom codes for data processing * Preparing datasets for publication and making data discoverable by knowledge graphs * Training lab members and collaborators in data management best practices * Representing the technology at scientific conferences and courses, to the public, and within the EU Flagship Project “Human Brain Project” Your Profile: * University degree in natural sciences or computer science * Good expertise in Python and Matlab, in semantic web technologies relevant for data curation, ontologies and provenance (RDF, XML, JSON, SHACL, PROV,…), in version control and issue tracking systems, and in Linux * Experience with electrophysiological data and corresponding acquisition/storage Technologies * Experience in web development * Experience in training and documentation * High ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team * Fluent in English, spoken and written * Ability to work independently, systematically and on one’s own responsibility * Good communication skills * Willingness to travel Our Offer: * Exciting work setting on an attractive research campus with a very good infrastructure, ideally situated within the city triangle of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen * A position in a creative and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science, themes ranging from computational neuroscience to simulation technology * World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and technology on the most complex known systems * Excellent scientific equipment including the fastest supercomputer in Europe * A comprehensive further training programme * Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life * Limited until 31.03.2020 with possible longer-term prospects * Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the applicant's qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks, salary grade 13-14 TVöD-Bund Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application, preferably the online recruitment system on our career site, quoting the reference number 2018-322, https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf… -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 25, 2019

PhD position: model-based analysis of atypical perception in autism

by Dominik Endres

*Project title*: Atypical Perception in Autism-Spectrum Disorders: Model-based Analysis of Functional and MR-Spectroscopy Data for the Investigation of Deviant Perceptual Processes *What we offer*: A PhD student position in an interdisciplinary, DFG-funded research project, involving a combination of functional imaging, Psychiatry, and computational modeling. The position is part-time (65 % of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13). An association with the DFG-RTG 2271 ‘breaking expectations’ or the CRC 135 ‘Cardinal Mechanisms of Perception’ is possible and encouraged. *What we expect*: a qualified degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, engineering or Physics (Master, Diploma, or comparable) as well as demonstrable programming experience in a high-level language, e.g. Python or Matlab. We expect you to be interested in the topic of the project (to be documented in a motivation letter (1 page max), in which you may refer to prior experiences, for instance, a thematically pertinent thesis, student research assistant positions, etc.), or quantitative modeling. We also expect prior exposure to machine learning and Bayesian statistics. *Application deadline*: 15.02.2019 Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres at mailto:dominik.endres@uni- marburg.de for more information. The official advert can be found at https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/universitaet/administration/verwaltung/ dezernat2/personalabteilung/bewerber/stellen/wissenschaftliche-stellen/ fb04-0001-wmz-150219-englisch.pdf -- Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres AE Theoretische Neurowissenschaft Allgemeine und Biologische Psychologie FB Psychologie, Gutenbergstr 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany Tel. +49-(0)6421-28-23818

Jan. 24, 2019

Call for Paper: Scipy 2019 / Cognitive Science & Neuroscience

by Nicolas Rougier

Dear all, We’re thrilled to announce the call for paper for the SciPy (Scientific Python) 2019 conference is open. You’ll find relevant information below. Olivia Guest & Nicolas Rougier Co-chairs for the Cognitive Science & Neuroscience symposia --- When: July 8, 2019 to July 14, 2019 (main conference from July 10 to July 12) Where: Austin, Texas, USA Who: The annual SciPy Conference brings together over 800 participants from industry, academia, and government to showcase their latest projects, learn from skilled users and developers, and collaborate on code development. What: short summary (~100 words) + abstract (~500 words) Deadline: February 10, 2019 Conference Website: https://www.scipy2019.scipy.org/ Submission Website: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=scipy2019

Jan. 24, 2019

Fwd: Chief technologist position at Columbia University Medical Center

by Shivakeshavan Ratnadurai Giridharan

Sent on behalf of Jason B. Carmel, CUMC. Please see message below. Thanks, Shiva _____________________________________________ We are seeking a Chief Technologist for the Movement Recovery Laboratory at Columbia University Medical Center. The successful candidate will have strong programming and neuroscience experience with expertise in signal processing and analysis of large data sets. The position is ideal for a person who likes to develop and optimize neuroscience tools. He or she will be responsible for creating and maintaining the systems for cutting-edge neuroscience research that seeks to restore movement after paralyzing injury. The Laboratory uses rodent models of disease to improve understanding of movement control, to test how electrical stimulation can strengthen neural circuits spared by injury. The laboratory uses a combination of behavior, physiology, and anatomy techniques in rats. Each of these modalities has a suite of tools that need to be made more quantitative, efficient, and precise. 1. Behavior: We quantify reaching, walking, and food manipulation using robotics and computer vision. The Chief Technologist will be charged with creating protocols and algorithms to efficiently record and analyze these movements, including reaching, stepping, and manipulation. 2. Physiology: We record and stimulate both motor cortex and the spinal cord. The technologist will help develop protocols for multichannel stimulation and for analysis of nerve and muscle signals. For example, we have created a graphical tool for real-time visualization of EMG responses to motor cortex stimulation. 3. Anatomy: We trace connections between the brain and the spinal cord using a combination of anterograde and retrograde neural tracers. The technologist will help quantify the number of labeled neurons and axons using computer vision and the results are placed into a 3D framework. The chief technologist will be expected to work independently to establish protocols and to help test them. This research work will require pro-active and interdisciplinary teamwork. The candidate should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Software design and programming skills in MATLAB (or equivalent scientific software) are critical. Knowledge of machine learning, computer vision, and source localization are other appealing skills. Most important is the ability to find innovative and practical solutions to technical problems. The position has a starting salary of $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, and includes full medical, dental, retirement, and other benefits. The position is supported by NIH, New York State, and private foundation grants. Columbia University is located in New York City, has a world-class faculty in neuroscience and neurology. Abundant learning opportunities include lab meetings, seminar series, journal clubs and university lectures. There are also many opportunities for collaboration with other neuroscientists, laboratories creating new technologies, and expert clinicians. Email your CV and cover letter (or inquiries) to Jason B. Carmel, MD, PhD at jason.carmel(a)columbia.edu. Please include “Chief Technologist” in the subject line. Columbia University takes Affirmative Action to ensure equal opportunity.

Jan. 22, 2019

PhD Studentship, University of Osnabrueck- Research Training School on Computaional Cognition

by Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa

The RTG 2340 "Computational Cognition", funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), invites applications for a PhD Candidate (Salary level E 13 TV-L, 65 %) to be filled as soon as possible for a period of 3 years. The RTG Computational Cognition aims at reintegrating Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence. PhD students of the RTG will be educated in both subjects in order to combine the findings of these fields and thus to get a better understanding of human and machine intelligence. Research fields involved in the RTG are Neuroinformatics, Neurobiopsychology, Bio-Inspired Computer Vision, Knowledge- Based Systems, Cognitive Natural Language Processing & Communication, Cognitive Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Psycho/Neurolinguistics, Computational Linguistics and Cognitive Computing. The RTG will focus on the integration of two research fields. Detailed information on the core areas of the offered PhD projects can be obtained from the spokesmen of the RTG, Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa (gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Dr. Peter König (pkoenig@uniosnabrueck. de). The RTG will be incorporated into the Cognitive Science PhD program founded in 2002. PhD students of the RTG will take advantage of an interdisciplinary environment, which nevertheless focuses on a common research topic and offers a broad range of methodological synergies between the projects. Required Qualifications: Applicants are expected to have an academic degree (Master/Diploma), experience in at least one of the domains listed above, proven experience in interdisciplinary work as well as a good command of the English language. Osnabrück University has been certified as a family-friendly university committed to helping working/studying parents and carers balance their family and work life. The university aspires to ensure equal opportunities for men and women and strives to work towards a gender balance in schools or departments where new appointments are made. If equally qualified candidates apply, preference will be given to those with special needs. Applications with the usual documentation should be submitted by e-mail in a single PDF file to the director of the Institute of Cognitive Science, Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Kühnberger (kkuehnbe(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) with a cc to office(a)ikw.uniosnabrueck. de no later than February 12, 2019. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Professor and Chair of the Neuroinformatics Department Dr. rer. nat. Gordon Pipa Institute of Cognitive Science, Room 50/218 University of Osnabrueck Wachsbleiche 27, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany tel. +49 (0) 541-969-2277 fax (private). +49 (0) 5405- 500 80 98 home office. +49 (0) 5405- 500 90 95 e-mail: gpipa(a)uos.de webpage: http://www.ni.uos.de research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539 Personal Assistent and Secretary of the Neuroinformatic lab: Anna Jungeilges Tel. +49 (0)541 969-2390 Fax +49 (0)541 969-2246 Email: anna.jungeilges(a)uni-osnabrueck.de visit us on http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa [mailto:gpipa@uos.de] Gesendet: Montag, 30. Juli 2018 11:32 An: neuroinfo(a)incf.org; comp-neuro(a)neuroinformatics.be; visionlist(a)visionscience.com; eeglab(a)sccn.ucsd.edu Betreff: PhD Studentship, University of Osnabrueck- Research Training School on Computaional Cognition We are looking for 9 PhD candidate for Research Training School funded by the DFG (German science foundation) on "Computational Cognition". The positions are to be filled by October 1, 2018 for a period of 3 years. More information: http://computational-cognition.eu/ https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/stellenangebote _detail/109_ikw_phd_candidates.html The RTG Computational Cognition aims at reintegrating Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence. PhD students of the RTG will be educated in both subjects in order to combine the findings of these fields and thus to get a better understanding of human and machine intelligence. Research fields involved in the RTG are Neuroinformatics, Neurobiopsychology, Bio-Inspired Computer Vision, Knowledge-Based Systems, Cognitive Natural Language Processing & Communication, Cognitive Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Psycho/Neurolinguistics, Computational Linguistics and Cognitive Computing. The RTG will focus on the integration of two research fields and has a focus on machine learning, deep learning and dynamical systems, computer vision combined with experimental methods including EEG and Eye tracking. Detailed information on the core areas of the offered PhD projects can be obtained from the spokesmen of the RTG, Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa (gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Dr. Peter König (pkoenig(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) The RTG will be incorporated into the Cognitive Science PhD program founded in 2002. PhD students of the RTG will take advantage of an interdisciplinary environment, which nevertheless focuses on a common research topic and offers a broad range of methodological synergies between the projects. Required Qualifications: Applicants are expected to have an academic degree (Master/Diploma), experience in at least one of the domains listed above, proven experience in interdisciplinary work as well as a good command of the English language. Osnabrück University has been certified as a family-friendly university committed to helping working/studying parents and carers balance their family and work life. The university aspires to ensure equal opportunities for men and women and strives to work towards a gender balance in schools or departments where new appointments are made. If equally qualified candidates apply, preference will be given to those with special needs. Applications with the usual documentation should be submitted by e-mail in a single PDF file to the director of the Institute of Cognitive Science, Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Kühnberger (kkuehnbe(a)uni-osnabrueck.de) with a cc to office(a)ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de no later than August 23, 2018.We will consider applicants who have: Best Gordon -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- Professor and Chair of the Neuroinformatics Department Dr. rer. nat. Gordon Pipa Institute of Cognitive Science, Room 50/218 University of Osnabrueck Wachsbleiche 27, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany tel. +49 (0) 541-969-2277 fax (private). +49 (0) 5405- 500 80 98 home office. +49 (0) 5405- 500 90 95 e-mail: gpipa(a)uos.de webpage: http://www.ni.uos.de research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon_Pipa/?ev=prf_act linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/gordon-pipa-47771539 Personal Assistent and Secretary of the Neuroinformatic lab: Anna Jungeilges Tel. +49 (0)541 969-2390 Fax +49 (0)541 969-2246 Email: anna.jungeilges(a)uni-osnabrueck.de visit us on http://www.facebook.com/CognitiveScienceOsnabruck https://twitter.com/#!/CogSciUOS

Jan. 22, 2019

FENS SfN Summer School 2019 on brain reading and writing: new perspectives of neurotechnology

by FENS Schools

Dear Colleagues, This year's FENS-SfN neuroscience summer school on *Brain reading and writing: new perspectives of neurotechnology <https://www.fens.org/Training/FENS-Schools/Summer-School-2019/> *will take place on 2-8 June in Bertinoro, Italy. We would like to invite you to have a look at the programme below. *Scientific chairs* *Dr. Pieter Roelfsema, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, The Netherlands <https://nin.nl/research/researchgroups/roelfsema-group/>* *Dr. <http://motorlab.neurobio.pitt.edu/schwartz.php>Andrew B. Schwartz, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh,USA <http://motorlab.neurobio.pitt.edu/schwartz.php>* *School Programme Description* During this school, we will discuss the intracortical methods being developed for reading from, and writing to, the brain. A set of international lectures will provide an overview of the emerging therapeutic applications made possible with this technology. In addition to being exposed to new hardware, students will learn about, and apply new computational approaches to facilitate brain-device communication. We will discuss some of the interesting ethical ramifications of a neuro-technologically assisted future. *Faculty members* Matteo Carandini <https://www.carandinilab.net/>, Cortexlab, UCL, UK Xinyan Tracy Cui <https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/cui/>, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, USA Tim Harris <https://www.janelia.org/lab/harris-lab>, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, USA Karin Jongsma <https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/Research/Researchers/Jongsma-Karin-KR>, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands Jason Kerr <https://www.caesar.de/en/our-research/behavior-and-brain-organization/direc…>, Department of Behavior and Brain Organization, Research Center caesar, Bonn, Germany Stephanie Lacour <https://cnp.epfl.ch/Lacourlab>, Center for Neuroprosthetics, EPFL, Switzerland Antonio Regalado <https://www.technologyreview.com/profile/antonio-regalado/>, MIT Technology Review, USA José-Alain Sahel <http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/our-people/faculty-staff-bios/jose-alain-sahel-md/>, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA Eilon Vaadia <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=vaadia/home>, Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Israel Anna Wang <http://www.ziint.zju.edu.cn/index.php/Index/index.html> Roe <http://www.ziint.zju.edu.cn/index.php/Index/index.html>, Zhejiang University Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology (ZIINT), China Byron Yu <https://users.ece.cmu.edu/~byronyu/>, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, USA Application form: http://www.fens.org/Training/FENS-Schools/Summer-School-2019/Application-Fo… Deadline: 4 February 2019 Further information about the school and available stipends can be found here <https://www.fens.org/Training/FENS-Schools/Summer-School-2019/>. Feel free to share this enriching opportunity with your professional network. Best regards, FENS Schools Administration

Jan. 22, 2019

Error-driven learning at the Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling

by Jelmer Borst

Update: New tutorial on Error-driven learning Fourth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, & Error-driven learning– Date: April 8-12, 2019 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 250 (late fee after February 15 will be € 300) More information and registration: www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool <http://www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool> As briefly announced earlier, this year we will be offering a new tutorial on error-driven learning during the spring school. Error-driven learning (also called discrimination learning) allows to simulate the time course of learning. It can be applied for all domains in cognitive science, but is especially useful for modeling language processing and language learning. More information about this simple and elegant approach can now be found on our website <http://www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool/home/error-driven-learning/>. As in previous years, the Spring School will also cover the ACT-R, Nengo, and PRIMs paradigms. A preliminary version of the program can now be found on our website. The early registration deadline ends on February 15, so make sure to sign up before then. Please let us know if you have any questions or check out our website for more information. Best regards, the spring school team Please feel free to forward the information to anyone who might be interested in the Spring School. ______________ Error-driven learning Teachers: Jacolien van Rij and Dorothée Hoppe (University of Groningen) Error-driven learning (also called discrimination learning) allows to simulate the time course of learning. It is based on the Rescorla-Wagner model (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) for animal cognition, which assumes that learning is driven by expectation error, instead of behaviorist association (Rescorla, 1988). The equations formulated by Rescorla and Wagner have been used to investigate different aspects of cognition, including language acquisition (e.g., Hsu, Chater, and Vitányi, 2011; St. Clair, Monaghan, and Ramscar, 2009), second language learning (Ellis, 2006), and reading of complex words (Baayen et al, 2011). Although error-driven learning can be applied for all domains in cognitive science, in this course we will focus on how it could be used for modeling language processing and language learning. ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst & Katja Mehlhorn (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/>. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca <http://www.nengo.ca/> Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html> How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction.

Jan. 22, 2019

PhD positions at the Univ. of Leicester (for UK/EU candidates only)

by Quian Quiroga, Rodrigo (Prof.)

Fully Funded PhD Studentships (for UK/EU candidates only) Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester, UK. www.le.ac.uk/csn The Centre for Systems Neuroscience at the University of Leicester, UK, offers a fully funded (stipend plus fees) PhD position for UK/EU candidates, to study single cell recordings in humans – performed in epileptic patients for curative surgery. The project will investigate concept cells (a.k.a. Jennifer Aniston neurons) – that means, neurons in the hippocampus and surrounding areas that selectively fire to specific concepts, like different pictures and the written or spoken name of a particular person (e.g. Quian Quiroga et al, Nature 2005; Quian Quiroga Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012), which are involved in declarative memory functions. For more details see: www.le.ac.uk/csn Successful candidates will contribute to performing recordings with patients in collaborating hospitals and the analysis of the data to investigate the role of these neurons in memory. They should have very good quantitative skills (data processing, and programing e.g. in Matlab) and a strong background or interest in neuroscience. They should be able to work both independently and as part of a research team within the Centre for System Neuroscience at Leicester and with our external collaborators. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Paula Warrington, Research Centre Manager, csn(a)le.ac.uk. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and a brief description of their scientific interests to Paula Warrington (csn(a)le.ac.uk) The closing date for the applications is 1st March 2019. Interviews are anticipated to take place on the 8th March 2019. Cheers, Rodrigo Rodrigo Quian Quiroga Centre for Systems Neuroscience University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk/csn

Jan. 22, 2019

PhD position in vision rehabilitation and multi-data modelling in Switzerland

by Paul Matusz

Institute of Information Systems at HES-SO in Valais is looking for 1 PhD student interested in (eye) health and neuroscience, and modelling relationships between sensory/ perceptual - brain - cognitive processes. Our project aims to assess the potential of virtual reality games in the rehabilitation of the most common pediatric vision disorder - amblyopia ("lazy eye"). The recovery potential is assessed at the level of both the usual, basic vision skills (visual acuity or 3D vision) and functional "visual" skills, like age-appropriate literacy skills. The project likewise aims to establish the role therein of different selective attention systems (visual, multisensory), as studied with rigorous experimental paradigms combined with the advantages of EEG and multi-variate EEG/ERP analyses (eg. Murray et al. 2008 BTOP; Tivadar & Murray 2018 ORM tinyurl.com/y8uxonnf ). The project is well-suited for students interested in modelling multi-modal clinical and/or pediatric data and change in the areas of medicine, neuroscience and/or cognition. More details here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19Wj5TjIk_Rid9js30g2lOhuhq01x113g . Paul (Pawel) Matusz, Ph.D. Junior Group Leader Institute of Information Systems, HES-SO – Radiology, University Hospital Centre & University of Lausanne, Sierre – Lausanne, Switzerland Adjunct Assistant Professor Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA https://groupforrealworldneuroscience.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/paweljmatusz +41 213141547

Jan. 21, 2019

Post-doctoral position Memory Dynamics Lab, Donders Institute Nijmegen

by Francesco Battaglia

One post-doctoral position is available for a max. duration of 4 years (preferred start: first half 2019) , funded by a Dutch NWO VIDI grant to Lisa Genzel. The researcher will carry out large scale ensemble electrophysiology to research the neural basis of memory and memory consolidation. Extensive experience (e.g. at the PhD level) with ensemble recording (tetrode recording, silicon probes) and behavioral approaches would be considered a plus. The researchers will be embedded in the Memory Dynamics Lab (co-leaders, FP Battaglia and L Genzel), a rapidly growing group active in the exploration of mechanisms of memory, and will have access to large datasets from behavioral neurophysiology experiments (large scale ensemble ) from the group, currently further funded by a Marie Sklodowska Curie “M-GATE” Doctoral Network coordinated by FP Battaglia, a NWO VIDI grant to L Genzel and other public and private grants, and counting eight core members active in experimental and computational work (to be increase to 12 in 2019). To apply, please send a CV, a letter of motivation (2 page max. length) and the name and contact info for two possible referees to l.genzel(a)donders.ru.nl Applications reaching us before February, 14th 2019 will be given full consideration.

Jan. 21, 2019

PhD position, Computational models of task dependent object-based visual attention

by Obermayer, Klaus, Prof. Dr.

Dear moderator, would you be so kind to post the job offer below on the mailing list? Thank you very much! Best regards Klaus Obermayer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Assistant (PhD position) Neural Information Processing Group Technische Universität Berlin Berlin, Germany Computational models of task dependent object-based visual attention Salary level: TV-L 13 (100%) Duration: 3 years Starting date: October 1st, 2019 Application deadline: February 15th, 2019 Working field The successful candidate will explore the hypothesis that object-level attentional units are essential mid-level factors which guide human eye-movements in visual scene analysis. Based on eye-fixation data from visual search tasks she/he will first build computational models to emulate the measured fixation sequences, to quantify the influence of different low- and high-level visual features, and to characterize the influence of task-driven changes in object-based attention processes. In a second step, plausible models will be integrated as "attentional modules" into a computer vision system for visual scene analysis and will be evaluated in terms of task success and the number of computations involved. Potential achievement of the project is an efficient real-time analysis of dynamic visual scenes. The position is part of the new DFG-funded cross-disciplinary research Cluster "Science of Intelligence" (http://www.scienceofintelligence.de/) The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Cluster's doctoral program and is expected to actively engage in the Cluster's educational and research activities. Qualifications Applicants must hold a Master degree in Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related fields. Applicants should have very good programming skills, a very good command of the English language, a solid mathematical background, competence in machine learning, and a strong interest in visual perception. How to apply: Please upload your application via the link www.scienceofintelligence.de/call-for-applications/open-positions/doctoral-…) and follow instructions. Applications should include: motivation letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts of records (for both BSc and MSc), copies of degree certificates (BSc, MSc), abstracts of Bachelor-, Master-thesis, list of publications and one selected manuscript (if applicable), two names of qualified persons who are willing to provide references, and any documents you feel may help us assess your competence.

Jan. 21, 2019

Meeting announcement: UK Neural Computation conference, July 1st-3rd

by Mark Humphries

Save the date! We are pleased to announce the UK Neural Computation conference, July 1st-3rd 2019, at the University of Nottingham A national meeting for the UK community working on the computational side of neuroscience. Be it modelling, maths, data science, theory, machine-learning, and all combinations thereof. Schedule: July 1st: ECR tutorials and seminars July 2nd-3rd: main meeting Confirmed speakers for the main meeting: Athena Akrami (SWC) Andy Barron (Macquarie) Tim Behrens (Oxford) Claudia Clopath (Imperial) Matthias Hennig (Edinburgh) Cian O'Donnell (Bristol) Chris Summerfield (Oxford) Tim Vogels (Oxford) Barbara Webb (Edinburgh) For further details, see the website: https://drmdhumphries.wixsite.com/ukneuralcomp2019 And look out for the abstract submission and registration announcement, coming soon. Hope to see you there! Mark Humphries (Chair, Nottingham) Hannes Saal (Sheffield) Robert Schmidt (Sheffield) Stuart Wilson (Sheffield) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Jan. 18, 2019

NIH funded postdocs: systems neuroscience of visual perception and attention

by Haider, Bilal

NIH Funded postdoctoral positions: Synaptic and network mechanisms controlling visual perception The Haider Lab<file:///C:/Users/bhaider6/Dropbox/Docs/GTech%20Docs/Hiring/haider.gatech.edu> in the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Georgia Tech & Emory University seeks 2 highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral fellows for 3-5 year NIH BRAIN funded projects examining synaptic and network mechanisms supporting sensory perception and visual attention. Recent lab publications can be found here: http://haider.gatech.edu/publications/ The projects offer significant opportunity to learn cutting-edge research techniques in vivo, including 1) neural population recording with high-density silicon electrodes (Neuropixels), 2) optogenetic circuit manipulation, and 3) whole-cell patch-clamp recording during behavior. The ideal candidate has expertise in patch clamp or multi-electrode electrophysiology in vitro or in vivo, and quantitative skill in data acquisition and analysis (preferably with MATLAB). Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, an inquisitive mindset, and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary team. The position is funded for up to 5 years, pending satisfactory performance upon annual review. We are enthusiastic to form a diverse, international research group. All candidates will be mentored for independent career development. There is a strong, multidisciplinary concentration of labs focusing on Neuroscience @ GT<http://neuro.gatech.edu/> and at Emory<http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/>. Atlanta is vibrant, green, and one of the most affordable and livable major cities of the US. Applications should include a CV, a brief statement of research goals, expected date of availability, and names and contact information of three references. Please email these materials to bilal.haider(a)bme.gatech.edu<mailto:bilal.haider@bme.gatech.edu> The Wallace H. Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering<https://www.bme.gatech.edu/> at Georgia Tech and Emory University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. The Department is a unique enterprise, spanning two of the top Engineering and Medical institutes in the country. This environment offers unparalleled facilities and resources for the pursuit of understanding neural circuits and their relationship to behavior and neurological dysfunction. Further information and recent lab publications can be found at haider.gatech.edu<file:///C:/Users/bilal/Dropbox/Docs/GTech%20Docs/haider.gatech.edu> Bilal Haider, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech & Emory University 313 Ferst Drive, Suite 3104 Atlanta, GA 30332 tel: +1 404 385 4935 fax: +1 404 385 5044 site: haider.gatech.edu<http://haider.gatech.edu/> twitter: @haiderlab<https://twitter.com/haiderlab>

Jan. 18, 2019

Postdoctoral position at Caltech

by Kennedy, Ann

Hello comp-neuro, posting this on behalf of David Anderson: The laboratory of David J. Anderson is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers from computational backgrounds, for work in analysis and modeling the neural control of complex naturalistic behaviors. The position offers a unique opportunity for theorists to be immersed in a lab environment, collaborating with experimentalists to design and analyze microendoscopic imaging and functional perturbation experiments targeting the dynamics of subcortical nuclei governing social and fear behaviors in mice. Potential computational/theory projects include joint latent variable models of neural activity and behavior, analysis of automated pose estimation data in pairs of interacting mice, and modeling decision-making processes among heterogeneous neural populations. The ideal candidate has expertise in statistical modeling, engineering, or physics, has excellent written and oral communication skills, and is enthusiastic about working closely with experimentalists to understand biological problems. David Anderson is the Director of the TianQiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience at Caltech, a strong, interdisciplinary neuroscience program. A new, dedicated building for the Institute is under construction, and the Institute is actively recruiting new theory faculty as well as computationally minded students. Applications should include a CV, a brief statement of research interests, expected date of availability, and contact information of three references, and should be sent to mancusog(a)caltech.edu<mailto:mancusog@caltech.edu>, cc'ing wuwei(a)caltech.edu<mailto:wuwei@caltech.edu> and kennedya(a)caltech.edu<mailto:kennedya@caltech.edu> Further information about the Anderson lab can be found at https://davidandersonlab.caltech.edu<https://davidandersonlab.caltech.edu/> -- Ann Kennedy Postdoctoral Researcher California Institute of Technology

Jan. 18, 2019

Submissions now open: XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science - Computational Rationality

by Gergo Orban

Dear all, This is a reminder that submissions are now open for the XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science, which is devoted to the topic of Computational Rationality. The conference will take place between 23-25 May 2019 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We invite poster submissions from all areas of cognitive science. You may submit your poster abstract here: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_submission.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_submission.php> Our invited speakers are: Ulrike Hahn (Birkbeck, University of London, UK) Quentin Huys (Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London, UK) Julian Jara-Ettinger (Yale University, USA) Máté Lengyel (University of Cambridge, UK, and Central European University, Hungary) Azzurra Ruggeri (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany) Laura Schulz (MIT, USA) Deadline for poster abstract submission is 28 February 2019. Authors will be notified of acceptance of their abstracts by 15 March 2019. For more information please visit: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php> Or email us: ducog(a)cogsci.bme.hu <mailto:ducog@cogsci.bme.hu> On behalf of the organisers, Oana Stanciu Gergő Orbán Programme chairs

Jan. 17, 2019

Postdoctoral Positions in the Rinberg and Shoham labs

by Dmitry Rinberg

The Rinberg and Shoham labs at NYU Medical School are seeking to fill multiple postdoctoral positions at the interface of computational systems neuroscience and advanced neurotechnology. We study how olfactory and visual information is represented and processed in neural activity patterns, and how the brain extracts information relevant for behavior. The postdoctoral researches will be involved in joint- and individual-lab projects as members of NYU’s vibrant world-class hub for computational systems neuroscience, of NYU Tech4Health, a new biomedical technology development institute, and of an international collaboration network. Our labs employ modern techniques including one- and two-photon imaging and patterned optogenetics, Si-probe electrophysiology, and psychophysics approaches to systematically explore the behavioral readout of spatiotemporal neuronal codes in behaving animals. Different projects tackle this challenge using either cellular-resolution (multiphoton) or large-scale (mesoscopic) tools, in combination with advanced statistical analyses and theoretical modeling. In addition to conventional tools, we are developing new cutting-edge tools for bidirectional high-precision probing and monitoring of information processing in behaving animals, and for potential applications: the Rinberg lab is developing a bio-electronic nose - a universal, versatile, and very sensitive chemical detector based on the mouse olfactory system. The Shoham lab is working towards holography-based solutions for vision restoration. This is an excellent opportunity for computationally and technologically inclined candidates to find their niche in-between developing cutting edge technologies and applying the technologies to fundamental scientific questions. An ideal candidate should have a background in neuroscience, physics/engineering and math. Knowledge and experience in optics, imaging, multi-neuron physiology and computational methods are a big plus. Please contact Dima Rinberg: rinberg(a)nyu.edu <mailto:rinberg@nyu.edu> or Shy Shoham: shoham(a)nyu.edu <mailto:shoham@nyu.edu>. See also: www.rinberglab.com <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.rinberglab.com_&d=D…>, niel.net.technion.ac.il <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__niel.net.technion.ac.il…>

Jan. 17, 2019

PostDoc positions (HSE, Russian Federation)

by Victoria Moiseeva

A series of POSTDOCTORAL positions are available at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN) in Moscow (https://neuro.hse.ru/en/)https://neuro.hse.ru/en/) ICN is a dynamic and ambitious research institute with a growing international reputation of a and state-of-the-art equipment. Postdoctoral positions are available across the following research groups: · Center for Bioelectric Interfaces · The Theoretical Neuroscience Group (TNG) · The Neurodynamics Group · The Cognitive Control, Communication and Perception Group · The Neuroeconomics Group · Memory and Motor Control Group We are equipped with the modern research equipment including EEG, MEG, fMRI, nTMS, and eye trackers. The ICN is based at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) - a modern, international and rapidly developing research-intensive university in Moscow, which invests heavily in both fundamental and applied research. Jobs description, requirements and application details are available at the https://neuro.hse.ru/en/vacancies We offer competitive salaries. Please refer to the general conditions for Post-Doctoral Research positions at the https://iri.hse.ru/faq_pdhttps://iri.hse.ru/faq_pd Application deadline is February 15, 2019 A CV and research statement should be submitted via online application portal. Two letters of recommendation should be submitted by the referees directly to fellowship(a)hse.ru<mailto:fellowship@hse.ru>. Please note that direct applications to the hiring Laboratory will not be reviewed. For informal enquires please contact individual group leader (contact details to be found on the website)

Jan. 17, 2019

Postdoc/programmer position at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

by Erik De Schutter

The Computational Neuroscience unit (https://groups.oist.jp/cnu) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher or technician in software development and computational modeling of stochastic neuronal reaction-diffusion processes and 3D modeling of neurons at the submicron level. Initial duration is two years with an option to extend. The hired postdoctoral researcher or technician is expected to make valuable contributions to the STEPS project (http://steps.sourceforge.net) in two ways: 1) by researching molecular neuronal processes and designing novel techniques and routines for accurate computational modeling of such systems, and 2) contributing to realistic applications of the new techniques in biological modeling studies. In performing these tasks, the candidate is expected to contribute to publications that are either based on theory and computational techniques, or geared more towards answering real biological questions through computational modeling. As such the ideal candidate will have a scientific background but also possess good programming skills. There will be many opportunities to interact with other STEPS developers in our lab and also other researchers working on related cerebellar projects, and also to collaborate on STEPS development with the Blue Brain Project, EPFL, Geneva. Competences: For the postdoctoral position a recent PhD is required in a relevant discipline such as neuroscience, molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and for a technician a masters degree is required in a similar discipline or computer science. For either position, we require a talented programmer with experience in C++ and Python. In satisfying these criteria, it is expected that the candidate has some experience of modeling neuronal or other biological processes computationally, but this is not essential if the candidate has a strong enough interest in moving into the field. Fluent English conversation and writing skills are required. Benefits / Offer: A competitive salary and relocation package are offered. This an ideal position to gain experience in a prominent computational neuroscience lab. Contributions of technicians are honored by authorship on relevant publications. Please contact Prof. Erik De Schutter (erik(a)oist.jp) for inquiries.

Jan. 17, 2019

BindsNET - A Machine Learning Spiking Neural Networks Library in Python

by Hananel Hazan

[Apologies for cross-postings] Dear colleagues, It is our pleasure to introduce the release of the python package BindsNET <https://github.com/Hananel-Hazan/bindsnet>and its companion paper in Frontiers in Bioinformatics “BindsNET: A Machine Learning-Oriented Spiking Neural Networks Library in Python <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fninf.2018.00089>”. BindsNET is a python package to simulate a spiking neuronal network using a GPU. The framework is easy and well in line with Python, NumPy and PyTorch standard that runs on CPU’s/GPU’s. BindsNet will serve both the novel researcher and the seasoned programmer wanting to perform rapid prototyping prior to diving into hardware implementation. To achieve maximum performance and flexibility, BindsNET re-purposes the powerful and flexible PyTorch <http://pytorch.org/> library. By wrapping around PyTorch we avoid "reinventing the wheel" by reusing it's function and sub-modules for the spiking neuronal networks computational needs. For more details on performance, usability and code examples please see the Frontier paper <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fninf.2018.00089> as well in the GitHub repository <https://github.com/Hananel-Hazan/bindsnet>. BindsNet welcomes researcher, students and neuro-scientists to both utilize and contribute to this leading-edge toolbox. *Happy spiking* Thanks Hananel Hazan Postdoctoral Research Associate BINDS Lab, UMass Amherst, USA http://Hananel.Hazan.org.il

Jan. 17, 2019

Master in Brain and Cognition, Barcelona

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain (*http://www.upf.edu/mbc/ <http://www.upf.edu/mbc/>*) opens the rolling application period (final deadline is June 2019). 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 <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 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 http://cbc.upf.edu/node/498 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 Rubén Moreno-Bote, ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu

Jan. 16, 2019

Systems Neuroscience Spring School 2019, 3/10-13, Kyoto, Japan

by Hidetoshi Urakubo

Dear members of Comp-neuro mailing list, Below please find the announcement of Systems Neuroscience Spring School 2019, 3/10-13, Kyoto, Japan. We look forward to your applications and recommendations. The full advertisement is available below. Hidetoshi Urakubo ============================================== Shin Ishii Laboratory, Department of Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University Yoshida-Honmachi 36-1, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 Japan Phone: +81-75-753-4908 Fax: +81-75-753-4907 Email: urakubo-h(a)sys.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp ============================================== [Announcement of the Systems Neuroscience Spring School 2019] Systems Neuroscience is a field of science that seeks to understand the architecture of the nervous system at multiple scales ranging from molecular level through behavioural level. SNSS2019 will provide chances to learn the frontiers of the systems neurobiology from six world's leading scientists with masteries in wide variety of subjects, including mathematical modelling, fundamental biology, and nano-technology based measurement and instrumentation techniques. This year's theme is “Statics and Dynamics of Neural Systems", and the conference features exciting talks with particular focus on the large-scale anatomy of the brain, behavioral experiments using latest multi-electrode recording techniques, and their theoretical backgrounds. The school is particularly intended for young scientists, and there will be active discussions throughout the session. Participants are encouraged to prepare a poster presentation to introduce their research to the community. ---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o---o--- [Date] March 10 (Sun) - 13 (Wed), 2019. The preliminary seminar at March 10 is only for students. [Place] Coop-in Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan) [Sponsors] Japanese Neural Network Society Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas “Brain information dynamics underlying multi-area interconnectivity and parallel processing” Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development “Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies” [Registration Deadline] February 20th, 2019 [Lecturer] (alphabetical order) Kenneth Harris, Ph.D. UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology Michael Hawrylycz, Ph.D. Allen Institute for Brain Science Valentin Nägerl, Ph.D. University of Bordeaux Atsushi Nambu, M.D, Ph.D. National Institute for Physiological Sciences Sang Wan Lee, Ph.D. KAIST Tetsuo Yamamori, Ph.D. RIKEN Center for Brain Science [Homepage] http://ishiilab.jp/SNSS/SNSS2019/ - Please confirm the details of the application. [Contact information] snss2019(a)sys.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp [Program committees] Ken Nakae, Kyoto University Hidetoshi Urakubo, Kyoto University Hiroshi Higashi, Kyoto University Yasuhiro Tanaka, University of Tokyo Hideaki Shimazaki, Kyoto University [Director] Shin Ishii, Kyoto University

Jan. 16, 2019

CNS*2019 Call for Abstracts and Registration Open

by Sharon Crook

CNS*2019 Call for Abstracts Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) 28th Annual Meeting Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain July 13-17, 2019 Local Organizers: Alex Roxin, Klaus Wimmer, Albert Compte, Jaime de la Rocha, Gemma Huguet Ramon The main meeting begins the evening of Saturday July 13 and runs through Tuesday July 16. It will be preceded by a day of tutorials (Saturday July 13) and followed by workshops (Tuesday July 16 mixed with the main meeting and Wednesday July 17 workshops only). Invited Keynote Speakers: Ed Bullmore, University of Cambridge Kenji Doya, Okinawa Institute for Science and Technology Mavi Sanchez-Vives, Universitat de Barcelona Ila Fiete, University of Texas Registration and abstract submission are open. Abstract submission deadline: March 4, 2019. Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Submitted abstracts are used for creating the program and for publication. Please follow the formatting guidelines on the submission site. Travel awards are available for student and postdoc members of OCNS. Please apply using the checkbox on the abstract submission form and note that an extended abstract is required when applying for a travel award or oral presentation format. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_259… Abstract Submission: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-abstract-submission Workshop proposals also are being accepted at: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-call-for-workshops For up-to-date conference information, please visit: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-quick -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for travel awards and more. Visit our website for more information: http://www.cnsorg.org

Jan. 16, 2019

New research topic in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience: “Information Processing in the Cerebellum"

by Conor Houghton

We would like to let you know about a new research topic in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience: “Information Processing in the Cerebellum": https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9115/information-processing-in-… The aim is to provide a forum through which leading experts in the field can share both experimental and theoretical insights into the neural dynamics of the cerebellum at levels spanning ions, cells, microcircuits and the interaction of the cerebellum with other areas of the central nervous system. We welcome contributions, the deadline for titles is 28 February 2019 and full manuscripts, 31 May 2019. With best wishes, Conor Houghton Richard Apps Nadia Cerminara Phillipe Isolde

Jan. 15, 2019

PhD / postdoc position "Risk-sensitive choice and reinforcement learning under uncertainty"

by Obermayer, Klaus, Prof. Dr.

Dear moderator, would you be so kind to post the job announcement below? Best regards Klaus Obermayer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Assistant (PhD / PostDoc position) Neural Information Processing Group Technische Universität Berlin Berlin, Germany Risk-sensitive choice and reinforcement learning under uncertainty Salary level: TV-L 13 (100%) Duration: 3 years Starting date: April 1st, 2019 Application deadline: February 15th, 2019 (but later applications may also be considered) Working field The successful candidate will join a DFG funded project (with Co-PI Dirk Ostwald, Freie Universität Berlin) which combines computational modelling with behavioral and fMRI experiments. The goal is to better understand human decision making and reward-based learning under perceptual uncertainty. The computational framework generalizes the risk-sensitive MDP approach of Yun et al. 2014 (Neural Comput. 26, 1298ff) to a POMDP-based behavioral modelling framework. Planned experiments address response time behavior and neural reinforcement learning processes under perceptual risk. The work program can be biased either towards computational or experimental work depending on the qualifications of the candidate. Qualifications Successfully completed university degree in a subject relevant to the work program; very good programming and English language skills; solid background in decision making and reward-based learning on a theoretical and / or experimental level; experience with computational modelling and the model-based analysis of behavioral and fMRI data is desirable. How to apply: Please send your application with the usual documents (CV, letter of motivation, transcripts of records, certificates, and the names of two persons who can provide recommendation letters) to Prof. Dr. Klaus Obermayer (FG Neuronale Informationsverarbeitung, Sekr. MAR 5-6, Marchstr. 23, 10587 Berlin) preferably by e-mail (klaus.obermayer(a)tu-berlin.de) Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.

Jan. 15, 2019

Bernstein Conference 2019 in Berlin: Call for Workshop Proposals

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience<https://www.bernstein-network.de/en/start_page> invites proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2019<http://www.bernstein-conference.de/> in Berlin. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Satellite Workshops: September 17 - 18, 2019 Main Bernstein Conference: September 18 - 20, 2019 Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: March 27, 2019, 3 pm CET (Deadline will not be extended!) Notification of Workshop acceptance: April 2019 Special in 2019: The Conference on Cognitive Computational Neuroscience (CCN)<https://ccneuro.org/> will be held back-to back with the Bernstein Conference on September 13 - 16. ************************************************************** The Bernstein Conference is the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe. It hosts pre-conference workshops which 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. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a mere series of talks. The selection criteria for workshop proposals will include scientific excellence, topical relevance and gender diversity. Satellite Workshop Schedule: September 17, 2019, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm September 18, 2019, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop Costs – Financial Support: All organizers and speakers of accepted workshops will receive a waiver for the workshop fee. Organizers of accepted workshops additionally receive a waiver for the main conference. Coffee break catering will be provided. Up to 10 selected workshops can receive financial support up to 1.500,00 € each. Instructions for Workshop Proposal Preparation: Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment 4) Optional: a comment on how the organizers plan to achieve gender diversity among speakers Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: www.bernstein-network.de/en/bernstein-conference/2019/satellite-workshops<http://www.bernstein-network.de/en/bernstein-conference/2019/satellite-work…> Deadline for submission of Workshop Proposals: March 27, 2019, 3 pm CET (Deadline will not be extended!) For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website www.bernstein-conference.de<http://www.bernstein-conference.de> Contact: bernstein.conference(at)fz-juelich.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Berlin! Workshop Selection Committee: Tatjana Tchumatchenko (Workshop Chair) Tim Vogels (Workshop Vice Chair) Danielle Bassett Alexander Borst Alain Destexhe Tim Gollisch Máté Lengyel Stephanie Palmer Elad Schneidman (Program Vice Chair) Susanne Schreiber (Program Chair) Terry Sejnowski Sara Solla Henning Sprekeler (Conference Chair and Host) Gina Turrigiano -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> 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 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 15, 2019

Post-doctoral fellow in PET imaging analysis

by Sean Hill

The Early Psychosis Imaging Research Group at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto, Canada) is recruiting a Post-doctoral Fellow (MD / or PhD) to join the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) at the Research Imaging Center, at the Center of Addiction and Mental Health (RIC-CAMH). Minimum qualifications are a doctoral degree in a health related field (e.g.: neuroscience, psychology, biology) with significant imaging experience or MD degree with proved research background. Successful candidates should already have papers published in international peer reviewed journals, or grants or research awards in these specific imaging research areas. The successful candidate will have considerable expertise in computational and statistical methods, and a good working knowledge of brain anatomy. Experience in working with clinical populations is an asset. Good oral and written communication skills are required. The project will focus on a brain PET investigation of the neurochemical events occurring during psychosis and its prodrome and their relationship brain correlates (structure, MRS, DTI, etc). CAMH is Canada’s largest mental Health and addiction teaching and research hospital and is affiliated with the University of Toronto. Send letter of interest outlining experience and CV Romina.mizrahi(a)camhpet.ca<mailto:Romina.mizrahi@camhpet.ca> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. AVIS DE CONFIDENTIALITÉ : Ce message électronique, ainsi que tout fichier qui y est joint, est reserve à l'usage exclusif du destinataire visé et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels et privilégiés. Toute lecture, utilisation, divulgation ou distribution non autorisée est interdite. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire visé, veuillez en aviser l'expéditeur par retour de courriel et détruire toutes les copies du message original.

Jan. 11, 2019

Call for Papers: The Embodied Brain

by Peters, J (PSYCHOLOGY)

******EXTENDED PAPER SUBMISSION DEADLINE******** "The Embodied Brain: Computational Mechanisms of Integrated Sensorimotor Interactions with a Dynamic Environment" https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/8147/the-embodied-brain-computa… Topic Editors: Gustavo Deco, Rainer Goebel, Mario Senden, Florian Röhrbein, Judith Peters Participating journals: Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience Frontiers in Neurorobotics Frontiers in ICT Frontiers in Robotics and AI Keywords: Sensorimotor integration, embodiment, neurorobotics, deep neural networks, dynamical systems Abstract Submission Deadline: 1-2-2019 Article Submission Deadline: 15-4-2019 **************************************************

Jan. 11, 2019

[journals] Call for papers: IEEE TCDS Special Issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning

by Nguyen, Sao Mai

Dear Colleagues, Happy new year 2019! We are preparing a special issue in IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems on "Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning", and would like to invite you to contribute a research article or a review for the SI. The deadline is set as February 28th, 2019. The scope, aim, submission and other details are given below. URL: http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… AIM AND SCOPE Although machine learning algorithms continue to improve at a rapid pace enabling technologies and products such as autonomous driving cars and sophisticated image and speech recognition, it is often forgotten that these applications represent tailored solutions to specific tasks. Thus it is not clear if or how these autonomous systems can pave the road to general purpose machines envisioned by many. The pursuit for higher levels of autonomy and versatility in robotics is arguably lead by two main factors. Firstly, as we push robots out of the labs and productions lines, it becomes increasingly difficult to design for all possible scenarios that a particular robot might encounter. Secondly, the cost of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining such systems becomes prohibitive. As the algorithms for learning single tasks in restricted environments are improving, new challenges have gained relevance in order to get more autonomous artificial systems. These challenges include multi-task learning, multimodal sensorimotor learning and lifelong adaptation to injury, growth and ageing. Addressing these challenges promise higher levels of autonomy and versatility of future robots. This special issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning is primarily concerned with the developmental processes involved in unsupervised sensorimotor learning in a life-long perspective, and in particular the emergence of representations of action and perception in humans and artificial agents in continual learning. These processes include action-perception cycle, active perception, continual sensory-motor learning, environmental-driven scaffolding, and intrinsic motivation. The special issue will highlight behavioural and neural data, and cognitive and developmental approaches to research in the areas of robotics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, etc. Contributions might focus on mathematical and computational models to improve robot performance and/or attempt to unveil the underlying mechanisms that lead to continual adaptation to changing environment or embodiment and continual learning in open-ended environments. Contributions from multiple disciplines including cognitive systems, cognitive robotics, developmental and epigenetic robotics, autonomous and evolutionary robotics, social structures, multi-agent and artificial life systems, computational neuroscience, and developmental psychology, on theoretical, computational, application-oriented, and experimental studies as well as reviews in these areas are welcome. THEMES This special issue aims to report state-of-the-art approaches and recent advances on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning with a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics relevant to this special issue include but are not limited to: Emergence of representations via continual interaction Continual sensory-motor learning Action-perception cycle Active perception Environmental-driven scaffolding Intrinsic motivation Neural substrates, neural circuits and neural plasticity Human and animal behaviour experiments and models Reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning for life-long learning Multisensory robot learning Multimodal sensorimotor learning Affordance learning Prediction learning SUBMISSION Manuscripts should be prepared according to the “Information for Authors” of the journal found at https://cis.ieee.org/publications/t-cognitive-and-developmental-systems/tcd… . Submissions must be done through the IEEE TCDS Manuscript center: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee. Please select the category “SI: Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning”. IMPORTANT DATES 28th February 2019 – Paper submission deadline 15th April 2019 – Notification for authors 16th June 2019 – Deadline revised papers submission 16th July 2019 – Final notification for authors 18th August 2019 – Deadline for camera-ready versions September 2019 – Expected publication date http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… On behalf of the guest editors: Nicolás Navarro-Gerrero Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark nng(a)eng.au.dk Sao Mai Nguyen IMT Atlantique, France nguyensmai(a)gmail.com Erhan Oztop Ozyeğin University, Turkey erhan.oztop(a)ozyegin.edu.tr Junpei Zhong National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan joni.zhong(a)aist.go.jp With my best wishes for the year 2019, Nguyen Sao Mai nguyensmai(a)gmail.com Researcher in Cognitive Developmental Robotics http://nguyensmai.free.fr

Jan. 10, 2019

PhD/postdocs spike pattern analysis/methodology

by Francesco Battaglia

Three positions are available (preferred start: first half 2019, contract duration, 2-4 years) for PhD students and postdocs, funded by a Dutch NWO Exact sciences TOP grant. The researchers will develop methods for the unsupervised pattern detection in neural data based on Optimal Transport theory, developing on the idea described in the paper by Grossberger et al. PLoS Comp. Biol. 14(7): e1006283 (2018) We look for a combination of expertise, ideally one applied mathematician, one computer scientist/machine learning specialist, and one computational neuroscientists. Positions will be awarded at the postdoc or PhD level, depending on the best available candidate. The researchers will be embedded in the Memory Dynamics Lab (co-leaders, FP Battaglia and L Genzel), a rapidly growing group active in the exploration of mechanisms of memory, and will have access to large datasets from behavioral neurophysiology experiments (large scale ensemble ) from the group, currently further funded by a Marie Sklodowska Curie "M-GATE" Doctoral Network coordinated by FP Battaglia, a NWO VIDI grant to L Genzel and other public and private grants, and counting eight core members active in experimental work. Data obtained via external collaborations will also be available. Dr. Martin Vinck (ESI Frankfurt) and Dr. Paul Tiesinga (Donders Institute) will be key collaborators on this project. The group is embedded in the Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior at the Radboud University in Nijmegen, sporting a large concentration of top theoretical and experimental neuroscience work. To apply, please send a CV, a letter of motivation (2 page max. length) and the name and contact info for two possible referees to Francesco Battaglia f.battaglia(a)donders.ru.nl <mailto:f.battaglia@donders.ru.nl>. Requests for information go to the same address. Applications reaching us before February, 28th 2019 will be given full consideration.

Jan. 9, 2019

postdoctoral fellowships at the Theoretical Neuroscience Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, Moscow.

by boris gutkin

Higher School of Economics (HSE, Moscow) is pleased to announce a new post-doctoral post at the Theoretical Neuroscience Group <http://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/Theoretical/> (TNG) that applies computational and mathematical approaches to understanding neural function and cognition. Research interests of the TNG at the Centre for Cognition and Decision Making <http://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre> are wide ranging, carried out in collaboration with the experimental labs at the Center. Current research topics include computational psychiatry, computational neuroeconomics, information processing in neurons and circuits, as well as role of oscillations in cognition. The candidate will have the opportunity to further define and expand the Group’s research programme. We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidate with backgrounds in quantitative disciplines: applied mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering. Knowledge of biology, neuroscience and ability to work with data is highly desired. Candidates will be trained in model building, analysis and will be offered advanced training in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Candidates will have an opportunity to develop independent research projects and collaborations under the direction of the group leading scientists. The TNG is a structural part of the HSE’s Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> with ample collaboration opportunities within the Centre with other research groups, both within Russia and internationally. This new international group is tightly linked with the Group for Neural Theory at the Ecole Normale Superior <http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/?lang=en> in Paris, where research internships and visiting positions can be made available. The job involves: working under the direct supervision of Boris Gutkin, head of the Theoretical Neuroscience Group. participants are encouraged to pursue their own research in parallel with working on research projects in collaboration with other groups in the Center for Cognition and Decision Making and the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience. participation in organization of the events and other contribution to the Lab’s development public presentations of candidate’s own research to the researchers in the field and the broader academic community some teaching is encouraged, though not required. Requirements: a PhD from an international research university in such fields as: neuroscience, applied mathematics, physics, engineering a strong background in mathematical and computational modelling in neuroscience. ability to work in a team, fluent English relevant experience is an asset although not required General conditions for Post-Doctoral Research positions can be found here <https://iri.hse.ru/faq_pd>. Appointments will be normally made for one year. A CV and research statement should be submitted via online application form <https://www.hse.ru/expresspolls/poll/229374241.html> and two letters of recommendation should be submitted by the referees directly to fellowship(a)hse.ru <mailto:fellowship@hse.ru> by February 15, 2019. Please note that direct applications to TNG may not be reviewed. About HSE HSE <http://hse.ru/en> is a young, dynamic, fast-growing Russian research university providing unique research opportunities. For more information about HSE, please visit: Centre for Cognition & Decision Making <https://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/> or contact Boris Gutkin (boris.gutkin(a)gmail.com) directly.

Jan. 9, 2019

Call for applications - Science of Intelligence Berlin - Cluster of Excellence

by Sprekeler, Henning

*Early notice* Call for applications - Science of Intelligence Berlin - Cluster of Excellence 11 PhD and 12 Postdoc positions Cross-disciplinary research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, cognitive science, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy. Starting dates: Summer / Fall 2019 Duration: 3 years Salary level: TV-L 13, 100% What are the principles of intelligence, shared by all forms of intelligence, no matter whether artificial or biological, whether robot, computer program, human, or animal? And how can we apply these principles to create intelligent technology? Answering these questions - in an ethically responsible way - is the central scientific objective of the new Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (www.scioi.de<http://www.scioi.de>). Researchers from a large number of analytic and synthetic disciplines - artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, cognitive science, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy - join forces to create a multi-disciplinary research program across universities and research institutes in Berlin. Our approach is driven by the insight, that any method, concept, and theory must demonstrate its merits by contributing to the intelligent behavior of a synthetic artifact, such as a robot or a computer program. These artifacts represent the shared “language” across disciplines, enabling the validation, combination, transfer, and extension of research results. Thus we expect to attain cohesion among disciplines, which currently produce their own theories and empirical findings about aspects of intelligence. Interdisciplinary research projects have been defined which combine analytic and synthetic research and which address key aspects of individual, social, and collective intelligence. In addition the Science of Intelligence graduate program promotes the cross-disciplinary education of young scientists on a Master, PhD, and postdoctoral level. All PhD students associated with the cluster are expected to join the Science of Intelligence doctoral program (www.scioi.de/education/doctoral-program<http://www.scioi.de/education/doctoral-program>). The cluster welcomes applications from all disciplines that contribute to intelligence research. Applications shall be uploaded through the application portal (www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/application-process<http://www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/application-process>), where details of the individual research projects (www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/open-positions<http://www.scioi.de/call-for-applications/open-positions>) are also available. Please submit your applications by 15 February 2019 in order to receive full consideration. Applicants wishing to apply for several projects need to upload separate applications for each project.

Jan. 8, 2019

Postdoc position in computational neuroscience at the Gatsby Unit

by Peter Latham

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, a world-class centre for theoretical neuroscience and machine learning, invites applications for one or more postdoctoral training fellowships in theoretical neuroscience. We are looking especially for someone with an interest and/or background in synaptic plasticity and learning. Candidates should have a very strong analytical background in physics, mathematics, statistics, or machine learning, with an emphasis on the use of Bayesian methods in neuroscience, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literature, and a publication record in highly ranked conferences and journals. Candidates must also have a PhD in a relevant subject area by the agreed start date of the position. Training fellowships are funded by the Wellcome Trust, and are part of a continuing program of training postdoctoral researchers. The position is available for an initial period of two years, and may be renewed to a maximum of three years. To apply, go to http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies/index.html and click on Research Fellow (Training Fellowship in Theoretical Neuroscience or Machine Learning) Please be sure to attach to your online application a copy of your CV, statement of research interests, and full contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three academic referees. CVs should include education history, details of current or most recent position, and details of previous employment or fellowships. For further details of our research, go to http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html Questions should be directed to Peter Latham, pel(a)gatsby.ucl.ac.uk

Jan. 8, 2019

Call for Applications: Summer School on Intrinsically Motivated Open-Ended Learning (IMOL): June 27 - July 3

by Jochen Triesch

We invite applications from PhD students and post-docs to participate in our summer school: "Intrinsically Motivated Open-Ended Learning (IMOL)" Place: Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Germany Dates: June 27 to July 3, 2019 Web: http://www.goal-robots.eu/announcements/events/summer-school-2019-2/ *Participation is free of charge, but participants must cover their own travel and lodging.* Topics will include: - Intrinsic Motivations - Architectures for open-ended learning - Deep reinforcement learning - Multi-task reinforcement learning - Curriculum learning - Goal self-generation - Goal-based skill learning - Modularity and hierarchies - Ethics of open-ended learning List of confirmed speakers (more to be added): Gianluca Baldassarre (organizer) Marc Bellemare Luc Berthouze Stephane Doncieux Kenji Doya Petar Kormushev Georg Martius Kathryn Merrick (organizer) Yukie Nagai Nicolas Navarro-Guerrero Kevin O'Regan Daniel Polani Elmar Rueckert Vieri Giuliano Santucci (organizer) Bertram E. Shi Céline Teulière Jochen Triesch (organizer) How to Apply: 1. Prepare a letter of intent and CV (single PDF) 2. Arrange for a letter for recommendation to be sent by your supervisor Both should be sent to: triesch(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de by January 27th, 2019. The school is organized with funding from the European GOAL-Robots project: http://www.goal-robots.eu Happy learning, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Research Professor Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Jan. 8, 2019

Seeking group leaders in computational neuroscience

by Daniel Choquet

Dear colleague, I would like to seek your help in identifying outstanding candidates for our ongoing call for group leaders in our Neuroscience department. Please note our special emphasis in seeking group leaders in computational neuroscience. Could you please circulate this add ? I thank you in advance for your help and wish you a very happy and fruitful year 2019 Best wishes Daniel Choquet Director of the BRAIN cluster of excellence Group Leader Position in Neuroscience, Bordeaux, France Neuroscience in Bordeaux, France, has grown over the last 10 years to become one of the largest scientific communities in the field of Neuroscience in Europe. Encompassing a total of 650 international scientists organized in 6 main independent research centers, 10 core facilities and the Bordeaux School of Neuroscience, the neuroscience in Bordeaux, France, constitutes an exciting international environment with worldwide recognition in the fields of addiction, brain imaging, synapse biology, memory and dementia, sleep, attention and cognition, movement disorders, pain and sensory functions, pathophysiology of brain development, nutrition and neuro-inflammation. We are seeking to recruit new Group Leaders at junior or midcareer level. We offer attractive start-up packages and state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructures to young group leaders, typically as a first independent position specialised in non-human primate (patho)physiology of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer Disease & Parkinson Disease), or in chemical biology, biosensors, structural biology, physical chemistry of molecular assemblies, cell biology and synapse physiology, modelling from molecular and cellular mechanism to neural circuits, all for neuroscience applications. Two major site grants enable to position Bordeaux Neurocampus as a foremost center to meet the challenges of brain research. The Neurocampus project, fully supported by the University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM and the Aquitaine Regional Government, consists into the extension of Neurocentre Magendie (+ 8 000 m2) and of the construction of a 12 000m2 new building which hosts laboratories, animal facilities and the Bordeaux Imaging Center. It also supports the installation of new international research teams, start-up companies and medical patients' association. We expect candidates to develop a competitive, independent research program in his/her respective field, local collaboration and integration into the Bordeaux neuroscience community. Applicants should hold a PhD or MD/PhD degree, with a record of outstanding training and exceptional research potential. Applications from abroad are expressly welcome. We strive to increase the proportion of female staff and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Interested candidates should submit : <http://bit.ly/neurocampus-application> http://bit.ly/neurocampus-application -a complete CV, - a description of research interests (achievements and projects, max 5 pages), - Name and contact of three references who will be independently asked to provide support letters The deadline for applications is February 28th, 2019. Preselection of the candidates will occur in spring before onsite interview in June 2019. For additional information, please contact <mailto:applicants-neurocampus@u-bordeaux.fr> : applicants-neurocampus(a)u-bordeaux.fr

Jan. 7, 2019

PhD level - international fellowship

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the *Ruhr University Bochum* in Germany, invites applicants for an International Student Fellowship to be awarded through the international research training group “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes” (SFB 874). The fellowship has a duration of 4 months, after which it could be extended to a *3 year **PhD position* if a good fit with the group is observed. The work will focus on studying the interaction between neocortex and hippocampus using spiking neural network models. The position is part of the project "Theory of the interplay between sensory cortices and hippocampus in memory formation and retrieval", which is funded by the German Research Foundation as part of the collaborative research center SFB 874. The appointment will be initially from 01.03.2019-30.06.2019. Candidates should have an excellent university degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering or a related field and be eligible to enroll in a relevant PhD program at the Ruhr University. Competence in mathematical modeling and excellent programming skillsare mandatory. Familiarity with computational neuroscience or computational cognitive modeling would be a further asset. Only candidates who have not previously lived in Germany will be considered. For further information regarding the IRTG fellowship please visit https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sfb874/integrated_research_training_group/fe… The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de> in a single PDF file. Please, also request from at least two academic referees that they send letters of reference directly to the same email address. The deadline for applications is 15.01.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

Jan. 7, 2019

Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2019: Apply now

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2019 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 24 to July 11, 2019 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 24th through July 11th, 2019 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 1 - February 2, 2019. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, the 16th 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 provides partial travel support. 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: • Claudia Clopath (Imperial College, UK) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Tomoki Fukai (OIST) • Wenbiao Gan (New York University, USA) • Geoff Goodhill (University of Queensland, Australia) • Jun Izawa (Tsukuba University, Japan) • Mike Hausser (University College London, UK) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Eve Marder (Brandeis University, USA) • Peggy Series (University of Edinburgh, UK) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Yi Zeng (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China)

Jan. 7, 2019

Research tech/postdoc position in computational neuroscience (Washington U in St. Louis)

by Carlos R. Ponce

Position available: Computational specialist for neuroscience research (research tech or postdoc) Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri Our laboratory conducts visual neuroscience research using electrophysiology and artificial neural networks. We are looking for candidates with experience in Python and C++, and with interest in deep learning approaches. The ideal candidate will help implement third-party software, working closely with biologists in designing and/or performing experiments. Salary based on experience. Requirements: strong interest in visual neuroscience. Minimum Bachelor’s degree in scientific field, computer science and/or engineering. Experience with Python/C++ programming (Linux/Windows). Preferred but not required: Familiarity with data analysis and statistics,Matlab, coding high-performance computing software (including container technology), optimizing parallelized and GPU-based code. Please send application materials to Carlos R. Ponce (crponce(a)wustl.edu , poncelab.org) including CV with cover letter, and contact information for 2-3 references. If a recent graduate, please send transcripts. Peer-reviewed journal or conference publications a plus.

Jan. 6, 2019

Postdoc position jointly at UCSD/CMU (Coleman/Grover labs).

by Pulkit Grover

Postdoctoral position in Coleman lab at UCSD and Grover lab at CMU in theory and data analysis: modeling, monitoring, and modulating the enteric nervous system A postdoc position at the intersection of theoretical and computational neuroscience is available working jointly with the labs of Todd Coleman at UC San Diego and Pulkit Grover at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA). The team's goal is to develop advanced theoretical techniques, closely with validation in realistic computational models, for noninvasive detection, tracking, and modulation of neural activity of the enteric nervous system. The role of the postdoc will be to lead computational modeling, simulations, and data analysis for these systems. The postdoc will collaborate with information theorists, experimentalists, and clinicians. The postdoc will be based in UCSD, and is expected to travel a few times between UCSD and CMU to learn from the existing approaches and coordinate efforts of the two teams. This is an opportunity to work on a challenging and applicable scientific problem in a highly interdisciplinary and vibrant environment. Requirements: PhD in a related discipline (Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience, or Biomedical Engineering) with a strong theoretical and computational record. Background in basic cellular neurophysiology is recommended but not mandatory. The labs are committed to the professional development of the members, making this position a valuable preparation for those interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. The ideal start date is Mar 2019, but early applications will also be accepted. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to tpcoleman(a)ucsd.edu and pulkit(a)cmu.edu with the subject line “enteric-system postdoc”. Application review will proceed until the position is filled.

Jan. 6, 2019

NeuroFedora: A ready to use Free/Open source software platform for neuroscience

by Ankur Sinha

Hello everyone, We would like to announce the NeuroFedora initiative[1] that we have recently begun working on. Our goal is to provide a ready to use, Free/Open source environment for researchers to use, to enable Free/Open Neuroscience[2]. NeuroFedora is based on the Fedora Linux distribution[3] that is part of the RedHat/Scientific Linux/CentOS eco-system. It is still in the early stages, but we already have a few of the commonly used computational neuroscience simulators available for use: - NEST - Genesis - Moose - Brian2 Neuron, PyNN, and a host of other tools are currently being worked upon for inclusion also. More information can be found in the documentation[1]. We welcome feedback, comments, ideas, and discussion to improve NeuroFedora. It is purely a volunteer driven community project, so we welcome contributions in all forms. You can get in touch with us using the communication channels listed here[4]. [1] https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/neurofedora/overview/ [2] http://opensourceforneuroscience.org/ [3] https://getfedora.org/ [4] https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/neurofedora/overview/#_communicating_a… -- Thank you, Regards, On behalf of the NeuroFedora team, Ankur Sinha PhD candidate in computational neuroscience at UH Biocomputation Volunteer at the Free/Open source Fedora project https://ankursinha.in https://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ankursinha Time zone: Europe/London

Jan. 4, 2019

Post-Doc in Social Neuroscience

by Prata, Diana

Happy new job! Two new Post-Doc positions opened at the Biomedical Neuroscience Lab (https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/; PI: Dr Diana Prata, with double affiliation in King’s College London), at the University of Lisbon - for research in human social neuroscience and the oxytocin and the dopamine systems in a highly interdisciplinary 3-year project involving pharmacology, genetics and a range of psychophysiological techniques. Expertise in fMRI and/or EEG highly preferred; and in eye-tracking and SCR favourable. Negotiable salary. Open until 26th of Jan 2019. We look forward to welcoming you!: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=106526 Diana Prata, Phd Marie Curie Fellow Principal Investigator (Biomedical Neuroscience Lab), Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London

Jan. 4, 2019

Faculty positions in Computational Neuroscience at Imperial College London. Deadline 13 Jan

by Clopath, Claudia

Imperial College London is hiring at the level of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor (in the UK called Lecturers/Senior Lecturers) at the interface between Engineering and Biology broadly speaking, i.e. including Computational Neuroscience. Deadline 13th of January. Original advert: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG00620/lecturerssenior-lecture…

Jan. 3, 2019

Call for applications - 2019 Nengo Summer School

by Peter Blouw

[All details about this school can be found online at https://www.nengo.ai/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce our 6th annual Nengo summer school on large-scale brain modelling and neuromorphic computing. This two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Summer school participants will be given on-site access to Loihi, Intel’s new neuromorphic research chip [1], and will learn to run high-level applications on Loihi using Nengo! More generally, Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems, and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [2], which includes spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning, adaptive motor control, and cognitive control networks. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwtYgBB2N6I We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background. [1] Davies, et al. (2018). Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning. IEEE Micro. Vol. 38 no. 1 pp. 82-99. [ https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8259423] [2] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://compneuro.uwaterloo.ca/files/publications/eliasmith.2012.pdf] ***Application Deadline: February 15, 2019*** Format: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - interface Nengo with neuromorphic hardware (e.g. Loihi, SpiNNaker) - build perceptual, motor, and cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… Date and Location: June 9th to June 21st, 2019 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Applications: Please visit http://www.nengo.ai/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (peter.blouw(a)appliedbrainresearch.com) The school is also partly supported by ONR and ABR, Inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jan. 3, 2019

PhD in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start)

by James Rankin

*PhD in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start)* General information & apply (funding is primarily targeted at UK students): http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 Project description: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Rankin-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf *Closing date 7th Jan 2019* *Dynamical System Modelling of the Early Auditory Pathway* This interdisciplinary project will develop computational and mathematical models of the auditory system to understand how complex stimuli like speech are encoded by spiking neurons in the midbrain. The auditory midbrain is a key hub in the auditory processing pathway, functioning as an important junction that relays and shapes neural signals as they ascend towards auditory cortex. Knowledge of the way in which complex sounds, e.g. speech, are encoded in the midbrain is crucial for understanding how dysfunction in the earlier auditory processing pathway (cochlea, auditory nerve, cochlear nucleus) leads to different types of hearing loss (a problem affecting 1 in 6 people in the UK). Working with neural recordings from the auditory midbrain in gerbils, a commonly-used animal for the study of low-frequency hearing, this project will develop mathematical and computational models of the auditory processing pathway. The aim is to understand the different roles of the patterns of inputs to midbrain neurons and their intrinsic response properties (e.g. their spiking rate) in shaping their responses to complex sounds. The project will use a dynamical systems approach to model the intrinsic properties of individual neurons in the midbrain in a biologically plausible way (working with, e.g. adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire neurons or the Hodgkin-Huxley equations). Inputs to these neurons will be based on established cochlear models and the biological details of the auditory nerve and cochlear nucleus. The resulting model will produce firing patterns directly comparable with neural recordings provided by the experimental supervisor. This data will be used to train and parameter fit the model using e.g. Bayesian optimisation or genetic algorithms. The resultant model will have explanatory power for the extent to which midbrain responses are shaped by its inputs from cochlear nucleus. Further, it will make predictions, testable in new experiments, of how midbrain responses will be affected by different dysfunctions of the early auditory system relating to hearing loss. The successful candidate will receive training dynamical systems theory and in the development and analysis of individual neuron and neural network models. An interdisciplinary approach, incorporating known biological details of the auditory processing pathway, will require the candidate to learn the relevant biology and neuroscience along with mathematical and computational techniques. The project will involve working closely with experimental neuroscientists and experimental data. This project provides a unique opportunity to receive training in mathematical modelling in close collaboration with experimentalists using cutting-edge methods recording spikes simultaneously from hundreds of neurons. Experience working on such interdisciplinary projects is highly sought after. Candidates with quantitative backgrounds (mathematics, physics, engineering) and from neuroscience programmes are encouraged to apply. Programming experience, knowledge of dynamical systems theory and experience in biological modelling are a plus. For further information, please contact me at the email address above. *For further information, please contact Dr James Rankin, email j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk <j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk>* http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/jar226 See also another project (co-supervised with Joel Tabak): *Determination of parameter dependencies across diverse populations of neuro-endocrine cells* http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Tabak-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf

Jan. 3, 2019

NIH-funded Postdoctoral Position at the Italian Institute of Technology

by Stefano Panzeri

I am seeking to hire one or more postdoctoral scientists to research with me and my Neural Computation laboratory at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. The project, funded by a Brain Initiative multi-PI RO1 Grant from the National Institute of Health, will be performed in collaboration with my experimental collaborators Christopher Harvey (Harvard Medical School) and Wei-Chung Lee (Children’s Hospital). The proposed computational research will use data-driven models of recurrent neural networks and information-theoretic methods to analyze functional activity of hundreds of neurons recorded during cognitive tasks, together with anatomical electron-microscopy data collected from the same subjects and brain regions. The aim of the project is to establish novel and firm relationships between the anatomical structure of a cortical microcircuit and its neural population coding function. The laboratory offers a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise in computational neuroscience, including both advanced neural analysis techniques and neural network modeling. The laboratory also offers a thriving, well-funded and ambitious research environment with extensive international collaborations and ample opportunities for advanced training and personal scientific growth. We seek candidates holding a PhD in a numerate or neuroscientific discipline, with a solid computational background and a keen interest in neuroscience. They must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research at either the IIT in Italy, or at the IIT outstation at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, depending on the nature of the agreed research and on personal preferences. For representative recent publications from the PI, see: Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Distinct timescales of population coding across cortex, *Nature*: 548: 92-96. Panzeri S., et al (2017) Cracking the neural code for sensory perception by combining statistics, intervention and behaviour. *Neuron* 93: 491-507 Safaai, H., et al (2015) Modelling the effect of Locus Coeruleous firing on single trial cortical state dynamics and sensory processing. *Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA* 112(41): 12834–12839 Further information about my research can be found at my IIT and Google Scholar web pages: https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri https://scholar.google.it/citations?user=C-HCQ9cAAAAJ&hl=en Applications (full CV, statement of research interest and name and contact of 2 referees) should be sent by e-mail to stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it, quoting “Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is January 31th, 2019. Applications will be examined until the position is filled. Interested applicants are advised to contact me by email informally *as soon as possible* to discuss about the science and the position informally. Thanks! Stefano Panzeri

Jan. 3, 2019

CFP 28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2019, Sept 17-19, Munich, DE

by Paolo Masulli ENNS

28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks http://icann2019.org Munich, Germany 17 - 19 September 2019 Special event: BIGCHEM (http://bigchem.eu) final meeting ============================================================ The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2019 the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH (HMGU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) together with the "Big Data in Chemistry" Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network European Industrial Doctorate project (BIGCHEM) organize the 28th ICANN Conference from the 17th to the 19th of September 2019 in Munich, Germany. CONFERENCE TOPICS ICANN 2019 is a dual-track conference featuring tracks in Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks, 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: Machine Learning: Deep Learning, Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models Recurrent Networks. Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organisation, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics. Neural Applications for: Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. Special session (BIGCHEM): Big Data analysis in chemistry, chemoinformatics, use of deep learning to predict molecular properties, drug-discovery, modelling and prediction of chemical reaction data, synthetic route prediction, structure generation, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry. CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2019 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 - demonstrations Call for Special Sessions: ICANN2019 organizers cordially invite internationally recognised experts to organise Special Sessions (including workshops and competitions) within the general scope of the conference. Special Session Proposal request should be sent to icann2019(a)bigchem.eu Call for Papers: Authors willing to present original contributions in either oral or poster category may submit: - a proceedings paper manuscript of about 10 - 12 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI - extended abstracts of a maximum length of 2 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. The number of oral slots is limited. In case the number of requested oral presentations is larger than the available slots the ICANN scientific committee will select which papers will be reassigned to a poster session. This selections will be based on the coherence of the programme and is totally independent of the category of submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details will be made available soon on the conference website: http://icann2019.org IMPORTANT DATES Deadline of special sessions submission: 1 February 2019 Opening of contribution submissions: 1 February 2019 Submission of demonstration proposals: 1 March 2019 Deadline of proceedings paper submission: 15 March 2019 Deadline of extended abstracts submission: 1 April 2019 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2019 Camera-ready paper and registration opening: 1 June 2019 Deadline early registration at discount rate: 15 June 2019 Conference dates: 17-19 September 2019 BEST PAPER AWARDS ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards, two in the Brain Inspired Computing track (one poster and one oral communication) and, analogously, two in the Machine Learning Research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. TRAVEL GRANTS The European Neural Network Society sponsors a number of Student Travel Grants covering part of the costs for attending ICANN. Details on the conference website. ORGANISATION General Chair: Igor Tetko (ENNS/HMGU Munich, Germany) and Fabian Theis (HMGU/TUM Munich, Germany) Organising Committee Chairs: Monica Campillos (HMGU Munich, Germany), Alessandra Lintas (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) Honorary Chair: Vera Kurkova, Czech Academy of Sciences (ENNS President) Communication Chair: Paolo Masulli (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) -- Paolo Masulli European Neural Network Society https://e-nns.org

Jan. 2, 2019

Post-doc or engineer: image analysis to study astrocyte-synapse/circuit signaling in Lausanne/Switzerland

by Carlos Vivar Rios

We seek a highly motivated post-doc or engineer with solid experience in computer programming and analysis of biological fluorescence signals (e.g. 3D two-photon and microendoscopy Ca2+ imaging), to develop innovative analytical pipelines for studying astrocyte-synapse/circuit computations. Research in our lab is interdisciplinary and focuses on decoding the mode of astrocyte communication and the role of astrocytes in synaptic/circuit functions in the normal and pathologic brain. More info at: https://www.fbm.unil.ch/dnf/group/glia-an-active-synaptic-partner. Publications at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Volterra+A Website at: https://www.fbm.unil.ch/dnf/group/glia-an-active-synaptic-partner Relevant papers: - Savtchouk et al. Front Cell Neurosci, 12:98 (2018); - Bindocci et al., Science, 356.6339 (2017); - Volterra A et al., Nat Rev Neurosci 15:327-35 (2014); - Di Castro et al. Nat Neurosci, 14(10):1276-84 (2011) The ideal candidate is a highly interactive team player in a multidisciplinary English-speaking team; must have solid background in image analysis approaches, experience with most common analysis tools (Imaris, ImageJ, etc), excellent computer programming skills (Python, MATLAB) and knowledge in design of analysis pipeline (linux/windows-based). Expected tasks include: 1) develop both novel analysis approaches and existing programs/interfaces to fit the evolving lab needs in day-by-day interaction with biologists. 2) Maintain and extend our large existing codebase of dedicated analysis scripts for extract and analyze imaging datasets (using proper documentation and exploiting GitHub) and 3) keep track of novel technological and algorithmic developments. Requirements: documented record of productivity, excellent command of English, communication skills and team-working capacity. Applicants should send (as a single PDF file): motivation letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2 references, by email to volterralab(a)gmail.com<mailto:volterralab@gmail.com>, indicating “Candidate - data analysis” in the subject field. Job Information Closing date: 2019-01-15 Employment start date: 2019-03-01 Contract length: Typical post-doc contract may last up to 5 years and renewals are 1+2+2 years Institution: University of Lausanne Department: Fundamental Neuroscience|volterra Kind regards, Carlos Vivar Rios UNIL - Université de Lausanne Département des Neurosciences Fondamentales Groupe de Andrea VOLTERRA Bugnon 9 | CH-1005 | Lausanne | Suisse +34 666 05 42 42 carlos.vivarrios(a)unil.ch<mailto:carlos.vivarrios@unil.ch>

Dec. 30, 2018

PhD Studentships in Systems/Computational Neuroscience

by Jian Liu

PhD Studentships in Systems/Computational Neuroscience Centre for Systems Neuroscience at the University of Leicester, UK. www.le.ac.uk/csn A number of PhD studentships are available in a wide range of research topics. Please find the details of all the projects below. The deadlines are different. Please contact the PIs on the list, or Dr. Jian K. Liu directly: Project: Neural mechanisms of memory formation, consolidation and recall PI: Prof R Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/neural-mechanisms-of-memory-formation… Project: Towards a Functional Model for Associative Learning and Memory Formation PI: Dr Jian K. Liu, Prof Rodrigo Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/towards-a-functional-model-for-associ… Project: Dynamics of a minimal neuronal network with multisynaptic dendrites PI: Dr Jian K. Liu, Dr. V Marra https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/dynamics-of-a-minimal-neuronal-networ… Project: Interpretation of social behaviours among mice with Parkinson’s disease PI: Dr. H Zhou, Dr Jian K. Liu https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/interpretation-of-social-behaviours-a… Project: Serotonergic modulation of functional connectivity in cortical microcircuits PI: Dr M Okun, Prof Rodrigo Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/serotonergic-modulation-of-functional… -- ************************************************************************** Jian K. Liu, Ph.D. Mathematics Centre for Systems Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Phone: +44 (0)116 373-6860 email: jian.liu(a)leicester.ac.uk <jl634(a)leicester.ac.uk> Webpage: https://sites.google.com/site/jiankliu ************************************************************************** <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

Dec. 26, 2018

SoAIR 2019 [Extended Deadline]: JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS Spring School on "Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots" in Japan

by Amir Aly

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are pleased to call for applications for the *JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS* spring school on: "*Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots*" * Which will be held from 17-24 March, 2019 in Shonan Village, Japan *after the *Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)* conference that will be held in the near South Korea. *Webpage: **https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/* <https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/> *I. Aim and Scope *Autonomous and intelligent systems are progressively moving into spaces, which have previously been predominantly shaped by human agency. Unlike in the past where machines obediently served their human operators, machines now increasingly act without the intervention of a human. Artificial intelligence is meeting new challenges in the world, though human-like intelligence may still be a distant goal. Robots in factories are coming out of their cages. Autonomous cars are being tested on streets with regular human-driven cars. The private household is changing with the appearance of not only robotic vacuum cleaners, but also with the first-generation of social robots and smart devices. The challenges that face both the robotics and artificial intelligence communities are how the necessary intelligence for such new environments can be created as well as how to make artificial agents capable of not only solving tasks at hand but also considering social environments around them during interaction with human users so as to behave appropriately. Within the school, we plan to address the tension created by the balance between task-specific artificial intelligence and the demands of sociability required to function effectively in human-centered environments. ** *Who should apply?* We invite *Masters and PhD students* as well as *post-doctoral candidates and researchers from industry* with relevant research background to apply for this spring school. *Additional support could be available based on eligibility.* ** *This spring school is a Technical Education Program (TEP) endorsed and supported by JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS*. ** *The school aims at bridging the gap between social and cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) through high level talks, tutorials, and hands-on workshops (the program will be announced soon).* *II. Keynote Speakers: * 1. * Takayuki Nagai, *Osaka University, Japan 2. * Jun Tani *– Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan 3. *Daniele Magazzeni *– King's College London, UK 4. * Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan 5. * Tetsuya Ogata* – Waseda University, Japan 6. *Mohamed Chetouani *– University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), France 7. *Silvia Rossi* – University of Naples, Italy 8. *Agnieszka Wykowska *– Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy 9. *Tetsunari Inamura *– National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan 10. *Amit Kumar Pandey *– SoftBank (Aldebaran) Robotics, France 11. *Mehul Bhatt* – Orebro University, Sweden (Tutorial) 12. *Mohsen Kaboli –* Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), Germany (Tutorial) 13. *Francesco Maurelli *– Jacobs University, Germany (Preparing Marie Curie funding proposal) 14. *Atsuko Nakatsuka* – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan (Preparing JSPS funding proposal) *III. Submission * The applications must include the following files (combined into one file). No other documents would be necessary (More information is available on the school's webpage). 1. *Curriculum vitae*: A CV detailing relevant aspects of the candidate's academic career that demonstrates her/his relevance to the school theme. Please consider including the list of publications. 2. *Research abstract*: A 200-word research abstract that the candidate intends to present during the school. 3. *Letter of recommendation*: A brief letter from the academic advisor or the employer of the candidate supporting her/his application. Please also indicate if additional support would be required to attend the school. *Application submission*: Please use the following EasyChair web link:* Application Submission <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=soair2019>.* *IV. Important Dates * 1. Application submission *[Extended]*: *10-January, 2019 * 2. Notification of acceptance: *14-January, 2019 * 3. Spring School: *17-24 March, 2019* *V. Organizers * 1. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 2. *Franziska Kirstein *– Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark 3. * Shashank Pathak *– Visteon Corporation, Germany --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

Dec. 26, 2018

Post-doc vacancies in Lisbon

by Prata, Diana

Two new Post-Doc positions opened at the Biomedical Neuroscience Lab (https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/; PI: Dr Diana Prata, with double affiliation in King’s College London), at the University of Lisbon - for research in human social neuroscience and the oxytocin system in a 3 year project. Expertise in fMRI and/or EEG highly preferred; and in eye-tracking and SCR favourable; with negotiable salary. Open until 28th of Dec 2018. Please apply or divulge. We look forward to welcoming you!: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=106522 Diana Prata, Phd Marie Curie Fellow Principal Investigator (Biomedical Neuroscience Lab), Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London

Dec. 25, 2018

Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling

by Jelmer Borst

Fourth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, & PRIMs – Date: April 8-12, 2019 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 250 (late fee after February 15 will be € 300) More information and registration: www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool We are happy to announce the fourth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling (April 8-12, 2019). This year, the Spring School will cover three different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, and PRIMs. Moreover, we are finalising a fourth tutorial on error-driven learning, more details on that will follow soon. Each day will consist of theory lectures, one on each paradigm. Each modeling paradigm also includes hands-on assignments. Although students are free to choose the number of lectures they attend, we recommend students to sign up for lectures on two of the modeling paradigms, and complete the tutorial units for one of the paradigms. At the end of most days there will be a plenary research talk, to show how these different approaches to modeling are applied. On the first day, spring school students are asked to present their own research in a poster session. Like last year, we again offer the opportunity for project students to attend. The idea is that you have attended the spring school in an earlier year and now come back in the week of the spring school to work on your own modeling project under our supervision. Registration is now open. Admission is limited, so register soon! See the website www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool for more information. Please feel free to forward the information to anyone who might be interested in the Spring School. ______________ ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst & Katja Mehlhorn (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction. -- Jelmer Borst Assistant Professor University of Groningen Dept. of Artificial Intelligence E: j.p.borst(a)rug.nl W: http://www.jelmerborst.nl/

Dec. 24, 2018

A databank for intracellular electrophysiological recordings of adult somatosensory cortex

by Fleur Zeldenrust

Dear all, It is our pleasure to share with you a large database of whole-cell intracellular recordings from 315 neurons located in the supragranular layers (L2/3) of the primary somatosensory cortex in adult mice (9-45 weeks old) from both sexes (females, N=195; males, N=120). Data include 361 somatic current-clamp (CC) and 476 voltage-clamp (VC) experiments, recorded using a step-and-hold protocol (CC, N=257; VC, N=46), frozen noise injections (CC, N=104) and triangular voltage sweeps (VC, 10 (N=132), 50 (N=146) and 100 ms (N=152)), from regular spiking (N=169) and fast-spiking neurons (N=66). We believe that this database will particularly benefit computational modellers, as the data can be used to systematically study the properties of somatic integration, and the principles of action potential generation across sexes and across electrically characterised neuronal classes in adulthood. Understanding the principles of the somatic transformation of postsynaptic potentials into action potentials will shed light onto the computational principles of intracellular information transfer in single neurons and information processing in neuronal networks, helping to recreate neuronal functions in artificial systems. So feel free to use the data for your (cortical) cell models! The data can be found here: http://gigadb.org/dataset/100535 The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1093/gigascience/giy147 Best regards and happy holidays, Angelica da Silva Lantyer Niccolò Calcini Ate Bijlsma Koen Kole Melanie Emmelkamp Manon Peeters Wim J. J. Scheenen Fleur Zeldenrust Tansu Celikel -- Fleur Zeldenrust Assistant Professor Department of Neurophysiology Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Faculty of Science, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135, postvak 33, kamer 02.204 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands tel +31 24 36 53195 fleurzeldenrust.nl

Dec. 24, 2018

SSCND9 - Call for applications

by Richard Naud

Dear comp-neuro, We are happy to announce the ninth Summer School of the Centre for Neural Dynamics<http://www.neurodynamic.uottawa.ca/summer.html> At the University of Ottawa May 26 - June 7, 2019 The course is intended for graduate students and undergraduate students in their third and fourth year of study in the physical sciences (e.g. physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science) and the life sciences (e.g. neuroscience, biology, physiology, human kinetics) who wish to develop their skills in neural data analysis and in mathematical modeling of neural activity. The topics will range from cellular to systems neuroscience, with applications in medicine. Individuals outside of academia may also participate. The first week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings followed by an afternoon of relatedcomputer-based laboratories. The second week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings, followed by an afternoon of interactive discussions and brainstorming activities. Each day will focus on a different subject in systems neuroscience and/or medicine. Participants will work in small groups with mentors, and will be prepared for these activities by directed readings. Later in the afternoon, groups will convene into a plenary session with our experts to identify proper computational questions and associated timely research projects on the focus theme. All classes will be held on the main downtown campus of the University of Ottawa. The course can also be taken for credit, since it is a University of Ottawa three-credit graduate course (NSC8104). The mark will be based on work done in the computer laboratories and a project. All students receive a letter stating that they satisfactorily participated in the school, regardless of whether they take the course for credit. Those taking it for credit will receive their mark from the University of Ottawa Registrar's Office later in the summer. Important Dates January 6, 2019: Registration opens. February 15, 2019: Application deadline (including letter of recommendation). Faculty * Prof. André Longtin (uOttawa) * Prof. Richard Naud (uOttawa) * Prof. John Lewis (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Philippe Thivierge (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Claude Béïque (uOttawa) * Prof. Maurice Chacron (McGill) * Prof. Jonathan Rubin (U Pitt) * Prof. Simon Chen (uOttawa) * Prof. Blake Richards (McGill,MILA) * Prof. Steve Prescott (U Toronto) * Dr. Saskia De Vries (Allen Institute) Organizers André Longtin Richard Naud John Lewis

Dec. 21, 2018

MSc and PhD programmes in Computational Neuroscience

by Mark van Rossum

Dear all Applications are invited for our new MSc and PhD programmes in Computational Neuroscience in Nottingham. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/psychology/computational-neuro… https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/doctoral-training-programmes/e… Merry Christmas and a happy 2019 -- Mark van Rossum, Professor, Schools of Psychology and Maths, U Nottingham Psych Bldg Rm LG.19, +44-115-74-86851, +44-7722049644(m) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 21, 2018

A review of the year in (systems) neuroscience, from The Spike

by Mark Humphries

Systems neuroscience is a fascinating, if daunting, subject - daunting to keep up with, even more daunting to dive into for the first time That’s why I launched The Spike in 2016, as a platform to bring the triumphs and challenges of systems neuroscience to a broad audience As a great place to start, we’ve just published our review of 2018, https://medium.com/the-spike/2018-a-mildly-muddled-review-of-the-year-in-ne… And read the rest here: https://medium.com/the-spike Enjoy! Prof Mark Humphries @markdhumphries This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 21, 2018

Faculty position in AI and Neuroscience, Cambridge

by Máté Lengyel

Faculty position in AI and Neuroscience Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Applications are invited for a University Lectureship (~ US Assistant Professor equivalent) at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neuroscience (including Cognitive Science) in the Computational and Biological Learning Lab (cbl.eng.cam.ac.uk). CBL combines expertise in computational neuroscience and cognitive science (Mate Lengyel, Guillaume Hennequin, Rich Turner) and machine learning (Zoubin Ghahramani, Carl Rasmussen, Rich Turner, Jose Miguel Hernandez-Lobato). We particularly encourage applicants who would complement our current research activities. The successful applicant’s research should use AI-inspired computational and theoretical approaches to neuroscience (including computational cognitive science), or conversely, biological intelligence-inspired approaches to AI (with an emphasis on machine learning-based approaches), and may combine these approaches with behavioural experiments. This is a linked post offered in association with Wolfson College, and the successful applicant will be elected to an Official Fellowship of the College. Informal enquiries are welcome to: Mate Lengyel <m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk> Guillaume Hennequin <g.hennequin(a)eng.cam.ac.uk> Richard Turner <ret26(a)cam.ac.uk> Timeline: - Closing date of applications: Friday, 1 February 2019 - Interviews: March-April 2019 - Decision expected: April 2019 Further information and details of the application process can be found at http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/19416/ The University of Cambridge values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. -- Mate Lengyel Professor of Computational Neuroscience Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 765 587 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

Dec. 20, 2018

Research positions in Neuromorphic computing in Singapore

by Yansong Chua

Multiple scientist and engineer positions are open for a neuromorphic program (on-going till 2021) in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR. The program is a multi-disciplinary effort, that straddles across the hardware (neuromorphic chip with RRAM, on-chip learning), middleware (emulator) and software (learning algorithms), and we aim to develop a demonstrating application system at end of the program. The program hence presents an unique research opportunity for candidates hoping to build a complete neuromorphic learning system. We are now in the second year of the program and have made good progress on all three aspects of the program. We have still a few openings for talented scientists and both software and hardware engineers who would be excited to work on any aspects of the program (hardware, middleware, software and system integration). Multiple top-ranked universities and research institutes in Singapore (NUS, NTU, IME, IHPC, I2R) are collaborating on the program. The work package I am in-charge of is primarily involved in the design of better algorithms for spiking neural networks. To this end, successful candidates will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: - Neuronal encoding: how to better encode external stimuli into spike based representations to facilitate decoding with high fidelity and also better learning performance (in terms of accuracy and power efficiency). - Supervised learning: given that spiking neural networks are asynchronous and sparse in their activities, the design of supervised learning algorithms that can fully capitalize on these properties becomes critical. - Mapping of state-of-art deep learning networks to spiking networks. Neuromorphic learning algorithms are still solving fairly simple problems compared to deep learning. For this, we would like to systematically borrow from the deep learning community networks and learning algorithms that can quickly boost the capabilities of spiking neural networks. - Unsupervised learning. STDP is well suited for unsupervised learning in spiking neural networks, and we would like to further advance STDP learning in spiking neural networks (both theory and applications). Preference will be given to candidates who can document knowledge in deep learning, spiking neural networks or signal processing (with interest in spiking neural networks). 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 appointment will be for 3 years, and extended for another 1 year, after review. Salaries are commensurate with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. The start date is flexible and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. 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)

Dec. 19, 2018

Joint A*STAR (Singapore) and King’s College London PhD Studentship

by Yansong Chua

We would like to encourage potential PhD candidates interested to work on understanding the role of stochastic neuron models in neuromorphic computing to apply for the above PhD studentship. We are including below a non-technical introduction to the project involved. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Osvaldo Simeone, Professor of Information Engineering, King's College London and Dr. Yansong Chua, Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR. For further queries, we maybe reached at: Prof Simeone: osvaldo.simeone at kcl.ac.uk Dr Chua: chuays at i2r.a-star.edu.sg More application details are also available at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/funding-opportunities/doctoral-research-oppo… https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/funding-opportunities/doctoral-research-oppo… For all its recent breakthroughs, modern machine learning based on deep neural networks is becoming increasingly unaffordable in terms of computing and energy resources needed to run training algorithms that achieve state-of-the-art performance. This poses possibly insurmountable challenges for the implementation of efficient learning methods on resource-limited devices such as smart sensors or wearables. A possible solution to this problem is the adoption of the new paradigm of neuromorphic computing, which relies on energy-efficient sparse spike-domain processing and communication that are inspired by the operation of the brain. Whether Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) can overcome the limitations of conventional deep networks for the implementation of low-power machine learning is a fundamental question that is currently being investigated by major technology companies and universities. In this project, this issue will be tackled both theoretically and through hands-on experiments by leveraging the complementary expertise of the respective research teams at KCL and A*STAR. Specifically, this research will seek to understand whether conventional deterministic models for SNNs can be improved by probabilistic models, which are typically used in neuroscience to model the brain operation, in terms of accuracy, speed, and robustness. In the first two years, at KCL, the project will concentrate on deriving models and learning rules for probabilistic SNNs. In the last two years, at A*STAR, the research will shift to aspects related to implementation, with a focus on the comparison between deterministic and probabilistic SNNs and on the use of nano-scale devices for the implementation of probabilistic SNNs.

Dec. 19, 2018

Call for abstracts, AMAM 2019, Adaptive motion in animals and machines, Aug 19-23 2019, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

by Auke Ijspeert

AMAM 2019, Adaptive Motion in Animals and Machines, Aug 19-23 2019, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland https://amam2019.epfl.ch/ Call for abstracts and robot demonstrations, deadline March 8th, 2019 Investigating how animals and humans excel at adaptive movements can help engineers to improve the adaptive capabilities of robots. In return, robots can serve as scientific tools to explore the basic principles of biological systems, in particular the neuromechanical mechanisms underlying their fascinating motor abilities. AMAM 2019 is the 9th international symposium dedicated to stimulate fruitful interactions among biologists and engineers interested in adaptive motion. It aims at bringing together researchers in robotics, biomechanics, neuroscience, sports science, and other fields related to motor behavior in biological and artificial systems. Previous symposia were held in Montreal, Canada (2000); Kyoto, Japan (2003); Ilmenau, Germany (2005); Cleveland, USA (2008); Awaji, Japan (2011); Darmstadt, Germany (2013); Cambridge, USA (2015); and Sapporo, Japan (2017). Two-page abstract contributions are invited from all areas pertaining to adaptive motion in animals and machines. Accepted abstracts will be presented in poster sessions. Invited talks will be presented in oral sessions in a single track (see the exciting list of speakers below). We also encourage participants to contribute hardware demonstrations, as part of the ‘Robot Zoo’@AMAM2019. See https://amam2019.epfl.ch/ for instructions. Important dates: * Jan 18th, 2019 Opening of the extended abstract submission * March 8th, 2019 Deadline of extended abstracts submission * April 12th, 2019 Notification of acceptance for extended abstracts * May 31st, 2019 Deadline of submission for Robot Zoo (Robot Demos) * August 19-23, 2019 Conference Sponsors: Maxon https://www.maxonmotor.com Plenary speakers: * Grégoire Courtine, EPFL, Switzerland * Monica Daley, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Dario Floreano, EPFL, Switzerland * Radhika Nagpal, Harvard University, USA * Lena Ting, Emory University & Georgia Institute of Technology, USA * Herman van der Kooij, University of Twente & Delft University of Technology, Netherlands Invited speakers: * Shinya Aoi, Kyoto University, Japan * David Franklin, Technische Universität München, Germany * John Hutchinson, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Tetsuya Iwasaki, University of California, Los Angeles, USA * Katsu Kagaya, Kyoto University, Japan * Sangbae Kim, MIT, USA * Megan Leftwich, The George Washington University, USA * David Lentink, Stanford University, USA * Charlotte Le Mouel, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Germany * Poramate Manoonpong, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark * Kamilo Melo, EPFL, Switzerland * Katja Mombaur, Heidelberg University, Germany * Beth Mortimer, University of Oxford, UK * Ulrike Müeller, California State University, Fresno, USA * Jamie Paik, EPFL, Switzerland * Pavan Ramdya, EPFL, Switzerland * Chris Richards, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Nidhi Seethapathi, University of Pennsylvania, USA * Simon Sponberg, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA * Emily Standen, University of Ottawa, Canada * Dagmar Sternad, Northeastern University, USA * Barbara Webb, University of Edinburgh, UK * Rob Wood, Harvard University, USA * Kotaro Yasui, Tohoku University, Japan Program Committee: * Hitoshi Aonuma, Hokkaido University, Japan * Jordan Boyle, Leeds University, UK * Monica Daley, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Koh Hosoda, Osaka University, Japan * Fumiya Iida, Cambridge, UK * Auke Ijspeert, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland * Akio Ishiguro, Tohoku University, Japan * Masato Ishikawa, Osaka University, Japan * Takeshi Kano, Tohoku University, Japan * Sangbae Kim, MIT, USA * Jun Nishii, Yamaguchi University, Japan * Dai Owaki, Tohoku University, Japan * Andre Seyfarth, TU Darmstadt, Germany * Emily Standen, University of Ottawa, Canada * Dagmar Sternad, Northeastern University, USA * Barry Trimmer, Tufts University, USA * Eric Tytell, Tufts University, USA * Hartmut Witte, TU Ilmenau, Germany Local organization committee: * Jonathan Arreguit * Alessandro Crespi * Florin Dzeladini * Peter Eckert * Sylvie Fiaux * Anne Koelewijn * Mehmet Mutlu * Laura Páez * Amy Wu -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 19, 2018

2 Postdoc positions in Social Neuroscience - Portugal

by Agustin Petroni

The Biomedical Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon ( https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/) is seeking candidates for two postdoctoral positions, one in fMRI and the other in EEG. The selected candidates will be part of a project that studies the physiological bases of social reinforcement learning in healthy subjects and patients, in particular the oxytocin system. Applications should be sent via e-mail to diana.prata(a)kcl.ac.uk, including a CV with publications and a letter of interests by December 28th. The salary is competitive according to the cost of living in Portugal, and will be dependent on experience. Both positions are funded for a maximum of three years. Official call http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=106522

Dec. 18, 2018

Job Opening: Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse (at the Allen Institute for Brain Science)

by Anton Arkhipov

A new exciting job opportunity is open at the Allen Institute for Brain Science: Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse. Please apply here: http://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/job-search/ Follow the link above and then choose the position “Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse” from the list of all available positions. Please feel free to contact me with any questions: antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org>. Thanks! Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse We are seeking a Scientist to join a project dedicated to measuring consciousness in humans and animals, and establishing mechanistic underpinnings of consciousness. This is a collaboration between the laboratory of Prof. Giulio Tononi at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and scientists at the Allen Institute of Brain Science under Dr. Christof Koch, in the groups of Associate Investigators Anton Arkhipov and Shawn Olsen. The scientist in this position will focus on estimating consciousness in the mouse brain by applying the differentiation and integrated information metrics, developed by our collaborators, to cortical neuronal activity measured in awake mice using optical physiology and electrophysiology (Neuropixels) recordings at the Allen Institute. The scientist will also contribute to the analysis of perturbative experiments in mice, where electrical stimulation will be delivered via an extracellular electrode and cortical activity will be simultaneously recorded. Studying data from these experiments under various conditions of consciousness and non-consciousness (awake, sleep, anesthesia) and ultimately with perturbations (via pharmacology and/or optogenetics), we aim to elucidate the contributions of different parts of the brain to consciousness. The focus of this work is to extend and validate certain predictions from the Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness (IIT). JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: • Analyze optical physiology and electrophysiology recordings to measure differentiation and integrated information. • In collaboration with theoreticians and experimentalists in house and at other institutions, explore how various neuronal populations and circuit architectures may underlie the trends observed in physiological recordings. • Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS: • PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields. • Strong publication record • 0-2 years’ experience in computational science such as: neuroscience and/or systems neuroscience, computational physics, biophysics, and related disciplines. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Strong background in scientific programming is a plus. • Candidates with strong background in experimental systems neuroscience, willing to switch to computational work, are encouraged to apply. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> T: 206.548.8414 www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org>

Dec. 18, 2018

CNS*2019 Barcelona: Call for Workshop Proposals and Tutorials

by Sharon Crook

Organization for Computational Neurosciences 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359 Grandville, MI 49418 USA We request proposals for workshops and tutorials from the international community of computational neuroscientists. Proposals from all levels of faculty as well as advanced postdoctoral fellows are welcome. This is a great opportunity to organize a small meeting or introduce novel methodology through a tutorial with only a few of the headaches of organizing it. We look forward to your submissions. CALL FOR WORKSHOPS (see below and also https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-call-for-workshops) Martin Zopotocky, Workshop Organizer, CNS*2019 CALL FOR TUTORIALS (see below and also https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-call-for-tutorials) Hermann Cuntz, Tutorial Organizer, CNS*2019 1. WORKSHOP PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CNS*2019, BARCELONA Workshops, in which computationally related neuroscience topics can be presented, will take place during the last two days (July 16 and July 17 2019) of the 28th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019) For each workshop, usually several speakers are invited to introduce a unifying theme, but ample time for discussion should also be planned. Please note that there is a change in the format of the meeting compared to previous years. The main meeting will conclude on July 16, with a keynote lecture and a poster session taking place in the afternoon. The morning of July 16 is reserved for workshops. A goal of this "mixed day" of the meeting is to facilitate an overlap of attendance. Participants who have registered for either the main meeting or the workshops will be allowed to attend all of the events on July 16 (workshops, keynote, poster session). The last day of the meeting, July 17, is reserved for workshops, as in the previous years (workshop registration will be required to attend). Accordingly, the possible duration of a workshop is anywhere from 0.5 days (one session lasting 3.5 hours) to 1.5 days (three half-day sessions). Half-day workshops will be preferentially scheduled for July 16. They will thus offer the opportunity to attract a wider audience still present for the main meeting. Submit workshop proposals to: workshops(a)cnsorg.org. The Past Meetings page (https://www.cnsorg.org/past-annual-meetings) gives access to archives of workshops held at previous CNS meetings. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: * WORKSHOP TITLE * ORGANIZERS (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) * WORKSHOP DURATION * NUMBER OF EXPECTED SPEAKERS * BRIEF DESCRIPTION (~150 words; if possible, say why this is significant or timely) * SPEAKERS (mark expected or confirmed) Also please note the following rules which were approved by the OCNS Board on July 15, 2013: * Each individual can be the organizer or co-organizer on only one workshop. * The number of confirmed speakers is a criterion for accepting the proposal. * Overlapping proposals may be asked to be combined. If the organizers do not wish to combine the proposals, only one of the proposals may be accepted. DEADLINE: Workshops submitted before January 31, 2019 will be given priority in acceptance. Workshop proposals arriving after January 31, 2019 will be evaluated based on remaining space for additional workshops. No further workshop acceptances will be anticipated after May 15, 2019. 2. TUTORIAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CNS*2019, BARCELONA Tutorials are intended as introductions into main methodologies of various fields in computational neuroscience. Tutorials are particularly tailored for early stage researchers as well as researchers entering a new field in computational neuroscience. The tutorials will be held on the first day of the meeting, July 13 2019, with a typical total attendance of approximately 100 attendees, allowing for four concurrent sessions during the day. Three different formats are available: * Introductory FULL DAY courses (incl. some reimbursement for the tutors) * Specialized HALF DAY tutorials (incl. some reimbursement for the tutors) * 30 MINUTES software showcase (no funding available) Submit tutorial proposals to: tutorials(a)cnsorg.org. Please compare with last year's tutorials at https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018-tutorials. Note that our new format, the showcases, will be combined into one continuous afternoon program. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: * TUTORIAL TITLE * ORGANIZERS (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) * FORMAT (full day, half day, showcase) * BRIEF DESCRIPTION (max. 300 words; include links to relevant software) DEADLINE: Tutorial proposals should be submitted before January 31, 2019. Registration: Workshop registration will occur through the OCNS registration web site for CNS*2019. All workshop participants, including speakers must register. Each workshop is eligible to receive registration waivers for 2 speakers. Travel awards: A limited number of Travel Awards will be available for organizers or speakers. Priority will be given to postdocs and early career faculty. Travel Award amounts will be variable, depending on distance traveled. Please indicate which speakers you would like to be considered for this mechanism but take into account that there likely will be fewer Travel Awards than workshops.

Dec. 18, 2018

PhD studentships available at the University of Sussex

by Anil Seth

Ph.D. Scholarships available at the University of Sussex: From sensation and perception to awareness. We are delighted to invite applications for the second round of the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme in ‘From Sensation and Perception to Awareness’, hosted across multiple Schools at the University of Sussex. Up to eight fully funded positions will be awarded (for UK/EU applicants), starting Sep 2019. The aim of the programme is to bring together doctoral researchers from different disciplines to advance our understanding of the interactions between sensing, perception, and awareness in humans, animals, and machines. Applicants can select from a range of projects or propose their own. Pre-specified projects are divided into three main themes: (i) Human-computer interaction and digital arts, (ii) human cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience, and (iii) sensory neuroscience. For more details and for how to apply please see https://www.findaphd.com/search/PhdDetails.aspx?CAID=3783 and https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications. For more on the Programme please visit https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/, and follow us on Twitter @SensationSussex. Email enquries to Leverhulme(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:Leverhulme@sussex.ac.uk>. Application deadline is 31 January 2019. The programme is co-directed by Anil Seth (Engineering and Informatics) and Jamie Ward (Psychology). ------------------------------------------- Anil K. Seth, D.Phil. University of Sussex, UK Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Co-Director, Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science Editor-in-Chief, Neuroscience of Consciousness Senior Fellow, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Engagement Fellow, Wellcome Trust www.anilseth.com<http://www.anilseth.com>, www.neurobanter.com<http://www.neurobanter.com> @anilkseth

Dec. 18, 2018

Announcement of Spring School on Computational Cognitive Science, March 25th to 31st 2019 in Freiburg, Germany

by Jannis Born

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for our new, NENS-awarded spring school (“I²C²S³”, International Interdisciplinary Computational Cognitive Science Spring School). Its first iteration will take place in the period of March 25th – 31th, 2019 at the Bernstein Center Freiburg, Germany. This annual spring school is designed for researchers and students from all fields with an interest in computational approaches to the brain and cognitive sciences. We encourage all participants to present their own research in the format of a poster or a Blitz talk. Following a five-day educational program with a mixture of invited talks and instructive tutorials, the event will conclude with an optional two-day Hackathon. Attendees can receive one ECTS-point for their participation in the event. Registration is free, apart from a 20 Euro deposit. Master or PhD students currently residing outside of Germany are eligible to apply for one out of 4 stipends of 750 Euro (generously provided by FENS/IBRO-PERC) to cover the costs associated with their attendance. Registration will be closed on February 16th 2019 11:59pm. Preliminary list of speakers: * Radoslaw Martin Cichy (Free University Berlin, Department of Psychology and Education) * Frank Jäkel (Technische Universität Darmstadt, Centre for Cognitive Science) * Falk Lieder (MPI Intelligent Systems, Tübingen, Rationality Enhancement Group) * Timo Flesch (University of Oxford, Human Information Processing Lab) * Michael Tangermann (University of Freiburg, Brain State Decoding Lab) * Stefan Rotter (Bernstein Center Freiburg, Computational Neuroscience Lab) * Carsten Mehring (Bernstein Center Freiburg, Neurobiology and Neurotechnology) * Peggy Series (University of Edinburgh, Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation) * Lilian Weber (ETH Zurich, Translational Neuromodeling Unit) For a preliminary program, please visit our webpage at http://iiccsss.eu/. Please do not hesitate to write us an email (info(a)iiccsss.eu) if you have any questions. Feel free to spread this announcement to your friends and colleagues. We look forward to seeing you @IICCSSS2019. Sincerely, The organization committee -- Jannis Born Maryna Kapitonova Jan Kirchner Lukas Vogelsang

Dec. 18, 2018

Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2019

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2019 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 24 to July 11, 2019 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 24th through July 11th, 2019 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 1 - February 2, 2019. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, the 16th 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 provides partial travel support. 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: • Claudia Clopath (Imperial College, UK) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Tomoki Fukai (OIST) • Wenbiao Gan (New York University, USA) • Geoff Goodhill (University of Queensland, Australia) • Jun Izawa (Tsukuba University, Japan) • Mike Hausser (University College London, UK) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Eve Marder (Brandeis University, USA) • Peggy Series (University of Edinburgh, UK) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Yi Zeng (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China)

Dec. 18, 2018

Postdoctoral position(s) available in group of N. Kopell

by Nancy Kopell

A 2-year (extendable) postdoctoral fellow position in computational neuroscience is available at Boston University with Nancy Kopell. The successful candidate will build neural models capable of simulating neural dynamics underlying the oscillatory behavior involved in auditory cognition, particularly in relation to active sensing and speech processing. The goal of this work is to better elucidate cellular and network pathways in the brain that underlie auditory and visual cognition. There will be opportunities for interaction with a large community of experimental and computational neuroscientists via the Conte Center for Basic Neuroscience Research, a highly networked group that includes Boston University, Columbia University Medical Center, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Princeton University and UC Berkeley. The Conte Center contains members with expertise in vivo and in vitro physiology, fMRI, EcOG, data analysis, and dynamical systems modeling. In addition to the above opening, there may also be positions to work with Kopell and experimentalists on a modeling project involving interactions of pyramidal cells and multiple kinds of interneurons to form cognitively important cell assemblies. Applications for such positions are also welcome. Qualified candidates should have a strong mathematics or physics background, preferentially with experience in dynamical systems, as well as strong programming experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using detailed biophysical models. Experience with experimental neuroscience is also helpful. The deadline for applications is Feb 1, 2019. Interested candidates should email a CV, statement of research interests, three letters of recommendation, and if applicable, relevant publications to xiaoshi(a)bu.edu. Applications should include a listing of those sending letters of recommendation. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer.

Dec. 17, 2018

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2019

by Aurel A. Lazar

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2019 BCMC 2019 March 21-22, 2019 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://fruitflybrain.org/hackathons.html> 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>, Columbia University Registration Registration is free but all participants have to register <http://bcmc2019.eventbrite.com/>. Thank you! Lodging and Directions to Venue Please follow this link <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2019/directions> for lodging details and directions to the hotel and venue. Sponsorship The 2019 Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation is supported by the Department of Electrical Engineering <http://www.ee.columbia.edu/>, Columbia University Center for Computing Systems for Data-Driven Science <https://datascience.columbia.edu/computing-systems>, Data Science Institute, Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science <http://www.engineering.columbia.edu/>, Columbia University Invited Speakers Anton Arkhipov <https://www.alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-pr…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science. Richard Benton <http://www.unil.ch/cig/benton>, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne. Benjamin L. de Bivort <http://lab.debivort.org/>, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University. Kristin Branson <https://www.janelia.org/lab/branson-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Gwyneth Card <https://www.janelia.org/lab/card-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Kevin M. Franks <http://www.thefrankslab.org/>, Department of Neurobiology, Duke University. Paul A. Garrity <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/garritylab/Welcome.html>, Department of Biology, Brandeis University. Stephen F. Goodwin <https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/research/goodwin-group>, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. Tim Jarsky <https://www.alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-pr…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science. Karla Kaun <https://www.kaunlab.com/>, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University. Gero A. Miesenboeck <http://www.cncb.ox.ac.uk/the-science/research-groups/miesenboeck-group/>, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford. Venkatesh N. Murthy <https://vnmurthylab.org/>, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University. Stephan Saalfeld <https://www.janelia.org/lab/saalfeld-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Louis Scheffer <https://www.janelia.org/lab/scheffer-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Srinivas C. Turaga <https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Further information about BCMC 2019 can be found here <http://fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

Dec. 16, 2018

New method for single-trial electrophysiology analysis

by Rapela, Joaquin

Hello, We have recently published an article reporting a new method to study temporal expectation on single trials of the EEG (Rapela et al., 2018). Using this method (in an audio-visual attention-shifting oddball task) we discovered a new behaviorally-relevant effect of temporal expectation on the single-trial phase coherence of the EEG. I am interested in checking if this effect can be observed in other experiments. Thus, I would like to collaborate with, or help to, a scientist that is interested in studying with our method single-trial effects of temporal expectation on his/her electrophysiological recordings (EEG, MEG, ECoG, MEA, single units, etc). If this could interest you, please email me at joaquin_rapela(a)brown.edu. Our article appears in Neural Computation and a preprint of it can be found on my web page https://sccn.ucsd.edu/~rapela/pub.htm Code implementing our method appears in https://github.com/joacorapela/singleTrialEEGPredictions Joaquín Rapela, Marissa Westerfield, Jeanne Townsend (2018a). A new foreperiod effect on single-trial phase coherence. Part I: existence and relevance. Neural Computation 30(9): 2348-83. Abstract This letter makes scientific and methodological contributions. Scientifically, it demonstrates a new and behaviorally relevant effect of temporal expectation on the phase coherence of the electroencephalogram (EEG). Methodologically, it introduces novel methods to characterize EEG recordings at the single-trial level. Expecting events in time can lead to more efficient behavior. A remarkable finding in the study of temporal expectation is the foreperiod effect on reaction time, that is, the influence on reaction time of the delay between a warning signal and a succeeding imperative stimulus to which subjects are instructed to respond as quickly as possible. Here we study a new foreperiod effect in an audiovisual attention-shifting oddball task in which attention-shift cues directed the attention of subjects to impendent deviant stimuli of a given modality and therefore acted as warning signals for these deviants. Standard stimuli, to which subjects did not respond, were interspersed between warning signals and deviants. We hypothesized that foreperiod durations modulated intertrial phase coherence (ITPC, the degree of phase alignment across multiple trials) evoked by behaviorally irrelevant standards and that these modulations are behaviorally meaningful. Using averaged data, we first observed that ITPC evoked by standards closer to the warning signal was significantly different from that evoked by standards further away from it, establishing a new foreperiod effect on ITPC evoked by standards. We call this effect the standard foreperiod (SFP) effect on ITPC. We reasoned that if the SFP influences ITPC evoked by standards, it should be possible to decode the former from the latter on a trial-by-trial basis. We were able to do so showing that this effect can be observed in single trials. We demonstrated the behavioral relevance of the SFP effect on ITPC by showing significant correlations between its strength and subjects' behavioral performance. Cordially, Joaquin

Dec. 15, 2018

Paid Internship in Systems Neuroscience -- Memory Consolidation (joint project between MIT and FAU)

by Carmen Varela

*Joint research project between MIT and FAU* Spend the Spring semester (2019) visiting two booming neuroscience hubs: Jupiter, Florida and Boston, Massachusetts We are looking for a talented student that will apply analytical techniques to study the dynamics of cellular interactions that underlie the consolidation of memory during sleep. The project will involve the analysis of neural data (single cells, local field potentials) recorded from multiple brain areas (neocortex, thalamus, hippocampus) in sleeping rodents. The project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Drs. Carmen Varela (Florida Atlantic University, FAU) and Matthew Wilson (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT). *Requirements:* Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated initiative and dedication, ability to learn fast. Strong analytical skills, including signal processing and programming. Majors in EECS, Physics and Neuroscience are encouraged to apply. *What you get: * · A paid semester of research (with possibility of extension) in systems neuroscience, including the application of analytical skills to electrophysiology data. · Learn about neuroscience opportunities in two thriving environments, MIT and FAU: the Jupiter campus of FAU is a rapidly growing neuroscience hub that also holds our partners the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Institute. Gain additional direct insight into MIT’s established programs and laboratories. · Possibility of presenting results from your work at a neuroscience conference. *Contact:* Submit resume and a brief paragraph commenting on how your skills and background could be helpful to this neuroscience project. Let Dr. Carmen Varela know when you would be available for an interview. carmenv(a)mit.edu https://www.thethalamus.org/

Dec. 15, 2018

Open Post Doc Position on Bayesian Computational Modelling for multimodal social interaction

by Dimitri Ognibene

[Apologies for cross-posting] Dear Colleagues, I would be grateful if you could help me spreading the word about this position in the Essex Brain-Computer Interface and Neural Engineering (BCI-NE) Laboratory that I recently joined. Thank you very much, Dimitri We are looking for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to collaborate at the development of Bayesian (DCM and Active Inference) computational models of multimodal social interaction taking into account the role of human chemosignals perception. This will involve also the development of robust algorithms for signal processing, statistical inference and extraction of information from EEG and other physiological signals, as well as the design and implementation of software for the execution of experiments with adaptive VR stimulation. Application closing date 02/01/2019 Application Links https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BOO174/senior-research-officer <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BOO174/senior-research-officer> https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?… <https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?…> Job reference REQ02121 Job Details The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, the Department of Psychology, and the Essex Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Lab are pleased to announce this postdoctoral position in the Horizon 2020 project "POTION: Promoting social interaction through emotional body odours”. The project will last five years and start in January 2019 and includes partners from the Universities of Pisa (Italy), Padova (Italy), and Essex (UK), the Universitat Politecnica De Valencia (Spain), the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), and the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and three companies ISPA CRL (Portougal), SRA Instruments (France) and Feel-Ing s.r.l. (Italy). POTION proposes a novel technological paradigm to delve deeper into understanding meaningful social interaction, combining new knowledge about the chemical composition of human social chemosignals together with a novel olfactory-based technology designed to drive social behaviour. Duties of the Role The Essex team's work on the project focuses on the development of Bayesian (DCM and Active Inference) computational models of multimodal social interaction. This models will be applied to evaluate socially relevant variables, such as trust, presence and inclusion as well as to generate optimal stimuli in artificially mediated social interactions. In particular, the models will cover the role of human chemosignal perception in social interactions. The models will be identified and tested using neurophysiological data (e.g. EEG), peripheral physiological activation (i.e., ECG, RESP, EDA) and behavioural changes (i.e., f-EMG) collected using VR scenarios of increasing complexity. The successful applicant will research and develop Bayesian (DCM and Active Inference) computational models of multimodal social interaction with an emphasis on the role of human chemosignals. They will also develop robust algorithms for signal processing, statistical inference and extraction of information from EEG and other physiological signals, design and implement software for the execution of experiments with VR stimulation, and contribute to the reporting and dissemination of the project. Skills and qualifications required Applicants are expected to hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Computational Neuroscience, Brain-computer Interfaces, Neural Engineering, Psychology, Machine Learning, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience or practice. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in computational modelling of social interaction, signal processing, statistical modelling of neural signals and processes, brain-computer interfaces, and virtual reality interfaces. Applicants are also expected to have a strong publication record (relative to their career stage) as first author, ideally including publications in 1st quartile journals in relevant areas. We strongly encourage women to apply as they are currently under-represented in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place. Who we are University of Essex has just been awarded the prestigious title of "University of the Year" by the Times Higher Education for "transforming the lives of a growing student body” and " putting both staff and students first" The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) at the University of Essex has an outstanding reputation for teaching and high-quality research in artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, brain-computer interfaces, computer games, evolutionary computation, human language technology, robotics, networks and optoelectronics. Particularly relevant to this application is our research in artificial intelligence and in life and medical sciences applications, which was judged as world-leading in the recent Research Excellence Framework, the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. An important centre spanning both areas is the Essex Brain-Computer Interface and Neural Engineering (BCI-NE) Laboratory. The BCI lab was founded in 2004 by Dr Citi among others, and is one of the largest and best equipped in Europe. For over a decade, it has produced highly visible internationally leading research, with international collaborators at MIT, Berkley, the European Space Agency, and many others. Our members have led high-profile externally funded projects in the area of Assisted Living Technologies. Since 2007 our research has featured prominently in the UK’s Department of Health’s annual report on research and development work relating to assistive technology, e.g. see the 2012 report, which was presented to parliament. The successful applicant will work in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex. This department was ranked 13th out of more than 100 in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014 <http://www.essex.ac.uk/research/ref>), with 90% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Academic staff in the department have wide-ranging and world-leading expertise in vision, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, health and social psychology. Students and staff make use of facilities in the Centre for Brain Science, a purpose-built facility dedicated to research and with considerable resources for understanding brain and behaviour. The research facilities are located on our Colchester Campus, which is set within 200 acres of beautiful parkland <https://www.essex.ac.uk/about/wivenhoe-park>, located two miles from the historic town centre of Colchester <https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/colchester-campus/local-area> – England's oldest recorded town. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour. Home to over 13,000 students from more than 130 countries, our Colchester Campus is the largest of our three sites, making us one of the most internationally diverse campuses on the planet - we like to think of ourselves as the world in one place. Colchester has a relatively low cost of living, while being well connected to London, the coast, and areas of natural beauty in East Anglia. Please see the link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (+44 1206 876559 <tel:+44%201206%20876559>). Feel free to contact us (Dr Citi, (CSEE) lciti(a)essex.ac.uk <mailto:vishwanathan.mohan@essex.ac.uk> (PI), Dr Ognibene (CSEE) dimitri.ognibene(a)essex.ac.uk <mailto:dimitri.ognibene@essex.ac.uk>, Dr Foulsham (PSYCH) foulsham(a)essex.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about this post. Job reference REQ02121 Application closing date02/01/2019 Application Links https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BOO174/senior-research-officer <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BOO174/senior-research-officer> https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?… <https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?…> -- Dimitri Ognibene, PhD Lecturer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Department of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, UK http://sites.google.com/site/dimitriognibenehomepage/ Skype: dimitri.ognibene

Dec. 14, 2018

Postdoc position in Geometric Methods for Machine Learning and Deep Learning at RIST

by Luigi Malagò

=========================================================== *Subject*: Postdoc position in Machine Learning (1 year, renewable up to 2 years) *Institution*: RIST - Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca *Keywords*: Geometry of Latent Spaces, Optimization over Manifolds, Information Geometry, Natural Gradient, Riemannian Geometry *Application deadline*: 10 January 2018 (applicants are encouraged to apply earlier) *Salary*: around 2200 euro net *Official announcement*: *https://rist.ro/postdoc-position-in-deep-learning-and-machine-learning/ <https://rist.ro/postdoc-position-in-deep-learning-and-machine-learning/>* =========================================================== Dear colleagues, the Romanian Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) has an opening for a postdoc position, in the context of the DeepRiemann project “Riemannian Optimization Methods for Deep Learning”, funded by European structural funds through the Competitiveness Operational Program (POC 2014-2020). The appointments will be for 1 year, with possible extensions up to 2 years. The DeepRiemann project aims at the design and analysis of novel training algorithms for Neural Networks in Deep Learning, by applying notions of Riemannian optimization and differential geometry. The task of the training a Neural Network is studied by employing tools from Optimization over Manifolds and Information Geometry, by casting the learning process to an optimization problem defined over a statistical manifold, i.e., a set of probability distributions. The project is highly interdisciplinary, with competences spanning from Machine Learning to Optimization, Deep Learning, Statistics, and Differential Geometry. The objectives of the project are multiple and include both theoretical and applied research, together with industrial activities oriented to transfer knowledge, from the institute to a startup or spin-off of the research group. The positions will be part of the new Machine Learning and Optimization group https://rist.ro/en/teams.html, which performs research at the intersection of Machine Learning, Stochastic Optimization, Deep Learning, and Optimization over Manifolds, using geometric methods based on Information Geometry. The group is one of two newly-formed groups in Machine Learning at RIST. The official job announcement can be seen here: *https://rist.ro/postdoc-position-in-deep-learning-and-machine-learning/ <https://rist.ro/postdoc-position-in-deep-learning-and-machine-learning/>* Informal inquiries can be sent to Dr. Luigi Malagò <malago(a)rist.ro>, principal investigator of the DeepRiemann project. Application deadline: 10 January 2018 (applicants are encouraged to apply earlier) best regards, Luigi Malagò

Dec. 14, 2018

PhD position - Inverse Reinforcement Learning

by Constantin Rothkopf

The Centre for Cognitive Science at Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany invites applications for a Ph.D. Position in Inverse Reinforcement Learning initially limited to a period of three years. Research area The Ph.D. student is expected to work in the domain of inverse reinforcement learning with the particular focus of elucidating human decision making and collective human decision making in the wild, i.e., under real world noisy conditions. The research project is a joint venture between the Bioinspired Communication Lab and the Psychology of Information Processing Lab, both members of the Centre of Cognitive Science at TU Darmstadt. Accordingly, the student will be advised by Prof. Heinz Koeppl, Department of Electrical Engineering and Prof. Constantin Rothkopf, Department of Psychology. Work will involve methodological research in machine learning, design of dedicated human behavioral experiments, and the analysis and further processing of gathered data. What we offer We offer a unique interdisciplinary environment to perform cutting-edge research at one of Germany’s leading universities in the domain of computer science and engineering. The student will be embedded in the ongoing research activities within the Centre for Cognitive Science and will hence have the opportunity to interact with many other cognitive science researchers. The conducted research is expected to culminate in a Ph.D. degree. We offer comprehensive support for dissemination of results through leading scientific journals and through participation in leading international conferences and workshops. Your profile Candidates should have a M.Sc. degree in one of the following fields: computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or cognitive science. Candidates are required to have a sincere interest in interdisciplinary research at the crossroad of psychology and computer science. Application Technische Universität Darmstadt is striving to increase the proportion of women in its staff and therefore particularly invites women to apply. Applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50% or equivalent are preferred in the case of equal aptitude. Part-time employment is generally possible. We look forward to receiving your application, consisting of a cover letter in which you rationalize your interest in the indicated research area, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and contact details of at least two academic references. Your application package should be sent as a single PDF file to application(a)bcs.tu-darmstadt.de

Dec. 14, 2018

"The Spike": the key stories about neuroscience, from neuroscientists

by Mark Humphries

If you're interested in keeping up with the cutting edge of neuroscience, you might like to know about The Spike: https://medium.com/the-spike [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*H6cV11b9xeYl-Q8ybx7Rmg.png]<https://medium.com/the-spike> The Spike – Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike> medium.com The science of the brain, from the scientists of the brain. The Spike's mission is to convey the triumphs, tragedies and challenges of systems and computational neuroscience to a broad audience; while keeping you, the reader, entertained along the way. Founded in 2016, we publish stories from a diverse array of writers. Our >400 unique visitors each day reflect a diverse readership from across AI, machine learning, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, clinical neurosciences, and beyond. And, of course, the public! Popular recent stories include: "Why you should (or shouldn't) get a PhD in Neuroscience" by Ashley Juavinett: <https://medium.com/the-spike/preparing-for-a-neuroscience-phd-6a0bb4ee5275?…> https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros… [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*X-GdSTSuz569RsB95GxGbA.jpeg]<https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros…> Why you should (or shouldn’t) get a PhD in Neuroscience<https://medium.com/the-spike/why-you-should-or-shouldnt-get-a-phd-in-neuros…> medium.com A few good reasons why you should get a neuroscience PhD You’ll open doors to different careers, and higher (paying) positions. There are certain jobs that require a PhD. "Brains as Analog Computers" by Corey Maley: https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935 [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*J3tX8SxApeRHo7HwNBv19A.png]<https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935> Brains as Analog Computers – The Spike – Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike/brains-as-analog-computers-fa297021f935> medium.com Algorithms. One idea, explored in a previous blog post in this very forum, is that the brain is a computer because what it does can be described in terms of algorithms.Unfortunately, this view has ... "A not entirely serious future history of neuroscience" by me: https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro… [https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1200/1*jvbMd-eEkRfqmzkN6wMkwQ.jpeg]<https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro…> A not entirely serious future history of neuroscience - Medium<https://medium.com/the-spike/a-not-entirely-serious-future-history-of-neuro…> medium.com Author’s note: resting for a moment in a dark corner of the Society for Neuroscience conference’s poster hall, on the quiet solitude of the Wednesday afternoon in the History of Neuroscience ... How to keep up to date with The Spike: Bookmark the homepage Follow us on Medium Follow us on Twitter @markdhumphries Happy reading, Prof Mark Humphries <https://medium.com/the-spike> This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 13, 2018

Postdoctoral Position in the Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Laboratory (ECDL)

by Pulkit Grover

Dear all, Please see an exciting opportunity for a machine-learning postdoc position in an impactful and influential lab in University of Pittsburgh. Posting on behalf of Dr. Taylor Abel from University of Pittsburgh pediatrics neurosurgery. Best, Pulkit *Postdoctoral Position in the Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Laboratory (ECDL) * We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to work on a project that seeks to understand the neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying visual recognition and how these mechanisms emerge in human development. A background in machine learning analysis is ideal. A background in electrophysiology and behavioral methods is desirable. The project will involve collection and analysis of human brain recordings in epilepsy surgery patients, so candidates would ideally be comfortable working in a clinical environment. The ideal start date is Feb 2019, but application review will continue until the positions are filled. The position is initially for at least 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be competitive, and commensurate with relevant experience. University of Pittsburgh has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. The ECDL is based at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. There is close collaboration with Marlene Behrmann, Avniel Ghuman, and Pulkit Grover through the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition. Please send your CV to and provide 3 email addresses for reference to Dr. Taylor Abel abeltj(a)upmc.edu.

Dec. 13, 2018

Research associate / Postdoc for computational neuroscience - TU Dresden

by Dimitrije Markovic

The Chair of Neuroimaging<https://tu-dresden.de/mn/psychologie/ifap/ni?set_language=en> at TU Dresden, Germany is offering a postdoc position. The position is funded by the Excellence Cluster "Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop" (CeTI), https://www.ceti.one/. The position is available for three years initially but can be extended. CeTI-position_Kiebel_1 - Research associate / Postdoc for computational neuroscience Topic: Computational modelling of sequences of goal-directed actions and multisensory integration Tasks: This position will develop computational models how humans integrate multisensory sensory input while performing sequences of goal-directed actions. We will be using Bayesian inference techniques in combination with nonlinear dynamic systems to model the perception of observed human movements and the inference of intent. This position is embedded in the newly funded research excellence cluster 'Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI<https://www.ceti.one/>)' and will work alongside cognitive neuroscientists, roboticists, psychologists, engineers and computer scientists. In collaboration with experimenters, the candidate will use the developed models to experimentally test predictions about how humans use multisensory information during goal-reaching. Requirements: We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in computational neuroscience, physics, maths, robotics, computer science, or related fields, ideally with expertise in computational models of human behaviour. Additional expertise in Bayesian inference, EEG, eye tracking analysis, or multisensory integration is a plus. The excellence cluster CeTI and TU Dresden provide an outstanding scientific infrastructure and ideal environment for interdisciplinary collaboration. For computational work, the group has access to the TU Dresden high-performance computing clusters. Experiments by collaborators will be performed at the Neuroimaging Centre Dresden (http://www.nic-tud.de) All computing and experimental facilities are supported by experienced physics and IT staff. For questions about this position please contact Prof. Stefan Kiebel (stefan.kiebel(a)tu-dresden.de<mailto:stefan.kiebel@tu-dresden.de>). How To Apply: [X] Please submit your comprehensive application including the usual documentation (CV, cover letter including a brief summary of research interests, and two references), by January 18th, 2019 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service applies) with the reference "CeTI-position_Kiebel_1" in the subject header preferably via the TU Dresden SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de<https://securemail.tu-dresden.de/> or S/MIME encrypted by sending it as a pdf document to positions(a)ceti.tu-dresden.de<mailto:positions@ceti.tu-dresden.de> and stefan.kiebel(a)tu-dresden.de<mailto:stefan.kiebel@tu-dresden.de> or by mail to: TU Dresden, Sprecher des Exzellenzclusters CeTI, Herrn Prof. Frank H. P. Fitzek, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only as your application documents will not be returned. We look forward to your applications! The CeTI Team

Dec. 13, 2018

Tenure-Track Position in Systems Neuroscience - University of Ottawa

by John Lewis

Tenure-Track Position in Systems Neuroscience The Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa (Canada) is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor in systems neuroscience. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine experimental and computational approaches to study the neural mechanisms of animal behaviour. Application deadline is January 30, 2019 For details, please see https://www.uottawa.ca/vice-president-academic/faculty-relations/faculty-re… (under the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology tab) Specific questions can be directed to john.lewis(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:john.lewis@uottawa.ca>

Dec. 12, 2018

Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellowship

by Christina Atkinson

Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking to hire full time post-doctoral fellows for their Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Laboratory. This lab is headed by Dr. Vinod Menon who has broad multidisciplinary expertise that spans several scientific disciplines and has published extensively on various aspects of human cognition and brain function. Explore our lab website for more information: http://med.stanford.edu/scsnl.html Please distribute job posting (below) appropriately in your department. We thank you for your support. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BRAIN NETWORKS Currently Available: The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in computational modeling of human brain imaging data using deep neural networks. The successful candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary project that seeks to develop novel computational frameworks for robust identification of neurobiological signatures of psychiatric and neurological disorders combining deep learning and convolution networks and dynamic brain circuit analyses with task and resting-state fMRI. Clinical disorders currently under investigation include autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disabilities, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. We seek talented and highly-motivated individuals with a strong background in at least one of these areas: deep learning algorithms and optimization (theory and practical implementations); computational modeling, statistical inference, and machine learning, especially as applied to fMRI and MRI data. The candidate will have access to multiple large datasets and state-of-the-art computational resources, including HPCs and GPGPUs. Please email a CV, statement of research interests and relevant background, and have three letters of reference sent to Drs. Vinod Menon and Aarthi Padmanabhan at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com>

Dec. 12, 2018

EPFL Neuro Faculty Positions - deadline 14th December 2018

by Petersen Carl

Dear Colleague, The Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a new neuroscience initiative and as part of this initiative we are in the process of hiring three new professors in the field of neuroscience and engineering. The search is broad and we are interested in all aspects of neuroscience. We are hiring at the Assistant Tenure Track level, as well as the Associate Tenured level. https://professeurs.epfl.ch/page-158407-en.html NeuroSearch(a)epfl.ch If you are interested. then please apply for these faculty positions before 14th December 2018. Woman are particularly encouraged to apply. Thank you for your time and help. Best wishes, Carl. ------------------------------------------ Prof. Carl Petersen, Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. email: carl.petersen(a)epfl.ch www: http://lsens.epfl.ch/

Dec. 11, 2018

CFP: TAC | Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data

by Pablo Barros

2nd CALL FOR PAPERS IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data Website: https://www2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/omgchallenges/tacSpecialIssue201… I. Aim and Scope Research trends within artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences are still heavily based on computational models that attempt to imitate human perception in various behavior categorization tasks. However, most of the research in the field focuses on instantaneous categorization and interpretation of human affect, such as the inference of six basic emotions from face images, and/or affective dimensions (valence-arousal), stress and engagement from multi-modal (e.g., video, audio, and autonomic physiology) data. This diverges from the developmental aspect of emotional behavior perception and learning, where human behavior and expressions of affect evolve and change over time. Moreover, these changes are present not only in the temporal domain but also within different populations and more importantly, within each individual. This calls for a new perspective when designing computational models for analysis and interpretation of human affective behaviors: the computational models that can timely and efficiently adapt to different contexts and individuals over time, and also incorporate existing neurophysiological and psychological findings (prior knowledge). Thus, the long-term goal is to create life-long personalized learning and inference systems for analysis and perception of human affective behaviors. Such systems would benefit from long-term contextual information (including demographic and social aspects) as well as individual characteristics. This, in turn, would allow building intelligent agents (such as mobile and robot technologies) capable of adapting their behavior in a continuous and on-line manner to the target contexts and individuals. This special issue aims at contributions from computational neuroscience and psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and affective computing, challenging and expanding current research on interpretation and estimation of human affective behavior from longitudinal behavioral data, i.e., single or multiple modalities captured over extended periods of time allowing efficient profiling of target behaviors and their inference in terms of affect and other socio-cognitive dimensions. We invite contributions focusing on both the theoretical and modeling perspective, as well as applications ranging from human-human, human-computer and human-robot interactions. II. Potential Topics Given computational models, the capability to perceive and understand emotion behavior is an important and popular research topic. That is why recent special issues on the IEEE Journal on Transactions on Affective Computing covered topics from emotion behavior analysis “in-the-wild” to personality analysis. However, most of the research published by these specific calls treat emotion behavior as an instantaneous event, relating mostly to emotion recognition, and thus neglect the development of complex emotion behavior models. Our special issue will foster the development of the field by focusing excellent research on emotion models for long-term behavior analysis. The topics of interest for this special issue include, but are not limited to: - New theories and findings on continuous emotion recognition - Multi- and Cross-modal emotion perception and interpretation - Lifelong affect analysis, perception, and interpretation - Novel neural network models for affective processing - New neuroscientific and psychological findings on continuous emotion representation - Embodied artificial agents for empathy and emotion appraisal - Machine learning for affect-driven interventions - Socially intelligent human-robot interaction - Personalized systems for human affect recognition III. Submission Prospective authors are invited to submit their manuscripts electronically, adhering to the IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing guidelines ( https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=5165369) Please submit your papers through the online system ( https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/taffc-cs) and be sure to select the special issue: Special Issue/Section on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data. IV. IMPORTANT DATES: Submissions Deadline: 15th of January 2019 Deadline for reviews and response to authors: 06th of April 2019 Camera-ready deadline: 05th of August 2019 V. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Stefan Wermter, University of Hamburg, Germany Ognjen (Oggi) Rudovic, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America Hatice Gunes, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom -- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.dehttp://www.pablobarros.nethttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.htmlhttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

Dec. 11, 2018

International Student Fellowship at the PhD level in Computational Neuroscience

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Prof. Sen Cheng, Institute for Neural Computation at the *Ruhr University Bochum* in Germany, invites applicants for an International Student Fellowship to be awarded through the international research training group “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes” (SFB 874). After successful completion of this 4 month fellowship, the student might be offered a PhD position for a further 3 years. The work will focus on studying the interaction between neocortex and hippocampus using spiking neural network models. The position is part of the project "Theory of the interplay between sensory cortices and hippocampus in memory formation and retrieval", which is funded by the German Research Foundation as part of the collaborative research center SFB 874. The appointment will be initially from 01.03.2019-30.06.2019. Candidates should have an excellent university degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering or a related field and be eligible to enroll in a relevant PhD program at the Ruhr University. Competence in mathematical modeling and excellent programming skillsare mandatory. Familiarity with computational neuroscience or computational cognitive modeling would be a further asset. Only candidates who have not previously lived in Germany will be considered. For further information regarding the IRTG fellowship please visit https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sfb874/integrated_research_training_group/fe… The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation is an independent research unit and combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics. For further information see www.rub.de/cns <http://www.rub.de/cns>. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de <mailto:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de> in a single PDF file. Please, also request from at least two academic referees that they send letters of reference directly to the same email address. The deadline for applications is 15.01.2019. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27316 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-11

Dec. 11, 2018

Postdoc on resting state analysis in Glasgow

by Robin

Postdoc developing information theoretic methods for resting state analysis A 2-year postdoc position is available working with Dr. Robin Ince at the University of Glasgow. The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and will involve developing and applying multivariate information theoretic methods to resting state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project. The position will also involve collection of simultaneous EEG-fMRI resting state data in Glasgow. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise with numerical programming (MATLAB or Python) and be familiar with neuroimaging data and analysis. Glasgow is a friendly, lively and welcoming city with a reasonable cost of living and close proximity to the beautiful Highlands and a wide range of outdoor activities. International applicants should note that Glasgow voted 67% in favour of remaining in the EU and is the second most welcoming city to foreigners in the mainland UK (after London) [1], as well as being one of the safest cities in the UK [2]. The Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi) at the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology (INP) is a collaborative and stimulating environment with a full suite of world-class facilities, including EEG, MEG, 3T fMRI, 7T fMRI, EEG-fMRI, TMS, and extensive computational resources (~2500 cores, ~15TB RAM). The position is a Research Assistant on Grade 6 of the University of Glasgow salary scale: £28,660 - £32,236 (plus ~18% employer contributions to USS defined benefit pension). Apply online at https://www.gla.ac.uk/it/iframe/jobs/ Search for ref: 023869 Closing date for applications Jan 13th 2019. Flexible start date. Any questions about the project, position or application process please contact robin.ince(a)glasgow.ac.uk Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology College of Medical Veterinary & Life Sciences University of Glasgow [1] Eurostat Urban Europe Report 2016. [2] Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 2016.

Dec. 10, 2018

SMARTSTART Program accepts the next round of applications

by SMARTStart

Dear colleagues, please be invited to share the information on the training program SMARTSTART Computational Neuroscience with your students: **** On January 1, 2019, the SMARTSTART Program accepts the next round of applications. The program offers students and prospective doctoral students the opportunity to complement their previous studies with concepts, theories and techniques of computational neuroscience. Target groups are: 1. students who are enrolled in a relevant Master's program in Germany during the funding period Sep 19 - Sep 20 (SMARTSTART 1) and 2. students who have successfully completed a relevant Master's program at the start of their funding period without having started a doctoral project (SMARTSTART 2). Applications can be submitted from January 1 until February 28, 2019 at the application platform on https://www.smartstart-compneuro.de/ SMARTSTART is the Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience of the Bernstein Network; the program is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. The program was launched in 2016 with the support of the Volkswagen Foundation. Since then, more than 60 students have successfully completed the program. Many of them are currently continuing their research projects as doctoral projects. **** Kind regards, Janina Radny - SMARTSTART coordinator -- Smart Start - Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience Smart Start Coordination Office at the Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg postal address: Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9593 mail: smartstart(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:smartstart@fz-juelich.de> web: www.smartstart-compneuro.de<http://www.smartstart-compneuro.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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 10, 2018

PhD Studentships available in Prof K Tsaneva-Atanasova's group at the University of Exeter

by Tsaneva, Krasimira

A number of Open PhD Positions are available at the University of Exeter: * Interactive virtual reality for individuals with complex PTSD (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Tsaneva-Atanasova-EPSRC-DTP-Pro…<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Tsaneva-Atanasova-EPSRC-DTP-Pro…>). Apply to University of Exeter: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 * Noise-cancelling technology for clock neurones (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Sieber-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf) Apply to University of Exeter: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 * Non-linear Dynamics of Human Locomotion (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Williams-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf)<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Williams-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf>. Apply to University of Exeter: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 Please feel free to contact me on the email address below should you have any further questions. ________________________________ Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Associate Dean (International and Development) College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Living Systems Institute, T02.17 University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ________________________________ Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Associate Dean (International and Development) College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Living Systems Institute, T02.17 University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ________________________________ Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare Associate Dean (International and Development) College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Living Systems Institute, T02.17 University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298

Dec. 7, 2018

Call for Proposals: Local Organizers for CNS*2020

by Sharon Crook

We look forward to seeing all of you next summer at the 2019 Computational Neuroscience meeting in Barcelona! However, it is already time to begin planning for CNS*2020. OCNS requests proposals from candidate local organizers to hold CNS*2020 at a location outside of Europe, preferably in North or South America. Groups or individuals interested in organizing the 2020 meeting should submit a proposal following the extensive on-line instructions and using the on-line templates at: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2020-local-organizer. Proposals should be submitted by email to the OCNS President at president(a)cnsorg.org no later than February 1, 2019.The OCNS Board Members will consider the proposals, contact local organizers for more information if necessary, and select a location in a timely agreement between OCNS and the potential local organizers. As usual, the selected location will be officially announced at the CNS Meeting in July. An earlier email to the OCNS President declaring the intent to submit a proposal would be appreciated, but is not required. Thank you! Your Organization for Computational Neuroscience Team

Dec. 7, 2018

CFP: Advances in HCI: SI on Advancing Big Data in Speech Computation

by Friedhelm Schwenker

CALL FOR PAPERS Advances in Human-Computer Interaction Special Issue on Advancing Big Data in Speech Computation Hindawi Submission Deadline: Friday, 31 May 2019 Publication Date: October 2019 Big Data is an emerging topic in a broad variety of research areas, with the promise to allow predictive user behavior analytics for a wide variety of speech patterns like emotions, sentiment, personality, and pathology. With the emerging voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, speech interaction has attracted increasing attention. In addition, further speech-based HCI-systems could benefit from big data computation, such as Speech-to-Speech translation systems, conversational agents, and educational systems. Unfortunately, when dealing with speech computation tasks, oen only comparably small amounts of data are available, or the collection is cumbersome.Thus, advanced methods such as transfer learning, active learning, data synthesis, and (semi-)automatic annotation methods or domain-/topic-adaptation are needed. This special issue welcomes original research papers concerned with the big data exploitation of speech data, particularly in HCI-related contexts. We encourage researchers to submit review articles describing the current state of the art in speech-based big-data analyses. Submissions dealing with data synthesis or recordings and automatic annotation of large sets of speech data are highly encouraged. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following: * Speech data transfer learning and active learning for HCI systems * (Semi-) Automatic speech data analyses for HCI systems * Big data language modeling for HCI systems * Generative adversarial networks for speech-based HCI behavior analytics * Methods review for big data in advancing speech-based HCI * Comparison of big data and small data approaches for speech-based HCI * Application of Big data methods for speech based HCI-systems Authors can submit their manuscripts through the Manuscript Tracking System at https://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/ahci/abd/. Papers are published upon acceptance, regardless of the Special Issue publication date. Lead Guest Editor Ingo Siegert, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany ingo.siegert(a)ovgu.de Guest Editors Anna Esposito, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy anna.esposito(a)unicampania.it Friedhelm Schwenker, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany friedhelm.schwenker(a)uni-ulm.de Gennaro Cordasco, Anna Esposito, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy gennaro.cordasco(a)unicampania.it -- PD Dr. Friedhelm Schwenker University of Ulm Institute of Neural Information Processing D-89069 Ulm, Germany phone: +49-731-50-24159 fax: +49-731-50-24156 email: friedhelm.schwenker(a)uni-ulm.de www: http://www.uni-ulm.de/in/neuroinformatik/mitarbeiter/f-schwenker.html

Dec. 7, 2018

PhD in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start)

by James Rankin

*PhD in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience (EPSRC funded, 3.5 yrs, Sept 2019 start)* General information & apply (funding is primarily targeted at UK students): http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/index.php?id=3386 Project description: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/codebox/phdprojects/Rankin-EPSRC-DTP-Project.pdf *Closing date 7th Jan 2019* This interdisciplinary project will develop computational and mathematical models of the auditory system to understand how complex stimuli like speech are encoded by spiking neurons in the midbrain. The auditory midbrain is a key hub in the auditory processing pathway, functioning as an important junction that relays and shapes neural signals as they ascend towards auditory cortex. Knowledge of the way in which complex sounds, e.g. speech, are encoded in the midbrain is crucial for understanding how dysfunction in the earlier auditory processing pathway (cochlea, auditory nerve, cochlear nucleus) leads to different types of hearing loss (a problem affecting 1 in 6 people in the UK). Working with neural recordings from the auditory midbrain in gerbils, a commonly-used animal for the study of low-frequency hearing, this project will develop mathematical and computational models of the auditory processing pathway. The aim is to understand the different roles of the patterns of inputs to midbrain neurons and their intrinsic response properties (e.g. their spiking rate) in shaping their responses to complex sounds. The project will use a dynamical systems approach to model the intrinsic properties of individual neurons in the midbrain in a biologically plausible way (working with, e.g. adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire neurons or the Hodgkin-Huxley equations). Inputs to these neurons will be based on established cochlear models and the biological details of the auditory nerve and cochlear nucleus. The resulting model will produce firing patterns directly comparable with neural recordings provided by the experimental supervisor. This data will be used to train and parameter fit the model using e.g. Bayesian optimisation or genetic algorithms. The resultant model will have explanatory power for the extent to which midbrain responses are shaped by its inputs from cochlear nucleus. Further, it will make predictions, testable in new experiments, of how midbrain responses will be affected by different dysfunctions of the early auditory system relating to hearing loss. The successful candidate will receive training dynamical systems theory and in the development and analysis of individual neuron and neural network models. An interdisciplinary approach, incorporating known biological details of the auditory processing pathway, will require the candidate to learn the relevant biology and neuroscience along with mathematical and computational techniques. The project will involve working closely with experimental neuroscientists and experimental data. This project provides a unique opportunity to receive training in mathematical modelling in close collaboration with experimentalists using cutting-edge methods recording spikes simultaneously from hundreds of neurons. Experience working on such interdisciplinary projects is highly sought after. Candidates with quantitative backgrounds (mathematics, physics, engineering) and from neuroscience programmes are encouraged to apply. Programming experience, knowledge of dynamical systems theory and experience in biological modelling are a plus. For further information, please contact me at the email address above. *For further information, please contact Dr James Rankin, email j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk <j.a.rankin(a)exeter.ac.uk>* http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/jar226

Dec. 7, 2018

PhD Studentships in Neuroscience/Psychology at the University of Leicester

by Jian Liu

PhD Studentships in Neuroscience/Psychology at the University of Leicester, UK. Centre for Systems Neuroscience www.le.ac.uk/csn Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour https://le.ac.uk/npb A number of PhD studentships are available in a wide range of research topics. Please find the details of all the projects below. Please contact the PIs on the list: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/phd-research-projects/department-of-neuroscie… Jian K. Liu, Ph.D. Mathematics Centre for Systems Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Phone: +44 (0)116 373-6860 Webpage: https://sites.google.com/site/jiankliu

Dec. 6, 2018

3 Faculty Positions in Psychology at the University of Leicester

by Jian Liu

LECTURER IN PSYCHOLOGY https://jobs.le.ac.uk/vacancies/621/lecturer-in-psychology.html Vacancy ID:621 Location:Leicester Department:Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour Vacancy terms:Full-time permanent Salary details:Grade 8 £39,609 to £48,677 per annum Hours per week:37.5 Advert closes midnight on:02 Jan 2019 About the role We are looking for an excellent researcher to develop and enhance the reputation of the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour. This post provides the opportunity for those with excellent academic potential to contribute to high quality research and teaching within the Department. You will be expected to contribute to raising levels of research activity, research income, teaching excellence and the overall visibility of the Department. You will undertake high quality individual and collaborative research in line with the Department’s aim of producing world-leading research with meaningful impact. You will contribute to undergraduate teaching primarily in the School of Psychology and be involved in postgraduate training at MSc and PhD level. About you The successful applicant will be an experienced researcher, as demonstrated by publications in leading peer-reviewed journals. You will be undertaking high quality teaching in cognate areas and across the discipline of psychology. You will have an international research profile that will integrate, complement and strengthen our existing NPB Department expertise. We are particularly interested in recruiting researchers in developmental psychology, behaviour (e.g. learning and memory) or artificial intelligence/human-machine interaction. Additional information Leicester is a leading University committed to international excellence, world-changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. We are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff and students. Our strength is built on the talent of our scholars, drawn to us by a mutual passion for discovery. We seek to embed an adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit into our research culture, and to create an environment in which both disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinarity thrive. In return for your hard work, we offer a working environment that is committed to inclusivity, through promoting equality and valuing diversity. We offer a competitive salary package with excellent pension scheme, a generous annual leave allowance and an online portal that offers a range of lifestyle benefits and discounts. Located close to Leicester city centre, our award winning campus benefits from a wide range of cafes, a fully equipped sports centre and nursery facilities. Further information regarding our extensive range of staff benefits is available here. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to: Professor Ian Forsythe, Head of the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, on idf(a)leicester.ac.uk Professor John Maltby, Professor of Differential Psychology, on jm148(a)leicester.ac.uk Professor Kevin Paterson, Professor of Experimental Psychology, on kbp3(a)leicester.ac.uk Dr Jose Prados, Head of the School of Psychology, on jpg19(a)leicester.ac.uk

Dec. 6, 2018

[jobs] Research Associate Intelligent Adaptive Systems (e.g neural networks, nlp or robotics)

by Wermter, Stefan

The Knowledge Technology Research Institute at the University of Hamburg invites applications for a Research Associate (Postdoc or postdoc-level/ final year PhD candidate) in accordance with Section 28 subsection 2 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (Hamburgisches Hochschul- gesetz, HmbHG). The position commences on 1 Feb 2019 or as soon as possible and is for three years plus a three year extension option subject to the availability of resources. Responsibilities: Duties include teaching and research in the knowledge technology institute. Research associates can also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications as well as acquire teaching experience. These duties are intended to promote academic achieve- ment. Therefore, at least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the associate's own academic work. Specific Duties: The successful candidate will manage the international Master Programme in Computer Science (Intelligent Adaptive Systems) as well as contribute to teaching (4hrs/teaching week). Furthermore, the candidate is expected to conduct research in the area of Knowledge Technology and Intelligent Systems. Requirements: A university degree in a relevant subject plus doctorate prefered. Academic degree preferably in computer science qualifying the post holder to carry out the above-mentioned responsibilities. In particular, an MSc or PhD in Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science is essential. This post is open to Postdocs or experienced PhD candidates. Your demonstrated research interests should be in the areas of Knowledge Technology and Intelligent Systems (e.g. Neural Networks, Robotics, Natural Language Processing, Vision, or Knowledge Representation etc). You should have published in a field relevant to this post. We are also looking for very good communication skills and teamwork; a very good command of both German and English is a requirement. Experience with teaching or organisation of MSc programmes is considered an advantage. The job is remunerated at the salary level TV-L 13. The position is full-time and comprises 39 hours per week. The fixed-term nature of this contract is based upon Section 2 of the Academic Fixed-Term Labor Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitver- tragsgesetz, WissZeitVG). The initial fixed term is three years. The contract provides for a maximum extension of another three years de- pending on the associate's achievements during the first stage. The University aims to increase the number of women in research and teaching and explicitly encourages women to apply. Equally qualified female applicants will receive preference in accordance with the Hamburg Equality Act (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HmbGleiG). Severely disabled applicants will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Wermter, Head of Knowledge Technology Institute or consult our website at https://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/ https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/about/job/files/open-position… Applications should include an application letter, full curriculum vitae, pdf of best international publications, copies of degree certificates, evidence for required German and English language. The application deadline is 19 Dec 2018. Please email applications in a single pdf file to: Ms Katja Koesters, katja.koesters(a)informatik.uni-hamburg.de *********************************************** Professor Dr. Stefan Wermter Director of Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt Koelln Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Email: wermter AT informatik.uni-hamburg.de http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~wermter/ http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/WTM/ ***********************************************

Dec. 6, 2018

Lab manager position in Perception & Brain Dynamics Laboratory at NYU Medical Center

by Max Levinson

The Perception & Brain Dynamics Laboratory (http://www.med.nyu.edu/helab/) at Langone Medical Center, New York University is looking for a lab manager to start in summer 2019. The Laboratory is within the Neuroscience Institute at NYU Langone Health (http://www.med.nyu.edu/neuroscience) affiliated with Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Physiology, and Radiology. Our research focus is on understanding the neural bases of perceptual awareness using multimodal imaging (fMRI, MEG, EEG, ECoG) and stimulation (tDCS, TMS) techniques in humans, combined with computational neuroscience approaches. We are looking for a bright and driven candidate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree who is dedicated to neuroscience research. A variety of backgrounds, including neuroscience, biology, psychology, and computer science is possible, and experience with programming is highly desirable. In addition, the ideal candidate has high responsibility and dependability, as well as excellent critical thinking, organizational and leadership skills. Performing independent research is an important aspect of the position, in addition to lab management duties. A minimal commitment of 2 years is required. Interested candidates please send a cover letter, a CV, undergraduate and/or graduate transcript, and names and contacts of two to three referees, to Prof. Biyu J. He at biyu.jade.he(a)gmail.com, with the subject line “Lab manager application 2019”

Dec. 5, 2018

SoAIR 2019: IEEE-RAS Spring School on "Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots" in Japan

by Amir Aly

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are pleased to call for applications for the IEEE-RAS spring school on: "*Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots*" * Which will be held from 17-24 March, 2019 in Shonan Village, Japan *after the *Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)* conference that will be held in the near South Korea. *Webpage: **https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/* <https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/> *I. Aim and Scope *Autonomous and intelligent systems are progressively moving into spaces, which have previously been predominantly shaped by human agency. Unlike in the past where machines obediently served their human operators, machines now increasingly act without the intervention of a human. Artificial intelligence is meeting new challenges in the world, though human-like intelligence may still be a distant goal. Robots in factories are coming out of their cages. Autonomous cars are being tested on streets with regular human-driven cars. The private household is changing with the appearance of not only robotic vacuum cleaners, but also with the first-generation of social robots and smart devices. The challenges that face both the robotics and artificial intelligence communities are how the necessary intelligence for such new environments can be created as well as how to make artificial agents capable of not only solving tasks at hand but also considering social environments around them during interaction with human users so as to behave appropriately. Within the school, we plan to address the tension created by the balance between task-specific artificial intelligence and the demands of sociability required to function effectively in human-centered environments. ** *Who should apply?* We invite *Masters and PhD students* as well as *post-doctoral candidates and researchers from industry* with relevant research background to apply for this spring school. ** *This spring school is a Technical Education Program (TEP) endorsed and supported by IEEE-RAS*. ** *The school aims at bridging the gap between social and cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) through high level talks, tutorials, and hands-on workshops (the program will be announced soon).* *II. Keynote Speakers: * 1. * Jun Tani *– Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan 2. *Daniele Magazzeni *– King's College London, UK 3. * Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan 4. * Tetsuya Ogata* – Waseda University, Japan 5. *Mohamed Chetouani *– University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), France 6. *Silvia Rossi* – University of Naples, Italy 7. *Agnieszka Wykowska *– Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy 8. *Tetsunari Inamura *– National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan 9. *Amit Kumar Pandey *– SoftBank (Aldebaran) Robotics, France 10. *Mehul Bhatt* – Orebro University, Sweden (Tutorial) 11. *Mohsen Kaboli –* Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), Germany (Tutorial) 12. *Francesco Maurelli *– Jacobs University, Germany (Preparing Marie Curie funding proposal) 13. *Atsuko Nakatsuka* – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan (Preparing JSPS funding proposal) *III. Submission * The applications must include the following files (combined into one file). No other documents would be necessary (More information is available on the school's webpage). 1. *Curriculum vitae*: A CV detailing relevant aspects of the candidate's academic career that demonstrates her/his relevance to the school theme. Please consider including the list of publications. 2. *Research abstract*: A 200-word research abstract that the candidate intends to present during the school. 3. *Letter of recommendation*: A brief letter from the academic advisor or the employer of the candidate supporting her/his application. Please also indicate if partial support would be required to attend the school. *Application submission*: Please use the following EasyChair web link:* Application Submission <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=soair2019>.* *IV. Important Dates * 1. Application submission: *20-December, 2018 * 2. Notification of acceptance: *28-December, 2018 * 3. Spring School: *17-24 March, 2019* *V. Organizers * 1. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 2. *Franziska Kirstein *– Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark 3. * Shashank Pathak *– Visteon Corporation, Germany --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

Dec. 4, 2018

Wellcome Trust funded four-year PhD programme in Neural Dynamics

by Conor Houghton

Wellcome Trust funded four-year PhD programme in Neural Dynamics. We are looking for applicants to the Neural Dynamics four-year PhD programme at the University of Bristol http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neural-dynamics/ The PhD programme is strongly interdisciplinary with all students jointly supervised by a computational and an experimental or clinical supervisor and we invite applications from potential students with a wide range of backgrounds including neuroscience, mathematics, statistics, machine learning, computer science, physics, psychology, and medicine. We offer a generous four-year studentship stipend, PhD registration fees at the current Home/EU rate, substantial research expenses, and funds for travel to conferences or courses. We are also able to waive the international fee a successful international student. The deadline for applications is the 6 January 2019. All the best Conor Houghton

Dec. 4, 2018

Faculty position in Neurorobotics at Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany)

by Julien Vitay

The Department of Computer Science at Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany) invites applications for a faculty position in Neurorobotics (W2-Professor with W3 Tenure-Track-Option). Please note that the position is initially limited to a duration of six years and requires a positive tenure review beginning 4 years after starting the position to be continued for an indefinite period as a W3 position. Further, the position includes teaching obligations. Courses can be given in English. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by January 31, 2019. The complete job advertisement (in German) can be found here: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/verwaltung/personal/stellen/W2-Neurorobotik.php Informal inquiries can be addressed to: Prof. Dr. Fred Hamker, Chair of the Search Committee (fred.hamker(a)informatik.tu-chemnitz.de) Best regards Julien Vitay -- Professur für Künstliche Intelligenz Fakultät für Informatik Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz (+49) 371 531-39468 julien.vitay(a)informatik.tu-chemnitz.de http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/~vitay/ <http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/~vitay/>

Dec. 3, 2018

3 EPFL faculty positions in Neurocomputing, Neuroengineering, Neuroscience

by Wulfram Gerstner

The EPFL in Switzerland has several faculty positions at the interface of neuroscience and engineering https://professeurs.epfl.ch/page-158407-en.html There are several positions announced in the broad area between engineering and neuroscience, one of the keywords is neurocomputing. Enquiries can be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Kind regards W. Gerstner

Dec. 3, 2018

Modeling milestones from the Allen Institute for Brain Science

by Anton Arkhipov

The Allen Institute for Brain Science has recently achieved some modeling milestones, which we are happy to share with the community. 1. Our paper about a biologically-realistic, data-driven model of the Layer 4 of mouse V1 has been published: https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006…. As reported in the paper, simulations of the 45,000-neuron model reproduced a variety of experimental observations, including effects of optogenetic perturbations. Insights into the mechanisms underlying patterns of activity and computations in the Layer 4 circuit were obtained. And, the model was developed and simulated employing both the biophysically detailed and point-neuron levels of resolution. The model and results of simulations are freely available to the community. 2. We publicly released our software suite for model building and simulations, the Brain Modeling ToolKit (BMTK): https://alleninstitute.github.io/bmtk/. This Python-based tool provides a powerful environment for building neuronal circuit models and a standardized interface for simulations, which interacts with other excellent tools, such as NEURON, NEST, and others. The interface allows one to harness the power of these existing tools for large-scale network simulations, while keeping the need for software coding to the minimum. 3. The Allen Institute website now features a section on Computational Modeling and Theory: http://portal.brain-map.org/explore/models. This site contains information and data from our published modeling papers (including the one above, but also others) and modeling software. Please visit the site and use our resources for your work! We hope that these tools and data will be useful for you and are looking forward to questions and feedback. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> T: 206.548.8414 www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org>

Dec. 3, 2018

Researcher in NLP with focus on "identification of early signs of cognitive abnormalities in language"

by Dimitrios Kokkinakis

*Type of employment:* Fixed-term employment, research position (12 months) *Extent*: 100 % *Location*: Department of Swedish, Gothenburg, Sweden *First day of employment: *2019-01-01 or as agreed. *Apply by*: 2018-12-13 *The position focus*:* identification of early signs of cognitive abnormalities in language* *Details of the post and instructions on how to apply are available from this link*: < *https://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/vacancies-details/?id=3417* <https://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/vacancies-…> *>* *Qualifications*: Ph.D. in Natural Language Processing (NLP), preferably in computer science with a strong focus on NLP and/or automatic speech processing (ASP), and *preferably *with a specialization in prior work related to mental and neurological impairments The Swedish Language Bank (SB) is a research unit at the Department of Swedish, University of Gothenburg. SB is the coordinating partner of the research project: “*Linguistic and extra-linguistic parameters for early detection of cognitive impairment*”. The successful applicant will conduct research in this project and particularly in the area in NLP and/or ASP in order to develop, adapt, analyze, and implement methods for processing *available* spoken and transcribed data samples acquired from people with mild and subjective forms of cognitive impairment as well as healthy controls (i.e. differentiating the different groups and/or identifying early cognitive abnormalities such as atypical language production, that precede the onset of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s). In particular, you will be using machine learning and other related techniques (deep learning) and develop, evaluate and deploy classification models and tools for experimenting with the data. Inquiries can be made to Dimitrios Kokkinakis ( dimitrios.kokkinakis(a)svenska.gu.se)

Nov. 30, 2018

'la Caixa' INPhINIT PhD opportunity at MCEN/BCAM and UChicago on neuron-glial connectomics

by Maurizio De Pitta

Dear colleagues, please share with whoever could be interested and forward to your department mailing lists. PhD project : Structure and function of the glial connectome. Lab / Host institution : Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN) at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM). Supervisors : Maurizio De Pittà (BCAM), SerafimRodrigues (BCAM), Narayanan Kasthuri (The University of Chicago, and Argonne National Labs). Location : Bilbao, The Basque Country, Spain. Duration : 3 years. Stipend : 30k+ EUR/year + mobility allowance. Starting date : May—Oct 2019 (negotiable). Award type: Preselection + competitive call. Categories: Incoming (for international students not living in Spain at the time of the call) and Retaining (for Spanish students) Preselection deadline: January 13th, 2019 (incoming); February 9th, 2019 (retaining). Application deadlines: February 6th, 2019 (incoming); February 27th, 2019 (retaining) (more details: https://goo.gl/HZCPxp) Scientific background : Neurons of the brain form complex circuits, connecting each other by means of synapses. The structure of these circuits is believed to closely relate with their function. Accordingly, mapping the architecture of neural circuits of the brain, otherwise known as the brain’s neuronal connectome, is a prominent area of investigation of modern neuroscience. In parallel, there is growing awareness that glial cells such as astrocytes, could modulate the physical structure of the neuronal connectome. Astrocytes indeed form barriers to neuronal connectivity and regulate synapse formation and deletion, but they could also modulate neuronal signal transmission in the extracellular space, along with structure and dynamics of synapses. In addition, astrocytes contact hundreds of thousand synapses, and are also connected in complex networks. This suggests that understanding the neuronal connectome should also include neuron-astrocyte interactions and thus mapping of the associated glial connectome in terms of synapse-astrocyte and astrocyte-astrocyte connections. Workplan : The candidate will be part of an international team of researchers within the framework of the Open Connectome Project (https://neurodata.io/) She/He will deploy mathematical tools borrowed from graph theory, statistical analysis, machine learning and algebraic topology to analyze big data sets from 3D electron microscopy of cortical tissue of rodent’s brain to seek the first map of astrocytic connections with synapses at subcellular spatial resolution. In parallel the candidate will develop expertise in modeling of complex heterogeneous cell networks of neurons and astrocytes, to explore potential functional relevance of specific synapse-astrocyte circuits and motifs in neuron-glial networks. Working environment : The candidate will be based in Bilbao (Spain) where she/he will work under the supervision of Drs. Maurizio De Pittà and Serafim Rodrigues at the Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM). In addition, the candidate will also collaborate with and be supervised by Dr. Narayanan “Bobby” Kasthuri at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Labs (USA), where she/he will spend regular periods of time during her/his graduate training. Dr. De Pittà is a leading expert on computational modeling of neuron-glia interactions, with an experience in computational neuroscience of 10+ years who recently joined the MCEN group at BCAM as « Junior Leader » fellow with a start-up grant supported by la Caixa Banking Foundation. The MCEN group is a rapidly growing team led by Ikerbasque Professor Serafim Rodrigues, that was established in 2016 as part of the strategic research portfolio enacted by the Basque Country to foster interdisciplinary research in Neuroscience. Dr. Kasthuri is one of the leading experts in modern connectomics, who has pioneered large volume automated electron microscopy for mapping neuronal connections and synchrotron source X-ray microscopy to map the cellular composition of entire brains. BCAM is one of the Severo Ochoa’s excellence centers for scientific research in Spain and it provides an exeptionally fertile international environment for professional development and enriching scientific collaborations. Bilbao, as the capital of the Basque Country in Spain, is a vibrant, friendly city with one of the highest standards of life quality in Spain. Requirements : -- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields. -- Excellent English skills (oral and written). – Experience in machine learning and/or statistical analysis and/or topology or algebraic topology. -- Programming skills in Matlab, Python and C/C++. -- High motivation for interdisciplinary research with strong interests for biological details and an analytic mindset. – Capacity to meet deadlines and outstanding propensity to work in an international dynamic environment. -- Essential knowledge of neuroscience and graph theory is preferred but not required. Additional notes : This is a cutting-edge project that ideally matches with outstanding and creative candidates, with a strong motivation for international collaborations, mobility, and independence. The candidate will work on the project full-time and no part-time agreements will be taken into consideration. Application process : The INPhINIT PhD Fellowship Program by la Caixa Banking Foundation is the most prestigious PhD fellowship program running in Spain. The program is highly competitive and offers unequalled training an financial support to its fellow. The ideal successful candidate should have an outstanding educational background and rank among the 5% best of his/her class. Candidates who are interested in the advertised PhD project, must first send a CV with letter of motivation (max 2 pages) to Drs. De Pittà (mdepitta(a)bcamath.org) and Kasthuri (bobbykasthuri(a)uchicago.edu) for review and preselection. Preselections are open now till January 13, 2019 (for incoming candidates) and February 3rd, 2019 (for retaining candidates). Specify as mail object: “INPhINIT PhD Project Application”. Relevant References: De Pittà et al., Astrocytes: orchestrating synaptic plasticity?, Neuroscience, 2015, 323:43. Katshuri et al., Saturated reconstruction of a volume of neocortex, Cell, 2015, 162 :648 Relevant links: Official call by BCAM: https://goo.gl/Vq8mto INPhINIT: https://goo.gl/d761sP BCAM homepage: https://goo.gl/ENSBAo Maurizio De Pittà: https://goo.gl/pJXEYJ Narayanan “Bobby” Kasthuri: https://goo.gl/pYmv2w Open Connectome Project: https://neurodata.io/ ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

Nov. 29, 2018

CFP Frontiers Research Topic: Closing the Loop: From Human Behavior to Multisensory Robots

by Pablo Barros

Call For Papers - Frontiers Research Topic: Closing the Loop: From Human Behavior to Multisensory Robots I. Aim and Scope The ability to efficiently process crossmodal information is a key feature of the human brain that provides a robust perceptual experience and behavioral responses. Consequently, the processing and integration of multisensory information streams such as vision, audio, haptics, and proprioception play a crucial role in the development of autonomous agents and cognitive robots, yielding an efficient interaction with the environment also under conditions of sensory uncertainty. This Research Topic invites authors to submit new findings, theories, systems, and trends in multisensory learning for intelligent agents and robots with the aim to foster the development of novel and impactful research which will contribute to the understanding of human behavior and the development of artificial systems operating in real-world environments. II. Potential Topics Topics include, but are not limited to: - New methods and applications for crossmodal processing and multisensory integration (e.g. vision, audio, haptics, proprioception) - Machine learning and neural networks for multisensory robot perception - Computational models of crossmodal attention and perception - Bio-inspired approaches for crossmodal learning - Multisensory conflict resolution and executive control - Sensorimotor learning for autonomous agents and robots - Crossmodal learning for embodied and cognitive robots III. Submission - Abstract - 18th January 2019 - Paper Submission - 12th May 2019 More information: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9321/closing-the-loop-from-huma… IV. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Doreen Jirak, Hamburg University, Germany German I. Parisi, Apprente, Inc., USA Jun Tani, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan -- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.dehttp://www.pablobarros.nethttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.htmlhttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

Nov. 29, 2018

Faculty position in Computational Neuroscience and AI at the University of Edinburgh

by Matthias Hennig

The Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation at the University of Edinburgh is inviting applications for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader (Assistant/Associate professor) position in Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence. This position is part of an expansion of research and teaching in cognition, neuroscience, and AI. Candidates should have inter-disciplinary research interests, combining computational and machine learning based methods and cognitive science, and be able to teach undergraduate and master’s level courses in areas such as AI and machine learning, in addition to teaching in cognitive science. The closing date is 15. Jan 2019. For further details and to apply, go to: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobs… Edinburgh is also recruiting faculty in Computational Cognitive Science: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobs… -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Nov. 28, 2018

Cognitive, Computational, and Systems Neuroscience Training Program at University of Oregon

by Luca Mazzucato

The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) at the University of Oregon is welcoming applications for graduate training in neuroscience (deadline December 1st 2018). The training program in Cognitive, Computational, and Systems Neuroscience ( CCSN <http://ion.uoregon.edu/content/cognitive-computational-and-systems-neurosci…>) is sponsored by the University of Oregon Institute of Neuroscience, the nation's first research institute of its kind. In keeping with the innovative origins of the Institute, the CCSN program provides a rare opportunity for graduate students to forge experimental and theoretical links between systems and cognitive neuroscience while becoming experts in their field of choice. We believe that such interdisciplinary training positions our graduates to become leaders in the growing field of integrative and behavioral neuroscience. The Computational Neuroscience core of the CCSN includes Yashar Ahmadian's and Luca Mazzucato's labs, in close collaboration with all other ION labs (Chris Doe, Santiago Jaramillo, Bryce Kuhl, Shawn Lockery, David McCormick, Cris Niell, Matt Smear, Mike Wehr, and many others). The heart of our program is thesis research. Twenty eight faculty members drawn from the departments of Biology, Psychology, and Mathematics serve as research mentors and instructors. These researchers use a wide range of approaches including molecular biology, genetics, electrophysiology, optogenetics, functional brain imaging, and computational neuroscience to tackle fundamental questions in the neuronal basis of perception, behavior, memory, and cognition. CCSN faculty study not only humans but a wide range of model organisms including C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and rodents. As a result, students enrolled in our PhD program come away with the broad conceptual and technical skills necessary to run an independent neuroscience research lab or pursue many other related career paths. Our state-of-the-art facilities and excellent support staff allow ION members to progress rapidly by making exploratory or pilot experiments accessible. When not "at the bench," trainees follow a customizable course of study that leads from a year-long graduate core course to a variety of elective courses that allow students to go deeper into their specialty. In addition to course work, trainees learn in a variety of interactive settings including lab meetings, journal clubs, seminars, bi-monthly research-in-progress meetings, and institute retreats. These activities, together with a culture of openness and engagement among CCSN faculty members, create a degree of cohesiveness that sets CCSN apart from programs at other universities. We're passionate about creating an inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity. Research institutions that are diverse in gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and perspective are proven to foster greater creativity and promote synergistic, collaborative innovation and interactions. Our application deadline is December 1, 2018. If interested in applying, please contact David McCormick (davidmc(a)uoregon.edu) David A. McCormick Director, Institute of Neuroscience davidmc(a)uoregon.edu

Nov. 27, 2018

2 openings in vision rehabilitation and multi-modal data modelling: 1 PhD and 1 RA/postdoc

by Paul Matusz

Institute of Information Systems at HES-SO in Valais and Foundation for the Blind in Lausanne (Switzerland) are looking for 1 PhD student and 1 RA/postdoc (open rank) interested in links between (eye) health, neuroscience and modelling links between sensory/ perceptual - brain - cognitive processes. Our project aims to asssess the potential of virtual reality games in the rehabilitation of the most common pediatric vision disorder - amblyopia ("lazy eye"). The recovery potential is assessed at the level of both the usual, basic vision skills (visual acuity or 3D vision) and functional "visual" skills like age-appropriate literacy skills. The project likewise aims to establish the role therein of different selective attention systems (visual, multisensory), as studied with rigorous experimental paradigms combined with the advantages of EEG and multi-variate EEG/ERP analyses (eg. Murray et al. 2008 BTOP; Tivadar & Murray 2018 ORM tinyurl.com/y8uxonnf ). The project is well-suited for students interested in modelling multi-modal clinical pediatric data and clinical change in the areas of medicine, neuroscience and/or cognition. More details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VpzIFBz1wzrqHQNqEsD3CnktbD2axGgv/view Paul (Pawel) Matusz, Ph.D. Junior Group Leader Institute of Information Systems, HES-SO – Radiology, University Hospital Centre & University of Lausanne, Sierre – Lausanne, Switzerland Adjunct Assistant Professor Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA https://groupforrealworldneuroscience.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/paweljmatusz +41 213141547

Nov. 27, 2018

Graduate Program in Computational Neuroscience at Tübingen - Deadline Jan 15th

by Philipp Berens

The Master program "Neural Information Processing - Computational Neuroscience" covers theoretical and computational aspects of neuroscience. Faculty include: Peter Dayan, Matthias Bethge, Zhaoping Li, Martin Giese, Alexander Ecker, Philipp Berens, Fabian Sinz, Anna Levina and many more! Students obtain extensive training in computational modeling of neural systems, machine learning data analysis and neuroscience. While the first year is dedicated to course work at the graduate level, the second year provides hands-on research experience in leading labs in lab rotations and during thesis work. After finishing the Master program, students can smoothly transition to our PhD program and continue their research. The program provides research-oriented training in a wide spectrum of basic computational neuroscience topics with different options: machine learning for neuroscience and neural data analysis models of neural dynamics and coding motor control, rehabilitation robotics and brain-computer interfaces systems neuroscience and neurophysiology data science, bioinformatics and programming behaviour and cognition The deadline for applications is January, 15th (written documents must be in Tübingen). For more information please visit: https://www.bccn-tuebingen.de/education/master-of-science-neural-informatio… Please forward to interested students at the BSc level. -- Prof. Dr. Philipp Berens University of Tübingen Institute for Ophthalmic Research http://www.berenslab.org phone: +49-7071-2988833

Nov. 27, 2018

Three Postdocs in Epilepsy and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Melbourne, Australia

by David Grayden

Three Postdocs in Epilepsy and Brain-Computer Interfaces ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies The University of Melbourne and IBM Research - Australia http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/898108/research-fellows-in-epilepsy-3… We have created a new research training centre dedicated to Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies and are now looking for outstanding Research Fellows to join on us on three-year appointments. This is an exciting joint venture between the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Computing and Information Systems in collaboration with our research partners IBM Research Australia, University of South Australia, Western Sydney University, RMIT University, and CSIRO. Our focus is to create a workforce that is expert in developing, applying, and integrating artificial intelligence technologies in data-intensive medical contexts by facilitating the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies. The Three Roles: 1. Epileptic Seizure Prediction - in this project, you will work to develop and apply state-of-the-art machine learning approaches for epileptic seizure prediction as well as assessing the efficacy of epilepsy medication. 2. Epilepsy Modelling - in this project, you will help understand the causes and behaviours of epileptic seizures and develop high fidelity models for seizure prediction. This will be done by bringing together neural models of the brain with machine learning. 3. Brain-Computer Interfaces - in this project, you will work to develop a neural network-based brain-computer interface that can be used to control augmentative devices for people with speech, vision or motor disorders. We are interested in applications from those whose expertise aligns with and reflects strengths in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. We are also interested in specific experience in programming skills, machine learning, signal processing and computational neuroscience. Applications close: 07 Jan 2019 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time Details: http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/898108/research-fellows-in-epilepsy-3… Regards, David Professor David B. Grayden Head of Department Dept of Biomedical Engineering Melbourne School of Engineering The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia http://www.bme.unimelb.edu.au | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgrayden

Nov. 27, 2018

open rank faculty position in Human Movement Science at Northeastern, Boston, MA

by Marta Russo

The Department of Biology at College of Science and the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science at the Bouve College of Health Sciences invites nominations and applications for a tenure track faculty position (open rank, from the Assistant to the Full Professor rank). Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by November 29, 2018 to receive full considerations, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled. More info can be found below or here <https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/57607.>. Informal inquiries can be addressed to: Dr. Dagmar Sternad, Chair of the Search Committee (d.sternad(a)northeastern.edu) Apologies for multiple posting. -- Marta Russo, PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Action Lab Office: 503 Richards Hall Mail: 134 Mugar Life Sciences Building Northeastern University 360 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115 m.russo(a)northeastern.edu *Faculty Position in Human Movement Science* *Northeastern University, Boston, MA* *Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor* *A tenure-track position is open in Human Movement Sciences in the Department of Biology, College of Science and the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouve College of Health Sciences, at Northeastern University.* The position is open for applicants from the Assistant to the Full Professor rank. The candidate’s research can be in the areas of experimental, computational, or clinical human movement, with a possible bridge to prosthetics and robotics. This position is part of a growing university-wide cluster in the science of human movement, spanning research strengths from basic experimental and computational research to rehabilitation science, robotics, and neuroengineering. Priority will be placed on research strengths that complement existing strengths in computational human movement science, rehabilitation science, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, and control theory, although excellence is of top-most priority. Depending on the research profile, an affiliated appointment with Bioengineering or Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is possible. The anticipated start date is Fall Semester, 2019. Responsibilities will include conducting an independent, externally funded research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and participating in departmental, college and university service. Qualified candidates should have experience in, or be able to demonstrate a commitment to, working with diverse student populations and/or in a culturally diverse work and educational environment. The Department of Biology is strongly interdisciplinary, with 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty in Biology and an additional 9 faculty with joint appointments in other departments. The department administers programs in the College of Science at Northeastern University for 1,200 undergraduates, and 100 students in Ph.D., Masters, and Professional Masters programs. The Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, located within Bouvé College of Health Sciences, is comprised of 10 tenured and tenure track faculty and 20 clinical faculty. The Department offers a Ph.D. program in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, as well as one of the oldest and largest Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the country. Grounded in its signature co-op program, Northeastern provides unprecedented global experiential learning opportunities. Northeastern University occupies a vibrant 67-acre campus in the heart of Boston, surrounded by other leading educational, health care, technological, and research institutions, as well as world-renowned venues for art and music. Applicants must have a PhD in the life sciences, including physical medicine and physical therapy, neuroscience, neurophysiology, bioengineering, electrical or mechanical engineering, kinesiology, rehabilitation sciences, or other related disciplines. All applicants should have a strong record of scholarly accomplishment that demonstrate research productivity and the ability to perform cutting edge research. Candidates seeking appointment at the associate or full professor level should have substantial research productivity and a history of grant support and academic service. *Please submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, a two-page description of research accomplishments and plans, a statement on teaching, and the name and contact information for three references through the application portal* https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/57607 <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense…> . Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted by November 29, 2018 to receive full considerations. Informal inquiries can be addressed to: Dr. Dagmar Sternad, Chair of the Search Committee (d.sternad(a)northeastern.edu) -- <http://www.hsantalucia.it/5x1000-sostieni-la-nostra-ricerca> *Rispetta l'ambiente: se non ti è necessario, non stampare questo messaggio - **Please consider the environment before printing this email.*

Nov. 26, 2018

Using spike train distances to identify the most discriminative neuronal subpopulation

by Thomas Kreuz

Dear all, may I kindly draw your attention to our most recent paper which contains several new algorithms to address neuronal population coding using spike train distances: Satuvuori E, Mulansky M, Daffertshofer A, Kreuz T: Using spike train distances to identify the most discriminative neuronal subpopulation <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027018302747> JNeurosci Methods, 308, 354 [PDF <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027018302747>] and arXiv [PDF <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1805.10892.pdf>] (2018). For the abstract see below. This paper is part of the dissertation "Spike train distances and neuronal coding <http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/handle/1871/55855/abstract%20english.pdf?s…>" of my PhD student Eero Satuvuori whose full thesis can now be found here <http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/handle/1871/55855/abstract%20english.pdf?s…>. Besides some original parts and the paper cited above it also contains these recent works: Satuvuori E, Kreuz T: Which spike train distance is most suitable for distinguishing rate and temporal coding? JNeurosci Methods 299, 22 [PDF <https://ac.els-cdn.com/S0165027018300372/1-s2.0-S0165027018300372-main.pdf?…>] and arXiv [PDF <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1708.07508.pdf>] (2018). Kreuz T, Satuvuori E, Pofahl M, Mulansky M: Leaders and followers: Quantifying consistency in spatio-temporal propagation patterns New J. Phys., 19, 043028 [PDF <https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/aa68c3>] and arXiv [PDF <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1610.07986v4.pdf>] (2017). Satuvuori E, Mulansky M, Bozanic N, Malvestio I, Zeldenrust F, Lenk K, Kreuz T: Measures of spike train synchrony for data with multiple time-scales JNeurosci Methods 287, 25 [PDF <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.05.028>] and arXiv [PDF <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1702.05394.pdf>] (2017). All the best, Thomas Kreuz PS: Satuvuori E, Mulansky M, Daffertshofer A, Kreuz T: Using spike train distances to identify the most discriminative neuronal subpopulation <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027018302747> JNeurosci Methods, 308, 354 [PDF <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027018302747>] and arXiv [PDF <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1805.10892.pdf>] (2018). Abstract: Background Spike trains of multiple neurons can be analyzed following the summed population (SP) or the labeled line (LL) hypothesis. Responses to external stimuli are generated by a neuronal population as a whole or the individual neurons have encoding capacities of their own. The SPIKE-distance estimated either for a single, pooled spike train over a population or for each neuron separately can serve to quantify these responses. New method For the SP case we compare three algorithms that search for the most discriminative subpopulation over all stimulus pairs. For the LL case we introduce a new algorithm that combines neurons that individually separate different pairs of stimuli best. Results The best approach for SP is a brute force search over all possible subpopulations. However, it is only feasible for small populations. For more realistic settings, simulated annealing clearly outperforms gradient algorithms with only a limited increase in computational load. Our novel LL approach can handle very involved coding scenarios despite its computational ease. Comparison with existing methods Spike train distances have been extended to the analysis of neural populations interpolating between SP and LL coding. This includes parametrizing the importance of distinguishing spikes being fired in different neurons. Yet, these approaches only consider the population as a whole. The explicit focus on subpopulations render our algorithms complimentary. Conclusions The spectrum of encoding possibilities in neural populations is broad. The SP and LL cases are two extremes for which our algorithms provide correct identification results. -- Institute for complex systems, CNR Via Madonna del Piano 10 50119 Sesto Fiorentino (Italy) Tel: +39-349-0748506 Email: thomas.kreuz(a)cnr.it Webpage: http://www.fi.isc.cnr.it/users/thomas.kreuz/

Nov. 26, 2018

Frontiers Research Topic "Discrimination of Genuine and Posed Facial Expressions of Emotion"

by Jian Liu

Call for Papers: Frontiers Research Topic "Discrimination of Genuine and Posed Facial Expressions of Emotion" More information: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9221/discrimination-of-genuine-… About this Research Topic Facial expressions demonstrate one emotional states in interpersonal situations. Evidence shows that part of the facial display reflects the emotional experience that is literally felt by the expresser. Interestingly, human beings are capable of identifying facial expressions of the felt emotions as a form of intentional deception to conduct social interaction and to stage displays that have the support of others. Staged or posed facial expressions implement an emotion that an expresser intends to convey, where genuine expressions are considered as the companion of spontaneous emotional expressions. The ability to differentiate genuine displays of emotional experience from posed ones is very important for dealing with day-to-day social interactions. Recent work has been conducted on whether or not people can distinguish between posed and genuine displays of emotion. In spite of few studies to investigate this ability, most prior research suggests that people have the ability to judge genuine and posed facial displays. Unfortunately, previous research has suffered from two major shortcomings: (1) the mixture of staged and genuine displays due to the lack of accounting for possible effects of intentional manipulation, and (2) struggling to consider dynamic aspects when people prepare facial stimuli for experimental investigation. This Research Topic encourages the submission of theoretical and experimental perspectives to broaden understanding of the importance of the discrimination of genuine and posed facial expressions of emotion. These may be new theoretical approaches, those from other disciplines of psychology not usually utilized within the discrimination of genuine and staged emotion identification or new theories and designs. We seek articles that present new hypotheses, concepts, experimental observations, and theories or models; demonstrate how theories adapted from other disciplines may be utilized for emotion identification or provide recommendations to improve current models or theories to enhance their capacity. We look for papers that may combine critical analysis of current models, synthesis of early empirical work by single- or multi-modality analysis (e.g. video, ECG, EEG, fMRI, and single cells in humans and/or animals), and explore the potential for their development applied to the context of emotion recognition. Submissions of systematic reviews and meta-analysis should discuss and promote comprehensive approaches to update and evolve concepts, hypotheses, and theories with potential applications in the community. Keywords: face expression, discrimination, genuine, posed, emotion Guest editors: Huiyu Zhou, Department of Informatics, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. Caroline Ling Li, School of Computing, University of Kent, United Kingdom. Shiguang Shan, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Shuo Wang, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, United States. Jian Liu, Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

Nov. 26, 2018

Call for applications - 2019 Nengo Summer School

by Peter Blouw

[All details about this school can be found online at https://www.nengo.ai/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce our 6th annual Nengo summer school on large-scale brain modelling and neuromorphic computing. This two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Summer school participants will be given on-site access to Loihi, Intel’s new neuromorphic research chip [1], and will learn to run high-level applications on Loihi using Nengo! More generally, Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems, and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [2], which includes spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning, adaptive motor control, and cognitive control networks. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwtYgBB2N6I We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background. [1] Davies, et al. (2018). Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning. IEEE Micro. Vol. 38 no. 1 pp. 82-99. [ https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8259423] [2] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://compneuro.uwaterloo.ca/files/publications/eliasmith.2012.pdf] ***Application Deadline: February 15, 2019*** Format: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - interface Nengo with neuromorphic hardware (e.g. Loihi, SpiNNaker) - build perceptual, motor, and cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… Date and Location: June 9th to June 21st, 2019 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Applications: Please visit http://www.nengo.ai/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (peter.blouw(a)appliedbrainresearch.com) The school is also partly supported by ONR and ABR, Inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Nov. 24, 2018

Postdoc position at The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics

by Leon French

The Computational Neurobiology Laboratory at The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics seeks a postdoctoral fellow to join our efforts to understand brain disorders. We focus on mining datasets of connectivity, gene expression, and epigenetics across the genome and the brain. We employ multifaceted approaches that gain information by using data that crosses scales, modalities, and species. We seek one postdoctoral fellow interested in bioinformatics and neuroscience. The primary project will be to join large transcriptomic resources with the polygenic signal of major depression to gain insight into the disorder. In addition to this project, there would be opportunities to pursue other research interests. Some of our frequently used keywords give a good description of our work: neuroinformatics, molecular neuroanatomy, genetics, transcriptomics, machine learning, text mining, neuroimaging, software development, and connectomics. The ideal candidate should have a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science or related field with extensive knowledge in genome wide data integration. Significant interest in neuroscience and experience working with large datasets are requested. Familiarity with The Library of Integrative Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) is a plus. Preferred qualifications and experience: - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Extensive experience in programming and scripting (e.g., R or Python) - Expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, neuroscience or related areas - Experience in analyzing, visualizing and integrating large-scale biological data - Contributions to public software projects Writing manuscripts and applying for independent grants and fellowships will be strongly encouraged. Highly motivated individuals (Ph.D. and/or M.D.) should submit a curriculum vitae, names of 3 references and a cover letter explaining their interest, and a brief description of research experience to leonfrench+recruit at gmail.com. You will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. This position will be located at 250 College Street, Toronto.

Nov. 21, 2018

2 years postdoc position in reinforcement learning-based modeling of animal behavior

by david robbe

Dear Colleagues, Please find below an announcement for a postdoc position in Marseille (France) to develop reinforcement learning-based models of animal behavior. The Turing Centre for Living Systems in Marseille seeks applicants for a postdoc position in computational neuroscience/robotics under the joint supervision of David Robbe and Christophe Eloy. The initial appointment will be for 2 years. The goal of this project is to understand, at an algorithmic level, how animals learn to develop adaptive behavior by trial-and-error interaction with their environment. We propose an interdisciplinary approach combining behavioral experiments in rats and the development of an "artificial" agent facing challenges similar to those experienced by the rats. The experimental data (already available) show that rats challenged in a time estimation task converged progressively toward a conserved embodied strategy (Rueda-Orozco and Robbe, Nature Neuroscience, 2015). Key determinants of that strategy have been isolated experimentally, by altering task rules and environment and quantifying how these alterations affect animal performance. Learning theoretical models will be based on reinforcement learning and more recent developments coming from artificial intelligence (deep learning). The main task of the project will be to develop computational model and therefore we expect the candidates to have a solid background in the gerenal field of machine learning. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with experimentalists and robotic engineers. We are therefore looking for an enthusiastic applicant with excellent communication skills and a track record in interdisciplinary collaborative environments Deadline for application: 1st of December 2018 (late application will be considered until the end of the year) More information and application.<http://centuri-livingsystems.org/pdp2018-11/>http://centuri-livingsystems.org/pdp2018-11/ -- David Robbe, PhD Neural Bases of Sensorimotor learning Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED) INSERM-UMR1249 163, avenue de Luminy. BP13 13273 Marseille Cedex 9 France Tel: +33 4 91 82 81 99 Fax: +33 4 91 82 81 05 Team Web Page <http://www.inmed.fr/en/en-avenir-dynamiques-neuronales-et-fonctions-des-gan…> /"It is disturbingly common for studies to include behavior as simply a hasty add-on in papers that are otherwise crammed full of multiple techniques, types of results, and even species. It is as if every paper needs to be a methodological decathlon in order to be considered important."/ Krakauer et al., Neuron 2017 <https://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273(16)31040-6>

Nov. 21, 2018

New AFOSR Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience research funding portfolio

by GREENWALD, HAL S DR-04 USAF AFMC AFOSR/RTA

Dear Colleagues, Please check out AFOSR's new research funding portfolio in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience! The Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience program funds high-risk, high-potential basic research that uses experimental and computational modeling techniques from systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, computational/theoretical neuroscience, cognitive science, and cognitive psychology to understand the neural mechanisms responsible for perception, cognition, and behavior. The program also supports brain-inspired algorithm and hardware development provided these are useful for testing proposed neuroscience theories and/or enabling novel capabilities in computing, artificial intelligence, or autonomous systems. The Broad Agency Announcement is posted at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=305996 (see file FA9550-18-S-0003 Amendment 002.pdf) Awards under this BAA are not limited to US researchers. Although the BAA remains open year round, to be considered for FY19 funding, full proposals should be submitted via grants.gov no later than mid-February. Emailed pre-proposals in the form of white papers (approximately 3-5 pages, excluding references) describing specific research questions and approaches are encouraged. Regards, Hal Greenwald Hal S. Greenwald, Ph.D. Program Officer, Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR/RTA) 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1768 (703) 588-8441 neuroscience(a)us.af.mil

Nov. 19, 2018

PhD studentship, University of Exeter

by Goodfellow, Marc

A fully funded studentship is available to work with Dr. Marc Goodfellow (University of Exeter, UK) and Prof. George Augustine (NTU, Singapore). The deadline for applications is 31st January 2019. Healthy brain function is mediated by the coordination of neuronal activity - both locally and across different brain regions - giving rise to large-scale brain dynamics. These dynamics are measured using a variety of techniques, for example magneto-/electro-encephalography or functional MRI in humans, or by fluorescence-based imaging of voltage- or calcium-sensitive indicators in animal models in vivo. Uncovering the nature and mechanisms of large-scale brain dynamics at rest, or during sensory processing, remains a fundamental challenge in neuroscience. In addition to basic insight, improving our understanding of healthy brain dynamics will help us elucidate reasons why abnormal dynamics occur, for example in neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders. This studentship will develop a novel program of interdisciplinary research across in vivo (mouse) experimentation and mathematical modelling. The overall aim is to construct and validate mathematical models of large-scale brain dynamics that are able to explain the spontaneous activity of the rodent brain in vivo. The student will train in optogenetic technologies and in vivo imaging, as well as mathematical model development, multi-variate time series analysis and parameter fitting tools, thus placing them at the forefront of interdisciplinary neuroscience. In a first step, targeted optogenetic stimuli will be combined with voltage sensitive dye imaging in awake mice to probe the response of brain tissue to excitatory and inhibitory afferent stimuli. Neural mass models will be fit to these data, using machine learning approaches (for example random forests). This information will be compiled into a predictive model of cortical dynamics and tested against experimental recordings of spontaneous activity. The studentship is part of a joint program between The University of Exeter (UoE) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. They are offering six fully funded postgraduate studentships to undertake collaborative research projects at the two institutions, leading to PhD degrees (split-site) to be conferred either by the UoE or NTU. Students pursuing these postgraduate research projects will benefit from the unique opportunity to conduct their research at both institutions. Students will be registered at one or other institution, where they will be based for the majority of their time, but will spend at least 12 and not more than 18 months at the partner institution over the duration of the programme. The frequency and length of stays at each institution will be agreed with successful candidates prior to offers being made. All six projects are advertised concurrently at both institutions and three will be allocated to each institution after the deadline has passed, based on a collaborative decision made between the UoE and NTU. The final decision on the successful applicant for each project will be made by the institution hosting the project. Project allocation will be based on the applicant's best fit to a project, following a review of applications submitted to each institution. Applications to undertake the projects at the UoE and NTU are open to all nationalities. The programme start dates are August 2019 for NTU and September 2019 for UoE The home institution will determine the regulations that will apply to the successful applicant. The student's main supervisor will be based at the home institution. For further information and to register interest, please contact Dr. Marc Goodfellow (m.goodfellow(a)exeter.ac.uk) To apply and for further details, please see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3058

Nov. 19, 2018

Ph.D. positions in Math Biology and Computational Neuroscience at NJIT

by Victor Matveev

Dear all, The Department of Mathematical Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is inviting candidates to apply to one of our doctoral program tracks: (1) Applied Mathematics or (2) Applied Probability & Statistics. The Department's research focus spans Mathematical Biology and Computational Neuroscience, Scientific Computing, Fluid Dynamics, Materials Science, Wave Propagation, Applied Analysis, Applied Probability & Statistics, including Biostatistics. Teaching and research assistantships are available, and include a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend. Application target date is December 15, 2018 but ongoing review will continue until all available positions are filled. To apply, please visit our homepage: https://www.njit.edu/graduatestudies/department-mathematical-sciences/?utm_… For more information, please email us (math(a)njit.edu, CC to:rmoore@njit.edu, matveev(a)njit.edu) PhD Program advertisement flyer is available at http://web.njit.edu/~matveev/NJIT_DMS_PhD_flyer.pdf Sincerely, -- Admissions Committee, Department of Mathematical Sciences, NJIT -- _____________________________________________ Victor Matveev, Professor Applied Math, Biophysics, Neuroscience Department of Mathematical Sciences Graduate Faculty, Dept of Biological Sciences New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ 07102-1982 Office: Cullimore Hall 616 E-mail: matveev(a)njit.edu http://web.njit.edu/~matveev/

Nov. 17, 2018

Threshold Networks Workshop - First announcement

by Stephen Coombes

First announcement Threshold Networks July 22 - 24, 2019 Nottingham, UK https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/fac-sci/maths-sci/threshold-network… This workshop will bring together a community of people interested in both networks and dynamics, with an eye to both mathematical tractability and applications to biology, engineering, physics, and the social sciences. The emphasis will be on ‘thresholds’ in their broadest sense as exemplified by node dynamics or interactions that are described by simple, yet possibly non-smooth or discontinuous switch-like processes. The workshop will cover both theory and applications. The meeting will have no parallel sessions, and it is expected to involve around 60 participants (with 12 main speakers) and contributed poster presentations. Speakers: Alex Arenas, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Spain Mario Di Bernardo, University of Bristol, UK Ginestra Bianconi, Queen Mary University of London, UK Des Higham, University of Strathclyde, UK Renaud Lambiotte, University of Oxford, UK Naoki Masuda, University of Bristol, UK Peter Mucha, University of North Carolina, USA Sarah Muldoon, University at Buffalo, USA Yamir Moreno, University of Zaragoza, Spain Important dates Registration deadline: 1st June 2019 Poster abstract submission deadline: 12th April 2019. Notification of acceptance: 1st May 2019 The registration fee for the conference is 100.00 GBP. A “Tutorial Day” (covering key concepts in dynamical systems and network science) will also take place prior to the meeting (on July 21). Some financial assistance may be available to assist graduate students who attend both the training workshop and the conference. Further details of this meeting and how to register may be found at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/fac-sci/maths-sci/threshold-network… Scientific Organisers Yi Ming Lai, Rüdiger Thul, and Stephen Coombes, University of Nottingham Mason A. Porter, UCLA Enquiries should be sent to: ThresholdNetworks2019(a)nottingham.ac.uk<mailto:ThresholdNetworks2019@nottingham.ac.uk> ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Nov. 16, 2018

Multiple Postdocs available in the Neurobiology of Language

by Woolnough, Oscar

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITIONS Multiple Postdoctoral research positions are available in the Tandon Lab at The University of Texas in Houston as part of the newly formed Texas Epilepsy Neurotechnologies and Neuroinformatics (TENN) Institute. Positions are funded either via multi year Institute funding or by NIH funds (an R01 and a U01). The lab uses multimodal approaches – fMRI, lesional analysis following epilepsy surgery, intracranial recordings and direct stimulation to create validate network level representations of language. Lab Collaborators include Greg Hickok (UCI), Stanislas Dehaene (NeuroSpin), Nathan Crone (JHU), Simon Fisher Baum (Rice) and Xaq Pitkow (Rice-Baylor); the post-doc will benefit from a close interaction with these experts in the fields of reading, semantics, speech production and computational neuroscience. The selected individual must have a Ph.D. in one or more of the following: neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, mathematics, electrical engineering or computer science. Previous experience in neural time series data analysis, functional imaging studies of language, or studies of speech production are desirable – but not crucial. They must possess the ability to independently code in any or all of the following: MATLAB, R or python. They are expected to be highly motivated, team players with a passion to study cognitive processes using any or all of the various modalities available in the lab - imaging, direct recordings and closed-loop cortical stimulation in humans. Given the multiple unpredictable variables and privacy issues around data collection in human patients, the individual must possess high ethical and professional standards and be adaptable. A strong publication record and excellent academic credentials are highly desirable. CONTACT: Nitin.Tandon(a)uth.tmc.edu<mailto:Nitin.Tandon@uth.tmc.edu> Eliana.Klier(a)uth.tmc.edu<mailto:Eliana.Klier@uth.tmc.edu> More information @ www.tandonlab.org

Nov. 16, 2018

PhD fellowship on analysis/large-scale modelling of cross-frequency coupling and stimulation

by BATTAGLIA Demian

Applications are invited for a: PhD fellowship at Aix-Marseille University (AMU, southern France) under the mentoring of Dr. Demian Battaglia (Institute for Systems Neuroscience - INS). This three-years fellowship is funded by the ANR grant (Agence National de la Recherche) “ERMUNDY (Exact Reduction of Multiscale Neural Dynamics)”. In the context of this project we will develop computational multi-scale models of cortical oscillatory dynamics (multiple frequencies, cross-frequency coupling…) and of its control via stimulation. The used models (from the regional to the whole-brain level) will be constrained by realistic information on the phase response properties of actual neural populations, which will be inferred from both extra-cranial (TMS) and intra-cranial (sEEG) stimulation data, acquired in house at AMU. Interactions with other researchers will take place as well, including experimentalists located in AMU, and theorists at Cergy-Pontoise University (Alessandro Torcini) and Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris (Boris Gutkin). The PhD fellow will participate to both experimental data analysis (extraction of Phase Response Curves, functional connectivity analyses…) and model design and simulation. The successful candidate will integrate the Theoretical Neuroscience Group at the Institute for Systems Neuroscience (INS), located on the same campus of the Timone University hospital (AP-HM). The integrative and clinical neuroscience community in Marseille is among the most lively in Europe and Marseille is a vibrating city, with wonderful natural surroundings and home to the largest French-speaking university in the world, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Salary (~1.4k euros net, after all taxes and full social security coverage) is defined according to French national guidelines and cannot be negotiated. Interested candidates should send a cv, a brief description of qualifications and research interests and the name of one or two reference contacts to: Demian Battaglia demian.battaglia(a)univ-amu.fr Feel free to inquire for further information. Applications from under-represented categories in STEM sciences are welcome and supported.

Nov. 16, 2018

PhD position at HU Berlin (Physics Dep.) available

by Benjamin Lindner

*Calcium spiking with cumulative refractoriness - statistics of the fluctuations and implications for Calcium signaling** *We are looking for a PhD candidate to theoretically explore models of noisy spike-generating cellular signalling systems for which the intracellular Calcium dynamics is a prominent example. Methods will be developed within the frameworks of the theory of stochastic processes, statistical physics and nonlinear dynamics. The project is a collaboration between the research groups of Martin Falcke (Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin and Humboldt University Berlin) and Benjamin Lindner (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin and Humboldt University Berlin) and the PhD students of both groups are expected to closely collaborate. The successful candidate should have a degree in physics (a background in physical biology is desirable but not obligatory), expertise in analytical calculations, programming skills (C++ or C, Python, LaTeX, Linux), and excellent command of the English language, good communication skills, and team spirit. Funding is provided for three years, starting at the latest February 1, 2019. For details on the doctoral examination process at the Physics Department of Humboldt University Berlin, see https://fakultaeten.hu-berlin.de/en/mnf/wisskar/promotionen/index_html?set_…. Applications, including a letter of motivation, a CV, and a list of three potential referees should be sent by email to   me benjamin.lindner(a)physik.hu-berlin.de  (cc to nikola.schrenk(a)bccn-berlin.de)  The deadline for applications is December 31st 2018, however, later applications might also be considered. HU is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration background are specifically encouraged to apply. Since we will not return your documents, please submit copies in the application only. Kind regards, Benjamin Lindner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benjamin Lindner Professor for Theory of Complex Systems and Neurophysics Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin Philippstr. 13, Haus 2, 10115 Berlin Room: 1.17, phone: 0049(0)302093 6336 Department of Physics Humboldt University Berlin Newtonstr. 15 12489 Berlin Room: 3.408, phone: 0049(0)302093 7934 http://people.physik.hu-berlin.de/~lindner/index.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 16, 2018

Associate Professor in Mathematical Imaging

by Stephen Coombes

Dear all, As part of the growth of activity in Precision Imaging at Nottingham there is an opening at Associate Professor level in the area of Mathematical Imaging. The post-holder will undertake original research of international excellence in Mathematical Imaging or closely related areas including Neuroimaging and Computational Neuroscience, complementing and enhancing the current activity of the Mathematical Medicine and Biology group (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cmmb/index.aspx) and the University Beacon in Precision Imaging (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/beacons-of-excellence/precision-imagi…) For information about how to apply please visit https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/MED1511 Best regards, Steve ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Nov. 14, 2018

XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science - Computational Rationality

by Gergo Orban

Dear All, We are happy to announce the XI. Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science, which is devoted to the topic of Computational Rationality. The conference will take place between 23-25 May 2019 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Invited speakers are: Ulrike Hahn (Birkbeck, University of London, UK) Quentin Huys (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) Julian Jara-Ettinger (Yale University, USA) Mate Lengyel (University of Cambridge, Central European University) Azzurra Ruggeri (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany) Laura Schultz (MIT, USA) For more information please visit: http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php <http://www.cecog.eu/ducog/page_invitation.php> or email us: ducog(a)cogsci.bme.hu <mailto:ducog@cogsci.bme.hu> On behalf of the organisers, Oana Stanciu Gergő Orbán

Nov. 13, 2018

Postdoc positions in computational and multimodal neuroimaging

by Laura Lewis

Postdoc positions at Boston University and Harvard Medical School/MGH POSITION 1: We have openings for postdoctoral associates to lead multimodal neuroimaging studies of brain function in Laura Lewis' lab at Boston University, aiming to advance computational and systems neuroscience of the human brain. These positions offer the opportunity to develop computational neuroimaging approaches using state-of-the-art MR techniques, and study the neural basis and cognitive consequences of sleep, wake, arousal, and attentional states. We use fast fMRI, multimodal imaging (e.g. EEG-fMRI, PET-fMRI), computational modeling, ultra-high field (7 Tesla) imaging, and other multimodal approaches to measure and analyze brain function across diverse states. The lab is a fast-paced and interdisciplinary environment that supports its members in achieving their long-term research and career goals, and has strong collaborations throughout the Boston-area computational neuroscience and neuroimaging communities. POSITION 2: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in advanced functional MRI based at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. Our research aims to enable new kinds of analyses of brain activity through advanced neuroimaging and signal processing approaches. Working with Drs. Jonathan Polimeni and Laura Lewis, the fellow will study the neural and vascular origins of fast fMRI signals and test the upper limits of the speed and sensitivity of fMRI. The postdoctoral fellow will use advanced accelerated fMRI methods and ultra-high field imaging (7T) to study and model the dynamics of neural activation at fast timescales and across cortical layers. Multimodal imaging (including ASL, CBV, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI) and computational models of physiological dynamics may also be used, to ultimately track fast and local neural dynamics using accelerated fMRI. The Martinos Center is home to state-of-the-art imaging facilities and technological expertise in neuroimaging. The center houses over 200 faculty and postdoc members, conducting diverse neuroimaging research with great potential for collaborations and career development. BU and MGH are equal opportunity employers. Position is well suited for a highly motivated researcher with a desire to begin an independent career related to advanced fMRI and/or neuroscience. A Ph.D. in engineering, physics, neuroscience, psychology, or related field, is required. A background in neuroimaging techniques and/or neurophysiology is an asset but not required. Strong analysis skills and independent motivation and creativity are essential. TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a cover letter describing research experience, interests, and future goals, as well as a CV and contact information for three references, to ldlewis(a)bu.edu For more information see: http://www.lewisneurolab.org/positions

Nov. 13, 2018

Postdoc in auditory thalamocortical system modeling & data analysis

by Neymotin, Samuel (NKI)

A computational neuroscience postdoctoral position is available at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research under the auspices of a NIH R01 (MPI: Peter Lakatos, Sam Neymotin). The aim of our project is to develop/utilize computer models of the auditory thalamocortical system to investigate mechanisms and functions of neuronal oscillatory patterns observed in the auditory system in the electrophysiological recordings from Dr. Lakatos' group. The broad goal is to develop a biologically-realistic data-driven computer model of the thalamocortical auditory system that is able to support critical auditory information processing features, with special emphasis on neuronal oscillations. The combined in vivo and in silico results of our project will pave the way for model-driven neuromodulation, offering precise predictions on how to efficiently control biological circuits. Besides modeling, our group also focuses heavily on developing and applying novel signal processing techniques for the analysis of electrophysiological data on multiple spatial scales, from single neurons to ECoG recordings. Applicants should have a strong background in: computer programming, with demonstrated proficiency in Python and Matlab, analysis of electrophysiological data, development of signal processing methods for neural data, detailed computational modeling of neurons/neuronal circuits using NEURON with Python. The job will be based at the Nathan Kline Institute (www.nki.rfmh.org<http://www.nki.rfmh.org> ~1 hour north of NYC), but some telecommuting will be allowed. Applicants should contact Sam Neymotin by email (samuel.neymotin(a)nki.rfmh.org<mailto:samuel.neymotin@nki.rfmh.org>) with a CV and cover letter. The Nathan Kline Institute is an equal opportunity employer. ________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation.

Nov. 13, 2018

Post-doc position in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience in Bordeaux, France

by Alexandre Zenon

Post-doctoral position in neuroimaging Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, Bordeaux, France. The successful applicant will pursue research projects on the neurobiological and computational underpinnings of the cost of cognition. These projects will combine neuroimaging and computational approaches. The post is available from early 2019 and is funded for two years by a grant from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche. Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or a related area. Experience in conducting neuroscience research and in programming (Matlab and/or Python) is required. Experience in conducting neuroimaging research and in building computational models of behavior will be very appreciated. To apply for the vacancy, or for more information, please contact Dr. Alexandre Zénon (email: alexandre.zenon(a)u-bordeaux.fr ). Applications should include CV, motivation letter and contact information for 3 references.

Nov. 13, 2018

PhD positions in computational neuroscience, University of Edinburgh

by Matthias Hennig

3 YEAR PhD IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. We invite applications for our PhD programme in COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE at the Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation at the University of Edinburgh. The studentships are ideal for students who want to apply their computational and analytical skills to problems in neuroscience and related fields. The following supervisors have openings: Matthias Hennig: Neural network models; homeostasis and development; visual and auditory neuroscience; analysis of large-scale recordings. Arno Onken: Neural coding; machine learning for neural data analysis; multi-modal and multi-scale analysis. Peggy Seriès: Bayesian approaches to cognition and perception; computational psychiatry. The PhD project can be done in collaboration with one of the many affiliated departments and institutes. Edinburgh has been voted as 'best place to live in Britain', and has many exciting cultural and student activities. Students with a strong background in either computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering are particularly welcome to apply. Motivated students with other backgrounds will also be considered. To apply, visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&ed… Applications completed by 16. January 2019 will receive full consideration. -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Nov. 13, 2018

PhD in cortical memory storage at the University of Edinburgh

by Matthias Hennig

Applications are invited for an EASTBIO-funded PhD position in the labs of Dr. Gulsen Surmeli and Dr. Matthias Hennig. This is an excellent training opportunity for a highly motivated individual to learn both the use of modern in vivo functional neuron imaging technologies and the applications computational methods to address fundamental questions in neuronal computation. Objectives: Cognitive abilities are a result of coordinated activity of billions of neurons. Recent advances in neuroscience research now enables monitoring activity of thousands of neurons during cognitive tasks. Decoding these large ensemble codes enable unprecedented insight into the inner workings of the brain. This project aims to investigate neural ensemble coding of cortical memory networks. In this project, we will investigate the encoding of memories in cortical networks. In Dr. Surmeli’s lab, a miniaturized head attached fluorescent microscope (miniscope) will be used to perform cellular resolution imaging of activity of neuronal ensembles in freely moving mice during memory tasks. Combined with advanced genetic techniques this method allows tracking activity of thousands of neurons during memory formation and recall. Since memory engrams are typically sparse and highly distributed over many neurons, tracking the acquisition of new memories will require advanced analysis methods, which will be developed in collaboration with the second supervisor based in the School of Informatics. Moreover, the results will enable constructing new models of short and long-term memory acquisition that can advance artificial neural networks used in machine learning applications. For conditions of applying and to apply please refer to: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=100855 Download application and reference forms via: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/postgraduate/bbsrc-eastbio-dtp Lab website/Online Profile https://www.ed.ac.uk/discovery-brain-sciences/our-staff/research-groups/dr-… http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Nov. 12, 2018

Doctoral studies in Computational/Theoretical Neuroscience at NYU

by Eero P Simoncelli

New York University is home to a thriving interdisciplinary community of researchers using computational and theoretical approaches in neuroscience. We are interested in exceptional PhD candidates with strong quantitative training (e.g., physics, mathematics, engineering) coupled with a clear interest in scientific study of the brain. A listing of faculty, sorted by their primary departmental affiliation, is given below. Doctoral programs are flexible, allowing students to pursue research across departmental boundaries. Nevertheless, admissions are handled separately by each department, and students interested in pursuing graduate studies should submit an application to the program that best fits their goals and interests. Center for Neural Science (CNS), Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (deadline: 1 December) [http://neuroscience.nyu.edu/graduate-programs/, and http://www.cns.nyu.edu/doctoral/] * Andre A. Fenton - Molecular, neural, behavioral, and computational aspects of memory. * Paul W. Glimcher - Decision-making in humans and animals. Neuroeconomics. * Roozbeh Kiani - Vision and decision-making. * Wei Ji Ma (also in Psychology) - Perception, working memory, and decision-making. * Tony Movshon - Vision and visual development. * Bijan Pesaran - Neuronal dynamics and decision-making. * Alex Reyes - Functional interactions of neurons in a network. * John Rinzel (also in Mathematics) - Biophysical mechanisms and theory of neural computation. * Cristina Savin (also in the Center for Data Science) - Computational models of learning and memory, machine learning. * Robert Shapley - Visual physiology and perception. * Eero Simoncelli - Computational vision and audition. * Xiao-Jing Wang - Computational neuroscience, decision-making and working memory, neural circuits. Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine (deadline: 1 December) [http://neuroscience.nyu.edu/graduate-programs/, and https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/neuroscience/] * Gyorgy Buzsaki - Rhythms in neural networks. * Dmitri Chklovskii (also in the Simons Foundation) - Neural computation and connectomics. * Dmitry Rinberg - Sensory information processing in the behaving animal. * Mario Svirsky - Auditory neural prostheses; experimental/computational studies of speech production/perception. Psychology, Cognition & Perception program (deadline: 1 December) [http://as.nyu.edu/psychology/graduate/phd-cognition-perception.html] * Todd Gureckis - Memory, learning, and decision processes. * David Heeger (also in CNS) - Computational neuroscience, vision, attention. * Brendan Lake (also in the Center for Data Science) - Computational modeling of cognition. * Michael Landy - Computational approaches to vision. * Laurence Maloney - Mathematical approaches to psychology and neuroscience. * Gary Marcus - Origins of the human mind. * Denis Pelli - Visual object recognition. * Jonathan Winawer - Visual perception and memory. Mathematics (deadline: 18 December) [http://math.nyu.edu/degree/phd/] * David McLaughlin - Nonlinear wave equations, computational visual neuroscience. * Aaditya Rangan - Computational neurobiology, numerical analysis. * Charles Peskin - Mathematical biology. * Michael Shelley - Modeling and large-scale computation, computational visual neuroscience. * Daniel Tranchina - Information processing in the retina. * Lai-Sang Young - Dynamical systems, statistical physics, computational modeling and theoretical neuroscience. Center for Data Science (deadline: 12 December) [https://cds.nyu.edu/academics/phd-in-data-science/] * Joan Bruna (also in Computer Science) - Machine learning, signal/image processing. * Kyungyun Cho (also in Computer Science) - Machine learning, natural language processing. * Carlos Fernandez-Granda (also in Mathematics) - Optimization methods for medical imaging, neuroscience, computer vision. * Brenden Lake - Computational modeling of cognition, deep learning. Physics (deadline: 18 December) [http://physics.as.nyu.edu/page/graduate] * Marc Gershow - Perception, decision-making, and learning in neural circuits. Computer Science (deadline: 12 December) [http://www.cs.nyu.edu/home/phd/] * Davi Geiger - Computational vision and learning. * Yann LeCun - Machine learning, computer vision, robotics, computational neuroscience. Economics (deadline: 18 December) [http://as.nyu.edu/econ/degree-programs/phd.html] * Andrew Caplin - Economic theory, neurobiology of decision. * Andrew Schotter - Experimental economics, game theory, neurobiology of decision.

Nov. 12, 2018

REMINDER: Special Issue Operations Research for Neuroscience II

by Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan

Dear Colleagues, Just a friendly reminder: Deadline for paper submission is in a few weeks. December 1, 2018 We strongly encourage colleagues who are using modern operations research methods, to consider submitting a manuscript. We also invite manuscripts which propose further developments of modern formal theories (such as the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian learning, etc). Please find the CfP attached as a pdf file or as plain text below. Best regards, Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan. ____________________________________________________ ― Call for Papers ― Annals of Operations Research Special Issue Operations Research for Neuroscience II ____________________________________________________ After the positive and encouraging response from the scientific and wider community to the special issue Operations Research for Neuroscience, the journal Annals of OperationsResearch (Springer) now invites submissions of papers to a second special issue on the same subject, called Operations Research for Neuroscience II. Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary science, is concerned with the study of the structure and functions of the nervous system. It comprises aspects of physiology, cellular and molecular biology, as well as behavioral and cognitive science. Recent technological and theoretical advances offer promising opportunities for better understanding of the nervous system at the quantitative level. New optogenetic, in vitro and in vivo multielectrode recording, neuroimaging, brain imaging, and other modern techniques provide high-quality data that can be used in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of information processing in the nervous system. The rapidly growing pool of experimental data has triggered the development of new mathematical models that can provide new insights into the functioning of the nervous system at various scales, ranging from that of molecular biology to that of the organizational principles of behavior and cognition. Sophisticated analyses of intracellular signaling or dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks, conditional behavior, or connections of brain regions in decision-making lead to theoretical problems, addressed by operations research. Although, operations research is actively used in bottom-up approaches--from experimental observation to consistent theory-- it also widely overlaps modern and rapidly developing formal theories, for example the free-energy principle, integrated information theory, and may others. The special issue will cover a broad range of topics in the field of neuroscience using operations research approaches, methods, and theories. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas and methodologies of neuroscience: o intracellular signaling and regulation o synaptic plasticity o dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks o intelligent systems and control o perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral functions o learning and memory o spatio-temporal network analysis o behavioral economics and finance o linguistics and cognition o combinatorial optimization o signal and information processing o neuroimaging and functional brain imaging processing o computational modeling and simulation o formal theoretical approaches: the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian inference, etc. The use of methods from modern operations research in neuroscience is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to enter the reviewing process. Annals of Operations Research is abstracted and indexed in the following databases: Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded (SciSearch), Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, SCOPUS, INSPEC, Zentralblatt Math, Google Scholar, EBSCO, CSA, ProQuest, ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide, Academic OneFile, Academic Search, Computer Abstracts International Database, Computer Science Index, CSA Environmental Sciences, Current Contents/Engineering, Computing and Technology, DBLP, ECONIS, Expanded Academic, International Abstracts in Operations Research, Mathematical Reviews, OCLC, SCImago, STMA-Z, Summon by ProQuest. The Special Issue is officially endorsed by EURO Conference 2018, Valencia. Guest Editors: Erik Kropat, Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan, Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Important Date: Submission deadline of full papers: December 1, 2018. Submission Details: The format of manuscripts for the Annals of Operations Research as well as guidelines can be found on the web page of Springer, the publisher of the journal: http://www.springer.com/journal/10479/submission. Authors should submit a cover letter mentioning that the paper is for a special issue and a manuscript via the journal's online submission site: http://www.editorialmanager.com/anor. When prompted, please select the article type “S.I.: OR in Neuroscience II”. All papers submitted for publication will be carefully refereed. In case of any question please contact by e-mail one of the following guest editors: Dr. Erik Kropat Department of Computer Science Universität der Bundeswehr München Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39 85577 Neubiberg, Germany E-mail: erik.kropat(a)gmx.de Dr. Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail: rtikid(a)lsuhsc.edu Prof. Dr. Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Faculty of Engineering Management Chair of Marketing and Economic Engineering Poznan University of Technology ul. Strzelecka 11 60-965 Poznan, Poland E-mail: gerhard.weber(a)put.poznan.pl

Nov. 11, 2018

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf Germany

by Martina Reske

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf Germany One PhD position is available in computational neuroscience with a focus on mathematical modeling of brain dynamics based on neuroimaging data in the lab of Prof. Dr. Simon Eickhoff at Jülich Research Centre and University of Düsseldorf in Germany. The PhD candidate will work on projects involving large-scale dynamical brain models derived from multimodal neuroimaging data (structural, functional & diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) combined with numerical simulations and analysis of model dynamics and parameter space. We are specifically looking for candidates with training in applied mathematics/computational neuroscience or related fields and experience in programming and numerical simulation of neuronal models/nonlinear dynamics systems. The candidate will be responsible for derivation, validation and analytical and numerical investigation of the whole-brain dynamical models, preparation of necessary neuroimaging data, and writing manuscripts for publication. The position provides an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment and training in mathematical modeling of neuroimaging data and methods for data analysis. More details on the lab: http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-7/EN/ Requirements: * Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. * Experience with programming languages such as C/C++/CUDA/Python/Matlab/R. * Familiarity with numerical simulations of nonlinear dynamical systems/differential equations. Experience with high-performance computing is a plus. * Strong writing, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. * Experience with neuroimaging data processing and related analysis packages (FSL, SPM, MRtrix, etc.) will be of advantage. To apply: Please send your CV, names of two referees, one-page letter of motivation (emphasizing any related work/projects) and representative publications if any (up to 3) to Oleksandr Popovych via email (o.popovych(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:o.popovych@fz-juelich.de>). Please mention “PhD application” in the subject. -- Dr. Martina Reske Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany Work +49.2461.611916 Work Cell +49.151.26156918 Fax +49.2461.619460 www.csn.fz-juelich.de<http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de> Office hours: TU & FR 9.00-17, WE & TH 9.00-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 9, 2018

Ph.D. position in deep learning for signal processing at University of Oldenburg

by Jörn Anemüller

A Ph.D. position in the field of deep learning for signal processing is available at University of Oldenburg, Germany, within the newly established, DFG-funded collaborative research centre "CRC 1330 - Hearing Acoustics" in the group of Jörn Anemüller. For details, see below or contact me directly (joern.anemueller(a)uol.de, https://uol.de/en/computational-audition/statistical-modelling/) Kind regards, Jörn The Computational Audition Group at the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, University of Oldenburg, Germany, seeks a highly motivated PhD student (75 % of full time, TV-L E13, 3 years, with possibility of extension) in the field of Deep Learning for Signal Processing Our group investigates audio signal recognition with multi-channel microphone arrays, identifying important sound sources in real-world acoustic scenes, and performing source separation to enhance e.g. an attended speech signal. Applicants for the position must hold an academic university degree (master or equivalent) in physics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline and should have knowledge in at least one of the following fields: - machine learning, - speech recognition, - acoustic event detection, - speech and audio processing. Excellent knowledge of scientific programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, as well as excellent English language skills are required. The position is funded by the newly established DFG collaborative research centre CRC 1330 "Hearing Acoustics", which aims at improving human communication in real-world acoustic scenes and is a long-term collaboration of researchers from Oldenburg, Aachen and Munich. For more information about the CRC see https://www.uni-oldenburg.de/sfb1330. The Computational Audition Group is part of the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics at University of Oldenburg. We offer an international scientific environment and world-class research facilities. For more information about the group and the department see https://uol.de/computational-audition/ and https://uol.de.de/en/mediphysics-acoustics/. The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of women in science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification. Applications including a CV, a motivation letter, copies of relevant certificates and the name and contact details of two references should be sent as single pdf-file to joern.anemueller(a)uni-oldenburg.de or to Dr. Jörn Anemüller Faculty VI Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics Universität Oldenburg D - 26111 Oldenburg Tel. (+49) 441 798 3610 The application deadline is 28th of November 2018. *******************************************************

Nov. 9, 2018

Re: [Comp-neuro] PhD Studentship in Computational Neuroscience

by Dimitris Pinotsis

The School of Psychology at City, University of London, is offering * one full-time, three-year doctoral studentship for 2019/20 entry*. Applications are invited from exceptional UK, EU, and international graduates wishing to pursue cutting-edge research in the following areas of Neuroscience and Psychology: *Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Computational Psychiatry, Decision Making, Behavioral Economics, Counselling, Health and Organizational Psychology. * For information on how to apply for the studentships, please go to https://www.city.ac.uk/courses/research-degrees/psychology *Closing date: 23.59 on 20th January 2019* For any enquiries, please email SASS-enquiries(a)city.ac.uk We encourage potential applicants to contact prospective supervisors to discuss possible research projects prior to submitting an application. For further details about the psychology department please go to https://www.city.ac.uk/arts-social-sciences/psychology#unit=research where you will find information about research groups and individual staff interests. Full information about all our doctoral studentships can be found at: https://www.city.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries/sa… *What is Offered* · An annual bursary at the prevailing ESRC rate (£16,777 in 2018/19) · A full tuition-fee waiver for UK and EU students. Applications from overseas applicants are welcome, but the applicant must make appropriate arrangements to cover the difference between the overseas and UK tuition fee. · Further funds to support research expenses (up to £1000 over three years) As part of our commitment to doctoral student training, you will also be eligible for appointment as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and are likely to be offered teaching-related duties within your department (to a maximum of 150 hours each year). This work will be paid in full. *Eligibility* The studentships will be awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and the potential to produce cutting-edge research. · Applicants must hold at least a 2.1 honours degree and a merit-level Master’s degree in a relevant subject (or international equivalent) · Applicants whose first language is not English must have achieved at least 7.0 in IELTS or a recognised equivalent · Applicants must not be currently registered as a doctoral student at City, University of London, or any other academic institution <SASS-enquiries(a)city.ac.uk>

Nov. 9, 2018

PhD Projects - ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies

by David Grayden

Current PhD Project Openings at the ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies We are seeking Expressions of Interest from potential Graduate Researchers to work on the following PhD projects in Australia. These project are embedded within the Centre, where up to 14 PhD students, 5 post-doctoral researchers, and 11 University of Melbourne staff will collaborate across 4 research streams with researchers at IBM Research and a number of Australian Universities, including The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, the University of South Australia, and Western Sydney University. Each student will be jointly supervised by Universities and IBM Research and will spend at least 12 months of their candidature working on site at an IBM Research laboratory. These positions are supported by a scholarship and a supplemented living stipend of A$34,848 per annum. Projects available: 1. Context-specific clinical decision support leveraging clinical practice guidelines 2. Multi-document summarisation supporting clinical evidence review 3. Seizure forecasting using neural networks 4. Deep learning for fitting neural mass models to EEG 5. Brain-computer interfaces for low-powered mobile/wearable devices 6. Multimodal brain-computer interfaces for augmented reality and virtual reality applications If interested, please visit: http://aimedtech.org.au/phd-openings.html Regards, David Professor David B. Grayden Head of Department Dept of Biomedical Engineering Melbourne School of Engineering The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia http://www.bme.unimelb.edu.au | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgrayden [cid:image001.jpg@01D1F264.94C20650] This email and any attachments may contain personal information or information that is otherwise confidential or the subject of copyright. Any use, disclosure or copying of any part of it is prohibited. The University does not warrant that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or defects. Please check any attachments for viruses and defects before opening them. If this email is received in error please delete it and notify us by return email.

Nov. 7, 2018

One fMRI MVPA Post-Doc (very competitive salary) 5 year position available under an ERC Starting Grant on the organization of object knowledge

by Jorge Almeida

The Proaction Laboratory (Perception and Recognition of Objects and Actions; http://gaius.fpce.uc.pt/pessoais/jorgealmeida/proaction_home.html; Jorge Almeida’s Lab) at the University of Coimbra (www.uc.pt) Portugal is looking for a motivated and bright Post-doctoral researcher to work on an ERC Starting Grant project (ContentMAP) on the neural organization of object knowledge. In this project we will explore how complex information is topographically organized in the brain using fMRI and state of the art analytical techniques, as well as computational approaches, and neuromodulation. Excellent understanding of and experience with fMRI and data analysis is required. Strong programming skills (matlab, python, etc.) are also a requirement. Experience with data analysis techniques using MVPA and other multivariate approaches (e.g., Representation Similarity Analysis). Very good English (oral and written) communicative skills are necessary. The position is for a maximum of 5 years, and will start in February 2019. The position involves no formal teaching (unless the candidate wants to). It does involve, however, lab mentoring. The salary is extremely competitive – between 2200 and 2400 euros per month (dependent on experience), tax free (annual 26400-28800 euros tax free). This value is on par with the average salaries at top American institutions, as well as London, Paris, etc. However, the cost of living in Portugal (and particularly in Coimbra) is much lower. According to Numbeo, 2400 euros would be equivalent to 4850 pounds in London/4800 euros in Paris/6615 USD in Boston/6210 USD in Los Angeles/ 8330 USD in New York). The researcher will work directly with Jorge Almeida in Coimbra, but the laboratory has extensive collaborations with researchers throughout the world. In fact, there may be the option of spending some time in another lab as part of the position. The researcher will also be encouraged to develop her/his own projects and look for additional funding so that the stay can be extended. We have access to a 3T MRI scanner with a 32-channel coil (with EEG inside the scanner), to tDCS with neuronavigation, and to a fully set psychophysics lab. We have EEG and eyetracking on site. We also have access, through other collaborations, to a 7T scanner. Finally, the University of Coimbra is a 700 year old University and has been selected as a UNESCO world Heritage site. Coimbra is one of the most lively university cities in the world, and it is a beautiful city with easy access to the beach and mountain. The deadline for the application is NOVEMBER 20, but you should apply as soon as you can, as we may fill in the positions sooner than the deadline if there are candidates with a superb fit with the requirements and project. The interested candidates should email Jorge Almeida for questions and applications. Please send an email with the subject “Post-doc position underERC - ContentMAP” with your*curriculum vitae, list of publications, 2 reference letters, and a short description of your experience in the field and how you fulfill the requirements (fit with the position)* to: jorgealmeida(a)fpce.uc.pt.

Nov. 6, 2018

Research internship for 2nd year master student in Toulouse, France

by MASQUELIER Timothee

TOPIC: Spiking neural networks for bird song detection SUPERVISORS: Timothée Masquelier (computational neuroscience) and Thomas Pellegrini (machine learning for audio processing) STARTING DATE: early 2019 DURATION: 5 months PLACE: Toulouse, France (Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition and Institut de Recherche en Informatique de Toulouse) STIPEND: 560€/month The goal of the internship is to use spiking neural networks (SNN) to detect bird songs in audio recordings. Several learning rules will be evaluated, including spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). More information: https://www.dropbox.com/s/psvqubjdlral6zf/Masquelier-Pellegrini-AO%20M2%20T… We are looking for an outstanding student with a strong quantitative background (computer science, physics, applied maths...) and a keen interest in neuroscience. Applicants should send their CV and a brief statement of purpose to: timothee.masquelier(a)cnrs.fr and Thomas.Pellegrini(a)irit.fr Informal enquiries are welcome.

Nov. 5, 2018

Postdoc at Aix-Marseille University in computational modelling of basal-ganglia-cortico-cerebellar circuits

by BATTAGLIA Demian

Applications are invited for a: POSTDOCTORAL POSITION at Aix-Marseille University (southern France) under the joint mentoring of Dr. Demian Battaglia (Institute for Systems Neuroscience - INS) and Dr. Nicole Malfait (Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone - INT). This two-years position is funded by the project ANR (Agence National de la Recherche) “SENCE - Movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease: The role of somatoSENsory deficits and CErebellar anomalies”, involving researchers from Aix-Marseille University and the University of Oxford, as well as clinicians of the Hôpital de la Timone (AP-HM). In the context of this project, behavioral, electrophysiological (EEG/subthalamic nucleus LFP) and neuroimaging data will be recorded in patients with Parkinson's disease, under different medication (ON/OFF L-Dopa) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) conditions. In particular, effects of conventional continuous “open-loop” and "closed-loop" (adaptive) DBS will be contrasted. Rich expertise will be thus available in psychophysics and electrophysiology of sensorimotor systems (Nicole Malfait, INT; Huiling Tan, University of Oxford), structural and functional neuroimaging analyses (Olivier Coulon, INT), basal ganglia involvement in sensorimotor coordination (Andrea Brovelli, INT), and DBS (Alexandre Eusebio, AP-HM; Huiling Tan, University of Oxford) and theoretical and computational modelling of oscillating circuits dynamics (Demian Battaglia, INS). The postdoctoral fellow will participate to the design of circuit models (mean-field and spiking) with realistic anatomy, including known basal ganglia/cortical loops, as well as connections between basal ganglia and cerebellum, whose role has been until now only poorly studied. It has indeed recently been hypothesized that basal ganglia deregulation may directly interact with cerebellar predictive functions contributing to movement disorders in Parkinsons’s disease. Computational simulations of extended BG–cortex–cerebellum circuits will be used to reverse engineer circuit mechanisms responsible for the transition from normal to pathological oscillatory dynamics –also in relation to Dopamine levels– and to model and optimize the impact of adaptive deep brain stimulation protocols. Candidates should have already acquired experience in the computational modelling of neural circuits during their PhD. Previous experience in the modelling of BG circuits is a plus. Candidates should be able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international work environment. Salary corresponds to French national guidelines (~2K € net per month, experience-dependent), with travel and equipment funds. The successful candidate will integrate the Theoretical Neuroscience Group at the Institute for Systems Neuroscience (INS), located on the same campus as the Institut des Neuroscience de la Timone (INT) and the Hôpital de la Timone (AP-HM). The integrative and clinical neuroscience community in Marseille is among the most lively in Europe and Marseille is a vibrating city, with wonderful natural surroundings and home to the largest French-speaking university in the world, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Interested candidates should send a cv, a brief description of qualifications and research interests and the name of two reference contacts to both the co-directors: Demian Battaglia demian.battaglia(a)univ-amu.fr<mailto:demian.battaglia@univ-amu.fr> Nicole Malfait nicole.malfait(a)univ-amu.fr<mailto:nicole.malfait@univ-amu.fr> Feel free to inquire for further information. Applications from under-represented categories in STEM sciences are welcome and supported.

Nov. 4, 2018

Postdoc Position in Neural Data Analysis, University of Edinburgh

by Arno Onken

The School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, invites applications for a full-time, fixed term Research Associate position on the project "Novel techniques for stochastic modelling of time-dependent multivariate relationships with application to primary visual cortex", funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and directed by Dr Arno Onken (PI). The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a new framework for analysing multi-modal and multi-scale neural recordings. Moreover, the candidate will apply this framework to analyse activity of large neural populations recorded from awake mice during a virtual reality task by experimental project partner Dr Nathalie Rochefort. Candidates should have a PhD (or near completion) in a quantitative discipline (Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Computational Neuroscience or related), good software development skills and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. A background in neuroscience is desirable, but not essential. The post is full time and fixed term at UE07: £33,199 - £39,609 pa. The post is available from 1st March 2019 for 36 months until the scheduled end of the project at 28th February 2022. For further information, please visit the vacancy website at: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobs… Informal enquires can be made to Dr Arno Onken <aonken(a)inf.ed.ac.uk>. -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Oct. 30, 2018

PhD in Cognitive Sciences at UC Irvine

by Jeff Krichmar

Dear colleagues, The Department of Cognitive Sciences at UC Irvine has a number of openings for new graduate students starting Fall of 2019. We are in the process of expanding our graduate program, so please feel free to forward this information to any interested parties. All this information and more can be found via cogs.ci. Our department specializes in • Computational and mathematical cognitive modeling • Cognitive neuroscience • Visual and auditory perception • Attention and representation • Learning and development • Memory and language • Judgment and decision making ... and is generally strong in the use of leading technologies such as EEG, fMRI, and robotics, and of modern research tools such as computational methods, big data, and Bayesian statistics. We offer PhD degrees in Cognitive Sciences with an optional specialization in cognitive neuroscience and an optional joint degree (MS/PhD) in Statistics. We also take pride in offering excellent financial packages to our graduate students, including at least five years of guaranteed support, health insurance, research funding, and more. These positions are also open to international students with appropriate academic qualifications (i.e., a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field). This year's deadline to apply is December 1, 2018. We are happy to answer questions you or your students might have. Best, Joachim & Jeff -- Joachim Vandekerckhove Associate Professor Department of Cognitive Sciences Department of Statistics University of California, Irvine Jeff Krichmar Department of Cognitive Sciences 2328 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 jkrichma(a)uci.edu http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma

Oct. 30, 2018

Faculty position at the University of Minnesota, School of Mathematics

by Duane Nykamp

The School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota has identified Mathematical Biology, including Computational Neuroscience, as a priority area for hiring and invites qualified candidates to apply. Current areas of focus in the department are cancer modeling, cell motility, continuum mechanics in biology, neuroscience, and stochastic processes. Application available at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/12436.

Oct. 30, 2018

Postdoctoral Position - BRAIN Initiative

by Woolnough, Oscar

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITIONS FUNDED BY BRAIN INITIATIVE GRANT Postdoctoral research positions are available in the lab of Nitin Tandon in Houston. This position is funded by a BRAIN Initiative U01 grant project that uses electro-corticographic (ECoG) recordings and fMRI on a large cohort (n>80) to evaluate psycholinguistic models of reading and speech production to create network level representations of language. Collaborators on the project include Greg Hickok, Stanislas Dehaene, Nathan Crone and Xaq Pitkow; the post-doc will benefit from a close interaction with these experts in the fields of reading, semantics, speech production and computational neuroscience. The selected individuals are expected to be a highly motivated team players with a passion to study cognitive processes using imaging, direct recordings and closed-loop cortical stimulation in humans. They will be responsible for 1) data collection in the epilepsy monitoring unit and in the MRI scanner 2) ECoG and/or fMRI data analysis using analysis pipelines existent in the lab and via the development of innovative analytic strategies including machine learning and AI approaches 3) data presentation at conferences and manuscript preparation. The selected individuals must have a Ph.D. in a field relating to: neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, mathematics, electrical engineering or computer science. Previous experience in neural time series data analysis, functional imaging studies or studies of language and speech production are desirable – but not crucial. They must possess the ability to independently code in any or all of the following: MATLAB, R or Python. Given the multiple unpredictable variables and privacy issues around data collection in human patients, the individual must possess high ethical and professionalism standards, be able to adapt to a changing environment, reorganize schedules dynamically, and work with short deadlines. A strong publication record and excellent academic credentials are highly desirable. CONTACT DR. NITIN TANDON: Nitin.Tandon(a)uth.tmc.edu<mailto:Nitin.Tandon@uth.tmc.edu> Candidates who are attending the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting at San Diego in November should reach out to schedule a meeting.

Oct. 29, 2018

SfN 2018 - Visit the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience at booth #4325

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

Dear all, The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience will be an exhibitor at the SfN Meeting 2018. Please find us at the NEUROSCIENCE IN GERMANY booth #4325. The Bernstein Network will present: * research fields * study and training programs * open positions * research and funding opportunities * infrastructural facilities Furthermore, the German Neuroinformatics Node (G-Node) will present their data management services for organizing, sharing, and publishing research data. Demo presentations times are: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday (Nov 4, 5, 7) 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm, or by individual appointment (mail to: info(a)g-node.org<mailto:info@g-node.org>). We are looking forward to welcoming you at booth #4325! Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwaelder -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> 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 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oct. 29, 2018

Postdoctoral Swartz Fellowship Positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at Yale University

by Murray, John

Postdoctoral Swartz Fellowship Positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at Yale University The Swartz Center in Theoretical Neurobiology at Yale University invites applications for up to two postdoctoral positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, with flexible start date from mid to late 2019. Competitive candidates include those with a strong quantitative background who wish to gain neuroscience research experience. We especially encourage candidates with an interest in collaborating directly with experimental neuroscientists. The candidates will be expected to perform theoretical/computational studies relevant to one or more laboratories of the Swartz Center at Yale (for a list of affiliated faculty, see: https://medicine.yale.edu/neuroscience/swartz/corelabs.aspx) and will be encouraged to participate in an expanding quantitative biology environment. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by the time of beginning the fellowship. Please send a Curriculum Vitae, selected reprints, contact information for three references, and a statement of research interests including the laboratories of interest at Yale. All application materials should be sent electronically to the following e-mail address: john.murray(a)yale.edu<mailto:john.murray@yale.edu> Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but priority will be given to those received on or before January 12th, 2019. For any questions, please contact John Murray<mailto:john.murray@yale.edu?subject=Swartz%20fellowship>. Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, students, and staff and especially welcomes applications from women and underrepresented minorities. http://neurojobs.sfn.org/jobs/10584092/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__neurojobs.sfn.org_jobs_…> John D. Murray ----------------------------------------------- Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine murraylab.yale.edu<http://murraylab.yale.edu/> -----------------------------------------------

Oct. 29, 2018

Post-doctoral positions: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory in Health and Disease

by Annabelle Singer

Post-doctoral positions available: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory in Health and Disease Description Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the Singer lab at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine studyinghow neural activity produces memories and how stimulating neural activity affects memory and immune function in health and Alzheimer’s disease. To find out more about the Singer Lab, see our lab website http://singer.gatech.edu/ with our recent publications. Major Responsibilities: The successful applicants will examine (a) how neural activity produces memories of experiences or (b) how novel forms of non-invasive neural stimulation affects neural circuits, immune responses, and learning and memory. These projects will focus on the hippocampal circuit and related structures in health and Alzheimer’s disease using a variety of advanced neuroscience techniques. One set of projects will utilize virtual reality behavior, in vivo recordings from many single cells, histological analysis, and innovative data analysis methods in rodents. Another set of projects will use MRI, PET imaging, histological analysis, and molecular signaling assays in both rodents and human patients. This research involves collaboration with other groups at Georgia Tech and Emory and therefore a successful applicant must work well in a collaborative environment. These projects are fully funded for 3-5 years, pending satisfactory annual performance review. The projects offer significant opportunities to perform pioneering research and be trained in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. All lab members are actively trained in scientific methods and mentored in career development. Applicants will have extensive opportunities to interact with the dynamic, exciting, and collaborative neuroscience and neuroengineering communities at Georgia Tech and Emory University in one of the most affordable and livable major cities of the US. Qualifications The ideal candidates will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline and a record of leading scientific projects to completion. Previous experience with in related techniques including vivo experimentation, histology, behavior, electrophysiology, human or rodent MRI, and/or learning and memory is preferred. Candidates with experience performing advances data analysis or with quantitative backgrounds like signal processing, electrical engineering, and/or programming are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and the ability to both collaborate with a team and lead projects. How to Apply: If you meet these requirements and are interested in this position, please provide your detailed CV, a cover letter stating your research interests, and names and contact information for two or three references to Annabelle Singer: asinger(a)gatech.edu Department Description The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Techis part of a vibrant biomedical community in Atlanta that includes the Emory School of Medicine, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Winship Cancer Institute, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Georgia ImmunoEngineering Consortium, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, and more. This rich scientific environment provides unique and unparalleled research opportunities, including seminars given by leaders in science and engineering from throughout the U.S. and abroad, opportunities for collaborations, exposure to diverse research programs, and sophisticated core facilities. As such, we offer the best of internationally renowned institutions. The partnerships have created an outstanding undergraduate program and graduate program, now ranked No. 2 in the world. Georgia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Annabelle Singer Assistant Professor Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech & Emory University 313 Ferst Drive Atlanta, GA 30332 Web: http://singer.gatech.edu/ Email: asinger(a)bme.gatech.edu

Oct. 27, 2018

DPG Focus Session "Collective dynamics in neural networks"

by Johannes Zierenberg

Dear all, It is our pleasure to invite you to the focus session "Collective dynamics in neural networks" at the upcoming DPG (German Physical Society) spring meeting: 31 March - 05 April 2019 Regensburg, Germany The aim of the focus session is to provide a forum for discussions on the emergence of a rich set of collective dynamics in neural networks from a physicist perspective. We want to discuss principles that determine collective dynamics as well as the transitions between them, e.g., the role of local learning rules, topology and noise. The focus session consists of two invited talks (Moritz Helias and Anna Levina), selected contributed talks, and a poster session. If you are interested, we encourage you to contribute by submitting an abstract (http://regensburg19.dpg-tagungen.de/programm/abstract) until 01.12.2018 (Bereich: BP). In any case, we welcome you to attend the focus session. Of course, you are more than welcome to share this announcement with your colleagues. Best wishes, Johannes Zierenberg and Viola Priesemann -- Dr. Johannes Zierenberg Postdoctoral Researcher Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany https://zierenberg.github.io

Oct. 26, 2018

Doctoral Scholarships

by Christopher Laurie Buckley

Hi all, Our new round (2019) of Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships ‘From Sensation and Perception to Awareness’ at the University of Sussex are now online. See, https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications <https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications> Please have a look at all the great projects. Among the offered projects is one with me on the free energy principle, cognition and robotics so please get in touch if your interested. Best, Chris Dr Christopher L. Buckley Senior Lecturer in Neural Computation Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems Group Sussex Neuroscience Department of Informatics and Engineering University of Sussex Falmer Brighton, UK Twitter: @drclbuckley email: c.l.buckley(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:c.l.buckley@sussex.ac.uk>

Oct. 26, 2018

Open PhD and Postoc positions in Berlin: Learning in spiking neural networks

by Gütig, Robert

The newly formed research group "Mathematical modeling of neuronal learning", headed by Robert Gütig is seeking highly motivated researchers at the PhD and postdoctoral level to study information processing and learning in spiking neural networks. The group is funded by the Berlin Institute of Health and located at the Charité Medical School in the center of Berlin. Our close proximity to the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience facilitates close interactions between our group and Berlin’s vibrant and growing neuroscience community. We use analytical and numerical modeling techniques to identify the computational principles underlying spike based information processing and learning in the central nervous system and to understand how these principles are implemented by biological processes. Open projects center around, but are not limited to, the recently developed tempotron family of spiking neuronal network models (e.g. Gütig & Sompolinsky 2006; Gütig 2016). The positions are available immediately. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational neuroscience or a related field and a keen interest in neurobiology and machine learning. Good programming skills (e.g. in C and/or Python) are important and experience with numerical simulations highly beneficial. Previous exposure to neuroscience is preferred but not required. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Please send your application or questions to Robert Gütig (robert.guetig at charite.de). When applying please include a detailed CV (including degrees, current academic transcripts, and publication record) and the names and contact information of two referees.

Oct. 25, 2018

PhD positions in the Neural Reckoning group at Imperial College

by Dan Goodman

One or more PhD positions in theoretical and computational neuroscience are available in the group of Dan Goodman at Imperial College London (http://neural-reckoning.org) I am interested in supervising students with a strong mathematical, computational or neuroscience background. Projects could be carried out in several possible areas relating to the work in the group. Some suggestions for topics that would be interesting to me are below, but I'm very happy to consider other possibilities. In addition to working within the group, studying at Imperial College provides excellent opportunities for interacting with other theoretical and experimental researchers, both at Imperial and in the many neuroscience groups in London. Suggested areas include: * Spiking neural networks * Auditory and other sensory systems * Machine learning and neuroscience * Simulation and data analysis For more detail, see: http://neural-reckoning.org/openings.html Applicants should initially send me a brief CV and cover letter with a description of research interests or a proposed project, and will eventually have to formally apply through the standard Imperial College mechanism (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/electrical-engineering/study/phd/) There are no strict deadlines, although chances of success are higher for earlier applications as I will consider them as they arrive. EU students from outside the UK are particularly encouraged to apply before Christmas. Funded offers made before Brexit day (March 29) will be honoured by Imperial no matter what happens in the Brexit negotiations, and the last funding panel meeting before that will probably be in early February. So, applying before Christmas means we will have time to process the application and arrange an interview before that meeting. Imperial College requirements: * General requirements: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/ * Country-specific minimum grades: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/pgacademic/ Dan Goodman

Oct. 25, 2018

SoAIR 2019: IEEE-RAS Spring School on "Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots" in Japan

by Amir Aly

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are pleased to call for applications for the IEEE-RAS spring school on: "*Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots*" * Which will be held from 17-24 March, 2019 in Shonan Village, Japan *after the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) conference that will be held in the near South Korea. *Webpage: **https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/* <https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/> *I. Aim and Scope *Autonomous and intelligent systems are progressively moving into spaces, which have previously been predominantly shaped by human agency. Unlike in the past where machines obediently served their human operators, machines now increasingly act without the intervention of a human. Artificial intelligence is meeting new challenges in the world, though human-like intelligence may still be a distant goal. Robots in factories are coming out of their cages. Autonomous cars are being tested on streets with regular human-driven cars. The private household is changing with the appearance of not only robotic vacuum cleaners, but also with the first-generation of social robots and smart devices. The challenges that face both the robotics and artificial intelligence communities are how the necessary intelligence for such new environments can be created as well as how to make artificial agents capable of not only solving tasks at hand but also considering social environments around them during interaction with human users so as to behave appropriately. Within the school, we plan to address the tension created by the balance between task-specific artificial intelligence and the demands of sociability required to function effectively in human-centered environments. ** *This spring school is a Technical Education Program (TEP) endorsed and supported by IEEE-RAS*. ** *The school aims at bridging the gap between social and cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) through high-level talks and hands-on workshops (the program will be announced soon).* *II. Keynote Speakers (More Speakers in HRI, AI, and Autonomous Vehicles will join the list soon): * 1. * Jun Tani *– Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan 2. *Daniele Magazzeni *– King's College London, UK 3. * Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan 4. * Tetsuya Ogata* – Waseda University, Japan 5. *Maya Cakmak *– University of Washington, USA 6. *Mohamed Chetouani *– University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), France 7. *Agnieszka Wykowska *– Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy 8. *Tetsunari Inamura *– National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan 9. *Amit Kumar Pandey *– SoftBank (Aldebaran) Robotics, France 10. *Francesco Maurelli *– Jacobs University, Germany (*A special talk about preparing funding proposals*) *III. Submission * The applications must include the following files (combined into one file). No other documents would be necessary (More information is available on the school's webpage). 1. *Curriculum vitae*: A two pages or less of CV detailing relevant aspects of the candidate's academic career that demonstrates her/his relevance to the school theme. 2. *Research abstract*: A 200 word research abstract that the candidate intends to present during the school. 3. *Letter of recommendation*: A short letter from the academic advisor or the employer of the candidate supporting her/his application. *Application submission*: Please use the following EasyChair web link:* Application Submission <https://easychair.org/account/signin.cgi?timeout=1;key=79456763.59XbW247MFR…>.* *IV. Important Dates * 1. Application submission: *20-December, 2018 * 2. Notification of acceptance: *28-December, 2018 * 3. Spring School: *17-24 March, 2019* *V. Organizers * 1. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 2. *Franziska Kirstein *– Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark 3. * Shashank Pathak *– Visteon Corporation, Germany --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

Oct. 25, 2018

Workshop application deadline extended: "Neuronal circuits in motor behavior" - OIST, Okinawa

by Marylka Yoe Uusisaari

Dear all, It is our pleasure to announce the workshop "Neuronal Circuits in Motor Behavior" (NCMB) that will take place at OIST, Okinawa, February 18 - 20th, 2019. Among the numerous functions performed by the brain, creating precise, efficient movements is the most fundamental one without which no behavior could be expressed. The importance of motor control is accentuated by the fact that multiple distinct brain systems are involved in it, and thus understanding the neuronal codes leading to the skilled animal or human movements critically depends on researching the systems in a synergistic manner. The workshop brings together established scientists and rising leaders from computational, systemic neuroscience and behavioural fields, to explore and portray the various aspects and constraints of animal movement and the neuronal circuits underlying their execution. The three days will comprise of talks, poster presentations as well as more free-form discussion sessions aiming to foster collaboration. We encourage applications from students, post docs and faculty across any related fields, and *will cover travel and accommodation *for 30 accepted attendees, based on the background and motivation statements. More information, including application webform, can be found at https://groups.oist.jp/ncmb. *Note:* application deadline has been extended to November 15th, 2019. Best wishes, Marylka Yoe Uusisaari & NCMB organizers

Oct. 24, 2018

Faculty position in neuroscience

by Keller, Asaf

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology<http://neurobiology.umaryland.edu/> is recruiting tenured/tenure-track faculty, at all ranks. We are interested in candidates with quantitative skills whose research complements existing strengths in the Department. Although we will consider all relevant research areas, we are particularly interested in research focusing on pain, neural circuits of motivated behaviors & addiction, sensory perception or neurodegeneration. Rank and tenure status is dependent on candidate’s qualifications. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarly activity. Highest priority will be given to candidates with an independent, funded research program. We offer an outstanding intellectual and collaborative environment with highly competitive salary and recruitment packages. All department faculty are members of the Graduate Program in Life Sciences<http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/> interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience<http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/neuroscience>. Candidates should submit, as a single PDF to ANfacsearch(a)som.umaryland.edu<mailto:ANfacsearch@som.umaryland.edu>: curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and vision, and contact information for three references. Candidates should submit their application to the attention of Asaf Keller, Chairs of Faculty Search Committee.

Oct. 23, 2018

workshop “Cortical models for visual perception and imaging applications” at the Institut de mathématiques de Jussieu - Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG)

by Benedetta Franceschiello

Dear all, It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the workshop “Cortical models for visual perception and imaging applications” (https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/) that we are organising at the Institut de mathématiques de Jussieu - Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG)(room 15-16-413) on November 22nd, in partnership with the workshop “Géométrie et représentation de la couleur” (link: http://www.gdr-isis.fr/index.php?page=reunion&idreunion=359) organised on November 21st by Edoardo Provenzi. The aim of the workshop is to gather people working in the field of mathematical and neurophysiological modelling of human brain, from a theoretical and applied point of view, with particular emphasis on imaging methods based on visual perception. An updated schedule will be provided at this page: https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/program The registration is free, but mandatory for organisation purposes, *by November 16*. To register you should log-in to the website with your HAL credentials (on the top right corner of the page https://liftme.sciencesconf.org/) If you encounter any problem in the registration process, please send an e-mail to liftme(a)sciencesconf.org Best wishes, The organisers Luca Calatroni, Valentina Franceschi, Benedetta Franceschiello, Dario Prandi, Mario Sigalotti

Oct. 23, 2018

[journals] CfP : Special Issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning

by Nguyen, Sao Mai

Dear Colleagues, IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems is currently running a Special Issue entitled " Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning" : http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… We would like to invite you to prepare a research article or a comprehensive review to be published in this special issue. AIM AND SCOPE Although machine learning algorithms continue to improve at a rapid pace enabling technologies and products such as autonomous driving cars and sophisticated image and speech recognition, it is often forgotten that these applications represent tailored solutions to specific tasks. Thus it is not clear if or how these autonomous systems can pave the road to general purpose machines envisioned by many. The pursuit for higher levels of autonomy and versatility in robotics is arguably lead by two main factors. Firstly, as we push robots out of the labs and productions lines, it becomes increasingly difficult to design for all possible scenarios that a particular robot might encounter. Secondly, the cost of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining such systems becomes prohibitive. As the algorithms for learning single tasks in restricted environments are improving, new challenges have gained relevance in order to get more autonomous artificial systems. These challenges include multi-task learning, multimodal sensorimotor learning and lifelong adaptation to injury, growth and ageing. Addressing these challenges promise higher levels of autonomy and versatility of future robots. This special issue on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning is primarily concerned with the developmental processes involved in unsupervised sensorimotor learning in a life-long perspective, and in particular the emergence of representations of action and perception in humans and artificial agents in continual learning. These processes include action-perception cycle, active perception, continual sensory-motor learning, environmental-driven scaffolding, and intrinsic motivation. The special issue will highlight behavioural and neural data, and cognitive and developmental approaches to research in the areas of robotics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, etc. Contributions might focus on mathematical and computational models to improve robot performance and/or attempt to unveil the underlying mechanisms that lead to continual adaptation to changing environment or embodiment and continual learning in open-ended environments. Contributions from multiple disciplines including cognitive systems, cognitive robotics, developmental and epigenetic robotics, autonomous and evolutionary robotics, social structures, multi-agent and artificial life systems, computational neuroscience, and developmental psychology, on theoretical, computational, application-oriented, and experimental studies as well as reviews in these areas are welcome. THEMES This special issue aims to report state-of-the-art approaches and recent advances on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning with a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics relevant to this special issue include but are not limited to: Emergence of representations via continual interaction Continual sensory-motor learning Action-perception cycle Active perception Environmental-driven scaffolding Intrinsic motivation Neural substrates, neural circuits and neural plasticity Human and animal behaviour experiments and models Reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning for life-long learning Multisensory robot learning Multimodal sensorimotor learning Affordance learning Prediction learning SUBMISSION Manuscripts should be prepared according to the “Information for Authors” of the journal found at http://cis.ieee.org/component/content/article/7/131-ieee-transactions-on-au…. Submissions must be done through the IEEE TCDS Manuscript center: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcds-ieee. During the submission process, please select the category “SI: Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning”. IMPORTANT DATES 6th January 2019 – Paper submission deadline 15th March 2019 – Notification for authors 31st May 2019 – Deadline revised papers submission 30th June 2019 – Final notification for authors 31st July 2019 – Deadline for camera-ready versions September 2019 – Expected publication date More information on Continual Unsupervised Sensorimotor Learning http://projects.au.dk/socialrobotics/news-events/show/artikel/special-issue… GUEST EDITORS Nicolás Navarro-Gerrero Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark nng(a)eng.au.dk Sao Mai Nguyen IMT Atlantique, Francenguyensmai(a)gmail.com Erhan Öztop Özyeğin University, Turkeyerhan.oztop(a)ozyegin.edu.tr Junpei Zhong National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japanjoni.zhong(a)aist.go.jp ---- Nguyen Sao Mai nguyensmai(a)gmail.com Researcher in Cognitive Developmental Robotics http://nguyensmai.free.fr

Oct. 23, 2018

Computational Neuroscience Software Developer / Research Associate Position

by Stephanie Jones

Conducting interviews at SFN for a Brown University Computational Neuroscience Position Applications are invited for a research software developer / research associate position in the lab of Dr. Stephanie Jones at Brown University in Providence, RI. The level of the hire depends on experience. Our group combines human electrophysiological recordings and computational neural modeling techniques to study the mechanisms and meaning of brain dynamics in health and disease. We collaborate extensively with animal electrophysiologists and clinicians to develop data constrained models that are translationally relevant. The software developer / research associate will work with a team of researchers at Brown, Mass General Hospital, and Yale, to help develop a new software tool for circuit level investigation of human magneto- and electro-encephalography (MEG/EEG) signals: Human Neocortical Neurosolver, HNN (https://hnn.brown.edu) <https://hnn.brown.edu)>. The goal of this software is to provide the community with a user friendly tool to develop and test hypotheses on the circuit origin of their data. The hired candidate will help support and expand HNN’s capabilities, including software development and working with researchers to apply HNN to specific neuroscience questions. Duties will also include development of tutorials, online resources, and participation in workshops aimed at training the community in the use and applicability of HNN. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in computer science, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and/or related field. Strong Python programming skills are required, and experience with neural modeling, particularly NEURON, is preferred. Familiarity with MEG/EEG analysis methods and/or non-invasive brain stimulation is also beneficial. Candidates should be able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and fun work environment. Interested candidates should send a cv and a brief description of qualifications and research interests to the Jones lab manager Dylan_S_Daniels(a)brown.edu <mailto:Dylan_S_Daniels@brown.edu>. ******************************************* Stephanie R. Jones, PhD Associate Professor Brown University Department of Neuroscience Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/ <https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/> Human Neocortical Neurosolver https://hnn.brown.edu <https://hnn.brown.edu/>

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoctoral researchers - computational modeling, EEG, TMS

by Stephanie Jones

Conducting interviews at SFN for a Brown University Human Imaging & Computational Neuroscience Position Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. Stephanie Jones at Brown University. Our group combines human electrophysiological recordings and computational neural modeling techniques to study the mechanisms and meaning of brain dynamics in health in disease. We collaborate extensively with animal electrophysiologists and clinicians to develop data constrained models that are translationally relevant. We are expanding our research efforts to including non-invasive brain stimulation. A postdoctoral position is available to integrate simultaneous human EEG and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in humans, with computational neural modeling developments. The postdoctoral researcher will help expand our new software tool Human Neocortical Neurosolver (https://hnn.brown.edu) <https://hnn.brown.edu)> for circuit level interpretation of EEG/MEG signals to include TMS studies. She/he will also help with the design, implementation and analysis of our TMS/EEG experiments. Candidates should have a PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, and/or related field. Strong quantitative and programming skills are required. The ideal candidate would have experience in computational neuroscience methods applied to human EEG and brain stimulation data. However, experience in all areas is not required. Candidates should be able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and fun work environment. Interested candidates should send a cv and a brief description of qualifications and research interests to the Jones lab manager Dylan_S_Daniels(a)brown.edu <mailto:Dylan_S_Daniels@brown.edu>. ******************************************* Stephanie R. Jones, PhD Associate Professor Brown University Department of Neuroscience Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/ <https://blogs.brown.edu/joneslab/> Human Neocortical Neurosolver https://hnn.brown.edu <https://hnn.brown.edu/>

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoc at Harvard in computational neuroscience

by Blum, Kenneth I.

The Swartz Program at Harvard University has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Based on a grant from the Swartz Foundation<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.theswartzfoundation…>, Harvard University established the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neuroscience. The Swartz Program supports a program in computational neuroscience, to foster research collaborations between theorists and experimentalists. Fellowships last for two years, and cover a stipend and support for travel to the annual Swartz meeting on computational neuroscience. Postdocs join a vibrant group of experimental and theoretical neuroscientists at Harvard's Center for Brain Science. Harvard's Swartz Program is led by its Director, Haim Sompolinsky. The Center for Brain Science includes junior and senior faculty doing research on a wide variety of topics, including neural mechanisms of rodent learning, decision-making, and sex-specific and social behaviors; human motor control; behavioral and fMRI studies of human cognition; circuit mechanisms of learning and behavior in worms, larval flies, and larval zebrafish; circuit mechanisms of individual differences in flies and humans; rodent and fly olfaction; inhibitory circuit development; retinal circuits; and large-scale reconstruction of detailed brain circuitry. Interested applicants should send a CV, statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Haim Sompolinsky (haim(a)fiz.huji.ac.il<mailto:haim@fiz.huji.ac.il>), Kenneth Blum (kenneth_blum(a)harvard.edu<mailto:kenneth_blum@harvard.edu>), or our newest faculty member, Cengiz Pehlevan (cpehlevan(a)seas.harvard.edu<mailto:cpehlevan@seas.harvard.edu>; https://pehlevan.seas.harvard.edu/) Applications should have “Swartz Fellowship” in the subject line. Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Oct. 22, 2018

Postdoctoral position in machine learning, event-based computer vision and spiking neural networks

by sio

The Vision and Natural Computation group from the Vision Institute, Paris, France, (http://www.institut-vision.org/en/) seeks experienced and outstanding applicants for a post-doctoral researcher in the fields of machine learning, event-based computer vision and spiking neural networks. The position is funded by the European Commission in the context of the European project ULPEC. The applicant will join the Vision and Natural Computation group, led by Pr R. Benosman. The team is the leading group in neuromorphic event based computation and active member of the international neuromorphic engineering community. It develops biology-inspired sensing and event-based technologies. The selected candidat will be working on designing the architecture and topology of spiking neural networks for pattern learning and recognition tasks, using the spike-based visual information provided by a neuromorphic camera. Spiking Timing Dependent Plasticity and Reservoir Computing based models will be in particular implemented, taking into account of their hardware feasibility (according to the performance and characteristics of ferroelectric memristors). The position will open in January 2019. Interested applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae with brief paragraphs of research interests, career goals and why you feel you are a good fit for the lab to " ryad.benosman at upmc.fr " and " sio-hoi.ieng at upmc.fr ". Please do also mention in the email earliest date at which you can join. S.H. ieng, PhD Vision and natural computation group, Vision institute. University Paris Sorbonnes,

Oct. 22, 2018

PhD opportunities at the MCEN group at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (Bilbao, Spain)

by Maurizio De Pitta

Please share with your colleagues and anyone who could be interested. The Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN; http://www.bcamath.org/en/research/lines/MCEN/description) at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM; http://www.bcamath.org/en/) in Bilbao (Spain) is seeking outstanding PhD students to work on several projects at the intersection of computational neuroscience, mathematical topology, biophysics and translational science. PhD projects currently available include (but are not limited to) : (Track A) 1. Control and tracking stability boundaries of neurons in real time via closed-loop computer- controlled electrophysiology. This will lead to intelligent machine brain interfaces, such as deep brain stimulators that can determine unstable states that lead to pathological oscillations (like in epilepsy); 2. Multiscale modeling of the biomolecular machinery that controls the various modes of neurotransmitter release for efficient synaptic communication. This includes feedback processes, such as the endocannabinoid system, that control the speed and frequency by which synaptic neurotransmitters are released. This critical process is thought to control pathological brain states; (Track B) 3. Mathematical modeling and development of analytical tools to study neuron-glial interactions (NGIs), from subcellular to network levels. Focus is both on mechanisms of learning at synaptic level and how NGIs could shape dynamics of cortical circuits in the healthy and diseased brain (More info: https://goo.gl/pJXEYJ) 4. Study of early cellular pathological markers for Alzheimer’s disease, with emphasis on neuron-glial interactions. The project is part of a strategic collaboration between BCAM/MCEN and Achucarro – the Basque Center for Neuroscience – and envisages a close collaboration with Dr. Carlos Matute’s group to test predictions from theoretical models in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (see also: https://goo.gl/Uifv2J) A fully-funded PhD scholarship of 4+1 years may be offered on competitive basis for ANY of the above projects (deadline : **Oct 29th, 2018**; 15:00 CET ; Info/Application : https://goo.gl/7CzNQr) A fully-funded PhD scholarship of 3 years is currently available for Project 4 ONLY (deadline : **Nov 6th, 2018**; 14:00 CET ; Info : https://goo.gl/Uifv2J; Application website : https://goo.gl/z72RzC) Candidates that are interested in any of the above topics, or would like to pursue a PhD in mathematical neuroscience are welcome to contact Drs. Serafim Rodrigues (Track A ; Webpage : https://goo.gl/tP9PBt; contact : srodrigues(a)bcamath.org) and Maurizio De Pittà (Track B ; Webpage : https://goo.gl/pJXEYJ; contact: mdepitta(a)bcamath.org) ----- Maurizio De Pitta' Research Fellow MCEN -- Group of Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Neuroscience BCAM -- Basque Center of Applied Mathematics https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta/home

Oct. 22, 2018

PhD Studentship at the University of Exeter: Building a model of the HypothalamicPituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis

by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira

Building a model of the HypothalamicPituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, BBSRC SWBio, PhD in Mathematics studentship (Funded) Ref: 3285 About the award Supervisors Lead Supervisor Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasov<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298>a, Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter Additional Supervisors Professor Craig McArdle<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/clinical-sciences/people/craig-a-mcardle/index.html>, University of Bristol Dr Margaritis Voliotis<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/mv286>, University of Exeter Location: University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Exeter EX4 4QJ The SWBio DTP<http://www.bris.ac.uk/swbio/> is one of the 12 Doctoral Training Partnerships funded by the BBSRC to provide PhD training in areas of their strategic relevance. The SWBio DTP is a consortium comprising the Universities of Bristol (lead), Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, and Rothamsted Research. Together, these institutions present a distinctive cadre of bioscience research staff and students with established international, national and regional networks and widely recognised research excellence. The award: There are over 30 (including up to 5 CASE studentships) fully-funded 4 year studentships* available to start in September 2019 across a wide range of biosicence academic disciplines. This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP)<http://www.bristol.ac.uk/swbio/>. Up to 6 fully-funded studentships are being offered to start in September 2019 at the University of Exeter. Project Description: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted from hypothalamic neurones to control secretion of the gonadotropin hormones LH and FSH form the anterior pituitary, and thereby mediates central control of reproduction. It secretes in pulses and its effects are dependent on pulse characteristics (particularly pulse frequency). One of the most important recent discoveries in the field of reproduction is that of the KNDy system. This is a peptidergic neuronal oscillator that drives pulsatile GnRH secretion. It also mediates feedback effects of gonadal steroid hormones that are essential for key reproductive processes such as the timing of puberty and seasonal breeding (i.e. in farm animals) and the fine-tuning of gonadotropin secretion across the ovarian cycle. All of these components (hypothalamic pulse generator/pituitary pulse decoder/gonads) are absolutely essential for human reproduction so it is perhaps not surprising that all three are sites for therapeutic intervention, just as perturbation of any of them can cause infertility in disease states. We are convinced that mathematical and statistical approaches are required to fully understand such a complex system. To this end we have already generated a sophisticated mathematical model of the neuronal oscillator that we have trained on wetlab. data and are now using to explore possible mechanisms for modulation by gonadal steroids. Similarly, we have developed a mathematical model for the decoding of pulse dynamics by pituitary gonadotropes and have used this to explore cell-cell variability in responses to GnRH and its impact on information transfer. We now plan to take a similar approach to modelling effects of gonadotropin hormones on gonadal function, where we will have to introduce population dynamics as an additional feature (i.e. growth of granulosa cells before ovulation and formation of luteal cells thereafter). We then plan to simplify these sub-system models so that the components can be assembled into a meaningful model of the entire hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system. In this project the student will learn: • Mathematical modelling of the hypothalamic pulse generator, the pituitary pulse decoder and the effects of LH and FSH on gonadal cells. • Numerical optimisation by performing parameter fitting and sensitivity analysis using combination of available experimental data sets to parametrise and validate model components. • Simplification of the sub-system models (as informed by sensitivity analysis) and again, training on system wet-lab data. • Computational methods that allow the generation of testable model predictions regarding the reproductive system and its components across the lifespan. Eligibility To be eligible for a fully-funded studentship, you must meet both the academic and residence criteria. For UK/EU nationals who meet the residency requirements outlined by the BBSRC, the studentship will cover funding for 4 years (48 months) as follows. These awards might be available to part-time students, but only in exceptional circumstances. It is recommended you speak to the lead supervisor prior to submitting an application. • a stipend at the standard Research Council UK rate; currently £14,777 per annum for 2018-2019 • research and training costs • tuition fees (at the standard Research Councils UK rate) • additional funds to support fieldwork, conferences and a 3-month internship Please refer to the regulations<http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/779/pdfs/uksi_20070779_en.pdf> or Annex 1 of the Research Council Training Grant Guide<https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/publications/rcuk-training-grant-guide-pd…> to confirm that you meet the residence criteria for a fully-funded studentship. Any further queries in relation to residency must be directed to the institution that you are applying to. 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, in an appropriate area of science or technology. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have Masters degree or have significant relevant non-academic experience. In addition, due to the strong mathematical component of the taught course in the first year and the quantitative emphasis in our projects, a minimum of a grade B in A-level Maths or an equivalent qualification or experience is required. If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.5 in any section by the start of the project. Alternative tests may be acceptable, please see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/language-requirements/profile-c/. Students from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award but no stipend. Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are not eligible for funding. Please refer to the regulations<http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/779/pdfs/uksi_20070779_en.pdf> or Annex 1 of the Research Council Training Grant Guide<https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/publications/rcuk-training-grant-guide-pd…> to confirm that you meet the residence criteria for a fully-funded studentship. The four universities have a very limited number of fully-funded 4 year studentships that EU nationals who do not meet the residency requirements would be eligible for. Please contact us for for more information. How to apply Apply now 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. Please indicate your preferred project choice if applying for multiple BBSRC SWBio DTP projects. * Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying. * Two academic referees - see information below about references. * If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English (see entry requirements above) The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday, 3 December 2018. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter on 7 and 8 of February 2019. Reference information You will be asked to name 2 referees as part of the application process, however we will not expect receipt of references until the shortlisting stage. Your referees should not be from the prospective supervisory team. If you are shortlisted for interview, please ensure that you two academic referees email their references to the pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>, 7 days prior to the interview dates. Please note that we will not be contacting referees to request references, you must arrange for them to be submitted to us by the deadline. References should be submitted by your referees to us directly in the form of a letter. Referees must email their references to us from their institutional email accounts. We cannot accept references from personal/private email accounts, unless it is a scanned document on institutional headed paper and signed by the referee. If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>. Project-specific queries should be directed to the primary supervisor. Selection process: Please note, the studentship selection process will take place in two stages: 1. The project supervisors will consider your application and may invite you to visit for an informal interview. You can apply for more than one BBSRC SWBio DTP project, although supervisors may take into account your interest and commitment to their particular project. If you apply for multiple projects, please indicate your preferred project choice in your letter of application. Each application for an individual project will be considered separately by the project supervisors. 2. After closure of applications, each supervisory team will then nominate their preferred applicant. A shortlist will be selected from these nominations and shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview on a selection day at the University of Bristol. Please note that nomination by a project supervisor therefore does not guarantee the award of a studentship. Data Protection 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. Summary Application deadline: 3rd December 2018 Value: Tuition fees and an annual stipend allowance at Research Council rates, currently £14,777 per year for 2018-19 Duration of award: per year Contact: PGR Recruitment Office pgrenquiries(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk>

Oct. 22, 2018

Open Master, PhD and Postdoc positions at the "Theory of Neural Dynamics" at the MPI for Brain Research

by Tatjana Tchumatchenko

Dear friends and colleagues, I would appreciate if you could spread the word among your Students and Postdocs. My group "Theory of Neural Dynamics" at the MPI for Brain Research is looking for Master Students, PhD Students and Postdocs Master Students, PhD Students or Postdocs interested in understanding how neuronal networks work, how they respond to stimuli and what role connectivity and single neuron dynamics play for the activity of the brain. Though the focus of my research is on the theory side, my lab has close ties to experimentally oriented labs and Master projects could include both theory and experiments. We are looking for bright and hard-working students with a life-science or quantitative background (physics, math, biology etc). When applying please attach CV (with a publication record) and a current copy of academic transcripts. For more information, please contact Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko via email tatjana.tchumatchenko(a)brain.mpg.de https://brain.mpg.de/research/theory-of-neural-dynamics-group.html www.tchumatchenko.de

Oct. 20, 2018

Tenure Track Job at Emory University in Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Behavior

by Jaeger, Dieter

The Department of Biology in the Emory College of Arts and Science in Atlanta, GA, USA, is seeking applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor level in experimental and computational neuroscience. A strong computational neuroscience group at Emory is anchored in the Department of Biology (http://www.biology.emory.edu) and is grounded in experimental preparations and neurobiological questions about the mechanisms underlying behavior and learning. We anticipate a hire focused on innovative approaches to understanding the function of brain circuits in a behavioral context. Such approaches may include optogenetics, cellular imaging, high-density electrophysiology, network simulations, or other cutting-edge neuroscientific methods. The ability to link theory and data analysis to experimental design in order to develop more predictive models of neural activity and behavior is critical. The successful candidate is anticipated to have a PhD in a relevant science or engineering field and postdoctoral experience in neuroscience-related research, 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 and behavioral biology (http://www.nbb.emory.edu) Interactions with experimentalists and theorists within Emory's rich, collaborative neuroscience community are encouraged. Emory has more than 100 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. Emory College's Theory and Modeling of Living Systems initiative (http://livingtheory.emory.edu/) provides a broader community for interaction with theorists in the life science. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement and three reference letters. In a separate statement or in the cover letter, we also ask candidates to reflect on their efforts in mentoring and teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Applications and reference letters must be electronically uploaded through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/53691. Review of applications will begin Dec. 1, 2018. Applications received up to 30 days after, or until the positions are filled, will be given consideration. Emory University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Also - one or more members of the search committee will be available for brief (10-minute) informational meetings with potential candidates during the SfN conference in San Diego in November. Please contact Sam Sober at ssober(a)emory.edu<mailto:ssober@emory.edu>. Potential candidates do not need to have submitted an application to have one of these meetings, which are intended to help applicants learn about the position, department, and neuro community at Emory. Dieter Jaeger, PhD Professor Department of Biology, Emory University 1510 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322 404 727 8139, e-mail: djaeger(a)emory.edu<mailto:djaeger@emory.edu> http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Jaeger ________________________________ 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).

Oct. 19, 2018

PhD fellowships in computational neuroscience at the FMI in Basel, Switzerland

by Friedemann Zenke

The FMI PhD program now welcomes applications in computational neuroscience. Submission deadline is the 16th of November 2018. The FMI PhD program offers students the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in a stimulating, highly international and collaborative atmosphere. Affiliated with the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and the University of Basel in Switzerland, the FMI provides interdisciplinary training and access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and high-performance computing facilities. Several research groups at the FMI offer exciting PhD projects for students with a computational background. PhD students whose primary interest is in computational neuroscience, will be able to join a new group led by Friedemann Zenke which focuses on memory formation and information processing in biologically inspired neural network models. Students will have the opportunity to directly collaborate with experimental groups in system neuroscience at the FMI (https://www.fmi.ch/Research/Neurobiology/) A wide range of theoretical and practical courses are available at both the FMI and the University of Basel. After completion of their thesis work, students are awarded a PhD from the University of Basel. Candidates should be curious about the neural underpinnings of computation and learning, have a strong analytical and quantitative background, and hold a relevant first degree in, for instance, computer science, engineering, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, psychology, or statistics. Funding is available regardless of current residence and nationality. Applications should be submitted online via https://www.fmi.ch/training/phd/apply/ Additional information PhD program: https://www.fmi.ch/training/PhD/ Zenke group (from 2019): https://www.fmi.ch/research/groupleader/zenke.html Neurobiology groups: https://www.fmi.ch/Research/Neurobiology/ For questions, please contact Elida Keller (fmiphdprogram(a)fmi.ch) -- Friedemann Zenke, PhD Sir Henry Wellcome Fellow Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour University of Oxford Tinsley Building Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3SR United Kingdom https://fzenke.net

Oct. 19, 2018

CFP: FLAIRS 2019, Sarasota, FL, Datamining Track

by David Bisant

CALL FOR PAPERS FLAIRS 2019, Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Symposium Special Tracks on Data mining Sarasota, Florida https://sites.google.com/view/flairs-32homepage/home Paper submission deadline: November 19, 2018. Notifications: January 21, 2019. Camera ready version due: February 25, 2019. FLAIRS is an interdisciplinary artificial intelligence conference which especially encourages novel ideas and which features a double-blind review process. Data Mining Track This special track will be devoted to data mining with the aim of presenting new and important contributions in this area. Papers and contributions are encouraged for any work related to Data Mining. Topics of interest may include (but are in no way limited to): 1. Applications such as Intelligence analysis, medical and health applications, text, video, and multi-media mining, E-commerce and web data, financial data analysis, cyber security, remote sensing, earth sciences, bioinformatics, and astronomy. 2. Modeling algorithms such as hidden Markov models, decision trees, neural networks, statistical methods, or probabilistic methods; case studies in areas of application, or over different algorithms and approaches. 3. Feature extraction and selection. 4. Post-processing techniques such as visualization, summarization, or trending. 5. Preprocessing and data reduction. 6. Knowledge engineering or warehousing. Papers dealing with Cloud-based unstructured data or Cloud-based tool suites, such as Mahout, Amazon AWS, or Apache Spark, are also encouraged. Note: We invite original papers (i.e. work not previously submitted, in submission, or to be submitted to another conference during the reviewing process). Submission Guidelines Interested authors should format their papers according to AAAI formatting guidelines. Papers should not exceed 6 pages (or 4 pages for short paper, to be presented as a poster) and are due by November 19, 2018. FLAIRS reviewing is a double blind process. Author names and affiliations should be substituted X’d out on the submitted draft to provide double-blind reviewing. Papers must be submitted as PDF through the EasyChair conference system, which can be accessed through the main conference web site (https://sites.google.com/view/flairs-32homepage/home) Note: use your real name for your EasyChair login - your EasyChair account information is hidden from reviewers. Authors should indicate which special track they are submitting to. The proceedings of FLAIRS will be published by the AAAI. Authors of accepted papers will be required to sign a form transferring copyright of their contribution to AAAI. FLAIRS requires that there be at least one full author registration per paper.

Oct. 18, 2018

CFP: TAC | Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data

by Pablo Barros

CALL FOR PAPERS IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing Special Issue on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data Website: https://www2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/omgchallenges/tacSpecialIssue201… I. Aim and Scope Research trends within artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences are still heavily based on computational models that attempt to imitate human perception in various behavior categorization tasks. However, most of the research in the field focuses on instantaneous categorization and interpretation of human affect, such as the inference of six basic emotions from face images, and/or affective dimensions (valence-arousal), stress and engagement from multi-modal (e.g., video, audio, and autonomic physiology) data. This diverges from the developmental aspect of emotional behavior perception and learning, where human behavior and expressions of affect evolve and change over time. Moreover, these changes are present not only in the temporal domain but also within different populations and more importantly, within each individual. This calls for a new perspective when designing computational models for analysis and interpretation of human affective behaviors: the computational models that can timely and efficiently adapt to different contexts and individuals over time, and also incorporate existing neurophysiological and psychological findings (prior knowledge). Thus, the long-term goal is to create life-long personalized learning and inference systems for analysis and perception of human affective behaviors. Such systems would benefit from long-term contextual information (including demographic and social aspects) as well as individual characteristics. This, in turn, would allow building intelligent agents (such as mobile and robot technologies) capable of adapting their behavior in a continuous and on-line manner to the target contexts and individuals. This special issue aims at contributions from computational neuroscience and psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and affective computing, challenging and expanding current research on interpretation and estimation of human affective behavior from longitudinal behavioral data, i.e., single or multiple modalities captured over extended periods of time allowing efficient profiling of target behaviors and their inference in terms of affect and other socio-cognitive dimensions. We invite contributions focusing on both the theoretical and modeling perspective, as well as applications ranging from human-human, human-computer and human-robot interactions. II. Potential Topics Given computational models, the capability to perceive and understand emotion behavior is an important and popular research topic. That is why recent special issues on the IEEE Journal on Transactions on Affective Computing covered topics from emotion behavior analysis “in-the-wild” to personality analysis. However, most of the research published by these specific calls treat emotion behavior as an instantaneous event, relating mostly to emotion recognition, and thus neglect the development of complex emotion behavior models. Our special issue will foster the development of the field by focusing excellent research on emotion models for long-term behavior analysis. The topics of interest for this special issue include, but are not limited to: - New theories and findings on continuous emotion recognition - Multi- and Cross-modal emotion perception and interpretation - Lifelong affect analysis, perception, and interpretation - Novel neural network models for affective processing - New neuroscientific and psychological findings on continuous emotion representation - Embodied artificial agents for empathy and emotion appraisal - Machine learning for affect-driven interventions - Socially intelligent human-robot interaction - Personalized systems for human affect recognition III. Submission Prospective authors are invited to submit their manuscripts electronically, adhering to the IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing guidelines ( https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=5165369) Please submit your papers through the online system ( https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/taffc-cs) and be sure to select the special issue: Special Issue/Section on Automated Perception of Human Affect from Longitudinal Behavioral Data. IV. IMPORTANT DATES: Submissions Deadline: 15th of January 2019 Deadline for reviews and response to authors: 06th of April 2019 Camera-ready deadline: 05th of August 2019 V. Guest Editors Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Stefan Wermter, University of Hamburg, Germany Ognjen (Oggi) Rudovic, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America Hatice Gunes, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom -------------------------- -- Dr. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.dehttp://www.pablobarros.nethttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.htmlhttps://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

Oct. 18, 2018

NEURON course at SFN 2018 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

A few seats remain open for the NEURON course that we will be presenting at the SFN 2018 meeting in San Diego. However, the registration deadline is Friday, October 19--just three days from today, so you'll have to act quickly if you are interested in learning things like * why you should be using NEURON to model biological neurons and neural circuits * how to get started building models with NEURON's GUI and/or Python * advanced tips for getting the most out of using Python as NEURON's interpreter, and using NEURON's GUI for interactive modeling and debugging of models implemented with Python * using the Import3d tool to convert Neurolucida, Eutectic, and SWC morphometric data files to NEURON models * how to add new ion channels and other biophysical mechanisms to NEURON For the course description and registrion form, see https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/sd2018/sd2018.html --Ted This message was composed in plain text and may contain plain text formatting of source code, tables, and lists. Reading it in a client that ignores "excess" whitespace characters or line breaks may destroy that formatting, making this message unreadable. Outlook does that by default; learn how to disable the "Auto Remove Line Breaks" ""feature"" at support.microsoft.com

Oct. 16, 2018

Postdoctoral position in circuit modelling at Nottingham, deadline 7th November

by Mark Humphries

A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Prof Mark Humphries at the University of Nottingham. We seek a postdoctoral researcher to tackle the deep question of how dopamine controls the dynamics of the striatum. As the main target of dopamine in the brain, the striatum bears the brunt of dopamine loss in Parkinson’s disease. Yet how dopamine controls the output of the striatum, and how the loss of dopamine disrupts that output, is unknown. The successful candidate will be responsible for constructing and simulating models of the striatum to investigate how dopamine controls the striatum’s dynamics, and the implications this will have for Parkinson’s disease. The project will build upon the detailed models of the striatum from the Humphries group (e.g. Humphries et al 2009 Neural Networks; 2010, PLoS Computational Biology). This is also a chance to join the newly-created computational neuroscience centre at Nottingham, which includes Profs Mark van Rossum and Stephen Coombes. Find out more about the lab and its interests here: https://www.humphries-lab.org/ The post will be available for 18 months in the first instance. More details, eligibility, and application instructions here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI353818 Deadline: 7th November 2018 To discuss this or other projects, please contact Mark (mark.humphries(a)nottingham.ac.uk)

Oct. 16, 2018

Fully-funded PhD in computational neuroscience at Nottingham, deadline 31st October

by Mark Humphries

A fully funded PhD position in Computational Neuroscience is available with Prof. Mark Humphries at the School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. Deadline: October 31st Full details and to apply: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology/news/funded-phd-opportunity-prof-ma… The Humphries’ lab interrogates how the joint activity of many neurons encodes the past, present, and future, in order to guide behaviour. We combine simulations of neural circuits with “neural data science” – the development and use of machine-learning approaches to systems neuroscience data. We are particularly interested in PhD projects on the following research questions: * “Mapping the wires from neural activity”. How to use the next generation of imaging techniques that directly record neuron voltages to accurately infer the wiring between neurons. * “How to write activity into neurons". What features of neural activity should we change with optogenetics in order to test hypotheses about population activity? * “Dynamic control of the striatum in health and disease”. How the influence of the striatal interneurons is controlled by dopamine, and how that influence goes haywire when dopamine is lost in Parkinson’s disease. For a primer on our research, and our recent publications, visit our lab website: /https://www.humphries-lab.org/ To discuss these or other projects, please contact Prof Mark Humphries (mark.humphries(a)nottingham.ac.uk)

Oct. 16, 2018

Master-PhD studentship:Studying the physiological synergy of different ion channels in neurons

by luiza filipis

M2 stage (April – July 2019) and possibility to continue with a 3-years PhD, starting in October 2019, with scholarship already granted Studying the physiological synergy of different ion channels in neurons Following the recent award of a competitive National grant, we are looking for a brilliant and motivated undergraduate student, with biological and/or physical background, to perform a final stage at the last University level (Master-2 or equivalent), starting April 1st 2019 or earlier if possible and ending in July 2019. The student will receive a stipend of ~500€/month for the entire duration of the stage. The objective of the project is to combine advanced imaging techniques applied to neurons in brain slices, novel photoactivable toxins to target individual ion channels and advanced computational techniques to extract the precise activity of multiple ion channels underlying neuronal signals. The student will learn patch clamp and imaging techniques and apply those to test novel photoactivable toxins targeting calcium channels. At the end of the stage, if positively evaluated, a 3-year PhD with an already available scholarship from the labex consortium ICST (http://www.labex-icst.fr/en) will be offered to start on October 1st 2019. The criteria for selecting the students will include (in order of importance) - The academic record of the student (notes) with respect to the disciplines associated with the project. (For students coming from French Universities, an average note of >13/20 in the M1 and in the first semester of M2 is compulsory to be considered). - Motivation to carry on a career in scientific research as the following PhD opens the gate to further postdoctoral experiences outside France. - Personal attitude to laboratory life including relationships with colleagues. Applications, addressed to Dr Marco Canepari ( marco.canepari(a)univ-grenoble-alpes.fr) should contain: 1. a CV based on the academic record including notes (at least the most relevant and recent); 2. a motivation letter; 3. (optional) one or two supporting letters by academic staff or name(s) and email address(es) of one or two referees who know the candidate. Applications are open until November 10th 2018 and the selected student will be decided by December 1st 2018. More information on the project and on the research activity of our group is available at: -- Luiza Filipis,PhD Student Equipe MOTIV Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique (LIPhy), Université Grenoble Alpes et CNRS UMR 5588, Bat. E45, 140 avenue de la physique, Domaine univ., 38402 St Martin d'Hères cedex, FRANCE 33(0)476514731, Fax +33(0)476635495. luiza.filipis(a)univ-grenoble-alpes.fr http://marco-canepari.wix.com/neuron-imaging-team

Oct. 16, 2018

Funded Mathematics PhD at the University of Exeter - Designing the dynamics of coupled oscillators

by Purcell, Sarah

Designing the dynamics of coupled oscillators<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3301> Mathematics PhD (funded) University of Exeter Supervisors: Dr Christian Bick<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/cb618> - University of Exeter Dr Kyle Wedgwood<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kcaw201> - University of Exeter The University of Exeter's College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence in January 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover tuition fees (UK/EU/International) in full plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £14,777 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences in Exeter. Networks of interacting oscillatory units are abundant in nature and technology. Their function and dynamics governs crucial aspects of our lives, ranging from the stability of power grids to the dynamics of the human brain. The dynamics of oscillator networks depends on (1) which oscillators interact with which other oscillator and (2) how oscillators interact with one another. This project will contribute to the question how the interplay between these two factors shape the network dynamics. The main aim of this PhD project is to develop theoretical and numerical approaches how oscillator networks can be designed to have specific interactions. This will allow to generate networks that exhibit a range of synchronized and locally synchronized dynamics. Moreover, the supervisor is currently collaborating with the experimental group of Istvan Z Kiss in St Louis (USA) who are working on electrochemical oscillators. Hence, there may be an opportunity to help implement the theoretical results in real-world experimental systems. Entry requirements Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project. Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/)<http://see%20http:/www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/)> For more information, please contact Dr. Christian Bick (C.Bick(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:C.Bick@exeter.ac.uk>) or Dr. Kyle Wedgwood (K.C.A.Wedgwood(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:K.C.A.Wedgwood@exeter.ac.uk>) or see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3301

Oct. 16, 2018

Interviews at SfN 2018 for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Neural Decoding and Data Analytics Lab - Center for Bioelectronic Medicine

by Zanos, Theodoros

Attending Neuroscience 2018 in San Diego? Apply to be considered for an interview during the conference by sending your CV to tzanos(a)northwell.edu The Neural Decoding and Data Analytics Lab at the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, headed by Assistant Professor Theo Zanos PhD, focuses on neural recordings and data analysis methods to gain insights into decoding and encoding mechanisms of the brain and peripheral nerves to and from stimuli, actions and other physiological functions. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from signal processing, machine learning, optimization, neurophysiology and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, both in health and in disease models. The ultimate goal is to develop neuromodulation therapies that will observe the state of the organism and the organ system that is targeted, to deliver individualized treatment of diseases in real-time. The successful candidate will develop or deploy computational tools, will take part in neurophysiology experiments and collect data, organize and analyze data, collaborate with other research staff and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. The position comes with considerably competitive compensation. Job Responsibilities Include: Develops computational tools for neuroscience research. Run neurophysiology experiments. Performs bioelectronic medicine research. Collaborates with other research staff. Responsible for the planning, collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of research data related to one or more projects Doctorate degree in Engineering, Computer Science or Statistics (Ph.D) required Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, required Experience with various signal processing and machine learning methods, required Strong programming skills of Matlab, required, Python, C++, preferred Research experience in neurophysiology/neuroscience/animal surgery, preferred 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.

Oct. 16, 2018

Research Scientist Position at Samsung

by Daniel Kepple

Samsung is recruiting computational neuroscientists for a new AI Research lab in New York City that will conduct fundamental research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and neuroscience. The position requires motivation to advance fundamental science and create revolutionary technological prototypes. Team members will have the intellectual freedom to cultivate their research roots by partnering with universities and publishing in leading scientific conferences and journals. Research Scientists in Machine Learning tackle unsolved problems in neural network architectures, learning algorithms, reinforcement learning, computer vision, natural language, and multimodal sensory processing. We will be at SfN, so if you are interested in learning more or applying, please send an email with your CV to d.kepple(a)samsung.com<mailto:d.kepple@samsung.com> See the following link for more details: https://samsungresearchamerica.applytojob.com/apply/IgDHsUiaPI/Research-Sci… Thanks, Daniel Kepple Research Scientist at Samsung AI Center, NY

Oct. 15, 2018

Funded PhD position in Statistical Analysis of Neural Data at UConn

by Ian Stevenson

The Statistical Neuroscience Lab at the University of Connecticut is recruiting PhD students to start Fall 2019. These are fully-funded positions, and candidates will be working in close collaboration with experimental collaborators to develop methods for modeling neural dynamics, interactions, and plasticity from large-scale spike train data. Qualifications: Our work is highly interdisciplinary, and applicants must have strong quantitative skills. Previous experience with neuroscience is helpful but not necessary. Candidates with backgrounds in physics, statistics, computer science, engineering, and related areas are welcome to apply. Applying: Interested students should apply through the UConn Neuroscience (*https://grad.psych.uconn.edu/prospective/phd/application-deadlines/ <https://grad.psych.uconn.edu/prospective/phd/application-deadlines/>*) or Biomedical Engineering (*http://www.bme.uconn.edu/academics/graduate-program/about-the-graduate-program-in-biomedical-engineering <http://www.bme.uconn.edu/academics/graduate-program/about-the-graduate-prog…>*) PhD programs. Deadlines are Feb 1 for Neuroscience and Jan 1 for BME. Contact ian.stevenson(a)uconn.edu for more information Thanks, Ian Stevenson Assistant Professor University of Connecticut Department of Psychological Sciences stevenson.lab.uconn.edu

Oct. 15, 2018